header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina
| Tuesday, Jul 21, 2015

joemessinamugWe lost five of our finest last week. Five young men who served our country. Three came back from tours overseas and continued their service, encouraging others to do the same.

I have spoken to many of these young men and women, asking them why they serve. Why put your life on the line for a cause they often don’t seem to get much support for?

The answer is always the same, and it’s never the pay. Nope. Not the benefits, not the education or housing or food. It has nothing to do with seeing the world or those great uniforms they get. What would possess these young people to serve?

Their answer is always: “We love this country, sir.” They usually go on to say they want to protect the freedoms this country offers all its citizens and that they still believe this is the best country on the planet.

They never complain about a living wage, living arrangements, work hours, time off, Internet access or sleeping accommodations because they love what they do and they believe they are doing the right thing.

Do you know where the largest concentration of military recruits comes from? The South. Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina. Tennessee, Texas, and so on. In the South, approximately 7 out of every 1,000 people enlist, as opposed to less than 3 out of every 1,000 from California, New York and Massachusetts.

We’ve been pummeling Southerners for being racists, yet their actions prove they love this country (and ALL of the people in it) enough to make what could be the ultimate sacrifice. Meanwhile, some of those “other” states can only complain about the country and those “racists.”

Some of our service personnel are seriously injured, yet they can’t wait to get back to the battlefield. And then there are those who simply can’t go back to the battlefield.

How do we honor these people who give their lives for us? By not protecting them. We honor them by ignoring the real and present danger. In other words … we don’t honor them at all.

We don’t honor them until it’s too late. We give them medals for coming home with missing limbs. We honor them by giving a flag to their families when they pay the ultimate sacrifice. We honor them by considering lowering standards for certain groups of people to get in because it’s politically correct (something our military never should be). We honor them by turning what was the most respected military force on the planet into a military you might be able to count on if the higher-ups give the order in time to make a difference. That’s not honor.

And now, our president further dishonors our military by not acknowledging what really happened in Chattanooga. Five military men were gunned down by an ISIS sympathizer on American soil, and our president calls it an isolated incident by a “lone gunman.”

I’ve gone from giving him the benefit of the doubt to calling it what it is: This President is delusional.

He must mean it’s an isolated incident like those Boston Bombing cowards. You know, those two young men with Muslim extremist connections? Sure. It’s that kind of an isolated incident.

How about a few other isolated incidents?

September 2014, Oklahoma: A Sharia advocate beheads a woman after calling for Islamic terror and posting an Islamist beheading photo.

June 2014, West Orange, N.J.: A 19-year-old college student is shot to death “in revenge” for Muslim deaths overseas.

June 2014, Seattle, Wash.: Two homosexuals are murdered by an Islamic extremist.

April 2014, Skyway, Wash.: A 30-year-old man is murdered by a Muslim fanatic.

Since 9/11 we have had almost 50 attacks on U.S. soil in the name of Islam or in the name of ISIS. Another 30-plus were stopped before they occurred.

Most of the attackers yelled “Praise to Allah” before committing these acts. Yet the incidences have been deemed everything from workplace violence to single acts of deranged people.

We can still buy ISIS flags and get ISIS-themed cakes made. There is no resounding noise or uprising to ban the ISIS flag image like there was after the single shooting incident in Charleston, S.C.

When Dylan Roof gunned down nine black people in that church in Charleston, you would have thought from the subsequent media coverage that he was speaking for all people associated with the Confederate flag and that shootings associated with a Confederate flag were a regular occurrence that had to be stopped, NOW. He never yelled “Long live the South” or “The South will rise again” or any other “racist” chant while doing so. Overwhelmingly, the American populace, including Southerners, denounced his actions. His only real connection to the Confederate flag was that he was pictured with it, but it became the central focus. And the fallout from that one shooting continues with Civil War memorials being removed and soldiers being exhumed.

One racially motivated incident by one deranged shooter who happened to be photographed with a Confederated battle flag causes such furor that history is actively rewritten in right in front of us.

Compare that to 50 attacks on U.S. soil by Islamic extremists. Are there any calls to ban the flag? Nope. That ISIS flag is still easy to find here in the USA.

What is this double standard? Why do some atrocities simply draw a gasp while others incite riots? And why do some groups always seems get a pass?

I’ve come to the conclusion: If you are white and commit a crime using a gun, you are tagged a “right-wing, conservative, gun-loving, homophobic, bigoted racist” and represent all in the “White (fill in the blank)” category.

But if you happen to be a “devoted Muslim, with beheading videos and ISIS propaganda all over your home and in your computer” and are even writing blogs encouraging others to join the cause, you are a “lone wolf” with no ties to any other Muslim extremists.

There’s no pattern here.

There isn’t enough booze or drugs to make that garbage make sense.

Speak out and speak up. Be the non-violent “lone wolf” and make a difference by speaking the truth.

 

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also an elected member of the Hart School Board. His commentary publishes Mondays.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

12 Comments

  1. Lee Uber Lee Uber says:

    No need to try and justify your disgusting xenophobia, Joe. Just say that people who aren’t white Christians scare you and be done with it.

  2. Benghazi Joe at it again.

  3. I hope we have female and people of color as our Presidents of The US until this racist bafoon dies. Just to piss him off. This guy has no idea what the real world is like or what happens over his 16 ft high white picket fence in his front yard.

  4. Dave Warburton says:

    Pres. Obama has nothing to do with wacko extremists of any stripe. Nor does Boehner or McConnell, either for that matter. We live in a time when Muslim extremism is unfortunately prevalent and we are going to have occasional spillover of it from its main source, the Middle East. All western countries are in a similar position. All we can do is be alert and try to shut down individual threats wherever and whenever we can. They cannot be stopped, only controlled to a greater or lesser degree.

  5. It helps to weaken ISIL and other extremist groups by not giving them legitimacy or credit.

  6. You might want to wait until the investigation is finished before you “dishonor” the president for his actions. He has given his condolences to the family and talks about the investigation in this interview http://www.msnbc.com/the-ed-show/watch/pres.-obama–tn-shooting-is-heartbreaking-485710915559

  7. Betty Arenson says:

    Good research, Joe. Thank you for recognizing those who sign up to protect America and those within. Among the proud and brave, count one of my grandsons (new join) and a grandson-in-law…who hopes to re-up a SECOND time soon—after TWO Afghan deployments! Both Marines.
    Semper Fi.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
SCVNews.com