Sunday, September 5, 2010
Here Are the Stats, Folks (Courtesy of the FBI)
In 2001 (the year of 9/11), there was indeed a spike in anti-Muslim hate crimes. Still, it was only 481 occurrences nationwide (the vast majority of which were nonviolent). More importantly, in 2002 and 2003, it dipped all the way back down to 155 and 149 respectively (and it continued at that level throughout the decade). Couple these stats with the fact that anti-Jewish hate crimes have continued to occur at a rate six times more frequently (three times more frequently when you take into account the population difference) than that of those directed at Muslims and, yeah, you really do have to take a look at the motivation of some of these talking-heads here (yeah, I'm talking to you, Keith Olbermann)...............................................................................................Now, yes, it's entirely possible that another spike may in fact materialize (2008 is the most recent year of these FBI records). BUT, until we actually get the 2010 numbers, we really can't say for sure (and, yes, to do so would indeed be QUITE irresponsible) whether or not we ARE entering this new era of anti-Muslim behavior. Sorry 'bout that, Keith.
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8 comments:
...you really do have to take a look at the motivation of some of these talking-heads here...
Except for Scarbrough and Mika on Morning Joe and the assorted peanuts on NPR I'm taking a break from pundits. Everyone of them pushes a position and while to a certain extent there is nothing wrong with that in the old days in this polarized era I get sick of it quick.
Mika's gorgeous. Agree?
The three wise men at MSNBC (I include Maddow)are pushing "the rights is anti-muslim" line.Its just a continuation of their all conservatives are racist bullshit.
Not that I believe I have a chance of bursting your delusional bubble... but Keith Olbermann doesn't read your blog Will. You can gloat as to how you showed him up... but the fact is he'll never know.
I'm sure he's heard others argue the same point though... obviously he disagrees. As do I.
Why are you referencing facts and figures without linking to said facts and figures? I'm supposed to take your word that you don't have your info wrong? I suppose I could Google for the info myself... but didn't YOU write the post? Isn't backing up the claims in your post YOUR job????
Don't you think KO has a research staff looking these things up? In any case, I don't recall KO ever comparing Muslim hate crimes to Jewish hate crimes....
Most importantly, the years your figures cover (if they are right) don't cover the time since the mosque controversy began.
I think this is more about perceptions anyway. Certainly Muslims perceive that there is a substantial rise in Islamophobia. And certainly that perception has aided al Qaeda (in recruitment and in general agreement with their cause).
BTW, did you always talk about KO this much, or is your fixation only in response to my showing up and professing that I had a "man crush" on the guy??
BTW2, what's KO's "motivation"? You're suggesting he "knows" anti-Muslim sentiment isn't on the rise (according to you), but is exploiting it for ratings?
It isn't "irresponsible" at all to look around and comment on what we see is happening across the country. What I see is that anti-Muslim sentiment IS on the rise.
BTW3, isn't your argument a bait and switch? KO talks about anti-Muslim sentiment, and you're switching that for hate crime stats..... they aren't the same.
Wow, Keith Olbermann is terrible!
I'm watching Keith Olbermann right now, and the story he is covering concerns the Heartsong Christian church opening it's doors to worshipers of the Memphis Islamic center next door (which is currently under construction).
USA Today says, "While the 4,000-square-foot worship hall is being completed, Heartsong has opened its doors to its neighbors throughout the month-long observance of Ramadan".
Keith Olbermann jointly interviewed both Pastor Steve Stone and Dr. Bashar Shala.
Keith Olbermann's covering this story doesn't exactly square with the narrative you set up in your post... that is Mr. Olbermann is selectively covering stories in an effort to make it appear as though anti-Muslim hate crimes are spiking. In an effort to increase his ratings, I presume.
Maybe he decided to cover this story in reaction to your post? Or maybe KO isn't selectively covering stories in order to pander to his liberal viewers -- who desperately want this to be true, so they can wrongly paint Republicans as racists and bigots (or whatever immoral motivation it is you're ascribing to Mr. Olbermann).
I'm watching Keith Olbermann right now, and the story he is covering concerns the Heartsong Christian church opening it's doors to worshipers of the Memphis Islamic center next door (which is currently under construction).
USA Today says, "While the 4,000-square-foot worship hall is being completed, Heartsong has opened its doors to its neighbors throughout the month-long observance of Ramadan".
Keith Olbermann jointly interviewed both Pastor Steve Stone and Dr. Bashar Shala.
Keith Olbermann's covering this story doesn't exactly square with the narrative you set up in your post... that is Mr. Olbermann is selectively covering stories in an effort to make it appear as though anti-Muslim hate crimes are spiking. In an effort to increase his ratings, I presume.
Maybe he decided to cover this story in reaction to your post? Or maybe KO isn't selectively covering stories in order to pander to his liberal viewers -- who desperately want this to be true, so they can wrongly paint Republicans as racists and bigots (or whatever immoral motivation it is you're ascribing to Mr. Olbermann).
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