Omar Mateen Identified As Orlando Club Shooter Authorities say he is an American citizen in his 20s

[davidthegnome]

28. You cannot wipe out an ideology.

At least, not in the way I think you mean. It doesn't work that way.

Yes, the politicians will do their spin - but Trump and those like him... their ignorance, intolerance, bigotry... hatred... it is that kind of poison and rage that creates people like this... tragedies like this. Attempting to wipe out Islamic Ideology and organizations, radical or not, would be a largely futile effort that could not succeed. Particularly if you mean through violence.

Tolerance... acceptance... compassion, love, generosity, understanding... these things will win hearts and minds. These things weaken radicalism, hatred, ignorance and anger. It is cliche to say, but nonetheless true, that hate begets hate. Anger begets anger. This terrible tragedy should not be a call to vengeance and violence... but to reach out to others, to join together with the combined strength of our love and compassion for each other. To educate, to demonstrate, to show that we can live peacefully, that we should... that, for all the world's evil... and today has demonstrated it in a very large way... for all of that, there is great good.

I am angry, too. My initial reaction is also to seek out those who promote this, encourage this and take part... and destroy them. However... it will not work that way. That kind of reaction will end with more bloodshed, more hate, more ignorance, more anger, more suffering. Instead, let us grieve together, come together, and promote the notion of love, of compassion, of understanding, of hope and unity.

These words aren't easy for me, because I feel a lot as you do - but that is not the answer to this.