[QUOTE]Originally posted by ChaseTheMiles:

You seem to have forgotton that the Shintoists ...Towards the end of the war, the Japanese airmen became kamakazi fighters considered by their countrymen as heros making an ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Not at all. Even the kamikazees targeted military installations and other legitimate targets of war. Although a surprise attack, same for Pearl Harbor. Its comparing apples with oranges: never before in US history have we faced an enemy who thinks nothing about killing innocents and actually avoids military targets in lieu of spreading terror.

And yet we don't racial profile the Japanese people. What were the internment camps?

During WWII, German-Americans were "profiled" (in the sense of the word we're using today) as well during WWII. But once again, the perceived threat was espionage or sabotage of military/industrial targets-- not slaughter of civilians.

apologies and retributions. I assume you mean "reparations", and much of that had to do with property seized during the war. Many Japanese-Americans lost their businesses, homes, and savings. They should have been compensated.

why do we think it's acceptable to racial profile, issue separate ID cards, etc. against the Arab Americans or Moslem Americans? Last poll says a significant number of Americans think otherwise. Bet you good money that if a nuclear attack ever happens on US soil, that percentage will grow geometrically.

What you're forgetting is that the seperate ID card idea (which will never happen IMHO)is for foreign nationals/aliens, who do not receive the full benefit of the Constitution to begin with. They are guests, and as such, can be sent packing.

You are using the attack of WTC as the only measure to determine whether we conduct profiling on a specific race or ethnic group. Incorrect. There is one particular group right now who is determined, organized, and funded to the extent that it possesses the ability to hurt us. Period. If the IRA suddenly developed a hard-on against the US and launched a similar terror attack, I'd EXPECT the Shamuses, Erins and Seans to be profiled as well.

And let's really call a spade a spade: after Mcveigh, mainstream America DENOUNCED him, and all who believed as he did. But where are the denouncements in the American muslim community? Just per forma weak condolences and more spirited denouncements of anti-muslim rage. At the day of rememberance, the Iman didn't even unquivocably denounce the terrorists.

Actually there have been other horrendous crimes committed against humanity. Long ago. We don't "profile" Germans anymore, because their animosity towards us and the evil ideology egging them on has dissapated. In addition, when in American history has a comprable event occurred, committed by sleeper agents hiding in our country?

but it cannot be done by pure racial profiling. Never said pure racial profiling. But its a factor, and its absurd to pretend otherwise. do you REALLY think that a group of Arab men travelling together should receive the same scrutiny as a group of Japanese businessmen?

The problem with this discussion is that the term "profiling" is a loaded term in the US: it invokes visions of black men driving Mercedes being pulled over for DWB, etc. As such, it has caused a "knee jerk" reaction from several on this board without actual consideration of the substance of what was being discussed, but then again, the same folks would probably protest the singing of "White Christmas" for its alleged racist overtones.

RIP fellow San Ramonian:

Thomas E. Burnett Jr., 38, of San Ramon, California, was a senior vice president and chief operating officer of Thoratec Corp., a medical research and development company, and the father of three. He made four calls to his wife, Deena, from the plane. Deena Burnett said that her husband told her that one passenger had been stabbed and that "a group of us are going to do something." He also told her that the people on board knew about the attack on the World Trade Center, apparently through other phone calls. He was the father to 5 year old twin girls and a three year old.



[This message has been edited by se94583 (edited 09-25-2001).]