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Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon [W:162, 896, 911]]

Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

MMC said:
Terrorism isn't just about death. There were hundreds injured as well as children. Even the survivors will live with this for the rest of their lives. All who were there will, even if they were not injured. There is no doubt it will affect people lives in Boston for the rest of their lives. Police who were on the scene, first responders, you name it.
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Basically, the civilian equivalent of PTSD. Some will be unable to enter downtown Boston, others may find themselves unable to enter any urban areas. Every paper bag on the street, a lost backpack sitting in a coffee shop will call up the memories. There will be attacks on the innocent simply because they "talk funny" or wear strange clothes or have skin that is just a bit darker than 'normal'.

On Facebook this morning are photographs that supposedly show "suspects" on roof tops near the finish line of the marathon but other photos show the 'suspects' were actually police guarding the area.

We just don't know enough at this point but people like Alex Jones are stirring the pot already with his claims of "false flag operation" as an excuse for the "Communist in the White House" to overthrow our Constitutional government.

It is difficult to step back and think rationally at times of great tragedy but we must do it. Fear of the 'other' far too often causes more harm than good.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

Here is what this Former FBI person has to say.....The Week Interviewed him 14 hrs ago. He tells us how the FBI will proceed.

An interview with a former top FBI counter-terrorism agent

When he heard about the bombings in Boston. David Gomez, a former the Senior Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge for Counter-terrorism and Intelligence at the FBI's Seattle Field Office, began to Tweet. (He's @allthingshls). For years, he was one of the bureau's top CT agents and criminal profiler, and he so he knows his brief. I asked Gomez to answer a few questions about how the FBI will move forward with what surely will prove to be a complex investigation.
Q: What’s the FBI’s role now, and why was it so quick to take control of the investigation?

A: "The FBI investigates bombings. And a bombing is automatically assumed to be a terrorism event. This was true prior to 9.11, but after, it became clear in the law, and by presidential directive that we were the lead agency in a terrorism event. A lot of what’s going on right now is, basically, working with the city and knowing that since we’re going to be late to the scene – the police have first response and emergency response – to figure out who is going to take custody of the evidence and what labs are going to process it."

Q: The Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Field Office in Boston, Rick DesLauriers, referred it this as a “potential terrorism” event. Why use the word potential?

A: “I wonder if that was directed from our headquarters, or maybe from the White House, because I noticed that the President didn’t use the term. Look, to the people on the ground, our guys, it’s a criminal investigation. They’re not collecting evidence to make a terrorism case. They’re collecting evidence to prove a bombing. Absent a motive or claim of responsibility, it’s just a bombing. But after 9/11, there’s a presumption in law that a bombing is a terrorist attack.”

Q: How is a case like this going to be organized internally?

A “You’re going to be getting so many tips coming in, that you have to essentially bifurcate it. Some our people will go through all the forensics evidence. Others will look at the local intelligence picture, to figure out which groups there are and what we know about them. Then you have a team working all the data dumps we’re going to be getting. And then you’ve got to find a team to work through all of the tips, most of which are going to be crap, but you can’t ignore them because you might find a nugget. Every FBI field office in the country is going to have people working on this.".....snip~

Q: Why is there so much debate about the word “terrorism?” And I was wondering: if a guy goes into a school and murders 20 children to make a point, why is that any different than what happened today?

A: “There is a difference between public perception and what the professionals think. To me, terrorism has always been about the messaging, and not about the event. A guy blows up his neighbors house; it’s a bombing but it’s not terrorism. The Weathermen blew up a bathroom in the Capitol to send a message that no place was safe and we’re gonna take over the world. That’s terrorism. Tragedy is different than terrorism. A terrifying traffic event is not the same thing as terrorism.”

Q: Is there any difference between a domestic terrorism investigation and one that involves foreign groups?

A: “After 9/11, for domestic terrorism investigations, the FBI adopted a lot of rules that you have to follow. If the crime is though to have been domestic as opposed to a transnational group, constitutional issues come into play. But really, the issue of ‘terrorism’ only comes out in the charging. Right now, the focus is on proving the bombing, figuring out who was involved, looking at the story the forensic evidence tells us.”.....snip~

The Boston bombing: fact and fiction
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

I have nothing political to say about this tragedy.

What I will say is that it is a damn shame that it takes these events to pulls us together as Americans. We bicker about petty nonsense all the time, and it takes this to open our eyes.

In times like these...we should remember that right or left...Democrat/Republican or otherwise....a lot of us share one title. American.

I understand that soon this story will fade and we'll be back to the same bickering over the same nonsense. Just remember that we can come together and we should for our people, country, and livelihoods.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

MMC said:
Terrorism isn't just about death.
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That's right. Terrorism is designed to get people to respond in a fearful way in order to move us in a certain direction where advances can be made in other areas. It's far easier to negotiate with a frightened population than one that is strong and confident.

Richard Reid (the 'shoe bomber')was one of the most successful terrorists, despite not killing anyone. Now, because of him, ordinary citizens have to remove their shoes for inspection before bordering an airplane. All of this is done in the memory of Richard Reid, and he is probably quite proud of this homage, every time we board an airplane. Now, like boarding an airplane, there is every chance that the Bostin Marathon will never be the same again.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

Grant said:
That's right. Terrorism is designed to get people to respond in a fearful way in order to move us in a certain direction where advances can be made in other areas. It's far easier to negotiate with a frightened population than one that is strong and confident.

Richard Reid (the 'shoe bomber')was one of the most successful terrorists, despite not killing anyone. Now, because of him, ordinary citizens have to remove their shoes for inspection before bordering an airplane. All of this is done in the memory of Richard Reid, and he is probably quite proud of this homage, every time we board an airplane. Now, like boarding an airplane, there is every chance that the Bostin Marathon will never be the same again.
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Already other Marathons for around the Country have or are calling Meetings. We get Runners from all over the World and their families at these events. So whomever has already accomplished the message of fear.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

MMC said:
Already other Marathons for around the Country have or are calling Meetings. We get Runners from all over the World and their families at these events. So whomever has already accomplished the message of fear.
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Right. The message will be that we shouldn't let terrorism ruin our fun but then there will be police everywhere - jogging along beside us, watching from rooftops, dogs sniffing at everyone, x-ray machines. The conflict is between personal freedom and the interests of the politicians and police who have to be seen to be 'doing something'. If there is another occurrence like this they will be blamed so naturally more police presence at these events, and less personal freedom couple with ever more caution, will be the consequence.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

I know I heard the chief of police say that the JFK incident was believed to be connected on the news last night. Then, all of a sudden the media starts reporting that there is no connection. Coincidence? I've heard very little more mentioned about the incident at the library.

Then they say they have an update, so you go out of your way to tune into and watch, and they're like, "well, as you can see it's dark now on Boylston Avenue" and then they repeat the same news with no new updates. Lots of speculation too. The journalism is just kind of sucky and you just can't rely on it. That's one thing I find to be annoying.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

Somerville said:
Basically, the civilian equivalent of PTSD. Some will be unable to enter downtown Boston, others may find themselves unable to enter any urban areas. Every paper bag on the street, a lost backpack sitting in a coffee shop will call up the memories. There will be attacks on the innocent simply because they "talk funny" or wear strange clothes or have skin that is just a bit darker than 'normal'.

On Facebook this morning are photographs that supposedly show "suspects" on roof tops near the finish line of the marathon but other photos show the 'suspects' were actually police guarding the area.

We just don't know enough at this point but people like Alex Jones are stirring the pot already with his claims of "false flag operation" as an excuse for the "Communist in the White House" to overthrow our Constitutional government.

It is difficult to step back and think rationally at times of great tragedy but we must do it. Fear of the 'other' far too often causes more harm than good.
Click to expand...

Exactly, it's not time to lose our heads over this. Let's figure it out, see what we find. Localized and isolated incident so we don't have to mass panic.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

MMC said:
Already other Marathons for around the Country have or are calling Meetings. We get Runners from all over the World and their families at these events. So whomever has already accomplished the message of fear.
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And, unfortunately, not without good reason. The 8-year-old boy who was killed. Boy's mother having brain surgery as a result of her injury. Another sister lost her leg. This simply must impact families everywhere...

Out for the day "having fun" . . .
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

Ikari said:
Exactly, it's not time to lose our heads over this. Let's figure it out, see what we find. Localized and isolated incident so we don't have to mass panic.
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I think, for the most part, the ordinary people will be fine. It is the police and politicians who tend to lose their heads over these matters and every formerly free person, with no criminal record whatsoever, becomes a suspect and is treated like one.

These 'precautions' they take eventually become seriously intrusive and then we start taking them for granted, forgetting what it was like to travel around the country in freedom.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

Grant said:
That's right. Terrorism is designed to get people to respond in a fearful way in order to move us in a certain direction where advances can be made in other areas. It's far easier to negotiate with a frightened population than one that is strong and confident.

Richard Reid (the 'shoe bomber')was one of the most successful terrorists, despite not killing anyone. Now, because of him, ordinary citizens have to remove their shoes for inspection before bordering an airplane. All of this is done in the memory of Richard Reid, and he is probably quite proud of this homage, every time we board an airplane. Now, like boarding an airplane, there is every chance that the Bostin Marathon will never be the same again.
Click to expand...

I agree completely. The best approach we can take is to change nothing and go about our lives normally. Find the culprits, imprison them and do not give them the satisfaction of having changed the lives of anyone but the victims. Then it is nothing more than a senseless assault and murder. It is we who turn it into terrorism.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

MaggieD said:
And, unfortunately, not without good reason. The 8-year-old boy who was killed. Boy's mother having brain surgery as a result of her injury. Another sister lost her leg. This simply must impact families everywhere...

Out for the day "having fun" . . .
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When a crime becomes so ugly, and demonstrates such disdain for human decency, then there is a lot to be said for 'revenge'. How would anyone feel if this was their family rather than an anonymous 8-year-old boy with his mother in the hospital with brain injuries.

I wouldn't trust the legal system enough, and their tendency to play politics, not to seek justice on my own. I'll bet there are a lot of men out there, and women, who feel the same way.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

MaggieD said:
And, unfortunately, not without good reason. The 8-year-old boy who was killed. Boy's mother having brain surgery as a result of her injury. Another sister lost her leg. This simply must impact families everywhere...

Out for the day "having fun" . . .
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Seems obvious that this was meant to target innocent citizens.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

I had on TV covering the Boston bombings with the sound off as I watched Red Dragon another Hannibal Lecter flick. So one set has the horror of real life slaughter and the other has studio horror. ThenI took a look at the programs that were on last night and became aware that a huge number of programs including movies are full of murders and the other ugly things people do to one another. So I conclude we intentionally surround ourselves with sick crap like the Red Dragon flick is ful of. One huge issue has to be addressed, why is it liberalism in America screams out for banning guns while making billions trying to make people scream/ The cast of characters participating in horror films lke The Exorcist and Red Dragon rank among the most voal and radical of all liberals. Is this not a monstorous hipocacy?
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

Ben K. said:
Nah, Anders Breivik used similar tactics by himself without training.
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No he didn't.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

Grant said:
When a crime becomes so ugly, and demonstrates such disdain for human decency, then there is a lot to be said for 'revenge'. How would anyone feel if this was their family rather than an anonymous 8-year-old boy with his mother in the hospital with brain injuries.

I wouldn't trust the legal system enough, and their tendency to play politics, not to seek justice on my own. I'll bet there are a lot of men out there, and women, who feel the same way.
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What you think you would do and what you would do are two very different things. The last thing this broken family needs right now is a vigilante.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

MaggieD said:
What you think you would do and what you would do are two very different things. The last thing this broken family needs right now is a vigilante.
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This wouldn't have happened if Boston wasn't a "bomb free zone."
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

Grant said:
I think, for the most part, the ordinary people will be fine. It is the police and politicians who tend to lose their heads over these matters and every formerly free person, with no criminal record whatsoever, becomes a suspect and is treated like one.

These 'precautions' they take eventually become seriously intrusive and then we start taking them for granted, forgetting what it was like to travel around the country in freedom.
Click to expand...

In London, authorities were reviewing security plans for Sunday’s London Marathon, the next such major international race.....snip~

Boston Marathon bombing: Feds raid apartment, police seek rental van

Boston Marathon bombing: Feds raid apartment, police seek rental van

Not just the country!
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

ChrisL said:
I live in MA. On my local news stations, they are saying that the incident was unrelated, but they are treating it as if it is related. THAT is the part that is frustrating.

You know what I'm saying? Why would they treat it as if it is related when they know (or SAY they know) that it isn't? It doesn't make any sense.
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Very simple. It's probably not related but they are not ruling anything out this early in the investigation. It's also likely the media is not accurate and is jumping to conclusions.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

rocket88 said:
Are you going to defend Breivik?
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No. I'm only pointing out that Breivik's attack was totally different than the one in Boston. If you would like to prove me wrong, then get after it. I welcome your evidence.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

apdst said:
No. I'm only pointing out that Breivik's attack was totally different than the one in Boston. If you would like to prove me wrong, then get after it. I welcome your evidence.
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It was different. Let's wait and see who did this before we go passing judgement.
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

rocket88 said:
It was different. Let's wait and see who did this before we go passing judgement.
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Uh...ok. I don't recall pointing a finger at anyone, or group in particular. Did I?
 
Re: Explosions reported near finish line at Boston Marathon

AreteCourage said:
I have nothing political to say about this tragedy.

What I will say is that it is a damn shame that it takes these events to pulls us together as Americans. We bicker about petty nonsense all the time, and it takes this to open our eyes.

In times like these...we should remember that right or left...Democrat/Republican or otherwise....a lot of us share one title. American.

I understand that soon this story will fade and we'll be back to the same bickering over the same nonsense. Just remember that we can come together and we should for our people, country, and livelihoods.
Click to expand...

That WAS political. To be fair, many US citizens arent "american", in that they dont support the founding ideals of liberty and justice. Those people are in both parties and in both ideologies, and are both live in blissful ignorance and peace, and perhaps in this case, harbor violent tendencies and think violence is the only way to control people or free themselves.

Since we both consider ourselves libertarian, I think you would agree with me that, if this is a domestic terrorist, then our march towards bigger govt isnt helping to stop those who think violence against innocents is a solution.
 
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