The Hateful Ten

The Hateful Ten

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Ten governors have decided they don’t want to accept refugees in their states. Not because they are tending to their own needy and are thus unable provide food, clothing, or shelter for them. Or that their states are strained for space for even their own citizens. But because the refugees are Syrian and some of them might be terrorists. You may have already read their remarks explaining why they steadfastly refuse to help victims of war, but if not I want you to read them all now:
Delaware GOP officials seek to support ISIS recruitment goals

Delaware GOP officials seek to support ISIS recruitment goals

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The DEGOP is doing exactly what ISIS hoped:
Delaware GOP officials are asking Gov. Jack Markell to block any attempts by the federal government to place Syrian refugees in Delaware,
Pissing his pants as a result of the attacks in Paris, GOP chairman Charlie Copeland said that the United States needs to play into the hands of terrorists, by pushing ISIS resistors into the arms of the terrorists out of fear.
Copeland...asked Markell to, "demand that the Obama administration halt all efforts allow these individuals to cross American borders."
ISIS, meanwhile, is thrilled with Copeland's idiotic and short-sighted reaction to the attacks:
ISIS has ratcheted up its propaganda against anyone fleeing the conflict in Iraq and Syria of late — calling those who leave traitors and imploring others to stay and help to build their so-called caliphate. At the same time, it has vowed to make it impossible for Muslims to live peacefully in the West, threatening to destroy what it calls a “gray zone” of coexistence.
Monday Open Thread [11.16.15]

Monday Open Thread [11.16.15]

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Steven Benen says the GOP Candidates this weekend offered a lesson on how not to respond to terrorism. You don't respond with fear, panic, sectarian rage, and bigotry.
To be sure, there are too many reactionary, overly simplistic attitudes on the right, which seem to give Republicans some emotional satisfaction without much regard for responsible policymaking. But there’s also the unnerving track record of many Republican officials – including would-be presidents – who seem to fall to pieces every time there’s a crisis. The benefit of a lengthy national campaign is that it gives voters a chance to see who’s made of sterner stuff, and who isn’t.
I don't mean to be callous here, but the Paris Attacks are not 9/11. They are not the end of the world. It is a tragedy to be sure. Horrific. But it was a terrorist attack. And terror attacks are going to happen in this world. What we have to do now is investigate, track down those responsible, kill or capture them, but most importantly, respond smartly.