Radicalized regardless of faith

The political process that is supposed to keep America a free and vital country is currently pretty dysfunctional. The best interests of the country are routinely put on the back burner; party line loyalty takes precedence. Ongoing discussion, the main lubricant in a free society, has all but dried up. Hard facts are often causalities in politically charged situations.

Recent mass shootings in France and in the U.S. have some varying circumstances, but also many common elements. The shooters in France, in the Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood facility and in San Bernardino’s handicapped services center have all been “radicalized.” The triggering mechanisms for this radicalization are the only differences.

Exaggerated baby parts stories could be a trigger for one; ridiculous campaign statements about Muslims could be another trigger. In any case, these terrorists represent a very small minority of their respective religions. The majority of both groups are decent, law-abiding citizens and should be treated as such.

The extreme idiots’ views in both religions should not be allowed to prevail in, hopefully, an ongoing, fact-based discussion in our country. The radical extremists would love to see this discussion fail to materialize.

J. Gary Kavanagh

Spokane