Several victims were loaded into ambulances outside Pulse off Orange Avenue and Kaley Street, and a crisis negotiator is also at the scene.
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Orlando police confirm "the shooter inside the club is dead," but other details were not immediately available.
Police Chief John Mina is expected to provide an update to the media at 7 a.m. We'll carry that live on air and online.
Many other victims could be seeing being carried or walked to nearby Orlando Regional Medical Center, which has since been placed on lockdown.
Authorities have called this a mass casualty situation and say they're being helped by local, state and federal agencies in the emergency response and investigation.
Orlando police said there are multiple injuries, but an exact number has not been provided. A witness reported hearing about 40 gunshots at the club, but authorities have not confirmed how many rounds were fired.
In a video provided to WESH 2 News, more than 20 shots can be heard.
WATCH: Multiple gunshots heard at Pulse nightclub in Snapchat video
The emergency response has prompted multiple road closures around the nightclub. Police are asking the public to avoid the area.
Another witness told WESH 2's Stewart Moore that his friend is wounded and remains locked in a bathroom inside the nightclub.
VIDEO: Witness describes shooting at Pulse nightclub
Police have yet to confirm details regarding the location of the suspect or suspects; however, WESH 2's Bob Kealing reports a search underway outside ORMC.
Bomb dogs and law enforcement officers are walking the grounds of the hospital.
A loud noise near the nightclub around 5 a.m. was confirmed by police to have been a "controlled explosion," but no further details were provided.
"Everyone get out of pulse and keep running," the club posted on its official Facebook page at 2:09 a.m.
ORMC has set up a meeting area for family members who believe they may have a loved one being treated in the hospital as a result of the shooting. If you believe this is the case, and you are an immediate family member, go to the main entrance of ORMC's new north tower at 52 West Underwood St., where you will be escorted to the area. Identification will be required for admittance.
Authorities are asking witnesses to go to Orlando Police headquarters at 100 S. Hughey Ave.
Orlando Health is asking team members not scheduled to work to not attempt to come in unless they've been contacted by their supervisor. Team members scheduled to work should avoid the intersection of Kaley and Orange, and be prepared to show an ID badge to access the campus.
WESH 2 News has crews at the scene gathering more details. Check back for updates. http://www.wesh.com/news/multiple-shots-reported-at-downtown-orlando-nightclub/40017844
http://www.wesh.com/news/multiple-gunshots-heard-in-snapchat-video/40018078 The sound of some of the gunshots.
Terrible.
If only all those clubgoers had been armed...
Now now children.
Quote from: ronchamblin on June 12, 2016, 09:32:42 AM
Now now children.
Ron I saw the title of Tim Gilmore's book. Ron Chamblin's Large Heart (Hangs in the back of the Bookmine) is this a work of Fiction?
(http://images.dailykos.com/images/191279/story_image/image.jpg?1451580199)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-orlando-shooting-pulse-nightclub-story.html
Twenty people are dead after a shooting at Orlando's Pulse nightclub in what investigators are calling an act of terrorism, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said at a morning news conference.
Sources have confirmed to CBS News that authorities are investigating whether the suspect, who has been named as 29-year-old Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, had ties to Islamic terrorism. Mateen is a U.S. citizen with no apparent criminal history, according to sources.
A gunman took scores of people hostage overnight inside the nightclub between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.; about 42 people were taken to area hospitals, Mina said.
Officers killed the gunman, who has not been identified, in a shoot out and referred to him as a "lone wolf." He was carrying an assault rifle, a handgun and was possibly wearing an explosive "device." The Orange County Sheriff's Office hazardous device team is now searching the area.
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About 30 people were "saved during the rescue," Mina said. About 320 people were in the club when the hostage situation unfolded.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation. Agent Ron Hopper said they cannot rule this out as an act of domestic terrorism and that the suspect, who is not from Orlando, may have leanings toward extreme Islamic ideologies.
Gov. Rick Scott is on his way to Orlando, his office said this morning. Scott has been in touch with local law enforcement and the FBI about the shootings.
"Tonight our community witnessed or experienced a very horrific crime," Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer told media near the scene Sunday morning. "Many lives were lost, and many more individuals were impacted by witnessing the crime."
Authorities said there is no indication of future attacks in Florida or across the nation.
Mina said the situation is not related to a separate shooting Friday inside The Plaza Live theater in Orlando, where a man opened fire, killing former NBC's "The Voice" contestant Christina Grimmie and himself.
Some victims of the mass shooting were transported to Orlando Health, which established a family information center early this morning, asking family members to go to at 52 West Underwood St.
Several family members stood outside the North entrance of ORMC awaiting news and trying to find people still missing.
Kenneth Melendez and his friends were at the club when the shooting happened. Four of his friends were shot and were at ORMC, he said.
"It's just something that you see in the movies but never think would happen to you," he said.
"At first, when I heard the shots I thought it was part of the music, but then we realized it was really happening. I started running and saw someone bleeding from the arm and I was like wow this is really happening and I kept running."
He said he went to Pulse often because it was a "safe environment where you could express yourself ... Not anymore."
Some family members standing outside ORMC said that certain floors were on lockdown and only immediate families of shooting victims could get in.
Florida Hospital wouldn't confirm if any patients have been transported there this morning, but said they can check on names for families.
In the early morning, dozens of emergency vehicles surrounded the chaotic scene at the club at 1912 S. Orange Ave. after the 2 a.m. shooting and rescue squads were transporting multiple victims to area hospitals.
Witnesses said they heard at least 40 shots fired inside the club.
At 5 a.m. authorities used an explosive device to distract the gunman, then authorities plowed through the club with a vehicle.
Police reported just before 6 a.m. that the shooter inside the club was dead. Mina said his officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect in two shootings. Nine officers were involved in the shooting and one sustained an injury to his head and was saved by his helmet.
Afterward, the Orlando Fire Department called for its bomb squad and hazardous material team to the scene after 3 a.m. Police K-9 dogs are searching the area around nearby Orlando Regional Medical Center with an armed deputy in head-to-toe military gear.
On Sunday morning, media footage showed a robotic device appearing to search nearby cars.
Pulse Orlando's posted a note to its own page that said, "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running." The popular gay bar was full of people at the time of the incident.
Emotional witnesses and family members of those who were in the club surrounded the area after shots rang out. One witness said the shooting lasted the duration of an entire song.
It was Christopher Hansen's first visit to the club. The 32-year-old moved to Orlando about two months ago and went to meet someone for a "Latin night." He said he was near the front door of the bar when the shooting started.
"I just fell down and crawled out," he said. "People were trying to escape out the back of the club."
"I helped someone who was on the ground. I wasn't sure if he was dead or alive," he said. "I was like 'hey are you OK?'"
He remembered hearing more than 40 shots, and said the shooting continued as people ran from the bar. Police were yelling for him and others to get out.
He said he took off a bandanna that was wrapped around his head, tied it in a knot and stuck it in the bullet wound in the man's back.
Another witness, Rosie Feba, said she took her girlfriend to the club for the first time Saturday night. It was near closing time.
"She told me someone was shooting. Everyone was getting on the floor," Feba said. "I told her I didn't think it was real, I thought it was just part of the music, until I saw fire coming out of his gun."
Feba and her girlfriend ran out of the club. On the way out, they saw a man who had been shot.
Feba grabbed him. Others around her called 911. Some of the man's blood stained the sleeve of her striped T-shirt.
Both Feba and her girlfriend were unharmed, but shaken. They waited in a CVS parking lot for more information.
Victims experiencing emotional trauma related to the shooting can dial 2-1-1 for support, said Ashley Blasewitz of the Heart of Florida United Way.
Orlando mayor now saying 50 dead.
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 10:19:23 AM
Apparently the blood shortage is being driven by a pretty disgusting element.
I didn't know that gay people still can't donate blood. And traditional sources of blood donors are declining to donate because the victims were shot at a gay bar.
At least thats the reporting from people involved in the blood drive in Orlando.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/12/21/fda-officially-alters-decades-old-ban-on-blood-donations-from-gay-and-bisexual-men/ FDA: Gay men can once again donate blood in U.S., if they haven't had sex for a year
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 10:19:23 AM
Apparently the blood shortage is being driven by a pretty disgusting element.
I didn't know that gay people still can't donate blood. And traditional sources of blood donors are declining to donate because the victims were shot at a gay bar.
At least thats the reporting from people involved in the blood drive in Orlando.
God, that's terrible. I thought the ban on homosexual blood donations had been lifted. People can be so heartless sometimes.
Quote from: finehoe on June 12, 2016, 10:24:00 AM
Orlando mayor now saying 50 dead.
Wow I hope this is wrong. :'(
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 10:26:34 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 10:19:23 AM
Apparently the blood shortage is being driven by a pretty disgusting element.
I didn't know that gay people still can't donate blood. And traditional sources of blood donors are declining to donate because the victims were shot at a gay bar.
At least thats the reporting from people involved in the blood drive in Orlando.
God, that's terrible. I thought the ban on homosexual blood donations had been lifted. People can be so heartless sometimes.
FDA: Gay men can once again donate blood in U.S., if they haven't had sex for a year. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/12/21/fda-officially-alters-decades-old-ban-on-blood-donations-from-gay-and-bisexual-men/
50 people killed in 'domestic terror incident' at gay club in Orlando https://www.washingtonpost.com/
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 10:19:23 AM
Apparently the blood shortage is being driven by a pretty disgusting element.
I didn't know that gay people still can't donate blood. And traditional sources of blood donors are declining to donate because the victims were shot at a gay bar.
At least thats the reporting from people involved in the blood drive in Orlando.
Which is pretty pathetic, because not everyone that goes to a "gay" nightclub is gay.
For us up here in Jax, we can donate blood at the following locations:
Four local OneBlood banks are open today 8 a.m.-4 p.m.:
-Orange Park Donor Center
2153 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park
-South Jacksonville Donor Center
8013 Beach Blvd. (near Parental Home Rd.), Jacksonville
-West Jacksonville Donor Center
5209 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville
-Mandarin Donor Center
10501 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville
Source: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/urgent-need-for-blood-donations-after-orlando-mass-shooting/338339345 (http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/urgent-need-for-blood-donations-after-orlando-mass-shooting/338339345)
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 12:40:04 PM
omg I hate Rick Scott. Instead of calling it out as homophobia, he's calling it an act of terrorism only. And of course he didn't mention anything about guns, despite having politicized it fully with his speech.
Did he mention that it was a gay club or just "a club?" A lot of the media are doing that today. They are leaving out the word "gay" or "LGBT."
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 12:40:04 PM
omg I hate Rick Scott. Instead of calling it out as homophobia, he's calling it an act of terrorism only. And of course he didn't mention anything about guns, despite having politicized it fully with his speech.
What we know
A gunman opened fire inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., killing 50 people and leaving 53 others hospitalized in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
The gunman, who was carrying an assault-style rifle, handgun and possibly an explosive device, is dead after exchanging fire with officers at 5 a.m. He had taken hostages after trying to flee.
The FBI is treating the shooting as an act of terrorism.
The suspect was identified as Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen whose family is believed to be from Afghanistan. Federal officials are investigating Mateen's possible ties to radical terror organizations.
Mateen's father expressed shock over the attack, saying his son may have had "anti-gay" leanings.
Witnesses at the club described a chaotic scene.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared a state of emergency as officials throughout the state asked the public for blood donations.
Blood donation centers are looking for O negative, O positive and A/B donors.
President Obama is expected to make a statement on the massacre at 1:30 p.m. https://www.yahoo.com/news/orlando-fla-ap-gunman-wielding-000000701.html
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 01:18:04 PM
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on June 12, 2016, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 12:40:04 PM
omg I hate Rick Scott. Instead of calling it out as homophobia, he's calling it an act of terrorism only. And of course he didn't mention anything about guns, despite having politicized it fully with his speech.
What we know
A gunman opened fire inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., killing 50 people and leaving 53 others hospitalized in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
The gunman, who was carrying an assault-style rifle, handgun and possibly an explosive device, is dead after exchanging fire with officers at 5 a.m. He had taken hostages after trying to flee.
The FBI is treating the shooting as an act of terrorism.
The suspect was identified as Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen whose family is believed to be from Afghanistan. Federal officials are investigating Mateen's possible ties to radical terror organizations.
Mateen's father expressed shock over the attack, saying his son may have had "anti-gay" leanings.
Witnesses at the club described a chaotic scene.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared a state of emergency as officials throughout the state asked the public for blood donations.
Blood donation centers are looking for O negative, O positive and A/B donors.
President Obama is expected to make a statement on the massacre at 1:30 p.m. https://www.yahoo.com/news/orlando-fla-ap-gunman-wielding-000000701.html
That was from four hours ago. Since then, both the father and the former wife have been interviewed.
The governor is deliberately politicizing the issue away from his own political wheelhouse.
Yeah, and I can't see any reason why it's not possible to consider it both an act of terrorism and a hate crime. It's clearly a hate crime.
It's both. These guys clearly hate gays based on what they do overseas.
Quote from: fsquid on June 12, 2016, 01:59:12 PM
It's both. These guys clearly hate gays based on what they do overseas.
Well, we don't know enough about his religion to know if he is of the ilk that 'hate gays' (IS, etc).
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 02:21:28 PM
Quote from: fsquid on June 12, 2016, 01:59:12 PM
It's both. These guys clearly hate gays based on what they do overseas.
Well, we don't know enough about his religion to know if he is of the ilk that 'hate gays' (IS, etc).
They just said he was an ISIS sympathizer. Last I checked, they don't like the gays
Quote from: fsquid on June 12, 2016, 02:22:42 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 02:21:28 PM
Quote from: fsquid on June 12, 2016, 01:59:12 PM
It's both. These guys clearly hate gays based on what they do overseas.
Well, we don't know enough about his religion to know if he is of the ilk that 'hate gays' (IS, etc).
They just said he was an ISIS sympathizer. Last I checked, they don't like the gays
As far as I know, they've not confirmed he is an IS sympathiser. There were comments about him being 'radical' though. I've not read everything out there, so I am willing to admit I'm not 100% on this. His dad apparently said it wasn't anything to do with religion.
It could be his homophobia is a byproduct of his religious beliefs or it could be that his religious beliefs dovetailed nicely with his existing homophobia
It's all just really sad.
Sorry just saw the blurb on NBC between Euro games
Dude is a bit older than 13
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Sure. Check Islamic law on homosexuality & get back to me. Spoiler: It's death.
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Sure. Check Islamic law on homosexuality & get back to me. Spoiler: It's death.
Funny that - I have a number of Muslim friends and none of them have any issues with homosexuals. Maybe you should get out more.
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 04:43:58 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Sure. Check Christian law on homosexuality & get back to me. Spoiler: It's death.
http://www.rawstory.com/2014/09/tn-pastor-vows-not-to-repent-for-homophobia-god-says-gays-must-be-put-to-death/
Brainerd Baptist Church Senior Pastor Robby Gallaty devoted his entire hour-long sermon on Sunday to justifying Christian opposition to the sexuality of LGBT people.
After spending about 20 minutes recounting the perils of homosexuality throughout history, Gallaty asserted that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of gay sex.
"God said that the sins of the people had infected the very land in which they live," he explained. "So what happens to people who engage in this activity, this sexual immoral activity? Go to Leviticus 20, God gives us the punishment for engaging in these sins... 'If a man sleeps with a man as with a woman, they have both committed a detestable thing. They must be put to death. And their blood is on their own hands.'"
Totally the same! Now show me the times Christian nut jobs actually carried out murder of homosexuals in modern times, and I'll show you how the other guys do it on a day to day basis (among many other horrible punishments towards women).
Why the left chooses to defend them when it goes against pretty much everything they stand for I'll never know.
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 04:54:32 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Sure. Check Islamic law on homosexuality & get back to me. Spoiler: It's death.
Funny that - I have a number of Muslim friends and none of them have any issues with homosexuals. Maybe you should get out more.
They may not, but unfortunately many of the more hardcore ones do (and actually act upon it harshly). And I get out plenty. Any other snide remarks??
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:55:22 PM
They may not, but unfortunately many of the more hardcore ones do (and actually act upon it harshly). And I get out plenty. Any other snide remarks??
You're so predictable. You might "get out plenty" but I suspect you don't spend much time with Muslims. Because if you did, you'd probably see that the overwhelming majority of Muslims - even the quite religious (or 'hardcore') ones - are just like any other people who happen to go to church. They may even believe that homosexuality is wrong, but that doesn't mean they'd want to kill their neighbours.
Islamist terrorists are no different than christian identity terrorists - or the hindu mobs that slaughter muslims in India. And no one bothers to paint all christians or hindus with the same brush just because a very small number commit atrocities in the name of their faith. But bigots like you are the first to start in on that sort of thing when a muslim is involved.
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 05:03:31 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:55:22 PM
They may not, but unfortunately many of the more hardcore ones do (and actually act upon it harshly). And I get out plenty. Any other snide remarks??
And no one bothers to paint all christians or hindus with the same brush just because a very small number commit atrocities in the name of their faith. But bigots like you are the first to start in on that sort of thing when a muslim is involved.
Yet this very board bashes Christians as a whole every other post. Its just when someone brings up a pet religion to the left its a "phobe" meltdown tantrum like you're having now. Funny how that happens isn't it.
And try to refrain from name calling, pal just because my post got your poopie diapers in a bunch. You don't know anything about me. Grow up & have a civil discussion or just don't reply.
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 05:33:18 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 05:03:31 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:55:22 PM
They may not, but unfortunately many of the more hardcore ones do (and actually act upon it harshly). And I get out plenty. Any other snide remarks??
And no one bothers to paint all christians or hindus with the same brush just because a very small number commit atrocities in the name of their faith. But bigots like you are the first to start in on that sort of thing when a muslim is involved.
Yet this very board bashes Christians as a whole every other post. Its just when someone brings up a pet religion to the left its a "phobe" meltdown tantrum like you're having now. Funny how that happens isn't it.
And try to refrain from name calling, pal just because my post got your poopie diapers in a bunch. You don't know anything about me. Grow up & have a civil discussion or just don't reply.
I can't vouch for what the "board" does - but that's a pretty weak argument. "People bash christianity, so it's okay to bash islam".
If you don't want me to call you a bigot, don't make bigoted comments. Simples.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBlwxqqAprQ
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 05:38:33 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 05:33:18 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 05:03:31 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:55:22 PM
They may not, but unfortunately many of the more hardcore ones do (and actually act upon it harshly). And I get out plenty. Any other snide remarks??
And no one bothers to paint all christians or hindus with the same brush just because a very small number commit atrocities in the name of their faith. But bigots like you are the first to start in on that sort of thing when a muslim is involved.
Yet this very board bashes Christians as a whole every other post. Its just when someone brings up a pet religion to the left its a "phobe" meltdown tantrum like you're having now. Funny how that happens isn't it.
And try to refrain from name calling, pal just because my post got your poopie diapers in a bunch. You don't know anything about me. Grow up & have a civil discussion or just don't reply.
I can't vouch for what the "board" does - but that's a pretty weak argument. "People bash christianity, so it's okay to bash islam".
If you don't want me to call you a bigot, don't make bigoted comments. Simples.
Don't you think you've been enough of a d**k today ?
http://www.newstatesman.com/mehdi-hasan/2013/05/muslim-i-struggle-idea-homosexuality-i-oppose-homophobia
http://www.economist.com/node/21546002
Interesting articles. Both from reputable sources - and in the interest of balance, one is a centre-left publication (The New Statesman), the other centre-right (The Economist).
I am no Islamic scholar - but if I were looking for an explanation of why many Muslims have issues with homosexuality, I'd look to Marx and the concepts of base and superstructure.
Quote from: Gunnar on June 12, 2016, 05:52:32 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 05:38:33 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 05:33:18 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 05:03:31 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:55:22 PM
They may not, but unfortunately many of the more hardcore ones do (and actually act upon it harshly). And I get out plenty. Any other snide remarks??
And no one bothers to paint all christians or hindus with the same brush just because a very small number commit atrocities in the name of their faith. But bigots like you are the first to start in on that sort of thing when a muslim is involved.
Yet this very board bashes Christians as a whole every other post. Its just when someone brings up a pet religion to the left its a "phobe" meltdown tantrum like you're having now. Funny how that happens isn't it.
And try to refrain from name calling, pal just because my post got your poopie diapers in a bunch. You don't know anything about me. Grow up & have a civil discussion or just don't reply.
I can't vouch for what the "board" does - but that's a pretty weak argument. "People bash christianity, so it's okay to bash islam".
If you don't want me to call you a bigot, don't make bigoted comments. Simples.
Don't you think you've been enough of a d**k today ?
I don't know... there are a couple of hours left.
I can see you guys on the right, circling the wagons. I called the guy a bigot. Once.
I
did also tell a habitual troll that I preferred when he was taking a break from the forum. Which is true. So, if that counts, I've been a dick twice.
What's your excuse?
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 05:45:35 PM
And its weird to claim that the 'board' is christian phobic.
We are actually the only ongoing media presence every year at the Pastor's conference, and several of us spend a lot of time speaking up for Christian organizations and events on a constant basis.
Never said it was. Just that they do get vilified quite a bit on here & no one says a thing. Say something bad about any other religious extremists (who actually do act on it in numbers) & its "OMG, are you serious? I can't even. Bigot!".
I know you do good work with those organizations, Stephen. No one's challenging that. :)
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 06:03:52 PM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 05:45:35 PM
And its weird to claim that the 'board' is christian phobic.
We are actually the only ongoing media presence every year at the Pastor's conference, and several of us spend a lot of time speaking up for Christian organizations and events on a constant basis.
Never said it was. Just that they do get vilified quite a bit on here & no one says a thing. Say something bad about any other religious extremists (who actually do act on it in numbers) & its "OMG, are you serious? I can't even. Bigot!".
I know you do good work with those organizations, Stephen. No one's challenging that. :)
It might be because the comments you make are about "Islam" not "Islamic extremism". You don't distinguish.
I don't do that about any religion - and I dislike them all equally. But I appreciate that the majority of people who follow religions are decent people, even if they have some pretty f-ed up views on things.
so no 60 minutes tonight?
Equality Florida is managing a GoFundMe account for the victims.
https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund
The goal is $1M. They are up to $879k at this posting.
Consider helping those or their families who have been impacted by the horrific event.
Very cool. I donated blood. Islamic terrorists should not win
These shootings ... tragic for those killed, but more so for those left behind, as they must endure years of suffering ... should be quite interesting to those of us only remotely affected. Profound they are. So one wonders.
Are they increasing in frequency? If so ... and I think they are ... why? I have not researched, but I suspect that they are increasing at a rate exceeding a normal shootings per population ratio -- meaning of course, that other factors, increasing over time, are at play. What are the factors? I suspect certain societal components ... increasing in amplitude ... have been the cause of increased mass shootings.
What are some possible components affecting decisions to kill in mass?
A continued ease of gun access perhaps?
Is the recent run of mass shootings offering a kind of acceptance to the potential mass killer? ... as if it's almost an approved societal solution or habit to kill in mass for whatever reason ... whether one is hopeless, angered, or desperate, acting on homophobic feelings, financially destroyed, shunned by a lover, retaliation for perceived peer, governmental, or societal abuse ... or acting out extreme delusional religious, factional, or racial perceptions?
Recent mass killings seem less absurd or bizarre as compared to the era of the fifties or the sixties. But isn't it true that mass killings to civilians occur all over the world ... especially wherever the U. S. meddles, or instigates conflicts ... wherever the U. S. tests its armaments and new killing technologies? What is the significant difference between the killing of many thousands of civilians in the Middle East every few months, and the occasional mass killing of a dozen or so in the U. S.?
I try to perceive the difference between an innocent dying in the U. S., and one dying in the MIddle East. If we can agree that both the white and the brown civilians are innocent, surely we can agree that both die with same finality ... followed by the same tragic sufferings for their friends and relatives. Both the brown and the white are uniquely human ... to the same degree ... and therefore each life is precious, whether killed by a U. S. bomb or drone in the Middle East, or shot by a deranged killer in a U. S. theatre, school, church, or night club.
Many thousands of civilians ...women and children ... are killed in the Middle East and on U. S. soil as a result of the arrogant plutocratic elites behind U. S. efforts to control all entities so as to maximize profits throughout the world. Whereas there is frequently non-existent or delayed medical help for the injured civilian in the Middle East, there is usually immediate medical help for those injured in U. S. mass attacks.
Whereas the perpetrators of mass killings of civilians in the Middle East is a consequence of decisions by our U. S. plutocracy, as approved by a population held ignorant by some churches, a bought media, and clueless legislators, we might assume that the local mass shooter is simply mentally dysfunctional ... is only a nut ... or a gradation of same. Certainly, a mental problem exists within the mind of the mass shooter ... a condition lying dormant ... emerging only as a profound and deadly action when circumstances culminate.
A type of insanity exists both within the minds of the local mass killers and the plutocratic elites who encourage foreign conflicts for profit ... both desensitized to human life ... the latter believing that they alone are privileged to live and prosper in freedom to perpetuity at the expense of any poor victim remotely positioned to interfere with their ability to do so. Killing humans has been dehumanized, portrayed as exciting events by movies and television, and TV news talking heads.
When faced with a problem or conflict, both the lone mass killer and the arrogant plutocrats choose not to negotiate or engage dialogue ... to think rationally so as to encourage stability and avoid tragedy ... but both types attempt solving problems by the simple and quick method of using guns, dropping bombs, and sending missiles ... both acting out the coward's choice ... the path of impatience ... the path of stupidity. Thus wars and conflicts are perpetuated over the decades. And innocent civilians continue to be killed over there by bombs, missiles, and drones, and by lone killers with guns over here.
If we must remove guns from all U. S. citizens so as to substantially decrease the mass killings over here, why don't we remove control of the guns, bombs, missiles, and drones from our military so as to substantially decrease the mass killings over there? Eisenhower was right. Chomsky is right. Chris Hedges is right. Eugene Debs was right. Kennedy was right. MLK and MX were right.
People hate Muslims and Islamic people, but I feel no shame for this. Let them hate.
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 06:05:10 PM
um. do you have any idea what is happening in the world? Uganda? Russia? Christian governments. I know you to be a widely read person, but radical, queer killing christianity is quite alive and well in the world. And even domestically a gay person is far more likely to be murdered by a christian than a muslim.
I do, but its not in nearly the same numbers. And two, you're mostly talking about some third world shitholes where this stuff flies. Christians have mostly moved past this in western civilization, whereas Islam in many respects are still stuck in their angsty teenage years (even in the first world). Don't believe me? Try going over to some of these places in Europe today & question it (or even break some of their laws) & see what happens. You'll likely get assaulted or worse. This isn't some Trump-esque hyperbole, its happening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP6U6Hhy_2M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSbgxChQAhQ&t=8m0s
"But my friends aren't like that!" Well good. Your friends have a good head on their shoulders, are probably educated, etc. I'm not saying Islam is bad, just that there's a ton of bad eggs in it that doesn't mesh well with western civilization. They're not the majority, but they're def enough to cause problems.
QuoteYou must not have been reading along during Ron Chamblin's 2 year long rant about believers....lol
Probably not, lol. Ron's a bit too long-winded for my tastes. ;)
Quote from: peestandingup on June 13, 2016, 05:23:02 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 06:05:10 PM
um. do you have any idea what is happening in the world? Uganda? Russia? Christian governments. I know you to be a widely read person, but radical, queer killing christianity is quite alive and well in the world. And even domestically a gay person is far more likely to be murdered by a christian than a muslim.
I do, but its not in nearly the same numbers. And two, you're mostly talking about some third world shitholes where this stuff flies. Christians have mostly moved past this in western civilization, whereas Islam in many respects are still stuck in their angsty teenage years (even in the first world). Don't believe me? Try going over to some of these places in Europe today & question it (or even break some of their laws) & see what happens. You'll likely get assaulted or worse. This isn't some Trump-esque hyperbole, its happening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP6U6Hhy_2M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSbgxChQAhQ&t=8m0s
"But my friends aren't like that!" Well good. Your friends have a good head on their shoulders, are probably educated, etc. I'm not saying Islam is bad, just that there's a ton of bad eggs in it that doesn't mesh well with western civilization. They're not the majority, but they're def enough to cause problems.
You posted a video of the (former) leader of the English Defence League (EDL) - a far-right neo-fascist group - driving through an asian neighbourhood in Luton (where he grew up and lives). Of course he's not welcome there. We demonstrated to keep him and his skinhead/football hooligan followers out of Waltham Forest, too. And by "we", I mean atheists, muslims, christians and jews.
I walked from Whitechapel tube station to Liverpool Street station on Saturday and wasn't swarmed by muslims looking to kill me because I am an infidel.
Tommy Robinson is a bigot - and although I don't approve of violence of any sort, I am not surprised he was punched.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Robinson_(activist) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Robinson_(activist))
Quote from: Coolyfett on June 12, 2016, 11:57:06 PM
People hate Muslims and Islamic people, but I feel no shame for this. Let them hate.
Why?
Wow this really shook me down to the core of my bones. Right in our backyard. I honestly don't know what the solution is to prevent this more in the future. It could happen anywhere.
Innocent lives taken because some dude disagreed with their sexual preference. Unbelievable. I can only hope people can swallow their religious and political pride and learn to be accepting of everyone, from all walks of life.
Quote from: Adam White on June 13, 2016, 06:10:46 AM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 13, 2016, 05:23:02 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 06:05:10 PM
um. do you have any idea what is happening in the world? Uganda? Russia? Christian governments. I know you to be a widely read person, but radical, queer killing christianity is quite alive and well in the world. And even domestically a gay person is far more likely to be murdered by a christian than a muslim.
I do, but its not in nearly the same numbers. And two, you're mostly talking about some third world shitholes where this stuff flies. Christians have mostly moved past this in western civilization, whereas Islam in many respects are still stuck in their angsty teenage years (even in the first world). Don't believe me? Try going over to some of these places in Europe today & question it (or even break some of their laws) & see what happens. You'll likely get assaulted or worse. This isn't some Trump-esque hyperbole, its happening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP6U6Hhy_2M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSbgxChQAhQ&t=8m0s
"But my friends aren't like that!" Well good. Your friends have a good head on their shoulders, are probably educated, etc. I'm not saying Islam is bad, just that there's a ton of bad eggs in it that doesn't mesh well with western civilization. They're not the majority, but they're def enough to cause problems.
You posted a video of the (former) leader of the English Defence League (EDL) - a far-right neo-fascist group - driving through an asian neighbourhood in Luton (where he grew up and lives). Of course he's not welcome there. We demonstrated to keep him and his skinhead/football hooligan followers out of Waltham Forest, too. And by "we", I mean atheists, muslims, christians and jews.
I walked from Whitechapel tube station to Liverpool Street station on Saturday and wasn't swarmed by muslims looking to kill me because I am an infidel.
Tommy Robinson is a bigot - and although I don't approve of violence of any sort, I am not surprised he was punched.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Robinson_(activist) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Robinson_(activist))
Was the 60 Minutes reporter who got manhandled a bigot too? Her cameraman?? Look, the simple fact is I just posted a couple videos I remembered watching in the past. There's literally hundreds of examples all over the place. I'm not gonna get into a copy/paste war but they're easy to find.
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 06:05:10 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:55:22 PM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 04:43:58 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Sure. Check Christian law on homosexuality & get back to me. Spoiler: It's death.
http://www.rawstory.com/2014/09/tn-pastor-vows-not-to-repent-for-homophobia-god-says-gays-must-be-put-to-death/
Brainerd Baptist Church Senior Pastor Robby Gallaty devoted his entire hour-long sermon on Sunday to justifying Christian opposition to the sexuality of LGBT people.
After spending about 20 minutes recounting the perils of homosexuality throughout history, Gallaty asserted that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of gay sex.
"God said that the sins of the people had infected the very land in which they live," he explained. "So what happens to people who engage in this activity, this sexual immoral activity? Go to Leviticus 20, God gives us the punishment for engaging in these sins... 'If a man sleeps with a man as with a woman, they have both committed a detestable thing. They must be put to death. And their blood is on their own hands.'"
Totally the same! Now show me the times Christian nut jobs actually carried out murder of homosexuals in modern times, and I'll show you how the other guys do it on a day to day basis (among many other horrible punishments towards women).
Why the left chooses to defend them when it goes against pretty much everything they stand for I'll never know.
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 04:54:32 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Sure. Check Islamic law on homosexuality & get back to me. Spoiler: It's death.
Funny that - I have a number of Muslim friends and none of them have any issues with homosexuals. Maybe you should get out more.
They may not, but unfortunately many of the more hardcore ones do (and actually act upon it harshly). And I get out plenty. Any other snide remarks??
um. do you have any idea what is happening in the world? Uganda? Russia? Christian governments. I know you to be a widely read person, but radical, queer killing christianity is quite alive and well in the world. And even domestically a gay person is far more likely to be murdered by a christian than a muslim.
Russia is one of the most un-churched societies in the world. http://www.pewforum.org/2014/02/10/russians-return-to-religion-but-not-to-church/
Chalk up their anti-LGBT sentiments more to birth rate, statism, and Darwinism if you read Putin's comments, not religion. Heck, Christianity was illegal there for almost 70 years as it was the atheistic bastion of the world.
Orlando nightclub shooting: Read about the victims
Full article, names and photographs: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/pulse-orlando-nightclub-shooting/victims/os-pulse-nightclub-orlando-shooting-victims-htmlstory.html
Quote from: peestandingup on June 13, 2016, 10:32:23 AM
Quote from: Adam White on June 13, 2016, 06:10:46 AM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 13, 2016, 05:23:02 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 06:05:10 PM
um. do you have any idea what is happening in the world? Uganda? Russia? Christian governments. I know you to be a widely read person, but radical, queer killing christianity is quite alive and well in the world. And even domestically a gay person is far more likely to be murdered by a christian than a muslim.
I do, but its not in nearly the same numbers. And two, you're mostly talking about some third world shitholes where this stuff flies. Christians have mostly moved past this in western civilization, whereas Islam in many respects are still stuck in their angsty teenage years (even in the first world). Don't believe me? Try going over to some of these places in Europe today & question it (or even break some of their laws) & see what happens. You'll likely get assaulted or worse. This isn't some Trump-esque hyperbole, its happening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP6U6Hhy_2M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSbgxChQAhQ&t=8m0s
"But my friends aren't like that!" Well good. Your friends have a good head on their shoulders, are probably educated, etc. I'm not saying Islam is bad, just that there's a ton of bad eggs in it that doesn't mesh well with western civilization. They're not the majority, but they're def enough to cause problems.
You posted a video of the (former) leader of the English Defence League (EDL) - a far-right neo-fascist group - driving through an asian neighbourhood in Luton (where he grew up and lives). Of course he's not welcome there. We demonstrated to keep him and his skinhead/football hooligan followers out of Waltham Forest, too. And by "we", I mean atheists, muslims, christians and jews.
I walked from Whitechapel tube station to Liverpool Street station on Saturday and wasn't swarmed by muslims looking to kill me because I am an infidel.
Tommy Robinson is a bigot - and although I don't approve of violence of any sort, I am not surprised he was punched.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Robinson_(activist) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Robinson_(activist))
Was the 60 Minutes reporter who got manhandled a bigot too? Her cameraman?? Look, the simple fact is I just posted a couple videos I remembered watching in the past. There's literally hundreds of examples all over the place. I'm not gonna get into a copy/paste war but they're easy to find.
I don't know anything about that woman. But I don't know anything about the attackers, either. You post this link as 'evidence' of how islam is violent. There was nothing in that video to lead me or any rational person to conclude that the attack had anything to do with religion. The guys involved may have been muslims (likely were), but they were also (apparently) unemployed - maybe in a gang, though it's possible the word 'gang' was used loosely. Clearly they didn't like being filmed. If this had happened in the South Bronx in the 1980s, would you hold it out as an example of how christianity is violent?
And, by the way, you don't want to be called a bigot, but you referred to "third world shitholes" earlier. As I said, you need to get out more.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 13, 2016, 10:57:04 AM
Orlando nightclub shooting: Read about the victims
Full article, names and photographs: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/pulse-orlando-nightclub-shooting/victims/os-pulse-nightclub-orlando-shooting-victims-htmlstory.html
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Heartbreaking.
Quote from: stephendare on June 13, 2016, 11:16:36 AM
Quote from: FlaBoy on June 13, 2016, 10:42:35 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 06:05:10 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:55:22 PM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 04:43:58 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Sure. Check Christian law on homosexuality & get back to me. Spoiler: It's death.
http://www.rawstory.com/2014/09/tn-pastor-vows-not-to-repent-for-homophobia-god-says-gays-must-be-put-to-death/
Brainerd Baptist Church Senior Pastor Robby Gallaty devoted his entire hour-long sermon on Sunday to justifying Christian opposition to the sexuality of LGBT people.
After spending about 20 minutes recounting the perils of homosexuality throughout history, Gallaty asserted that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of gay sex.
"God said that the sins of the people had infected the very land in which they live," he explained. "So what happens to people who engage in this activity, this sexual immoral activity? Go to Leviticus 20, God gives us the punishment for engaging in these sins... 'If a man sleeps with a man as with a woman, they have both committed a detestable thing. They must be put to death. And their blood is on their own hands.'"
Totally the same! Now show me the times Christian nut jobs actually carried out murder of homosexuals in modern times, and I'll show you how the other guys do it on a day to day basis (among many other horrible punishments towards women).
Why the left chooses to defend them when it goes against pretty much everything they stand for I'll never know.
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 04:54:32 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 12, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
Sure. Check Islamic law on homosexuality & get back to me. Spoiler: It's death.
Funny that - I have a number of Muslim friends and none of them have any issues with homosexuals. Maybe you should get out more.
They may not, but unfortunately many of the more hardcore ones do (and actually act upon it harshly). And I get out plenty. Any other snide remarks??
um. do you have any idea what is happening in the world? Uganda? Russia? Christian governments. I know you to be a widely read person, but radical, queer killing christianity is quite alive and well in the world. And even domestically a gay person is far more likely to be murdered by a christian than a muslim.
Russia is one of the most un-churched societies in the world. http://www.pewforum.org/2014/02/10/russians-return-to-religion-but-not-to-church/
Chalk up their anti-LGBT sentiments more to birth rate, statism, and Darwinism if you read Putin's comments, not religion. Heck, Christianity was illegal there for almost 70 years as it was the atheistic bastion of the world.
literally one of the most uninformed posts I've ever read.
Why? ???
Although I apologize for even addressing this in the thread since it is not the time or place to be debating the source of LGBT animosity in Russia.
We should just be mourning the victims and sharing in their families' grief.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on June 13, 2016, 12:23:11 PM
^^ Putin has very closely aligned himself with the Russian Orthodox church and uses them to push, among other things, his anti-gay agenda.
Because he basically controls all things in Russia. It is statism. They either get in line or are destroyed. The leaders either get in line or are replaced. That is the way things work once again in Russia whether the Russian Orthodox Church, the news media, or the local union.
Why weren't Jacksonville's bridges lit up in support for Orlando last night? Hundreds of cities across the world participated, but not Jacksonville..
I know it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but I think it's fucking shameful.
Quote from: Adam White on June 13, 2016, 10:59:13 AM
I don't know anything about that woman. But I don't know anything about the attackers, either. You post this link as 'evidence' of how islam is violent.
I never said all of Islam is violent, just that there's a lot who are radical. And when they're radicalized they kill, or celebrate the killing of others. So when they're bad, they're really bad. That's the difference between them & the big bad Christians of today's world you guys like to deflect with who "do the same thing". Its not even a contest, so its a stupid thing to counter with.
QuoteAnd, by the way, you don't want to be called a bigot, but you referred to "third world shitholes" earlier. As I said, you need to get out more.
Ugh, are you really this touchy?? Put your big boy pants on & stop looking to be offended every time someone speaks. The world doesn't work the way you & your eco chamber circle of parrots think or hope it does.
Quote from: peestandingup on June 13, 2016, 01:06:45 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 13, 2016, 10:59:13 AM
I don't know anything about that woman. But I don't know anything about the attackers, either. You post this link as 'evidence' of how islam is violent.
I never said all of Islam is violent, just that there's a lot who are radical. And when they're radicalized they kill, or celebrate the killing of others. So when they're bad, they're really bad. That's the difference between them & the big bad Christians of today's world you guys like to deflect with who "do the same thing". Its not even a contest, so its a stupid thing to counter with.
QuoteAnd, by the way, you don't want to be called a bigot, but you referred to "third world shitholes" earlier. As I said, you need to get out more.
Ugh, are you really this touchy?? Put your big boy pants on & stop looking to be offended every time someone speaks.
Well, you post a video of kids attacking a camera man and reporter and to you, it has something to do with islam. Because to you, those kids are muslims first and foremost. There was nothing in that video that should lead anyone to think that had to do with religion. Those kids might not even really be that religious. That video had nothing to do with radical islamism - which I am 100% willing to admit is a problem. And those of us who actually have to be concerned about the threat of IS know that it is an issue.
As far as this is concerned:
The world doesn't work the way you & your eco chamber circle of parrots think or hope it does.What? What does that have to do with you making really ignorant comments about "third world shitholes"? When was the last time you visited one of these "shitholes"?
I'm guessing never.
Quote from: SuzySpringfield on June 13, 2016, 01:02:32 PM
Why weren't Jacksonville's bridges lit up in support for Orlando last night? Hundreds of cities across the world participated, but not Jacksonville..
I know it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but I think it's fucking shameful.
I'm guessing it's because they only have blue or white lights on them. Just a hunch.
Quote from: acme54321 on June 13, 2016, 01:55:21 PM
Quote from: SuzySpringfield on June 13, 2016, 01:02:32 PM
Why weren't Jacksonville's bridges lit up in support for Orlando last night? Hundreds of cities across the world participated, but not Jacksonville..
I know it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but I think it's fucking shameful.
I'm guessing it's because they only have blue or white lights on them. Just a hunch.
The Acosta used to run rainbow colors. I've contacted PRI to see if anything could be loaned to the city as the responses from city council members have been ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Quote from: SuzySpringfield on June 13, 2016, 02:14:56 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on June 13, 2016, 01:55:21 PM
Quote from: SuzySpringfield on June 13, 2016, 01:02:32 PM
Why weren't Jacksonville's bridges lit up in support for Orlando last night? Hundreds of cities across the world participated, but not Jacksonville..
I know it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but I think it's fucking shameful.
I'm guessing it's because they only have blue or white lights on them. Just a hunch.
The Acosta used to run rainbow colors. I've contacted PRI to see if anything could be loaned to the city as the responses from city council members have been ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I mean, I've seen TONS of Jacksonville citizens donating blood for the victims in Orlando, as well as hundreds of people gathered in Memorial Park, but yeah, let's bitch about a bridge.
Quote from: Downtown Osprey on June 13, 2016, 02:17:00 PM
...but yeah, let's bitch about a bridge.
Plenty of conservatives bitched about this last summer:
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSSzoGjBlEaBAXfgwdQOVXPjgnUdKlXh6Jc-PgebdNCFr1AE3-qwQvWx5lY)
So it's only fair.
We had an amazing vigil last night in Memorial Park with hundreds of people listening to faith leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and others.
Blood donations are off the charts.
The media is focused on the LGBT community in a way like never before. I don't know if it's possible to light up bridges, but Jacksonville is doing everything I can imagine to show our solidarity with Orlando.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/candlelight-vigil-for-orlando-victims-set-for-7-pm-in-riverside
https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.midyette/posts/10157039992675230
And tonight, because there's no rest or time to mourn, we'll be at the Duval County School Board to support trans kids.
https://www.facebook.com/events/188491681548023/
I see this as a time to come together; not to be divisive and hateful.
Quote from: Downtown Osprey on June 13, 2016, 02:17:00 PM
Quote from: SuzySpringfield on June 13, 2016, 02:14:56 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on June 13, 2016, 01:55:21 PM
Quote from: SuzySpringfield on June 13, 2016, 01:02:32 PM
Why weren't Jacksonville's bridges lit up in support for Orlando last night? Hundreds of cities across the world participated, but not Jacksonville..
I know it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but I think it's fucking shameful.
I'm guessing it's because they only have blue or white lights on them. Just a hunch.
The Acosta used to run rainbow colors. I've contacted PRI to see if anything could be loaned to the city as the responses from city council members have been ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I mean, I've seen TONS of Jacksonville citizens donating blood for the victims in Orlando, as well as hundreds of people gathered in Memorial Park, but yeah, let's bitch about a bridge.
I'm usually bitching about how LGBT are treated like second class citizens, but yeah, today I'm going to bitch about how the representatives of this city have completely failed to show support to the Orlando victims. I already stated that it doesn't mean much in the long run, but it shows just how little they care. About lighting the bridges, about making it a priority to attend memorial events, about treating LGBT people as they would every other tax paying resident of this county by extending HRO protections to them.
Yeah, I'll be the asshole bitching about bridges while you be that guy bitching about me bitching about bridges.
Quote from: Jimmy on June 13, 2016, 02:25:14 PM
We had an amazing vigil last night in Memorial Park with hundreds of people listening to faith leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and others.
Blood donations are off the charts.
The media is focused on the LGBT community in a way like never before. I don't know if it's possible to light up bridges, but Jacksonville is doing everything I can imagine to show our solidarity with Orlando.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/candlelight-vigil-for-orlando-victims-set-for-7-pm-in-riverside
https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.midyette/posts/10157039992675230
And tonight, because there's no rest or time to mourn, we'll be at the Duval County School Board to support trans kids.
https://www.facebook.com/events/188491681548023/
I see this as a time to come together; not to be divisive and hateful.
Thank you, like I said, I feel like our city is doing it's part and will continue to do so, including myself. Far from being "fucking shameful" Just a bizarre take.
Quote from: Downtown Osprey on June 13, 2016, 02:34:52 PM
Just a bizarre take.
There's nothing bizarre about wanting some recognition from officialdom to go along with popular support.
I hear you. But it's not like people are sitting on their hands. More can be done. Come and do tonight at the School Board meeting.
Quote from: SuzySpringfield on June 13, 2016, 01:02:32 PM
Why weren't Jacksonville's bridges lit up in support for Orlando last night? Hundreds of cities across the world participated, but not Jacksonville..
Because the Acosta Bridge Lighting was turned off and disabled after it malfunctioned and stopped working and the Main St. Bridge is only one color.
Quote from: spuwho on June 12, 2016, 08:40:25 PM
Equality Florida is managing a GoFundMe account for the victims.
https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund
The goal is $1M. They are up to $879k at this posting.
Consider helping those or their families who have been impacted by the horrific event.
The goal has been raised to $3M and they have raised $2.4M dollars so far. This is great.
Between this and the blood donations, its proof that Americans do care about Americans.
Quote from: Steve on June 13, 2016, 06:22:57 PM
Quote from: SuzySpringfield on June 13, 2016, 01:02:32 PM
Why weren't Jacksonville's bridges lit up in support for Orlando last night? Hundreds of cities across the world participated, but not Jacksonville..
Because the Acosta Bridge Lighting was turned off and disabled after it malfunctioned and stopped working and the Main St. Bridge is only one color.
While every other big city invests in public infrastructure so they have options to light their bridges and buildings, we just have low taxes.
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 02:20:16 PM
Other than the fact that 'these guys' aren't the shooter here, I think.
The guy isn't religious, isn't Afghani, and is an American Citizen. Both his father and his ex wife are claiming that he's not a religious person.
He is young, kind of macho, and homophobic.
News channels interviewed a neighbor who claims that there is a group of gay men in the apartment complex that she saw him visiting frequently.
He was a man who married a woman and then beat her.
Pretty much all the signs point to a guy deep in the closet, with a build up of rage. It exhibited by beating the woman frequently, followed by anger and disgust with publicly gay people---all while hanging out with gay men in his private life---
My guess is he probably fully consummated some gay sex in such a way that he was on the verge of being exposed.
Speculation, of course, but thats my guess.
Looks like you were right:
http://gawker.com/orlando-shooter-was-reportedly-a-regular-at-pulse-and-h-1781920316
QuoteWhile every other big city invests in public infrastructure so they have options to light their bridges and buildings, we just have low taxes.
You have a choice to make, and doing nothing is also a choice.
I had planned to come to Orlando for a couple of days and got here today. The overall mood is a little gloomy and there seems to be less people around then normally. I hope people are not allowing this horrible tragedy to keep them away. As I was driving down one of the saddest stories for me was a report of the police telling how cell phones were constantly ringing among the dead. I can only imagine the heartbreak of the friends and family on the other end of the line. The local news at 11:30 was entirely about the shooting and there was a great interview with one of the club's bouncers who saved 60 or 70 people by risking his life to open a back exit.
I went to Mall of Milinea and the Gucci store was closed for the day. The first thing I thought about was the shooting. I found out later on that two of the employees had been victims of the shooting.
I'm rarely say things like this on this site. Bill O'Reilly on Stephen Colbert. HE IS AN ASSHOLE!
All of you right wingers out there know this, the NRA may as well have pulled the trigger Sunday morning.
Quote from: finehoe on June 13, 2016, 09:41:43 PM
Quote from: stephendare on June 12, 2016, 02:20:16 PM
Other than the fact that 'these guys' aren't the shooter here, I think.
The guy isn't religious, isn't Afghani, and is an American Citizen. Both his father and his ex wife are claiming that he's not a religious person.
He is young, kind of macho, and homophobic.
News channels interviewed a neighbor who claims that there is a group of gay men in the apartment complex that she saw him visiting frequently.
He was a man who married a woman and then beat her.
Pretty much all the signs point to a guy deep in the closet, with a build up of rage. It exhibited by beating the woman frequently, followed by anger and disgust with publicly gay people---all while hanging out with gay men in his private life---
My guess is he probably fully consummated some gay sex in such a way that he was on the verge of being exposed.
Speculation, of course, but thats my guess.
Looks like you were right:
http://gawker.com/orlando-shooter-was-reportedly-a-regular-at-pulse-and-h-1781920316
First. my heart aches for the victims and all of those affected by this senseless tragedy in my home state. And kudos to the community getting together donating blood, offering help, and standing in unison to show that hate never wins.
If this is indeed true about the shooter's secret closeted life then some of his motivations could be explained. He obviously had issues with women, very few close friends, and seemed to go really out of his way to show his disgust with homosexual behavior. He also seemed to be very familiar with the layout of this sprawling club even in low light, knew if and when security would be lax enough for him to bring an AR-15 assault rifle inside, and for a person who we thought could care less about Central Florida gay culture knew this would be one of the more heavily attended days for this club.
It's all speculation that will never be fully figured out, but this man had many personal, ethical, and societal conflicts he's been wrestling with his whole life causing this build-up and unleashing of this anger. Yes pride of heritage, how he chose to follow and interpret his faith, his sympathies to Islamist militants, anger against military/government policies and actions, family expectations, struggles with relationships, frustrations at achieving successes in life, hatred of certain groups of people and ultimately hatred of himself may all have been factors in this man's downward spiral. What disappoints me is how many people keep throwing out simplified causalities to explain his and others acting in this most spiteful way.
These are complex problems in a complex time with no all-encompassing solution, but I've learned that taking the time to educate myself about the issues, listening to many different viewpoints, asking questions, reaching out and having discussions, and being kind go a long way in dealing with such tragedies.
Bill O'Reilly is a freakin' idiot
Quote from: avonjax on June 13, 2016, 11:59:00 PM
Bill O'Reilly is a freakin' idiot
He's a business man like all the other pundits
Quote from: Adam White on June 12, 2016, 03:27:53 PM
It's probably a bit too soon for any of us to try to reach conclusions about the gunman's motivation(s).
As I was saying...
^ Your are right. I don't think the media is able to focus on the deeper and more uncomfortable realities of bigotry and homophobic hatred and the soaring American gun violence. It is so much easier to give a breathless 3 minute analysis on someone's ISIS posts than analyze why one day ago gun manufacturer stocks increased in value.
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 12:10:37 AMAnd of course, a fundamentalist denomination is a perfect environment to mask bipolarism. The extremes of emotion have a ready explanation, and often times, the behavior associated with bipolarism is interpreted (and rewarded) as being more spiritually in touch and/or closer to God.
I'd bet a lot of these radicals that commit these crimes have deep underlying psychological or emotional issues. They could be plain crazy like the Aurora-Newtown-Tucson shooters but use their religion as justification for their killings. They could also be hate filled for whatever reason and use their beliefs to commit these acts (and in their minds be rewarded) where most people that have that much hate wouldn't.
Quote from: Jumpinjack on June 14, 2016, 09:24:26 AM
^ Your are right. I don't think the media is able to focus on the deeper and more uncomfortable realities of bigotry and homophobic hatred and the soaring American gun violence. It is so much easier to give a breathless 3 minute analysis on someone's ISIS posts than analyze why one day ago gun manufacturer stocks increased in value.
I think people feel the need for there to be one, tidy 'answer' that explains everything. The world is rarely so cut and dry.
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 10:09:49 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on June 14, 2016, 09:41:35 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 12:10:37 AMAnd of course, a fundamentalist denomination is a perfect environment to mask bipolarism. The extremes of emotion have a ready explanation, and often times, the behavior associated with bipolarism is interpreted (and rewarded) as being more spiritually in touch and/or closer to God.
I'd bet a lot of these radicals that commit these crimes have deep underlying psychological or emotional issues. They could be plain crazy like the Aurora-Newtown-Tucson shooters but use their religion as justification for their killings. They could also be hate filled for whatever reason and use their beliefs to commit these acts (and in their minds be rewarded) where most people that have that much hate wouldn't.
Except there is no evidence that shows him to be a radical. Or religious.
There is a lot of evidence showing him to be bipolar, closeted gay, and a homophobe.
And of course, he's an American.
Closeted gay men beat, maim, and kill (sometimes brutally) gay men all the time, acme
I guess him telling the police over 911 that he was pledging his support to ISIS and the boston bombers doesn't count?
Quote from: acme54321 on June 14, 2016, 10:55:12 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 10:09:49 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on June 14, 2016, 09:41:35 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 12:10:37 AMAnd of course, a fundamentalist denomination is a perfect environment to mask bipolarism. The extremes of emotion have a ready explanation, and often times, the behavior associated with bipolarism is interpreted (and rewarded) as being more spiritually in touch and/or closer to God.
I'd bet a lot of these radicals that commit these crimes have deep underlying psychological or emotional issues. They could be plain crazy like the Aurora-Newtown-Tucson shooters but use their religion as justification for their killings. They could also be hate filled for whatever reason and use their beliefs to commit these acts (and in their minds be rewarded) where most people that have that much hate wouldn't.
Except there is no evidence that shows him to be a radical. Or religious.
There is a lot of evidence showing him to be bipolar, closeted gay, and a homophobe.
And of course, he's an American.
Closeted gay men beat, maim, and kill (sometimes brutally) gay men all the time, acme
I guess him telling the police over 911 that he was pledging his support to ISIS and the boston bombers doesn't count?
I wouldn't say it
doesn't count - but I'd argue that it's a bit premature to say
that was his motivation for the attacks.
Quote from: avonjax on June 13, 2016, 11:59:00 PM
Bill O'Reilly is a freakin' idiot
Agreed 100% & Fox News acts a lot like Inside Edition.
Quote from: Adam White on June 14, 2016, 10:57:43 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on June 14, 2016, 10:55:12 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 10:09:49 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on June 14, 2016, 09:41:35 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 12:10:37 AMAnd of course, a fundamentalist denomination is a perfect environment to mask bipolarism. The extremes of emotion have a ready explanation, and often times, the behavior associated with bipolarism is interpreted (and rewarded) as being more spiritually in touch and/or closer to God.
I'd bet a lot of these radicals that commit these crimes have deep underlying psychological or emotional issues. They could be plain crazy like the Aurora-Newtown-Tucson shooters but use their religion as justification for their killings. They could also be hate filled for whatever reason and use their beliefs to commit these acts (and in their minds be rewarded) where most people that have that much hate wouldn't.
Except there is no evidence that shows him to be a radical. Or religious.
There is a lot of evidence showing him to be bipolar, closeted gay, and a homophobe.
And of course, he's an American.
Closeted gay men beat, maim, and kill (sometimes brutally) gay men all the time, acme
I guess him telling the police over 911 that he was pledging his support to ISIS and the boston bombers doesn't count?
I wouldn't say it doesn't count - but I'd argue that it's a bit premature to say that was his motivation for the attacks.
Sure, but it probably has something to do with it. More than likely it's a combination of all the things mentioned here.
Quote from: acme54321 on June 14, 2016, 11:58:53 AM
Quote from: Adam White on June 14, 2016, 10:57:43 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on June 14, 2016, 10:55:12 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 10:09:49 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on June 14, 2016, 09:41:35 AM
Quote from: stephendare on June 14, 2016, 12:10:37 AMAnd of course, a fundamentalist denomination is a perfect environment to mask bipolarism. The extremes of emotion have a ready explanation, and often times, the behavior associated with bipolarism is interpreted (and rewarded) as being more spiritually in touch and/or closer to God.
I'd bet a lot of these radicals that commit these crimes have deep underlying psychological or emotional issues. They could be plain crazy like the Aurora-Newtown-Tucson shooters but use their religion as justification for their killings. They could also be hate filled for whatever reason and use their beliefs to commit these acts (and in their minds be rewarded) where most people that have that much hate wouldn't.
Except there is no evidence that shows him to be a radical. Or religious.
There is a lot of evidence showing him to be bipolar, closeted gay, and a homophobe.
And of course, he's an American.
Closeted gay men beat, maim, and kill (sometimes brutally) gay men all the time, acme
I guess him telling the police over 911 that he was pledging his support to ISIS and the boston bombers doesn't count?
I wouldn't say it doesn't count - but I'd argue that it's a bit premature to say that was his motivation for the attacks.
Sure, but it probably has something to do with it. More than likely it's a combination of all the things mentioned here.
I don't know - and as I think we've learned, it's probably best not to make too many assumptions.
Assuming he was radicalised, I guess we'd have to wonder if a) his religious views led him to commit an atrocity that he might not have normally committed as a garden-variety bigot or b) if his homophobia drove him to commit a terrorist act that he normally wouldn't have considered committing (even as a 'radicalised' muslim). Or if perhaps it was a combination of both - or maybe neither.
Again - people want easy answers. Maybe there aren't any.
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on June 14, 2016, 11:42:55 AM
Quote from: avonjax on June 13, 2016, 11:59:00 PM
Bill O'Reilly is a freakin' idiot
Agreed 100% & Fox News acts a lot like Inside Edition.
I have been traveling alot lately, what does Bill O'Reilly and Fox have to do with the killings in Orlando?
He wasnt there as far as I know.
Quote from: spuwho on June 14, 2016, 01:02:04 PM
He wasnt there as far as I know.
When has that ever been a condition for him to bloviate on a subject?
Quote from: finehoe on June 14, 2016, 01:23:57 PM
Quote from: spuwho on June 14, 2016, 01:02:04 PM
He wasnt there as far as I know.
When has that ever been a condition for him to bloviate on a subject?
I wish he would've been there. Maybe he would've caught a bullet and someone decent might've lived.
FOR SHAME.
http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2016-06-15/story/northeast-florida-republicans-say-it-not-appropriate-discuss-changes
Northeast Florida Republicans say it is not 'appropriate' to discuss changes in state gun laws
By Tia Mitchell Wed, Jun 15, 2016 @ 3:30 pm | updated Wed, Jun 15, 2016 @ 3:34 pm
The aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history is "not the appropriate time to create or debate public policy," according to a statement from 11 Republicans representing Northeast Florida in the Legislature.
The three senators and eight representatives issued a joint statement Wednesday in response to questions sent by The Florida Times-Union to the entire delegation about the need for certain controls on gun sales and their response to calls from Democratic colleagues to bring the issue up for debate as soon as the Legislature can convene.
Two of the three Democratic lawmakers in the Northeast Florida did respond.
State Rep. Mia Jones and Sen Audrey Gibson, both of Jacksonville, answered "yes" to the following questions:
Do you think people who are or have been on the terrorism watch list should be banned from purchasing guns in Florida?
Do you support closing loopholes in Florida that allow people to purchase guns without background checks, such as person-to-person purchases?
Do you think there should be a ban on the sale of assault rifles?
The fourth question was an open-ended one asking lawmakers to say whether they felt that now, in the wake of the of 49 deaths in Orlando, was the time to discuss policy.
The 11 lawmakers who signed the joint statement are: Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island; Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach; Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Elkton; Rep. Janet Adkins, R-Fernadina Beach; Rep. Travis Cummings, R-Fleming Island; Rep. Jay Fant, R-Jacksonville; Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville; Rep. Lake Ray, R-Jacksonville; Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast; Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, R-St. Johns; Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone.
Rep. Reggie Fullwood, D-Jacksonville, did not respond.
There's a pretty large discussion taking place on this topic in Skyscraperpage's current events section. It provides some perspective from how the rest of the country is reacting to the mass shooting. However, you have to be a member to view that section of the discussion board. Anyway, the Adkins guy isn't alone in saying some silly things about a tragedy.
QuotePastor Applauds Shooting Hours After Orlando Massacre
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A few short hours after 49 people were gunned down at a gay club in Orlando, Florida, Pastor Roger Jimenez delivered his sermon from his Sacramento pulpit.
"Hey, are you sad that 50 pedophiles were killed today? No ... I think that's great. I think that helps society. I think Orlando, Florida's a little safer tonight," he said to the crowd of believers in front of him.
A link on his church's Facebook page, Verity Baptist Church, directed viewers to the sermon on YouTube.
"It is unnatural for a man to be attracted to another man," he said as he preached for more than an hour.
"The tragedy is that more of them didn't die," he said.
http://fox2now.com/2016/06/14/baptist-pastor-on-orlando-attack-are-you-sad-that-50-pedophiles-were-killed-today/
Quote from: thelakelander on June 16, 2016, 07:21:07 AM
There's a pretty large discussion taking place on this topic in Skyscraperpage's current events section. It provides some perspective from how the rest of the country is reacting to the mass shooting. However, you have to be a member to view that section of the discussion board. Anyway, the Adkins guy isn't alone in saying some silly things about a tragedy.
QuotePastor Applauds Shooting Hours After Orlando Massacre
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A few short hours after 49 people were gunned down at a gay club in Orlando, Florida, Pastor Roger Jimenez delivered his sermon from his Sacramento pulpit.
"Hey, are you sad that 50 pedophiles were killed today? No ... I think that's great. I think that helps society. I think Orlando, Florida's a little safer tonight," he said to the crowd of believers in front of him.
A link on his church's Facebook page, Verity Baptist Church, directed viewers to the sermon on YouTube.
"It is unnatural for a man to be attracted to another man," he said as he preached for more than an hour.
"The tragedy is that more of them didn't die," he said.
http://fox2now.com/2016/06/14/baptist-pastor-on-orlando-attack-are-you-sad-that-50-pedophiles-were-killed-today/
I would like to be the fly on the wall in Pat Robertson's house? In the past he has come out with some real stupid things after shootings like this. Listen to the republicans a lot say Americans were killed not LGBT Americans. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/06/15/utah-lawmaker-offers-apology-lbgt-community/85958432/
Quote from: thelakelander on June 16, 2016, 07:21:07 AM
There's a pretty large discussion taking place on this topic in Skyscraperpage's current events section. It provides some perspective from how the rest of the country is reacting to the mass shooting. However, you have to be a member to view that section of the discussion board. Anyway, the Adkins guy isn't alone in saying some silly things about a tragedy.
QuotePastor Applauds Shooting Hours After Orlando Massacre
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A few short hours after 49 people were gunned down at a gay club in Orlando, Florida, Pastor Roger Jimenez delivered his sermon from his Sacramento pulpit.
"Hey, are you sad that 50 pedophiles were killed today? No ... I think that's great. I think that helps society. I think Orlando, Florida's a little safer tonight," he said to the crowd of believers in front of him.
A link on his church's Facebook page, Verity Baptist Church, directed viewers to the sermon on YouTube.
"It is unnatural for a man to be attracted to another man," he said as he preached for more than an hour.
"The tragedy is that more of them didn't die," he said.
http://fox2now.com/2016/06/14/baptist-pastor-on-orlando-attack-are-you-sad-that-50-pedophiles-were-killed-today/
This is just so low .... what a vile mind does someone need to have to make such a statement (and / or think that way)...leaves me speechless.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 16, 2016, 07:21:07 AM
There's a pretty large discussion taking place on this topic in Skyscraperpage's current events section. It provides some perspective from how the rest of the country is reacting to the mass shooting. However, you have to be a member to view that section of the discussion board. Anyway, the Adkins guy isn't alone in saying some silly things about a tragedy.
QuotePastor Applauds Shooting Hours After Orlando Massacre
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A few short hours after 49 people were gunned down at a gay club in Orlando, Florida, Pastor Roger Jimenez delivered his sermon from his Sacramento pulpit.
"Hey, are you sad that 50 pedophiles were killed today? No ... I think that's great. I think that helps society. I think Orlando, Florida's a little safer tonight," he said to the crowd of believers in front of him.
A link on his church's Facebook page, Verity Baptist Church, directed viewers to the sermon on YouTube.
"It is unnatural for a man to be attracted to another man," he said as he preached for more than an hour.
"The tragedy is that more of them didn't die," he said.
http://fox2now.com/2016/06/14/baptist-pastor-on-orlando-attack-are-you-sad-that-50-pedophiles-were-killed-today/
It's interesting .. almost amazing ... that in these modern times ... when knowledge and science is all about us, society must experience such an impact of material written many centuries ago, written when ignorance reigned with great power over so little knowledge.
There may never come a time when these believers finally let go of the strict interpretation of what was written centuries ago, followed with several translations. Both Muslims and Christians endure the consequences of the differing interpretations ... some still believing that the material was actually conveyed by one of the prophets or gods of the past.
The power of religious based belief is stunning ... is quite powerful upon the individual and society .... the predicament being that the essence of it cannot be refuted nor proven to be true. Unfortunately, to the detriment of society, lives and behavior swayed by substantial ignorance endures, resulting too often in the terrible consequences borne of that ignorance.
Perhaps one day we will come to the realization that some of these preachers must be prosecuted for some of the terrible consequences of their idiotic teachings, proclamations, and directives regarding belief and behavior. May one of the gods help us.
Quote from: ronchamblin on June 17, 2016, 01:07:15 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on June 16, 2016, 07:21:07 AM
There's a pretty large discussion taking place on this topic in Skyscraperpage's current events section. It provides some perspective from how the rest of the country is reacting to the mass shooting. However, you have to be a member to view that section of the discussion board. Anyway, the Adkins guy isn't alone in saying some silly things about a tragedy.
QuotePastor Applauds Shooting Hours After Orlando Massacre
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A few short hours after 49 people were gunned down at a gay club in Orlando, Florida, Pastor Roger Jimenez delivered his sermon from his Sacramento pulpit.
"Hey, are you sad that 50 pedophiles were killed today? No ... I think that's great. I think that helps society. I think Orlando, Florida's a little safer tonight," he said to the crowd of believers in front of him.
A link on his church's Facebook page, Verity Baptist Church, directed viewers to the sermon on YouTube.
"It is unnatural for a man to be attracted to another man," he said as he preached for more than an hour.
"The tragedy is that more of them didn't die," he said.
http://fox2now.com/2016/06/14/baptist-pastor-on-orlando-attack-are-you-sad-that-50-pedophiles-were-killed-today/
It's interesting .. almost amazing ... that in these modern times ... when knowledge and science is all about us, society must experience such an impact of material written many centuries ago, written when ignorance reigned with great power over so little knowledge.
There may never come a time when these believers finally let go of the strict interpretation of what was written centuries ago, followed with several translations. Both Muslims and Christians endure the consequences of the differing interpretations ... some still believing that the material was actually conveyed by one of the prophets or gods of the past.
The power of religious based belief is stunning ... is quite powerful upon the individual and society .... the predicament being that the essence of it cannot be refuted nor proven to be true. Unfortunately, to the detriment of society, lives and behavior swayed by substantial ignorance endures, resulting too often in the terrible consequences borne of that ignorance.
Perhaps one day we will come to the realization that some of these preachers must be prosecuted for some of the terrible consequences of their idiotic teachings, proclamations, and directives regarding belief and behavior. May one of the gods help us.
"The Power of religious based belief is stunning." To you an atheist why do you care and talk so much about God? Are you having second thoughts of becoming
human a christian. When you stand before God he will be the only one judging you. There is still time for your soul and heart to be filled with true love. In Jesus name Amen.
Quote from: ronchamblin on June 17, 2016, 01:07:15 AM
Perhaps one day we will come to the realization that some of these preachers must be prosecuted for some of the terrible consequences of their idiotic teachings, proclamations, and directives regarding belief and behavior.
If only...
Quote from: finehoe on June 13, 2016, 09:41:43 PM
Looks like you were right:
http://gawker.com/orlando-shooter-was-reportedly-a-regular-at-pulse-and-h-1781920316
But then, maybe not:
The New York Times, citing law enforcement officials, is reporting that the FBI. is "increasingly skeptical" of the widely-reported notion that Orlando gunman Omar Mateen was a gay man driven by self-loathing to kill other people like him.
The inquiry is in early stages but investigators apparently have come to suspect that reports by patrons of Pulse nightclub that Mateen had been visiting gay clubs or that he had used gay dating apps are either false or a case of mistaken identity. Mateen's wife, Noor Zahi Salman, accompanied the killer to Pulse before he stormed it in order to determine its vulnerabilities to an attack but he did not necessarily spend time there regularly.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/us/orlando-shooting.html
His wife was finally picked up.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/wife-of-gunman-in-orlando-terror-attack-is-arrested/ar-AAlV4xI?OCID=ansmsnnews11
yes we know he was secretly gay, and islam had nothing to do with it
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/06/20/many-outraged-reference-isil-omitted-orlando-911-transcript/86139678/
Quote from: civil42806 on January 16, 2017, 03:32:35 PM
His wife was finally picked up.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/wife-of-gunman-in-orlando-terror-attack-is-arrested/ar-AAlV4xI?OCID=ansmsnnews11
yes we know he was secretly gay, and islam had nothing to do with it
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/06/20/many-outraged-reference-isil-omitted-orlando-911-transcript/86139678/
Keep telling yourself that ... The gay community got everything it deserved at Pulse on account they predominantly vote in national elections based on social issues instead of national issues. Hopefully this wakes more gay people up that not being massacred is more important than wedding cakes
Please stop it
Quote from: aldermanparklover on January 16, 2017, 04:24:26 PM
The gay community got everything it deserved at Pulse on account they predominantly vote in national elections based on social issues instead of national issues. Hopefully this wakes more gay people up that not being massacred is more important than wedding cakes
Trolling is one thing, but statements like these are disturbing.
Quote from: coredumped on January 19, 2017, 12:49:34 PM
Quote from: aldermanparklover on January 16, 2017, 04:24:26 PM
The gay community got everything it deserved at Pulse on account they predominantly vote in national elections based on social issues instead of national issues. Hopefully this wakes more gay people up that not being massacred is more important than wedding cakes
Trolling is one thing, but statements like these are disturbing.
I agree...
Again, how long is this charade going to be allowed?