It is a hate crime.

[kentuck]

It was just a matter of time.

Since the election of Barack Obama in 2008, there have been groups of people that have spread their hatred and racism across this country. There are some in the media that have assisted them.

For those Americans that thought we had gone beyond the ugly hatred of the past with the election of the first African-American President, we were wrong. We must now ask, is it worse?

The terrible tragedy in South Carolina should be a warning to us all to the terrible truth that racism and hatred is still a big part of America's story.

Through the confusion and pain, we must understand that violence is not the solution. The answer is somewhere in our hearts.

[cali]

1. At the moment, I'm so shocked and heartsick

I don't care what it's labeled. Terrorism, hate crime. Undoubtedly. I just want them to catch the horror who did it- alive.

My heart goes out to the families, the congregation, the community, all AAs in this country and to our DU AA posters.

I can't quite wrap my mind yet around the depth and breadth of this nightmare act.

[kentuck]

2. It's chaotic.

Everyone is trying to assimilate.

[MohRokTah]

3. It was domestic terrorism in the 60s.

It's domestic terrorism now.

[davidpdx]

4. It is sad, but not surprising, that the election of the first AA president wasn't enough

to change the minds of some. But then again, you can't change the minds of those who are close minded and bigoted. It is TOO much to hope for. For most of these people racism is ingrained and they are unlikely to ever change their thinking.

I grew up in a small racist ass town of 18,000 (or it was at the time, it is now more like 23,000) in a rural area for the better part of my life prior until I was 18 (for the record I wasn't born there, I was born in California). Growing up there were very few AA in the community (or any minorities for that matter). When I was able to I got the fuck out of dodge and moved to a big city because I hated that place (still do). I was lucky to be able to meet people from all different backgrounds. Now I live abroad and married someone from a different culture.

I hate to say it, I'm better off as a minority here than I would be in most parts of the US. It is a sorry state of affairs.

[Gothmog]

5. Agreed -this was a hate crime

[onehandle]

6. It's also terrorism. When will Homeland Security address these weapons of mass destruction? nt

[hack89]

7. What do you want Homeland Security to do? nt