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 4
1940 - NYC premiere of "The Marines Fly High" starring Lucille Ball, filmed in Placerita Canyon [story] Marines Fly High


The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina
| Monday, Jun 13, 2016

joemessinamugIt’s Sunday morning, and I’m watching coverage of the horrendous act carried out by a Muslim extremist. Yes, I say that because just before he committed the act, he yelled, “Allahu Akbar,” ISIS has claimed credit for it, and the FBI is in charge of the “terrorist” investigation.

But – that still won’t be enough for some.

The shooter, I mean killer, had been investigated or interviewed three times by the FBI. After many of his co-workers “saw something and said something,” they interviewed him and let him go because there wasn’t enough to hold him. OK. Strike one.

Then his wife divorced him because he started to show “extreme Islamic tendencies” and even started getting violent with her. In an interview with The Washington Post, she said: “He was not a stable person. … He beat me. He would just come home and start beating me up because the laundry wasn’t finished or something like that.”

She reported him. He was again interviewed by the FBI. Still nothing. Strike Two.

He was then interviewed again in 2014. The agent in charge said all interviews were “non-conclusive.” I wonder what that means?

Given the reluctance of the current administration to call these things what they are or single out any Middle Easterner or Muslim as a possible terrorist, I wonder if things were overlooked on purpose?

FBI agent Hopper stated: “Mateen was not under surveillance or the subject of an active investigation at the time of the shooting.” Why not?

He had many connections, ties and relationships with “terrorism.” Mateen was interviewed in 2014 (one of the three times 3 I mentioned above) because of his ties to an American man who was planning to drive an explosive-filled truck into a restaurant in Syria for an al-Qaida affiliate. Mateen and the suicide bomber, Monar abu Salha, attended the same mosque and were “friendly.” No cause for alarm? Maybe they just had a common love for chemistry.

Chief John Mina of the Orlando Police Department said, “It appears he (Mateen) was organized and well-prepared.” So how is this simply a gun issue?

The president chose to bring the issue about guns to the forefront again. Why? He got the guns legally through a federal and state gun check because there was nothing in the system about him being interviewed by the FBI or about the violent actions toward his wife.

Nope. No action against someone who fits the profile. And that popping sound you hear is liberal heads popping over the word “profile” because it’s sooo much more important to be politically correct than to keep people, Americans, safe.

Maybe if we would truly identify people with these “attributes” and allow the FBI to do their jobs we would have at least 50-plus Americans still alive.

While the left immediately blamed Republicans and their lack of movement on gun control, they have still yet to provide one single program to stop these killings; nor do they suggest we actually enforce current laws.

We just lost 50 Americans. Political correctness needs to stop. Call it what it is. The two worst killings of American citizens on American soil were committed by radial, Muslim extremists in the name of Allah. Period. Yes, there are America-loving Muslims and their families here in this country and I thank them for their patriotism.

However, for those politically correct, open-border-loving cowards I say: Stop hating America. If these horrendous attacks are being done by a certain group then, then yes, by all means we should be looking at and be more aware of what that certain group is and is not doing. We shouldn’t be afraid to do what we need to do and should do to protect the American people – all of them.

This inaction is as ludicrous as New York Mayor DeBrainiak stopping the “stop and frisk” program because it was profiling and then denying the sharp increase in crimes in those neighborhoods where it had stopped. As if it had nothing to do with it.

This is the story of the left … Protect everyone but Americans.

I don’t care what ethnicity, religion, color, size, height or weight you are. If you give us cause for alarm, we should be allowed to do what we need to do to ensure all Americans are protected.

America first. Period.

 

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.

34 Comments

  1. Diane Babko says:

    Why do you make this tragic event into a RepublicanDemocrat thing? It’s a horrible loss of human lives that should not provide you or anybody with an opportunity to point fingers. Let’s keep assault weapons out of everybody’s hands. Period. Nobody needs them.

  2. Jose Franco says:

    this guy always looks like he’s proud of what he left in the toilet.

  3. And yet, those on the terrorist watch list can still legally buy assault weapons……who is to blame for that? The money hungry, blood on their hands, NRA whores who “represent” us. There’s plenty of blame to throw around! We also need to call this a hate crime, hate against the gay community. Joe knows a little about that. Sadly, Congress (republicans) will still do nothing. They did absolutely nothing when innocent 6 year olds were murdered by a WHITE TERRORIST, so I highly doubt they care about the gay community. We MUST vote #gunsense this fall. The NRA whores have to go.

  4. Yea so in the mean time lets give this Wacko a job in security and a couple Automatic Weapons.
    What could go wrong !
    This is a Great Example of a Failed system that the republican party of 2016 Fails to address. Stupid Americans . Wake the F up !

  5. This was a man who was born in NY. He is a man whose ex-wife said was violent and crazy. He is a man whose father said that he saw two men kissing and decided to hate homosexuals. And yet he was a security guard and had no problem getting access legally to a semi automatic assault rifle. And all you get out of that was that political correctness killed 50. Your cynicism is palpable.

  6. I’ve seen this picture. It’s right next to the extremist that killed 50 Americans yesterday. They both are on the side of stupid. We neither one of them worth listening too. Yet one had to massacre 50 Americans. The other is using it as a moment to gain some more “listeners” so guess what I’m listening, it sound like more hate. Which causes more hate. So……..?

  7. Kieran Hawe says:

    Joe ended his article with “America first. Period.” So, at what point, after how many mass killings and innocent men, woman and children are killed do we make this not about politics, lobbyist, pointing fingers, left vs right, etc etc etc and make it about protecting American citizens and putting them first? Protecting kids going to school (VT and Newtown)? People going to a night club? At what point do we all put what political party we align with aside and have real conversations about this….aren’t we tired of these talking heads screaming from one side of the political aisle at the other while nothing changes? This isn’t about taking away anyones rights – its about fixing a problem…I don’t know what the solution is but I damn well know something is broken.

  8. A terrorist killed 50 people. If we called him an islamic extremist would these people still be alive? And why… WHY is this the thing you have a problem with? Isnt the fact that this man who had been investigated by the FBI before could easily get his hands on a gun the problem? Isnt the fact that 50 innocent people are dead the problem?

    This Fox News/Donald Trump mentality is disgusting. Being Muslim doesn’t make a person evil. Being a religious extremist and committing mass murder makes you an evil person.

    • To answer your question, if the current Administration called him an Islamic extremist then YES these people may still be alive!! That’s the point! He was investigated and then removed from the watch list. He was then able to purchase multiple firearms and then shoot and kill innocent people!

    • But how exactly does the wording make a difference?

    • It’s people like you, no doubt a liberal, that’s the problem. You dance around the truth like Obama. This is a war, and first you have to recognize who the enemy is, then you have to declare war on that enemy so they can be stopped. Yes, the first step is to say, the enemy is Islamic extremist terrorists!

    • Aw yes, war is always the answer with you people isnt it? And us “liberals” who want to solve things like rational adults are the problem?

      Hey heres a crazy thought: maybe if we tried education and understanding rather than going to a foreign country and forcing our ideals and way of life on them while killing their people a problem would actually get solved here. Im sorry that you think that sending our young men and women to die because of your own self righteousness is the right thing to do.

      So they kill us then we kill them and the problem is solved right???

      Caring about peoples lives doesnt make me a weak “liberal”, it makes me a human being.

  9. So don’t blame the actual perpetrator, blame political correctness. That makes sense.

  10. George Palmer says:

    The SCV seems to have veered so PC and LA liberal since I left. Especially from the “fringe” comments on your story. Are they now the norm nowadays? Great to see not everyone has gone that direction.

  11. Robyn Burton says:

    Your candidness is refreshing, this is a terrorism issue at heart.

  12. Allets Zerep says:

    You sir are an idiot.

  13. Back before “gun control” this coward would have killed fewer people because more citizens carried guns themselves. I will not rely solely on the government to keep my family and myself safe. MOLON LABE !

  14. Death + Joe Messina = opportunity

  15. Simon says:

    Why are we calling this Islamic Extremism instead of Homophobic Extremism?

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
Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026
Innovation guides how Santa Clarita brings the community together through its events and programming. Each year, the city introduces new ways to engage residents and highlight what makes Santa Clarita unique.
Monday, Mar 2, 2026
In Santa Clarita, building a strong sense of community is a priority we carry through everything we do, from shared experiences that bring residents together to programs and opportunities that encourage us to learn, participate and connect with one another.
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026
Love has a way of transforming a moment into a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
One of the most rewarding parts of my role as City Manager is connecting with our community and sharing the stories behind the people, projects and services that make Santa Clarita such a great place to live, work and play.
Thursday, Feb 19, 2026
As you step into William S. Hart Park, the sights and sounds of the Old West come alive. The rhythm of boots shuffling across the dance floor, the unmistakable aroma of Dutch oven peach cobbler drifting through the mesquite-scented air and the ringing of a blacksmith’s hammer all echo a time when Santa Clarita’s hills and valleys were shaped by cowboys living the frontier life.
Monday, Feb 16, 2026
After years of watching the skies and tracking reservoir levels, Californians are finally seeing a welcome change: the state is no longer in a drought.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
<strong>1940</strong> - NYC premiere of "The Marines Fly High" starring Lucille Ball, filmed in Placerita Canyon [<a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/lw2676.htm" target="_blank">story</a>] <a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/lw2676.htm" target="_blank"> <img src="https://scvhistory.com/gif/lw2676t.jpg" alt="Marines Fly High" style="margin-top:6px;width:110px;border:0;"> </a>
The 30th Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is back in town and the city of Santa Clarita is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make it a success by assisting with different activities during the event.
Volunteers Needed for Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
The Santa Clarita Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 5 to receive an overview on 2026 events planned by the city of Santa Clarita.
March 5: Santa Clarita Parks Commission Meets for Overview of 2026 Events
The Master's University men's basketball team pulled off the most improbable win of the season, coming back from a 17-point deficit in the second half to win the GSAC Men's Basketball Championship 77-74 in The MacArthur Center on Monday, March 2.
The Master’s Wins GSAC Basketball Championship
WalletHub, a free personal finance app, reports the residents of Santa Clarita possess the sixth most credit cards per person in the United States.
Santa Clarita Ranks Sixth Nationally in Most Credit Cards Per Person
The College of the Canyons track and field teams combined for nearly 40 personal best times and marks during the annual Cuyamaca College Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 28 with the women's squad claiming its first team victory of the season.
Canyons Wins Women’s Meet, Sees High Marks from Men’s Squad at Cuyamaca Invite
Circle of Hope’s most anticipated night of the year returns on Saturday, March 28, as Vine2Wine once again brings the community together for an evening of wine, cuisine and compassion.
March 28: Vine2Wine ‘A Mediterranean Toga Affair’ for Circle of Hope
College of the Canyons swimming and diving competed at the two-day Mt. San Antonio College Invitational Feb. 27-28, with the Cougars turning in a number of strong individual performances.
Cougars’ Swim & Dive Teams Compete at Mt. SAC Invitational
Innovation guides how Santa Clarita brings the community together through its events and programming. Each year, the city introduces new ways to engage residents and highlight what makes Santa Clarita unique.
Ken Striplin | Two New Events Celebrating Spring
The Small Business Development Center hosted by College of the Canyons will offer a free webinar, "Tax Essentials for Entrepreneurs: A 2-Part Workshop Series." Part 1, "Business Structure – Choosing Smart from the Start," will be presented on Wednesday, March 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
March 11: Free Business Webinar, ‘Tax Essentials for Entrepreneurs,’ Part 1
Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley is holding a Dodgers Opening Weekend Raffle fundraiser with a live drawing scheduled for Tuesday, March 17.
March 17: Family Promise of SCV Fundraising Dodgers Opening Weekend Raffle
University and government officials formally cut the ribbon today for California State University, Northridge’s Valera NEST, a first-of-its-kind resource center in the CSU system that provides basic needs services such as food, clothing and wellness to students in a centralized location on campus.
CSUN Formally Opens Valera NEST, CSU Student Resource Center
California Credit Union is now accepting applications for its 2026 Summer Internship Program, offering paid professional experience for Santa Clarita Valley college students.
California Credit Union Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Summer Internship Program
Starting Tuesday, March 3, Placerita Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center will have updated summer operating hours.
March 3: Summer Operating Hours for Placerita Canyon Natural Area, Nature Center
The Valley Industry Association will host "VIA Cocktails & Conversation: An Evening with Santa Clarita City Councilwoman Marsha McLean" on Thursday, March 19, 5:30-7 p.m.
March 19: VIA Cocktails & Conservation with Councilwoman Marsha McLean
At its Feb. 17, regular meeting, the Santa Clarita Valley Water Board of Directors approved an ordinance establishing penalties relating to water theft from fire hydrants as well as corresponding revisions to its Customer Service Policy.
SCV Water Board Approves Establishing Penalties for Water Theft From Fire Hydrants
The Santa Clarita Artists Association is holding a call for artists for "Rustic Roots: The California West" art exhibit. Entry Deadline is Sunday, March 22.
March 22:  SCAA Call to Artists ‘Rustic Roots, The California West’ Deadline
In Santa Clarita, building a strong sense of community is a priority we carry through everything we do, from shared experiences that bring residents together to programs and opportunities that encourage us to learn, participate and connect with one another.
Ken Striplin | One Story One City: An Invitation to Read, Listen, Connect
The city of Santa Clarita Film Office has released the list of five productions filming in the Santa Clarita Valley for the week of Monday, March 2 to Sunday, March 8.
March 2-8: Five Productions Filming in SCV
TMU baseball was swept by Hope International University on Saturday, Feb. 28 in a 14-9 loss in Fullerton.
Mustangs Fall in Series Finale to Hope International
The Master's University men's volleyball team improved to 8-0 with a dominant win over Soka University in straight sets on Friday, Feb. 27 in The MacArthur Center.
The Master’s Stays Unbeaten with Blowout over Soka
The Master's University took advantage of 17 Hope International turnovers to defeat the Royals 78-73 in the GSAC Men's Basketball Tournament semifinals Friday, Feb. 27 in Fullerton.
Mustangs Win Semi to Host Championship
College of the Canyons baseball was able to hold off a late-inning comeback bid from Oxnard College to get past the Condors 8-7 at Mike Gillespie Field on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
COC Baseball Hangs on for 8-7 Win Over Oxnard
<strong>1938</strong> - Great Flood of 1938 causes massive destruction and death across the greater Los Angeles region [<a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/ap3314.htm" target="_blank">story</a>]<br> <a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/ap3314.htm" target="_blank"> <img src="https://scvhistory.com/gif/ap3101t.jpg" alt="flooding" style="margin-top:6px;width:110px;border:0;"> </a>
SCVNews.com