Hatchets, Machetes and CROSSBOWS! Oh My! Weapons of the G20 protesters

Circled in yellow is a crossbow, in red are two machetes and in green it is either a taser or a small handgun (if you know, let me know). There is also a chainsaw in the background, as well as a sledgehammer and a few baseball bats. This is a picture of just a sample of the weapons taken off the “peaceful protesters” during last weekend’s G20 riots. Not having protested a larger international summit before, I wouldn’t know from experience whether or not this is acceptable equipment for the average protesters, but I am pretty sure it isn’t. The original unedited picture itself comes from the National Post article by Kenyon Wallace published earlier today.

Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair displayed a shocking array of weapons and tools obtained from arrested G20 protesters this morning at police headquarters.

The recovered items included body armor, sledgehammers, machetes, an electric drill, saws, crowbars, shields, aluminum bats, dog repellent, bamboo rods and bottles of hot sauce.

Although the display of items took up half the lobby of the headquarters, officers on hand said more than five times the amount on display had been seized by police.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Blair said the items on display demonstrated the extent of the criminal conspiracy surrounding the violent G20 protests over the weekend.

“No one should be so naïve as to think these people were there for the purpose of lawful protest,” he said, noting that the items were capable of “delivering deadly force.”

“We are all deeply disturbed by the crimes that were committed here.”

Suffice to say, the protest was far from peaceful and the police have the evidence on display for all to see. The media is largely ignoring this story, instead focusing on Police Chief Bill Blair’s statements about how he knew that the five-metre rule didn’t extended to the front of the fence. Did he outright lie? Blair bent the truth, but no, he didn’t outright lie. Why does this matter anyways? Laura Blondeau, a spokeswoman for Community Safety Minister Rick Bartolucci stated that no arrests were made under this act, so it is clear that this is a non-issue. The media, instead of doing their job, is obsessing over this moot point and non-existent issues, deflecting attention away from the violent actions of the protesters. As Rex Murphy stated in his recent article, these hooligans have been coddled for far too long, that these malcontents need to be punished severely. As long as reporters aren’t willing to put the blame where it really belongs, however, this isn’t going to happen. They are given free reign to terrorize without fear of considerable repercussions.

As I discussed previously, this nonsense has gone on for far too long. The Black Bloc and its supporters have been given far too much freedom to commit these random acts of violence. With all the media coverage there has been on the G20 riots the last few days, it would be nice if the apologists for these radicals would stop for a second and examine the facts. These weren’t “peaceful protesters”, especially when they were carrying these weapons. How does anyone justify such behaviour? Blame the police, blame the provincial government, blame Prime Minister Stephen Harper, but not the people who actually committed the violence? This is the kind of twisted logic we are seeing from protest supporters and it is downright disgusting…

Take your blinders off, see what the police confiscated, watch the videos of the protests, and then tell us that this was simply a misunderstanding. There is no way to misinterpret the desires of political radicals carrying hatchets, machetes and crossbows… Pathetic…

UPDATE: There have been a few reports raising questions about some of the weapons seized by police. Jim Mahoney of the Globe and Mail put out a slanted and seriously questionable story about the weapons seized by officers during the riots. Even amateurs have weighed in on this, trying to twist the facts of the event. Mike Fahey from Kotaku wrote a downright ignorant post on the G20 riots, arrests and weapon confiscations.

Justifying the harsh handling of protesters at the G-20 summit this weekend, Toronto police invited journalists to a viewing of dangerous confiscated weapons, including foam swords, sock-headed arrows, and a suit of scale mail. Did someone call forth a flame bolt?…

…25-year-old landscaper Brian Barrett was heading to a live-action role-playing game at Centennial Park when police detained him, confiscating his gear but letting him go free.

His gear next appeared as part of a police display, demonstrating to journalists just how much danger was present during the G-20 summit. During the demonstration, Police Chief Bill Blair singled out Barrett’s safety arrows – normal arrows tipped with pool noodle covered in socks – as devices meant to be soaked in flammable liquid and set on fire.

Also on display were a pair of foam shields, several ‘swords’ made from PVC tubing and foam, and a lovely set of scale mail. Mr. Barrett was taken aback by the sight of his armor displayed beneath a pair of machetes, and worries that folks who see him in his gear will now associate him with some of the G-20 summit’s real violent criminals.

Doesn’t surprise someone like him would try to spin these events. As for his other claims, Mike tries to say that the majority of these weapons weren’t really weapons.

The rest of the items, which included a staple gun, bandanas, a skateboard, goggles, and bicycle helmets, were all completely legitimate, if a bit silly.

How about the two machetes you pointed out but ignored? The handguns? Hatchets? Baseball bats? No, Mike would like us to believe that they only had foam swords and that the shields were for role playing (even the spray painted trash can lids with the anarchist logo Mike?). I find it suspicious that someone would pick that weekend to play dress up in the park, but let’s give this individual the benefit of the doubt. He is probably just that socially inept to not realize that you don’t go outside and role play when police are arresting rioters who are also dressing up, but not for “make believe.”

As for this talk about how the crossbow and chainsaw weren’t related to the protests, this is what is known as “splitting hairs”. Another Globe and Mail story, this one done by Kate Allen and Siri Agrell.

The RCMP Integrated Security Unit says the arrest of a man carrying a crossbow and other dangerous items in his car in downtown Toronto Thursday was not related to the G20 summit.

Constable April Dequanne said the 53-year-old man’s arrest “was not believed to be” related to the upcoming summit, but the investigation would continue. Police do not believe the man was targeting a nearby picket line of striking hotel workers either.

Gary McCullough, 53, of Whitby, Ont., has been charged with one count of weapons dangerous and he’ll appear in court on Friday at 2 p.m.

The case is “not a concern of the ISU,” said Constable Tony Vella.

Mr. McCullough was arrested after a car containing a cache of equipment in a makeshift storage container, including a crossbow and chainsaw, was stopped near the G20 security zone in Toronto.

Not related to the G20 summit? He might not be connected to a specific protest group, but let’s not pretend that he showed up outside a G20 security zone because he liked the “scenery.” This is what we saw with Joseph Andrew Stack, the man who flew his plane into an office building with Internal Revenue Service offices, a deranged individual looking to make a political statement before taking his life (being caught by police probably wasn’t part of his plan). Gary McCullough did pose a threat to those attending the G20 summit, though a small and incompetent one, and was arrested for it. Let’s take a closer look at what he was carrying.

Circled in yellow are gas cans, in red the crossbow, and in green the arrows. If Police Chief Bill Blair’s comments about flammable arrows are laughable, explain to me how all three ingredients for such a weapon are found here? Seeing that four police cruisers were set on fire with fire bombs, how are flaming arrows a stretch of the imagination? All this strikes me as a perverse way of excusing the violence of the protesters while continuing to place the blame on police for what occurred.

Even if you excuse some of these items (the chainsaw, the crossbow, etc), the fact remains that you still have a slew of machetes, hatchets, nail guns, baseball bats and various other weapons that shouldn’t be found on “peaceful protesters”. Can you explain that Mike? How about you Jim? Pathetic…

Toronto Burns: The Black Bloc and the True Face of the G8/G20 Protests

For those who are determined to believe that the violence that has been occurring in Toronto over the G8/G20 summit is simply the acts of a few radicals, here’s video evidence to the contrary from SDAMatt2…

As SDAMatt2 points out, Sid Ryan’s group, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), is marching alongside and encouraging the actions of the Black Bloc, a group of anarchists who have been going around, dressed fully in black, as per anarchists tactics, and committing acts of vandalism. It isn’t simply Sid Ryan’s group, but also John Clarke’s Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) that is supporting these extremists. SDAMatt2 also provides video of Clarke’s “support” for the Black Bloc’s actions…

Now what is there to be said about this? Well, as Ryan had stated previously, his group would be adhering strictly to peaceful protesting practices. He even stated that they had themselves designated a protest zone where they would protest the G8/G20 summits and push their politics that way. Suffice to say, it was a lie. As the video above demonstrates, they abandoned their designated protest zones to clash with police. Not content with a peaceful demonstration, these groups have purposely sought confrontation with law enforcement in a desperate attempt to have their twisted political beliefs heard. I wonder whether or not Michael Coren will raise this next time Sid Ryan appears on his show. So much for “raising the level of discourse” eh?

While many Canadians are still angry at the amount of money spent on security for the G8/G20 summits, it is easy to see why it was needed. Even with the large security force in place in Toronto, violent protesters and their supporters are starting too many riots for these forces to keep up with. The burning of police cars, the complete destruction of store fronts (Starbucks, a typical liberal “intelligentsia” hangout, being one of the victims) and the other random acts of violence appear to be too much to handle, but that is the point isn’t it? While it is a far cry from the acts of al-Qaeda, this is very much domestic terrorism. As Clarke himself points out in the CityTV interview, they intend on terrorizing both the public and private sectors until their political goals are met. This is why a billion dollars in tax payer money was spent, to prevent these radicals from achieving this objective. Force can only be met with force, and while I applaud the security forces in Toronto for their restraint, the actions of these protesters should not be tolerated, but dealt with harshly. Arrest them, charge them, and imprison them. I don’t want to see those responsible for these actions released shortly after the summit is over.

Who is responsible? As I stated previously, both CUPE and OCAP have a hand in this, but there are many more people connected to this violence. Various student/political groups on the University of Toronto campus should be investigated for their support of the Black Bloc as well. Early this morning, after getting a tip, Toronto police raided the Koffler Student Centre and the Graduate Students’ Union and found various weapons of opportunity. In my opinion, University officials should immediately suspend funding to both groups and allow for a police investigation into their connection with the Black Bloc. It is bad enough that these individuals are being aided by various political groups, but when publicly funded school groups are also providing support, it adds insult to injury. Does anyone else see the irony in public funds being use to help a group which wants to tear down the government? It is dumbfounding…

I will honestly say I have had enough of this. Be it the Summit of the Americas in Quebec City in 2001, or these riots on the streets of Toronto, I am sick and tired of having to allow for this political radicalism. This isn’t about the exercising basic freedoms, especially since carrying weapons and committing random acts of vandalism aren’t protected rights for any individuals, no matter what side of the political spectrum they happen to be on. This is about not having to tolerate this nonsense, nor having to pay for the security needed to protect against it, let alone the clean up which follows. If these protesters were indeed peaceful as they so often like to claim, why is it that this happens every time they protest? If you want to protest peaceful, than stick to your designated protest zones as you promised you would. The rights of ordinary people and business owners are being pushed aside to accommodate these violent temper tantrums every time they want to push their twisted political message and it has to stop. Those who condone and encourage this behaviour should be publicly criticized, if not arrested and charged, to show the rest of society that this nonsense will no longer be tolerated. This especially applies to those who support, if not openly declare themselves to be anarchists. If you ask me, anarchist organizations should be treated like terrorist groups as they have the same objectives as al-Qaeda and other such organizations; the complete destruction of Western society.

A few random acts of violence? More like a few random acts of peaceful protest amongst a larger and considerably violent mob. As the first video demonstrates, this is the true face of the G8/G20 protests… Disgraceful…

UPDATE: Before anyone comments or corrects me on this, while the event happening in Toronto is the G20 summit (the G8 summit was in Huntsville, Ontario), these protests are in response to both summits. These people are anti-globalization, as well as anti-establishment, and they have been gathering in Toronto for the last week or so. Because of this, I take their actions to be against both summits, not simply the G20.

UPDATE: News reports coming in about the “mistreatment” of protesters by police. While there have been some questionable actions, I doubt it is as bad as it is being portrayed. Conflicting reports are coming in about whether these people were given a warning before they were arrested. Two reporters for the National Post, Brett Gundlock and Colin O’Connor, were detained for refusing to disperse, as well as being “amongst violent people.” Seeing how they don’t look particularly “professional” (they both look like soccer hooligans), it is easy to see how they could be mistaken for protesters and arrested, especially if they wouldn’t leave the area. In any event, unless these reporters have permission to be there, they shouldn’t be there. Same goes with the rest of these “innocent and peaceful protesters” who have been arrested (I doubt they were peaceful with some of them carrying hatchets, nail guns and body armour, among other things). After the riots yesterday, unless these people were looking for trouble, they shouldn’t be anywhere near the police, let alone out in the streets of Toronto.

As for these stories about protesters not getting the best treatment while detained, I couldn’t care less. Why should I? Once again, we have seen the videos of these rioters destroying store fronts, pictures of them attacking police, etc so why should anyone care how they are treated in custody? Let’s not forget that this is Canada, and our treatment of detainees is pretty good even in the worst of circumstances. Holding cells were crowded? Considering how many people were arrested, why wouldn’t they be? We are also hearing conflicting reports about whether or not they were given food, but seeing how many of those being released have have said they were given sandwiches to eat and water to drink, it is obvious that many of these individuals are trying to pass themselves off as “martyrs”. “Victims” who were just yesterday victimizing store owners and innocent Torontonians trying to get home after being let go early from work.

Michael Coren weighed in on this in his usual “moderate” way, saying that “the police are now acting with too much violence and towards innocent people.” Considering the various videos and pictures depicting the exact opposite, I wonder whether this isn’t simply another knee jerk reaction from someone who not only hasn’t been paying attention to the events, but is oblivious to even the most basic facts. Here’s the quote that sums this entire nonsensical post up.

There are thousands of them there and they have enough time and resources to do this job properly. But these are the same cops who obsess about small issues, arrest storekeepers protecting their own property, try to arrest soccer fans who are loud rather than violent and generally haven’t grown with the city and changed accordingly.

So the police are not only incompetent but abusive? Enough time and resources to do the job properly? Excuse me, but when even Mayor David Miller, a man known for his left-leaning views, is defending the actions of these officers, it should demonstrate just how wrong Coren is on this. These weren’t “a few middle-class morons” Michael, the Black Bloc is a large and organized group of relatively experienced agitators. If the arrests at the University of Toronto prove anything, it is that these anarchists have far more support then the usual violent twits. Aside from writing an offensive post, what do you do about this kind of nonsense? You legitimize it by inviting people like Sid Ryan on your show. Ask Ryan next time he in on about CUPE members marching with the Black Bloc. He lied to you about wanting a peaceful protest, so why not confront him on it? Prove to me you have the character to do at least that.

While the security forces haven’t been perfect, let’s not pretend that they are the villains in this ongoing drama. They are doing all they can to prevent further property damage and break up further riots, riots which were started by these so-called “peaceful protesters”. These hooligans are definitely not the “victims” many in the media would like us to believe they are. Downright disgraceful…

UPDATE: For you viewing pleasure, the G20 debate from ‘The Michael Coren Show’, courtesy of SDAMatt2.

Suffice to say, Coren himself comes off looking like a twit. StrictlyRight.com’s Andrew Lawton doesn’t appear particularly informed either, floating conspiracy theories about how the police let four vehicles get torched (this was upsetting because I actually like the guy). Think horse, not zebra! Obviously police left the car there as a sign of there presence in the area, not as a “clever trap” to catch protesters. I am actually surprised to see Tarek Fatah coming out of this looking like the voice of reason. While I don’t agree with him most of the time, he definitely knew the facts while the other panelists didn’t. It would have been nice if Coren let him finish his points instead of interrupting him with “moderate” dribble. Pathetic…

UPDATE: Finally there is some coverage from the other side of the border. Hot Air’s Allahpundit has a post up, and while I don’t agree with either his or Mark Steyn’s conclusions, I recommend my modest readership at least give the videos he has posted a look.

UPDATE: New video from ‘The Michael Coren Show’, courtesy of SDAMatt2.

Coren appears far more moderate in these videos, especially now having the facts on the incident. Even with all that was said, I still have a hard time blaming Police Chief Bill Blair for this. Violence was perpetrated by the rioters, and ONLY the rioters, and while the police definitely should have done more on Saturday, considering the end results (vandalism was fairly limited compared to other such incidents in the past, and no one was seriously injured or killed), I don’t see this as anywhere near a complete failure by law enforcement. Also, while innocent bystanders were arrested, let’s not pretend that most, if not all people (as some would like to believe) detained were “in the wrong place at the wrong time”. I still believe that the majority of people who were arrested on Sunday, considering the events Saturday, were out looking for trouble. Coren himself now even admits that many of these “accredited” reporters were not the innocent bystanders they claim to be.

If logic and common sense can’t prevail against this nonsensical narrative push by many in the media, than we have a problem. Mind-boggling…

UPDATE: There is no better way to end a story than wrapping it up with a poll taken by Angus Reid on public reaction to the events at the G20 summit. As Kelly McParland from the National Post reports, the news is definitely not good for the protesters.

Respondents were asked about their feelings about the demonstrations that took place in Toronto during the G20 summit. Two-thirds of Canadians (69%) are disgusted, 59% are ashamed, 57% are angry, and 54% are sad. In Toronto, the proportion of respondents who reported negative feelings was higher (Disgust 81%, Anger 74%, Sadness 65%, Shame 61%).

Left out by this story, public opinion as to police actions taken during the G20 summit. Across Canada, 66% of those polled believed that actions taken by law enforcement were at least moderately justified, with 41% believing they were completely justified. Even with all this media spin, the overwhelming majority of the public still viewed the police in the right, and the protesters/rioters in the wrong. Refreshing…

NDP’s Anti-Israel Politics: Libby Davies Demonstrates Her Downright Stupidity

A fairly short post concerning this latest comment from New Democratic Party Libby Davies.

“Longest occupation in the world”? Not even close. Poland was divided and occupied from 1795 to 1918, a far longer occupation than this by her numbers. So she isn’t even close to correct on that claim. What about “world consensus”? Even Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is against lifting the blockade as he believes it will bolster Hamas. Also, this call for a international probe into the events on the Mavi Marmara would, as Hot Air’s Allahpundit stated previously, first assume that Israel is guilty before even examining the facts. We’ve seen the videos, we know the facts, and we know who is to blame for the bloodshed. As for her claims on how hating the Israeli blockade of Gaza isn’t hating Israel itself, I would disagree. People like Libby Davies have a tendency to side with those who they view are “oppressed” by Israel, like Hamas and Hezbollah. We see this with Helen Thomas who wasn’t only applauded for her “courage” by the latter terrorist organization, but has in the past shown her appreciation for their “efforts” in ending the “Israeli occupation” in Lebanon. Scratch the surface a little and you see that these protesters are anti-Israel, if not anti-semitic.

Mike De Souza of Canwest News Service is reporting on this incident, and I recommend giving his article a read. If I were Jack Layton, Libby Davies would be have handing in her resignation already. He should be applauded for his efforts at damage control, especially reaching out to the Israeli embassy, but in order to prove he is sincere, I would tell him to cut this bigot loose. Do I think there are more within the NDP like Libby Davies? Of course, even “Taliban” Jack Layton has been caught on the wrong side of such issues in the past, but to his credit has distanced not only himself but his party from Davies’ nonsense. This idea that Israel has been an occupier since 1948 reeks of anti-semitism, and with the possibility of a federal election around the corner, such liabilities need to be dealt quickly and publicly, showing voters your party will not tolerate such nonsense. I don’t for one minute believe Davies’ “apologetic” words. She, like Helen Thomas, got caught speaking her mind on this issue, unaware of how such videos go “viral” when the hit the internet.

Such hateful idiocy doesn’t belong in Canadian federal politics, especially considering how radical Davies’ positions regarding Israel are. Hopefully when all is said and done, this twit will be removed from office for her bigotry… Pathetic…

UPDATE: Blazing Cat Fur is also reporting on this. He has a shorter video of the incident up, so if you don’t have five minutes to watch Libby Davies expose herself as an ignorant bigot, give it a watch.

UPDATE: What did I say about this international effort to smear Israel? Hot Air’s Allahpundit is reporting on United Nation Security Council (UNSC) efforts to have this “show trial” even if the United States, a permanent UNSC member, decides to veto it. I am sure Libby Davies and her ilk would appreciate that, taxpayer funded bigotry delivered by an incompetent world political body. Why does anyone even pay attention to the UN with all the scandals they have been wrapped up in recently? Disgraceful…

UPDATE: Our very own Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, weighs in on Libby Davies comments. Canwest News Service’s Mike De Souza has more on this.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper stepped up the pressure on the NDP’s Libby Davies to resign her position as her party’s deputy leader on Wednesday, accusing her of making “extremist” statements about Israel that were similar to the language used by terrorist organizations.

“The deputy leader of the NDP knew full well what she was saying,” Mr. Harper said during the daily question period in the House of Commons. “She made statements that could have been made by Hamas, Hezbollah or anybody else with no repercussions from that party whatsoever.”

Mr. Harper even suggested that NDP Leader Jack Layton should not be criticizing Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff for proposing a post-2011 training mission role for Canadian troops in Afghanistan, since he hasn’t adequately disciplined his MP. Hamas and Hezbollah are both on a Canadian government list of organizations considered to be terrorist groups that use violent means to achieve political goals.

“Quite frankly, I do not think that a leader who shelters an MP who makes anti-Israeli extremist statements without repercussion should be making any criticism of policy,” Mr. Harper said…

Strong words, and I agree with most of it. You don’t say such hateful things if you aren’t at the very least a Hamas and Hezbollah sympathizer. Occupation since 1948? That is a definitely an-Israel talking point. While I would like to see Libby Davies thrown out of the NDP, I don’t think Jack Layton should be criticized for taking his time in dealing with this bigot, especially considering that she is the deputy leader and not some party backbencher. It is a political move to discredit Layton, one which I have trouble supporting, although I have no use for the NDP and its politics. As I stated before, the “Taliban” Jack should be commended for his response to Davies’ comments, especially considering many of the people marching at these anti-Israel protests are NDP voters. Also, while I hate to admit it, I agree with Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff’s position on Canada’s Post-2011 Afghanistan role. While I would prefer our continued participation in combat missions, training Afghani forces isn’t an insignificant role.

I think the NDP will criticize anything done by the Canadian Armed Forces after the pullout, but I don’t think Layton should be criticized for of these positions because of the actions of one hateful bigot (unless “Taliban” Jack said these hateful things himself, I don’t see the connection). I commend Prime Minister Harper for weighing in on this incident, but let’s keep the attention on Libby Davies and not the party which is looking at expelling her for these radical remarks. Ottawa politics as usual it seems…

The Flotilla Debate; The Michael Coren Show June 4th

I have discussed this previously, and while I still don’t like Michael Coren’s opinion on this, I would like to post the videos from SDAMatt2′s Youtube channel. Suffice to say, Coren sounds far more moderate than Harry Kopyto, who played the “moral authority card” before trashing the Jewish people and Israel (Israel controls the media? What a bigoted remark, especially from a Jew), but I do find he is trying to find this “mythical middle ground”, the one that allows Israel to defend itself while supporting the Islamic desire to destroy the Jewish state. You can’t say that Israel had no right to put up a blockade when Hamas, the group behind the Islan Haklary Ve Hurriyetleri Vakfi (IHH), has been trying to get weapons into Gaza. Is this a public relations disaster for Israel? Yes, especially with so many reporters and media outlets willing to ignore video of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) being attacked with clubs and knives. In any event, here’s the debate…

UPDATE: I wanted to put the link to Ed Morrissey’s post at Hot Air about the seizure of the Rachel Corrie, the cargo shipped named after the activist who was killed by a bulldozer in Gaza, here instead of on the other posts I have about this event. Naming a cargo ship after such a deeply troubled individual is a purely political move, as well as sending it, filled with concrete (a substance Israel has banned from aid shipments), towards the Gaza blockade. While the event didn’t turn out like the one involving the Mavi Marmara, there was concern it might.

Returning to my point about a “mythical middle ground,” as Ed brilliantly points out, this event demonstrates two things; Israel doesn’t want war, while Hamas and Fatah don’t want Israel. I couldn’t agree more, and while I will not excuse every action by Israel to defend itself, I will not support any action by terrorist groups, no matter how “humanitarian” they seem… Disturbing…

Hating the Jews Made STUPID!: Ignoring the Facts and Letting Anti-Semitism Take Over

I have a problem with people who have this knee-jerk reaction to events regarding Israel. I might not approve of everything the Jewish state does, but seeing how Canada isn’t under the constant threat of attack, I understand that I may not fully understand why certain things are done. Extreme as certain actions may be, to the Israeli people, at the very least, they are justified. Suffice to say, I am far more willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, especially when they have the facts on their side…

As Shraga Simmons from MediaGoliath points out in this video, even with the evidence clearly supporting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) story, you have individuals who will purposely it. It conflicts with their “Arabs are good, Israelis are bad” unreality, a twisted version of events which these bigots find comfort in believing. Why is it comfortable? Anti-semitism isn’t only acceptable, it is fashionable. These bigots are celebrated for espousing hatred towards Jews and the Jewish state. Case in point; Cenk Uygur’s latest column at the Huffington Post, “Israeli Defense Forces Execute American Citizen”. While Furkan Dogan was born in the United States (Troy, New York), he moved to Turkey when he was two and had since become radicalized. We have seen this with Omar Khadr, the Canadian-born teenager who has been accused of war crimes for throwing a grenade which killed U.S. Army Medic Christopher James Speer. Citizenship should not excuse this kind of radical behaviour, nor should it be used to shield individuals from the repercussions of their acts. Furkan Dogan, along with the other passengers on the Mavi Marmara, attacked IDF soldiers with clubs and knives. He wasn’t a victim, but a casualty of a conflict he and the other Islamic radicals from the Islan Haklary Ve Hurriyetleri Vakfi (IHH) started. It was far from an “execution” Cenk, especially with the video evidence demonstrating how violent these “peaceful protesters” were. Honestly, if I was one of those IDF soldiers who was being beaten and stabbed, I would have kept firing my sidearm until I knew my attacker was dead. It is a survival instinct, a natural reaction to a perceived threat, something Cenk has purposely ignore with his latest post. His anti-Jewish bigotry is on full display, but not only his…

Helen Thomas, as known as “Hamas Helen”, has been calling this event a “deliberate massacre”. We all know the facts of the event on the Mavi Marmara, we know the IHH were armed and ready for the IDF, so it was far from a “deliberate massacre”, but this gargoyle wants that because of her hatred from the Jewish people. Her anti-semitism is well know, but for those who still don’t understand just how much of a Jew-hater she is, here’s video, thanks to Hot Air’s Allahpundit, of her uglier side. As if she wasn’t gruesome enough…

Jews go back to Europe? That is akin to telling Muslims to go back to the Middle East, or Black to go back to Africa. It is hard to deny, especially after seeing that, that Helen Thomas is a hateful racist. There isn’t much else that can be said about this gargoyle considering she has a long history of anti-semitism. As I stated previously, these incidents bring out the bigots. One only has to look to the Youtube comments for this video to see this…

helpendthefed – End of Zionism = Peace

telsa121 – GOD bless Helen Thomas!

sheLovesG – One of the last true journalists. God bless Helen Thomas.

NowSwimBack3 – Nice attempt at misrepresenting the facts. So Jewish of you! And you wonder why Jews have been thrown out of every nation they’ve been inside? The nations of the world have a very low tolerance for hateful liars and cheaters as the Jews are.
Antisemitism is a disease.
You catch it from Jews.

telesniper2 – Where is the proof of this six million? The Red Cross cites 600,000 perished. Many gentiles perished also (I, know, the Talmud considers their lives the equivalent of insects, but you jews should try to show some consideration for once). Yet the Jews claim they were “disproportionately persecuted, along with gays, gypsies, etc”. Where is the the Gay Homeland, or the Gypsy Homeland then? We should carve up Israel to create them!

vtcpdx – Too bad the Romans didn’t finish them off. Funny how Jews keep getting kicked out of country after country and always play the martyr. Maybe it’s their idiotic superiority complex that is causing them grief professor Jackass.

There is much more there, but I feel this is enough to prove my point. While the first few quotes aren’t blatantly anti-semitic, they are just as hateful. These are all the writings of people who not only support Helen Thomas, but agree with the gargoyle’s beliefs on Israel. Even with the videos of the “peaceful protesters” attacking the IDF soldiers with clubs and knives, these very individuals will find ways to blame everything on Israel. While these very people will brand Israel’s supporters are racist, it is plain to see who is really “wearing the white hood”…

Even with the facts known, it is difficult to get these bigots to not only acknowledge the evidence, but admit they were wrong. Ignorance is definitely not bliss, especially when it perpetuates hate… Pathetic…

UPDATE: Hot Air’s Allahpundit has posted that Helen Thomas has “apologized” for her comments about the Jews leaving Israel. With her history of anti-Israel/ anti-Jewish nonsense, I am not buying it. Also, Hot Air’s Ed Morrissey is reporting on former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer’ reaction to the gargoyle’s comments. I do think there is more to this than simply a “demented old relative who shouts embarrassing insults”. People turn away, not just because of embarrassment, but because they are afraid to be labeled for their beliefs as well. It is not as if Jewish hatred is limited to one member of the White House Press Corps, especially considering the reporting we have seen with the Mavi Marmara incident.

Jew-hating is popular, especially right now, and while very few would openly support Helen Thomas’ statement, I doubt she will be punished for it. This gargoyle will still be invited to all the important events, and when the lights and cameras are turned off, she will be applauded for her “courage”… Disgusting…

UPDATE: I really don’t know what to think of this video. mikejmon333 at Youtube posted it, and it is downright disturbing. I can only describe this as mind-bogglingly offensive…

“Go back to Auschwitz“? “We’re helping Arabs go against the US, don’t forget 9-11 guys”? The first is downright racist while the second is downright stupid. A perfect example of how hatred for the Jews comes from the dumbest of people… Pathetic…

UPDATE: Hot Air’s Ed Morrissey is reporting on the White House’s response to Helen Thomas’ comments. While Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has called the gargoyle’s remarks “offensive and reprehensible”, it sounds like Gibbs, along with many others, seem to be treating these comments as a “slip of the tongue”. NewsBusters.org’s Rich Noyes post a eye-opening piece on the gargoyle’s long history of anti-Israel comments and other liberal lunacies. Suffice to say, there is more than enough here to get Thomas fired, but that isn’t what has happened.

Hearst Corporation has announced that Helen Thomas will retire. Am I wrong for saying previously that she wouldn’t be punished for these remarks? Perhaps, but note that she has retired, not been fired. When this incident is long forgotten, all that will be remembered is that this gargoyle retired after decades of journalistic “excellence” (and I use that term as loosely as possible in this context). The Hearst Corporation gave her an out, allowing Thomas to preserve her what was left of her reputation without having “fired in disgrace” permanently etched on her resume. Dan Rather would have begged on his hands and knees to be given the same opportunity… Pathetic…

UPDATE: Michelle Malkin is blogging on Helen Thomas’ retirement from a different angle. It is hard not to think about the Holocaust. I have a hard time believing this gargoyle could forget the millions of Jews who were murdered by the Nazi. Matter of fact, one might wonder if it isn’t because of the “Final Solution” that those who are anti-Israel would say such things, especially considering what was demonstrated in mikejmon333′s video with the “Go back to Auschwitz” quote. While I am certainly not a Thomas fan, I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt on this one. Prior to the Second World War, a fair number of Jewish people within Europe lived in Germany and Poland, so maybe that is what she meant with her comments. It would be awful to think that Thomas’ peers would have tolerated anyone with a “Go back to Auschwitz” mentality as long as the gargoyle has been a member of the White House Press Corps.

UPDATE: What did I say about ignoring the facts? What about purposely distorting the facts? Hot Air’s Allahpundit is reporting on a scandal that has broken about Reuters using edited photos of the incident on the Mavi Marmara, pictures given to them by the IHH with the protester’s weapons cropped out. Little Green Footballs broke the story, pointing to Reuters previous attempts to distort the facts by using edited photos. YID With LID has the photos, both the originals and the edited ones, so I advise my modest readership give that a look.

Seeing how Reuters has a history of publishing the stories presented to them by terrorist groups, it is obvious that the news organization has been infiltrated by pro-Palestinian/anti-Israeli (if not anti-semitic) individuals who are letting their beliefs get in the way of the facts… Pathetic…