topic Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose in Community Chat

Bomber(s) on the Loose

surfk — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:37:58 GMT

I live in northern NM, Santa Fe, but this morning in southern New Mexico, two churches were targets of bombings.

Fortunately, the bombs seem to have been small and there were no injuries, although one church had building damage.

One bomb went off near a Baptist church as congregants began to show up for services. The other hit a Catholic church during services, blowing out its glass entranceway.

Both appear to be incendiary devices set in a similar manner.

Now they're further reporting that a Christian church in Albuquerque has just been evaculated due to a suspicious package there.

It so sad that when people gather to pray - no matter the faith or the church or the religion - they're targeted by those who would see and prefer chaos and death.

There may be nothing more lurid in this world than the slaughter of schoolchildren in their school houses or of the innocent as they gather in their places of worship.

Its also why no matter the specifics of any one event, we all must always stand in solidarity with one another because no one is ever free of being the next target.

It was so wonderful to see the country come together so swiftly and clearly when the tragedy occurred in Charleston, SC. I mean, while that was a horrific event, the response was heartening. It demonstrates that there is more good in this world than bad. And that good will always triumph...no matter how badly the bad try to make it bad for everyone.

Anyway, if you could all just think about my little New Mexico brothers and sisters today, that would be nice. Thanks.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

Mominohio — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:19:30 GMT

I'll have to ask what is on everyone's mind.

What are we coming to as a nation, when people can't even worship in peace and safety?

We seriously need to address what we are doing to allow, people to believe that this is even an option. What are we not doing, that we used to, when this wasn't such a common occurrence? What do we need to do, to make sure those who would mean harm this way, find it not worth the punishment?

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

ROMARY — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:25:01 GMT

I had similar thoughts about the future drones that will be flying around haphazardly:..........that one day we will all be staying at home, trying to keep somewhat safe, more or less. All we can do is hope for the best.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

Bird mama — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:30:58 GMT

@surfk I am so sorry to read this. Honestly, I don't know what's wrong with people. A church, regardless of denomination is supposed to be sacred ground, a sanctuary, a refuge.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

jaxs mom — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:35:35 GMT

Reuters is saying it was two churches in Las Cruces, one a Baptist church and the other a Catholic church both of which had worshippers in attendance but both bombs were outside one in a trash can another in a mailbox IIRC. No one was injured.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

surfk — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:54:35 GMT

@JAXS mom wrote:
Reuters is saying it was two churches in Las Cruces, one a Baptist church and the other a Catholic church both of which had worshippers in attendance but both bombs were outside one in a trash can another in a mailbox IIRC. No one was injured.

And the one in the Catholic church went off just as people were receiving Communion. That one blew out the front entrance.

The one in the Baptist church hit so close as to cause everyone's ears to ring.

People can be anywhere in and around a church in a Sunday morning, in particular. Its just amazing that no one was hurt really.

And now there was a 3rd church evacuated in Albuquerque.

Such easy targets - always the easy choice for total cowards.

After the bombing this morning, the pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Monsignor John Anderson, stayed with his parishoners in an emergency services staging area:

The look in this little girl's face says everything as she made a sign to tell others that there would be no masses at the church today:

And this isn't a religious matter necessarily. I mean, in these cases, it can be presumed its some statement about something religious perhaps. But obviously its not about any particular denomination or focused target.

Instead its how anyone is vulnerable at any time - from churches to mosques to synagogues to schools to malls to Parisian comix magazines. It why as horrible as it all is or can be, if everyone could come to the same conclusion that we're ALL potential targets, there would be more tolerance and love for all. Since we are nothing but each part of the "all" in the end.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

PamfromCT — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 01:17:07 GMT

Yet another terribly sad day for America. Let's hope those responsible can be quickly apprehended.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

Sushismom — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 01:57:48 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
I'll have to ask what is on everyone's mind.

What are we coming to as a nation, when people can't even worship in peace and safety?

We seriously need to address what we are doing to allow, people to believe that this is even an option. What are we not doing, that we used to, when this wasn't such a common occurrence? What do we need to do, to make sure those who would mean harm this way, find it not worth the punishment?

This isn't new. Not at all. What about the church bombing in Birmingham back in 1963 that killed 4 girls? Or the Atlanta Temple bombing in 1958?

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

Puzzle Piece — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 02:06:25 GMT

Sorry for the disruption of services in your state. Seems there's a kook on the loose and when they are caught (because they will be), it will be for some petty motive only they understand.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

Lila Belle — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 02:09:39 GMT

So glad no lives were lost.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

Karen s w — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 02:24:38 GMT

We need a different kind of security, as in the border . We have no idea who gets in here . I don't understand the billions spent on terrorist and they've done a good job but it's not enough .

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

surfk — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 04:18:23 GMT

@Puzzle Piece wrote:
Sorry for the disruption of services in your state. Seems there's a kook on the loose and when they are caught (because they will be), it will be for some petty motive only they understand.

Oh, I agree. All too often the culprits of such acts are just kooks or someone doing something which he or she personally considers to be "fun and exciting".

But it still remains that anyone is a target - whether of a grand, international scheme or of just a buncha loser teenagers gone wild or of an individual with some personal agenda of his or her own.

I mean, we seem to get so accustomed to thinking that unless an event is ISIS or the like, its all just so much isolated nothing or juvenile idiocy.

But when a bomb of any sort rips through MY house or blows my legs off, I really won't care who the culprit was or what their reasons were.

Its why, while its maybe more dramatic to think these things have some huge political or religious plot (and organization) behind it all, its almost SCARIER to think or to find out its "just" random acts of murderous violence perpetuated either for kicks or due to some idiosyncratic motivation.

Its in fact the hometown thrill bombers/killers and sick, disgruntled, angry, vengeance-seeking people who seem to be most on the rise in America.

There is a lot of anger and twisted minds right here in America. We don't even have to wait for it to come from another source or to be attacked from the "outside".

In a PERHAPS related set of issues - if indeed these are the acts of "just" thrill seekers or some isolated nut - last year in Albuquerque, three teens murdered three homeless men as they slept. Just for "fun".

Just a couple of weeks ago, in another incident, a purple SUV tossed a live fireworks (not a fire cracker) out the window at a homeless person as he, too, slept -setting the homeless person ablaze. He lived but suffered horrific burns. The purple SUV just sped away...having had its jollies.

So even if these church bombings are rooted in something like that, they're still horrible, murderous and maybe even a little scarier than something predictable and with more intent of message.

I think one reason these sorts of incidents do go on and recur so frequently is because everyone is so conditoned to be "relieved" its not some terrorist organization or ISIS behind it. It seems everything short of that is given some sort of a pass or isn't taken as truly serious as it is.

After all, even as thrill-seeking lark, its still an act of terrorism and attempted murder. I think we need to shift our focus upon the results or the intent rather than upon who did it or why sometimes.

Because clearly, short of a political or religious fanatical organization behind it all, the other culprits of such acts (even on a different or smaller scale) get the message that their acts, in comparison, are no big deal.

But they ARE a big deal.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

surfk — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:14:53 GMT

Authorities this morning are saying that these bombings were neither random nor isolated "lets blow something up" pranks.

The first theory was that they may have been made from fireworks (not firecrackers). But placed into mental containers (a mail box and a garbage can), of course, such becomes a bigger bomb.

Instead they are saying they were made of something else (not saying what). And that they were intended or built to cause great (bodily) harm. They were bombs set to destroy and/or kill people.

They are referring to it in general terms as a "terrorist acts", although not identifying in any way who might be behind it. But even if its just "homegrown ire" its terror.

They ask anyone with any info to contact the FBI

The OTHER two bomb scares here yesterday in NM fortunately turned out to be less spectacular.

The one in Albuquerque at a church was a suspicious package containing books.

The other, at a church outside of Albuquerque was a suspicious suitcase. Inside, bomb experts found clothes...but they also found a group of teens hanging out on the side of the building. Its unclear if they think there might have been some connection (kids just hanging out? Kids donating clothes? Kids leaving a suspicious suitcase as a copycat joke??).

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

giraffe77 — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:21:50 GMT

Prayers for NM. In the last days, perilous times will come ... I think occurrences such as this will be more common. In our church's foyer, we patrol the entryway during services .... so sad this has to happen in a place of worship!

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

sfnative — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:37:05 GMT

To honestly look at the big picture here, I'd like to have a panel of neutral psychologists and psychiatrists "analyze" the state of our country. That is one 3,000 page document that I'd glom onto and read cover to cover with great interest.

We have a lot to answer for, yet no answers. We need help, but must first admit that something of great import is terribly wrong.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

Mominohio — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 19:09:42 GMT

@Sushismom wrote:

@Mominohio wrote:
I'll have to ask what is on everyone's mind.

What are we coming to as a nation, when people can't even worship in peace and safety?

We seriously need to address what we are doing to allow, people to believe that this is even an option. What are we not doing, that we used to, when this wasn't such a common occurrence? What do we need to do, to make sure those who would mean harm this way, find it not worth the punishment?

This isn't new. Not at all. What about the church bombing in Birmingham back in 1963 that killed 4 girls? Or the Atlanta Temple bombing in 1958?

I didn't say new. I said more commonly occurring. And it has never been right or acceptable, but I believe were are on the cusp of this becoming more frequent here in the states now.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

surfk — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 19:37:27 GMT

@sfnative wrote:
To honestly look at the big picture here, I'd like to have a panel of neutral psychologists and psychiatrists "analyze" the state of our country. That is one 3,000 page document that I'd glom onto and read cover to cover with great interest.

We have a lot to answer for, yet no answers. We need help, but must first admit that something of great import is terribly wrong.

I completely agree. I think that there must exist numerous studies or profiles of the United States out there. I think though that not many of the findings would go over very well with most Americans.

For some reason, the image of Jack Nicholson comes to mind, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

If a truly objective, well-documented study with tremendous prestige were to be revealed, could THE PEOPLE handle it?

Even in bits and pieces, we see how so many people bristle at any hint of the truth regarding certain subjects. We don't like to hear ANYTHING negative about ourselves...even as we can all see the massive problems increasing and falling out into the streets daily.

For the most part - and maybe its natural of any Peoples - Americans (collectively) like to talk a lot about ourselves but we don't like to really look at ourselves too closely.

I think it is part of why we seem to always be repeating the same failures. There is some disconnect between our perceived selves and the truth of who we are (many times).

And we have no one really guiding the populace into a greater sense of the genuine state of affairs (internally). We have politicians stroking for votes. We have advertisers stroking for dollars. We have massive lobbying groups asserting agendas which keep the truth confused with their goals. We make it politically INcorrect to even question certain things.

Little wonder we're always "amazed" by yet another attack or bombing or shooting or whatever else. But its getting harder to continue to pretend or deny as these sorts of events are occurring with greater frequency and more virulence than ever.

Something is wrong - really wrong. You just wonder who it will be to have the strength of conviction to point it out and to guide people into a greater facing of the truth about ourselves as a nation?

My theory is that as no one is doing it - we see it coming from THE PEOPLE themselves (ourselves). Ultimately its always US who have to draw the line and call things for what they are. Because its never going to come from politicians, media, lobbyists, advertisers or any other source which relies on the public maintaining a shallow or false image of itself.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

surfk — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 19:32:29 GMT

@cottageHill wrote:
Prayers for NM. In the last days, perilous times will come ... I think occurrences such as this will be more common. In our church's foyer, we patrol the entryway during services .... so sad this has to happen in a place of worship!

Its a sad statement but its even why for centuries the Swiss Guard stands outside in front of St. Peter's in Rome. They are an army, after all.

I guess if people continue to do nothing, we'll one day need a National Guardsman at every door of every place of worship (fortunately it will be on their days off from standing guard at the daycare centers).

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

Mominohio — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 19:41:26 GMT

@surfk wrote:
@sfnative wrote:
To honestly look at the big picture here, I'd like to have a panel of neutral psychologists and psychiatrists "analyze" the state of our country. That is one 3,000 page document that I'd glom onto and read cover to cover with great interest.

We have a lot to answer for, yet no answers. We need help, but must first admit that something of great import is terribly wrong.
I completely agree. I think that there must exist numerous studies or profiles of the United States out there. I think though that not many of the findings would go over very well with most Americans.

For some reason, the image of Jack Nicholson comes to mind, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

If a truly objective, well-documented study with trmembdous prestige were to be revealed, could THE PEOPLE handle it?

Even in bits and pieces, we see how so many people bristle at any hint of the truth regarding certain subjects. We don't like to hear ANYTHING negative about ourselves...even as we can all see the massive problems increasing and falling out into the streets daily.

For the most part - and maybe its natural of any Peoples - Americans (collectively) like to talk a lot about ourselves but we don't like to really look at ourselves too closely.

I think it is part of why we seem to always be repeating the same failures. There is some disconnect between our perceived selves and the truth of who we are (many times).

And we have no one really guiding the populace into a greater sense of the genuine state of affairs (internally). We have politicians stroking for votes. We have advertisers stroking for dollars. We have massive lobbying groups asserting agendas which keep the truth confused with their goals. We make it politically INcorrect to even question certain things.

Little wonder we're always "amazed" by yet another attack or bombing or shooting or whatever else. But its getting harder to continue to pretend or deny as these sorts of events are occurring with greater frequency and more virulence than ever.

Something is wrong - really wrong. You just wonder who it will be to have the strength of conviction to point it out and to guide people into a greater facing of the truth about ourselves as a nation?

My theory is that as no one is doing it - we see it coming from THE PEOPLE themselves (ourselves). Ultimately its always US who have to draw the line and call things for what they are. Because its never going to come from politicians, media, lobbyists, advertisers or any other source which relies on the public maintaining a shallow or false image of itself.

Very accurate and insightful, both posts.

And I think other complications arise as we seem as a nation to be more divided now than ever before. When I grew up in the 1960's (and in all the post WW II era before that) we saw ourselves as one nation, one people. We have always been diverse, but there was something about coming here and living here that made people feel as one.

I don't think we do, to an extent, any longer. Many of those factions mentioned above (politicians, lobbies, 'religous' leaders) work increasingly harder to pit us against one another. TPTB want us divided by race (funny, as we blend the races more, they want us to feel more divided), by socio economic group, by heritage, by educational level, by any means to keep us at odds with each other. Everyone is a (something)-American. Not just and American, and not an American-(something) So we are fighting amongst ourselves, and then we allow ourselves to look weak and divide for those from without who may wish to strike.

Couple this with those here that are just plain mentally ill, and it sets us up for very dangerous posibilities.

Re: Bomber(s) on the Loose

sfnative — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 21:31:04 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
@surfk wrote:
@sfnative wrote:
To honestly look at the big picture here, I'd like to have a panel of neutral psychologists and psychiatrists "analyze" the state of our country. That is one 3,000 page document that I'd glom onto and read cover to cover with great interest.

We have a lot to answer for, yet no answers. We need help, but must first admit that something of great import is terribly wrong.
I completely agree. I think that there must exist numerous studies or profiles of the United States out there. I think though that not many of the findings would go over very well with most Americans.

For some reason, the image of Jack Nicholson comes to mind, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

If a truly objective, well-documented study with trmembdous prestige were to be revealed, could THE PEOPLE handle it?

Even in bits and pieces, we see how so many people bristle at any hint of the truth regarding certain subjects. We don't like to hear ANYTHING negative about ourselves...even as we can all see the massive problems increasing and falling out into the streets daily.

For the most part - and maybe its natural of any Peoples - Americans (collectively) like to talk a lot about ourselves but we don't like to really look at ourselves too closely.

I think it is part of why we seem to always be repeating the same failures. There is some disconnect between our perceived selves and the truth of who we are (many times).

And we have no one really guiding the populace into a greater sense of the genuine state of affairs (internally). We have politicians stroking for votes. We have advertisers stroking for dollars. We have massive lobbying groups asserting agendas which keep the truth confused with their goals. We make it politically INcorrect to even question certain things.

Little wonder we're always "amazed" by yet another attack or bombing or shooting or whatever else. But its getting harder to continue to pretend or deny as these sorts of events are occurring with greater frequency and more virulence than ever.

Something is wrong - really wrong. You just wonder who it will be to have the strength of conviction to point it out and to guide people into a greater facing of the truth about ourselves as a nation?

My theory is that as no one is doing it - we see it coming from THE PEOPLE themselves (ourselves). Ultimately its always US who have to draw the line and call things for what they are. Because its never going to come from politicians, media, lobbyists, advertisers or any other source which relies on the public maintaining a shallow or false image of itself.
Very accurate and insightful, both posts.

And I think other complications arise as we seem as a nation to be more divided now than ever before. When I grew up in the 1960's (and in all the post WW II era before that) we saw ourselves as one nation, one people. We have always been diverse, but there was something about coming here and living here that made people feel as one.

I don't think we do, to an extent, any longer. Many of those factions mentioned above (politicians, lobbies, 'religous' leaders) work increasingly harder to pit us against one another. TPTB want us divided by race (funny, as we blend the races more, they want us to feel more divided), by socio economic group, by heritage, by educational level, by any means to keep us at odds with each other. Everyone is a (something)-American. Not just and American, and not an American-(something) So we are fighting amongst ourselves, and then we allow ourselves to look weak and divide for those from without who may wish to strike.

Couple this with those here that are just plain mentally ill, and it sets us up for very dangerous posibilities.

This is a substantive piece in its entirety. My hope is that people will not pass it by.