Our Nation Has a Blind Spot
By TQ BONNER
Terrorist
Columbine shooters Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were hardly the bullied outcasts bent on revenge that they were made out to be; they were just terrorists.
Terrorist
Over the past century, the United States has grappled with a disturbing surge in domestic terrorism, a significant portion of which has been perpetrated by young white men.
Oklahoma City Bombing Terrorist
Michael Fortier, a significant figure in the Oklahoma City bombing incident, served less than 11 years for his role. Now, consider this thought-provoking question: Could an individual who assisted Osama bin Laden ever be released from custody, let alone granted immunity?
Michael Fortier Terrorist
It’s a head-scratcher. We’re talking about a guy who played a significant role in one of the most notorious events in recent history — the Oklahoma City bombing. Yet, here he is, serving less time than it takes some of us to pick a Netflix show to binge.
While historians often highlight the haunting impact of 9/11 as one of the most devastating terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, it is essential to broaden our perspective.
Consider the atrocities of lynching — an appalling chapter in American history where thousands of Black men, women, and children lost their lives.
Terrorist
Whole towns and communities were ravaged, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The term “terrorism” is seldom associated with these acts, but it is a label that warrants consideration.
By reframing our understanding, we acknowledge that acts like lynching were, indeed, acts of terrorism.
These incidents involved the deliberate and systematic targeting of a specific group, resulting in loss of life, destruction of communities, and the heinous violation of women and children.
Failing to label these actions as terrorism overlooks the profound impact they had on Black communities.
Most Americans have a preconceived notion of what terrorism looks like, but the reality is far more complex.
When Americans think “terrorist,” most imagine a turbaned jihadi plotting to bomb a building. But data shows another terrorist threat has emerged right in our backyard: white supremacists.
Groups like the Ku Klux Klan operate openly in the U.S., hoisting their white hoods at rallies where they spew hate. Their leaders still run for office.
Hell, remember former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke’s run for Senate? And let’s not even start on the white supremacist message boards and websites polluting the internet.
The government turns a blind eye to these homegrown terrorists. Can you imagine if ISIS fundraised and recruited so brazenly in America? The double standard is mind-boggling.
Terrorist
Exhibit A: the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Thousands of angry white rioters — many spouting racist bile — stormed the halls of Congress.
They vandalized property, called for the heads of elected officials, and looted artifacts. It was a national disgrace watched by the world in real time.
And how did law enforcement respond to this violent uprising on America’s doorstep? For the most part, with kid gloves.
Rioters snapped selfies with cops. Officers politely escorted insurrectionists out of the building. Had this been a crowd of black or brown folks, would they have been handled so gently?
Compare that to past security reactions. In 2013, an unarmed, mentally ill black woman rammed a barrier near the White House.
She was shot dead instantly. But a primarily white MAGA crowd invades our Capitol, and barely a few dozen arrests are made?
The message is clear: white supremacist terror isn’t real terrorism to America. Our nation has a blind spot when it comes to confronting radical racists, even as extremist killings skyrocket.
It’s time to wake up and give this scourge the urgent attention it demands — before more innocent lives are lost.