Posted by
Vegas George on Saturday, July 14, 2007 10:48:45 PM
I've given "A Gate Crasher's Change of Heart" (Washington Post, July 13, Allison Klein) a great deal of thought. I have concluded that it is one of the most dangerous, and irresponsible pieces of journalism I've read in some time.
For those who haven't read it, it is a story about a gunman crashing a backyard party and holding a gun to a girl's head while demanding money, and the way the situation was defused by the hostess who offered the gunman a glass of wine, some cheese, and hugs. The story ends with everyone giving the gunman a "group hug."
This is nothing more than a dramatization of that old liberal philosophy about how criminals are really just misunderstood folks who need a little love. It is so far from reality, that I find myself wondering if the story itself is true. Assuming it is true, there are terrible problems here.
1. There is no mention of the police being called, or an arrest being made. Will these people accept responsibility when this gunman actually shoots his next victim? Will he be satisfied with a little wine and cheese from the next family he holds at gunpoint?
2. These people themselves are at serious risk. This gunman and his friends are very likely to come back for more, and instead of "group hugs" we'll be reading about rape, and murder.
3. The way this story is presented, it leaves the reader with the idea that the hostess's actions in placating the gunman is a workable solution to violent confrontation. When, in fact, it was a miracle that her actions worked as they did. The article should have come with the warning: "Don't try this at home!"
What I see here is a single incident demonstration of what liberals think may be the solution for much larger problems. For example, terrorism. How many times have I heard or read about how they wouldn't hate us so much if they could just get to know us better? How do you say "group hug" in Farsi?
Let's use a little common sense here, please!