It is not at all difficult to understand how fanaticism manifests abroad when it also so easily bubbles to the surface even in our nation, a relatively stable institution, sheltered by oceans, military might, and prosperity. I am dumbfounded by the virulent passion of certain individuals, on either side, of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. This is an issue that has been raging since long before all but the most senior of our ranks were born, and it is likely to outlive us. If you think that there are simple reasons, or simple solutions, for this, you are unapprised.
Now, call me old fashioned, but I find it rather repulsive when anyone gets far more passionate about either side of this foreign fight than they do about the well-being of their own nation, which is, presumably, the United States, in which they reside it relative peace and comfort. This author makes no qualms in saying, besides wishing to see increased peace and prosperity for all involved in that far-away land, I am far more concerned with my own back yard.
Unfortunately, fanaticism is in our back yard as well. As of this writing, a six-year-old boy of Palestinian ethnicity was stabbed and killed in Chicago by the lunatic landlord of his dwelling, and a Jewish fraternity house was vandalized at Georgia Tech. Sadly, I will not be surprised that if, by the time this article publishes, there are more such incidents, perpetrated by the fanatics on both sides of an issue that, quite frankly, should be only a matter of world events to Americans. United States citizens should have a primary sense of loyalty to, perhaps, the nation where they live and prosper? Again, call me old fashioned.
So, what does all of this mean for my people? Who are my people, you may ask? That would be anyone who values this nation’s ideals of individual liberty, foremost of which is the right to protect yourself and your loved ones from fanatics who hate you just because they deem you “the other” in opposition to whatever their irrational worldview might be. Foremost among these values would also be letting others live with their own beliefs and value systems as long as it does not pose a threat to you. As it turns out, it usually does not pose a threat to you (sometimes it does) but if it does not, leave other people the hell alone.
Here is a suggestion; if you are an American who is not even of the ethnicity of either party involved in this foreign war, maybe you should concern yourself with the problems faced by our own country instead of run your mouth and spew hatred towards either side when you are likely uninformed about most things, let alone middle eastern history and politics. Further, the argument pertaining to terrorism threatening the United States due to this far-away situation can also be blamed on the powers that be that allow our boarders to remain wide open. That is a far greater security threat to us than is any particular terror group, since all of them can simply slip in through our open boarder if they put some work into it. It amazes me how many citizens of this nation concern themselves with what wall is, or is not, present, in the foreign desert, while ignoring our own security concerns.
Still, I will bet money that the acts of violence we see emerge in the near future will be home grown, no illegal boarder crossing necessary. I could be wrong, but don’t loose sight of the fact that most mass-casualty events in this nation’s history have been carried out by people who are either citizens, or visitors who are here legally. I want the boarder closed tighter than a crab’s ass, but even if it was, the threat does not go away.
So, my people, those who take responsibility for you and yours, come in all races and creeds and religions. You all need to be on heightened awareness right now. If you go to a synagogue, you need to take your safety seriously. If you go to a mosque, you need to take your safety seriously. If you go to a church, it should go without saying, you are not exempt from fanatics. Right now, any location that is associated with a particular faith or ethnic affiliation that is involved in this overseas conflict can be a place of heightened danger. Within the United States, the majority of people in any ethnic or religious group are good people, but there are fanatics in every rank. To pretend otherwise is to be naive.
When the fanatic comes to slay “the other” on your watch, be ready. A cease-and-desist order, at about 1000+ feet per second, is the best bet against violent extremists, and it works on fanatics of any race, religion, or persuasion. We are all Americans, and we should act as such. From many, one, not from many, many, and those who arrive to do violence against innocent people, just because they are in some way different, should be met with immediate force. Instead of having the next massacre, let’s have just the bad guy wheeled out in a bag. We can’t fix the world’s problems, but this is one problem, in our own communities, we can mitigate, if we are willing.
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Reflex Handgun 
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