ACLU Statement on Boston Marathon Bombings

[ProSense]

ACLU Statement on Boston Marathon Bombings

American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Anthony D. Romero today released the following statement on the Boston Marathon tragedy:

Our hearts go out to the people of Massachusetts and to friends and families of those affected by this horrific act of violence, including first responders and law enforcement who have been injured or lost their lives as a result of this attack. As with any incident of this kind, initial reports can be inaccurate, leading to wrongful characterizations and stereotypes of certain groups. We urge the media, public and lawmakers to avoid jumping to conclusions about any suspects until all facts and evidence are gathered and thoroughly analyzed.

As we continue to receive information in the coming days and weeks, it is important to remember that Marathon runners and supporters, as well as first responders, people who provided key evidence to the authorities and those injured or killed because of these senseless acts, were of different nationalities, ethnic and racial backgrounds, ideologies and religions.

Our nation needs to stay the course and judge people by their actions and their character, rather than the color of their skin or their religion or beliefs. This is what makes America great.

http://www.aclu.org/organization-news-and-highlights/aclu-statement-boston-marathon-bombings-0

Oh, it's only just beginning.

Muslim Woman Attacked After Conservatives Repeat False Speculation About ‘Dark-Skinned Suspects’
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/04/19/1896921/muslim-woman-attacked-after-conservatives-repeat-false-speculation-about-dark-skinned-suspects/

[kelliekat44]

1. I think it is fair to say that the nation has judged them by their actions. nt

[ProSense]

2. Yes, and a few innocent people will also be judged by some idiots. n/t

[Loge23]

3. Keeping perspective

One of the many disturbing occurrences this past week was what I believe the first time in my lifetime that I saw a major city entirely shut down for what was essentially a routine criminal investigation. I say "essentially" because none of us really know if this was the act of two criminals or - as we have been fed by the irresponsible and inept media - that it was a part of a wider conspiracy.

So how do you feel about that? We now shut down major cities for police action. This alone has enormous implications for what once was a government by and for the people. Worse, if we did a poll today on this fact, it would arguably be overwhelmingly in favor of imposing martial law - anything - as long as the monsters under the bed are caught. What have we become?

I now wonder if there will be the obligatory televised benefit concert for the victims? We have already had impromptu breakouts of "Sweet Caroline" and "U-S-A,U-S-A" chanting - simple responses to the simple comprehension of the event.

Meanwhile, no word from the 27 victims at Newtown - apparently yesterdays news now we've effectively replaced mentally-challenged white kids with access to assault weapons with our real enemies - those foreign Muslims. We'll seal-off major cities on the suggestion alone and besides, we don't mess with the NRA.

And how about those pesky government regulators interfering with our "constitutional" right to operate free enterprise? That toll is up to 14 with as many as another 3 or 4 dozen unaccounted for.

So all of us can breathe a sigh of relief that the two (2) bad guys are dead/caught and the U-S-A has prevailed. Damn their "rights" - they are only for us, for now.

[KittyWampus]

6. were you this "concerned" when they shut down air traffic after September 11th?

Oh, and It. Was. Voluntary.

[randome]

7. "...essentially a routine criminal investigation..."

That is incredibly short-sighted and ridiculous. NOTHING was 'essentially routine' about the murder and permanent maiming of nearly 200 people!

I already know you are far removed from Boston because it's so easy for you to, essentially, tell them they did everything wrong.

[dballance]

4. I Think the Point is to STOP Doing Things Like the NY Post Did on Its Cover

Basically trying and convicting those two innocent men with the quote "Bag Men" during a time when it was being reported that the bombs were hidden in backpacks (aka bags). Which was made all that much easier because they were dark-skinned and middle-eastern looking. That perfectly fit the meme that many, many people wanted to believe - that the bombers must be middle-eastern, arabic terrorists.

[ProSense]

5. Kick! n/t