Mr. Kristoff gives Trump an undeserved benefit of the doubt by saying: "We don’t know whether the murderer on the Portland train felt empowered to scream at a Muslim girl because of Trump’s own previous Islamophobic rants...". But this is not hard. Without Trump, those two men would be alive.
134
What a magnificent memorial Mr. Kristoff. Thanks for that much needed reminder that humanity and kindness will survive the assault of one DJT, annihilator.
90
I'd like to think that this incident was unique, but that would be naive on my part. Since when does "freedom of speech" include the use of or threatening to use a knife on others? The Alt-right connection by this perpetrator has a zipline directly to the White House and the Breitbart connection in residence there.
82
I applaud Nicholas Kristof and other journalists who keep 'speaking truth to power.' This was a wonderful column and my heart goes out to the families of those murdered, and to the one survivor. I feel so embarrassed that hate speech has been fomented by the one person who is supposed to inspire us to higher ideals. Alas that person is only inspired by greed and his own narcissism. To the women who were verbally assaulted, I hope this never happens to you again. One incident, though, is enough for you to get PTSD. I am saddened by the wretched state of this country and the fact that people feel they now have the right to come out of their malicious malignant shells and feel they have the right to attack others.
56
The truly horrifying aspect is that Christian thinks he's a true America Patriot. The truly horrifying aspect is that Trump thinks he's a true America Patriot.
97
I'm an Arab-American who lives next to the train stop where this took place. Been in Portland for 33 years and not at all surprised it happened in my neighborhood. I live in America's whitest city. The liberalism here is mostly of the look how tolerant I am and how many demonstrations I've been to, not the welcoming of people who look and act different then I do. Having said that, the people who got stabbed were just ordinary folks who were willing to stand up and not let the hate pass this time. They are heroes and the best of us. The local politicians who have for decades embraced a culture of white supremacy and now loudly condemn this crime, well they're not the best of us.
201
Can the Army not conduct a very public ceremony and posthumously award Mr. Best the Soldiers Medal to show that it, notwithstanding the current commander in chief, still holds its values dear? And on the burial in Arlington question posed in the essay, if the family wants that, then do it with full military honors!
75
Make no mistake.
The blood of the deceased victims is on the hands of those who speak hatred.
No exception for the guy in a blue suit, white shirt, and long red tie.
The blood of the deceased victims is on the hands of those who speak hatred.
No exception for the guy in a blue suit, white shirt, and long red tie.
77
Let's prepare, because tragic attacks like these may well increase as we try to survive Trump's 4 years.
This is the effect of a US president who is a malevolent bigot. His aggressive arrogance has unleashed demons coming out of the woodwork. Mentally ill haters are aroused to action by the politics they see around them.
Where are the columns on the right wing terrorst groups in the US? Any one of us could be a witness to such an attack. What would we do?
Once Trump is gone, how long will it take for these hostile trends to start dissipating? First we have to elect a president who is a mature person, with humanistic, rational values, who knows their duty to society.
But, how hard will it be for candidates like that to find the billions in funding to run for office in today's big money dominated politics?
This is the effect of a US president who is a malevolent bigot. His aggressive arrogance has unleashed demons coming out of the woodwork. Mentally ill haters are aroused to action by the politics they see around them.
Where are the columns on the right wing terrorst groups in the US? Any one of us could be a witness to such an attack. What would we do?
Once Trump is gone, how long will it take for these hostile trends to start dissipating? First we have to elect a president who is a mature person, with humanistic, rational values, who knows their duty to society.
But, how hard will it be for candidates like that to find the billions in funding to run for office in today's big money dominated politics?
31
Such a shocking, tragic incident. Thank you Mr Kristof for this article. This display of courage and common decency trumps the evil exhibited by the bigots of this world. A special thanks to the parents of these heroes, and of course the courageous individuals involved in this incident. God bless them.
24
Thank you for this insightful, well written and courageous column.
18
Thank you again, Mr Krstof, for giving us some hope in this dark time for the U.S.
As long as our country continues to ignore our huge mental health problem, the U.S. will continue to be a very dangerous place.
As long as our country continues to ignore our huge mental health problem, the U.S. will continue to be a very dangerous place.
17
It is very sad that such a hateful group, (White Supremist/Neo-Nazi) has once again wormed their way into the Pacific Northwest. All decent citizens should see these terrible murders of our most heroic men as a call to action. We cannot stand by and be complacent about the presence of hate groups in our society. I believe the same can be said for Trump and his hand-picked bigoted staff of immigrant/minority haters. They need to go or will continue to set the stage (by their smug resistance to common sense and decency) for horrific crime scene scenarios and fatalities.
22
Christian (what a sad coincidental name) is just the kind of fringe deviant that has been emboldened by our racist-in-chief. Deepest sympathies, and sincerest thanks, to the families of these good Samaritans. They are American heroes who have made the highest sacrifice for the true values of our democratic nation.
36
Just so we are clear: in MY gay life, this is exactly what "christians" are like.
30
"We need a total and complete shutdown of Caucasian males... entering this country!" -to paraphrase our current occupant of the White House. White Males have unleashed more terrorism in this nation than any other group. Adam Lanza, at Sandy Hook. Dylan Kleebold, Eric Harris, James Holm, James Pough, James Huberty, David Burke, Aaron Alexis, Patrick Sherill, Mark Barton, Ronald Simmons, George Banks, Timothy McVeigh. And don't forget the KKK.
88
More journalists and other commentators must come to the forefront of the situation and EMPHASIS Donald Trump's role in the eruption of racist-inspired crimes in both Maryland and Oregon. What should Americans expect next? Real black cadavers hanging in the trees? Anyone of vaguely Middle Eastern mien taunted or worse in public?
I am pleased that Dan Rather and Nicholas Kristof are both taking the necessary moral stand. We need more voices of decency out there to put a rapid halt to what may be the beginning of a very dark period in American history. I fear the worst : the nihilist president who inspires the nihilist terrorist in the guise of the ironically named Jeremy Christian....
I am pleased that Dan Rather and Nicholas Kristof are both taking the necessary moral stand. We need more voices of decency out there to put a rapid halt to what may be the beginning of a very dark period in American history. I fear the worst : the nihilist president who inspires the nihilist terrorist in the guise of the ironically named Jeremy Christian....
37
Standing up to harrasement, yes, good, we should take note and emulate these men. Calling out bigots however produces mixed results. IMO, this was a lesson about mentally ill people, and how not to engage with them, e.g engaging them with reason and politics. Instead, get away and report them to authorities. Racism is just the discourse for this person's illness, not the root of his action. I realize this opinion will not be a popular one, but if you want to blame someone, point your finger at the Portland light rail and our virtually nonexistent public mental health system.
17
How can one help when one is "getting away"? If Bigots and dangerous people are not called out then you (because I would stay and help) are only giving them permission.
20
Our hearts are shattered here, uplifted only by remembering and honoring the selfless acts of these three angels and heroes.
20
It shouldn't be this hard and costly in lives to battle evil. It seems to me that we are losing.
10
I am not a brave person, but I believe I raised such sons, they ride MAX, I would have lost them. My heart is broken for the families. No one voted for this.
29
I believe what this "attack" reveals is that there is still a huge amount of racism / bigotry in this nation. The fly on the wall of Senator McConnell's office would have tales to tell. Alas, this grievous incident in Oregon means that the next time this happens it's less likely that anyone will intervene.
10
Wonderful column. thank you.
I know this element has always been present, in deep corners, in survivalist communities, in the dark recesses of some hearts and souls. Now it is legitimized, given tacit or outright approval. Oh, perhaps not to the point of approving death, at least not in public. But knock down a reporter? Yeah, he deserved it. I weep for the republic.
I know this element has always been present, in deep corners, in survivalist communities, in the dark recesses of some hearts and souls. Now it is legitimized, given tacit or outright approval. Oh, perhaps not to the point of approving death, at least not in public. But knock down a reporter? Yeah, he deserved it. I weep for the republic.
30
I used to think that when bad things happened to other people that didn't affect me directly and personally, I could just ignore them and move on. Nowadays there are too many of those things happening that I can't ignore them anymore. We have a terrorist is our midst named Christian! Why are we worried about immigrants becoming terrorists when all we have to do is look in our own born-here nationalist network to find the biggest danger to our safety, security and peacefulness. So now I have to ask myself if I have the courage, conviction and energy to stand up against the hatred and incivility that has become so popular under Donnie rules. Donnie said that he thought what Christian did was wrong, but he still doesn't admit the connection between his uncivilized words as well as behavior and what Christian did. There will be more and more of this as long as our leadership leads from hatred, ignorance and incivility.
26
Republicans need to stand up to this of hate mongering man. Once they do, something can happen to remove Trump from office and renounce his policies of hate and stupidity. The world is watching. Our children and grandchildren are watching. It is shameful he is our president.
24
The tragedy here is that secretly 30% or more of American voters privately support Jeremy Christian. They won't admit it publicly for attribution, but go look at any of the right-wing "chat rooms." Understand what the "alt-right" and Breitbart and host of far uglier web sites are about.
When you try to understand and decode Trump supporters -- the reason you cannot make any sense of their veiled tropes is that your mind refuses to go to this ... but this is it.
When you try to understand and decode Trump supporters -- the reason you cannot make any sense of their veiled tropes is that your mind refuses to go to this ... but this is it.
33
Rick Best stood for the values that the Army stands for and were he to still be in service would be eligible for The Soldier's Medal.
"The Soldier's Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, including Reserve Component soldiers not serving in a duty status at the time of the heroic act, distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy."
By Regulation "The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life."
I do not know if Mr Best was still a Reservist or not, but if he was, I would like to see him awarded this token of Recognition. Most Americans know of the Medal of Honor- awarded for extreme valor in combat- but are unaware of the Soldier's Medal. This award and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Coast Guard Medal, and Airman's Medal are the highest awards available away from Combat and those honored are every bit as heroic.
"The Soldier's Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, including Reserve Component soldiers not serving in a duty status at the time of the heroic act, distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy."
By Regulation "The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life."
I do not know if Mr Best was still a Reservist or not, but if he was, I would like to see him awarded this token of Recognition. Most Americans know of the Medal of Honor- awarded for extreme valor in combat- but are unaware of the Soldier's Medal. This award and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Coast Guard Medal, and Airman's Medal are the highest awards available away from Combat and those honored are every bit as heroic.
24
David Gregory,
Excellent comment. Are there also awards that might be provided for the other two gentlemen, as civilians? These three men are truly the best of us.
Excellent comment. Are there also awards that might be provided for the other two gentlemen, as civilians? These three men are truly the best of us.
12
Nothing I could write could equal Mr. Namkai-Meche's last words nor Mr. Fletcher's poem, powerful enough to bring tears to my eyes.
As for Mr. Best, his death also stymies any words I might write to honor or eulogize him. These men are all true heroes and Americans should be proud of them and learn from their costly example.
As for Mr. Best, his death also stymies any words I might write to honor or eulogize him. These men are all true heroes and Americans should be proud of them and learn from their costly example.
24
Good people must decide whether life-affirming values, i.e. kindness, compassion, decency, determine who we are as a society; or whether we allow values predicated on racism, violence and fear predominate. The first step is confronting any immediate threat like the reflexive courage displayed by the brave men on that train.
While most of us wonder if we'd make the same sacrifice in a similar situation, we can affect change and shape our world in meaningful ways through community action and through the ballot box for local school boards and city councils to senators and presidents. Stand up and be counted whenever and wherever you can!
While most of us wonder if we'd make the same sacrifice in a similar situation, we can affect change and shape our world in meaningful ways through community action and through the ballot box for local school boards and city councils to senators and presidents. Stand up and be counted whenever and wherever you can!
13
Thank you Mr. Kristof for a beautiful tribute to these three brave men. They embody the spirit of decency and tolerance that all Americans should emulate.
14
Unfortunately Sarah, 'the bottom line', 'how much do you make?', and 'what's the profit margin?' are the main values of most Americans under the Trumpian regime. The humanistic-minded targets of Christian's attacks create a sense of distortion in an almost Manichean way which should not hide the crass materialism at the heart of American society.
9
Portland's permissive take on what constitutes acceptable behavior in its public domain over time has led to a more hostile, less safe atmosphere in downtown and on public transportation. The city leaders must develop a stronger working relationship with and find common goals with the police department.
6
NO! This is the fault of ONE "human". Silly comment.
13
As I read the last words of Tiliesin, and I see the photo of his mother with Mr Kristof's article, I am deeply moved by how his family is holding what has happened with such a commitment to Love. With a commitment To keeping the spirit of everything they are moving through with the same spirit that moved Tiliesin to help those young women...The spirit of Love.
Profoundly honorable. The raw, empty pain of their loss is there too …but shining through, I see their commitment to honoring his act of heroism with their own act of heroism. This tree and it's fruit...very close together...
Profoundly honorable. The raw, empty pain of their loss is there too …but shining through, I see their commitment to honoring his act of heroism with their own act of heroism. This tree and it's fruit...very close together...
25
Decades ago there was the option of mental institutions for such lost souls.
Some families now exhaust themselves and their funds seeking solutions for their mentally ill relatives.
Institutions kept insane people safe and kept them from hurting themselves and others. The shutting of those institutions represented a tax break. Instead the costs, such as the murder of two very patriotic humanitarians, the physical injuring of another and the trauma to all present and their families, have been enormous.
Some families now exhaust themselves and their funds seeking solutions for their mentally ill relatives.
Institutions kept insane people safe and kept them from hurting themselves and others. The shutting of those institutions represented a tax break. Instead the costs, such as the murder of two very patriotic humanitarians, the physical injuring of another and the trauma to all present and their families, have been enormous.
23
America thanks you Rick Best, Taliesin Namkai-Meche, and Micah Fletcher. God bless.
18
What I've learned is that white supremacists/nationalists who feel they are marginalized and angry are emboldened and empowered by the Trump phenomenon. And that these fringe nationalists are just the tip of the iceberg in a significantly divided America, as increasing inequality of income leaves the marginalized fighting for the scraps, while wealthy autocrats preside over, distance, and try to police themselves from the brewing chaos.
17
The offender was a convicted felon, homeless, jobless, and based upon comments made of a questionable mental state, something also noted by his mother. His first conviction was for robbery, kidnapping, use of a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. Court documents indicate that the reason for the robbery was “because the guy there doesn’t sell any winning lottery tickets,”. He had shifting political views but had a constant theme of hating circumcision and Hillary Clinton. The alt-right on social media distanced themselves from him as he was a Bernie Sanders supporter, but liberals did the same as he was also a Trump supporter. In May he posted "I want a job in Norway cutting off the heads of people that Circumcize Babies....Like if you agree!!!"
He has as much of connection with Bernie Sanders and Democrats as he does with Trump and the GOP.
He has as much of connection with Bernie Sanders and Democrats as he does with Trump and the GOP.
17
You're deluding yourself if you think Trump's rhetoric hasn't emboldened anyone with extreme views and violent tendencies.
22
No less than similar embolding activities by 'not-Trump' people leading to the ambush and shooting of police officers across the country. The info I posted was from Portland sources, again the offender in the recent incident was as much 'emboldened' by Sanders and Democrats as he was by Trump and Republicans.
I've been in the Portland area since 1993. From an article in The Atlantic, before the election;"“I think that Portland has, in many ways, perfected neoliberal racism,” Walidah Imarisha, an African American educator and expert on black history in Oregon, told me. Yes, the city is politically progressive, she said, but its government has facilitated the dominance of whites in business, housing, and culture. And white-supremacist sentiment is not uncommon in the state."
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sharp-rise-ambush-killings-leaves-po...
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/07/racist-history-port...
I've been in the Portland area since 1993. From an article in The Atlantic, before the election;"“I think that Portland has, in many ways, perfected neoliberal racism,” Walidah Imarisha, an African American educator and expert on black history in Oregon, told me. Yes, the city is politically progressive, she said, but its government has facilitated the dominance of whites in business, housing, and culture. And white-supremacist sentiment is not uncommon in the state."
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sharp-rise-ambush-killings-leaves-po...
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/07/racist-history-port...
6
Crazy homeless man yells at every single person on a commuter train... gets to two girls, one in a headscarf, and starts in with an anti-muslim rant, some guys intervene and he starts stabbing them....
Cue the national media.... forget the crazy, homeless part of the story, that minimizes his actions, forget that he yelled incoherent things at everybody on the train because that doesn't focus on the white supremacy narrative. I mean, seriously, was the nut "empowered" by Trump to yell at all the other non-headscarf wearing people he yelled at?
This whole circus is the equivalent of tea-leaf reading, looking for patterns that aren't there in the normal random crap that happens, on a national media level.
Oh, and for my credentials? Unlike most of the people here, I live there.
Cue the national media.... forget the crazy, homeless part of the story, that minimizes his actions, forget that he yelled incoherent things at everybody on the train because that doesn't focus on the white supremacy narrative. I mean, seriously, was the nut "empowered" by Trump to yell at all the other non-headscarf wearing people he yelled at?
This whole circus is the equivalent of tea-leaf reading, looking for patterns that aren't there in the normal random crap that happens, on a national media level.
Oh, and for my credentials? Unlike most of the people here, I live there.
16
Hardly. He was not a random schizophrenic homeless man ranting incoherently. He has been aggressively pushing consistent alt right ideology since people first started noticing him in various rallies for the past several months.
I live here too. If anyone's applying selective reasoning, it's you.
I live here too. If anyone's applying selective reasoning, it's you.
26
For others who also want to know where one can donate for the victims, the Portland Mercury has this information:
http://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2017/05/28/19044093/heres-where-...
http://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2017/05/28/19044093/heres-where-...
3
Battle of American values. More likely it's a battle about letting the insane walk around free.
14
Those men were brave beyond belief. They had integrity and honor.
What might we learn? I wonder if, instead of protests, there could be de-escalation workshops? While not perfect, there are strategies that may help in potentially volatile situations or encounters with the mentally fragile.
What might we learn? I wonder if, instead of protests, there could be de-escalation workshops? While not perfect, there are strategies that may help in potentially volatile situations or encounters with the mentally fragile.
7
What I got out of this incident is that one should think twice before intervening in a confrontation between people on a train, or anywhere else for that matter. I would be interested in hearing from law enforcement experts on what is a prudent response to such a situation. Surely there was someone on the train whose job it is to manage unruly passengers. The prudent thing would have been to contact that official.
7
These are Light Rail Cars. There is one driver at the front and that's it.
7
Would I measure up?
I've asked myself this question everyday since these murders. We all should. Do I have the courage to stand up to hatred and bigotry where it really matters: in my community, on the train or bus I ride, on the street I walk. When it's real, not some abstract discussion. Do I keep my head down or stand up?
Do I have what it takes? Do you?
I've asked myself this question everyday since these murders. We all should. Do I have the courage to stand up to hatred and bigotry where it really matters: in my community, on the train or bus I ride, on the street I walk. When it's real, not some abstract discussion. Do I keep my head down or stand up?
Do I have what it takes? Do you?
142
We won't know the answer until we're confronted with a similar situation.
4
What will you teach your children? That they should sacrifice their life when a lifetime lies before them?
5
Or better said, a battlefield between American values and un-American values.
2
Kristof, you quote Kurzman, and here is a more complete quote from his website: “In 2016, Americans were less likely to be killed by Muslim extremists (1 in six million) than for being Muslim (one in one million): 54 fatalities in a population of approximately 324 million vs. 4 fatalities (Khalid Jabara in Tulsa and Imam Maulama Akonjee, Thara Uddin, and Nazma Khanam in New York) in a population of approximately 3 million.” That’s 4 fatalities, of Americans being killed for being Muslim, in 2016. All of your calming statistics that you like to apply to terrorism, apply here too, like how Muslims have a better chance of being killed in an accident with a ladder, bathtub, stairs, or lightning (to use stats from your recent article). And, consider this, in Kurzman’s data pool, there are 324 million Americans that could be killed by one of 3 million Muslims, and there are 3 million Muslims that could be killed by one of 324 million Americans. That seems to be a significant point. You often seem to suggest there is nothing to worry about and I wonder, should we call off the TSA, police, FBI, CIA, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, special forces? Salman Abedi, the Manchester bomber, was taken off a watch list that included 3,000 others. Should we take off the other 3,000?
11
Our president, our congress and the Republican leaders have led the way to racism, hostility and thuggery.
Citizens are being told they are stupid if they pay taxes. Our president holds up dictators, murderers and despots as heroes he admires. He freely flings his shady business dealings in our faces. He feels he could even commit murder and still be supported. The unhappy minions are called upon to use brute force against those who disagree with them.
Are we citizens of the US so blind and dumb about how fragile a democracy is? Do we not understand ours could fail in the length of one presidency? My fellow Americans, there is a dark evil at our door and it is not "the other", it is us.
Citizens are being told they are stupid if they pay taxes. Our president holds up dictators, murderers and despots as heroes he admires. He freely flings his shady business dealings in our faces. He feels he could even commit murder and still be supported. The unhappy minions are called upon to use brute force against those who disagree with them.
Are we citizens of the US so blind and dumb about how fragile a democracy is? Do we not understand ours could fail in the length of one presidency? My fellow Americans, there is a dark evil at our door and it is not "the other", it is us.
19
Rick Best, Micah Fletcher, and Taliesin Namkai-Meche had a rare, extremely brief - and golden - opportunity to make a immensely powerful statement about their beliefs and their character. They didn't blow it. Given a similar opportunity, would we?
17
King Trump and Court is to blame. This is not so easy to see. Yet, when a leader condones hatred and waits to tweet condolences, it is clear that everything from his campaign forward that has happened from hate speech is his fault. Leaders are to direct us all on the path our nation decided long ago that "all men are created equal." King Trump is a fascist and his Court are his storm troopers. The argument that more is to come and that we cannot stop them is false. Our laws stop them and will. It is hard to do the right thing for many of us, we need to accept that fact. These men decided to stop the hate and stood up for the rights of all of us to live here in peace. There are ordinary people just like us. White supremacists do not want you to know, that ordinary people can defeat them. King Trump can spout hate all he wants but if we fight against his hatred, it will be written in the history books that we finally committed to our Constitution.
The wound of loss in Portland is felt throughout our nation. The best action towards that Pro-Trump rally to be held on Sunday is for no one to show up, including media. As Americans, we are not the kind to let go that easily injustice nor condemnation of a horrific act of cowardice by white supremacist, taking on two girls. If they intend to hide behind the skirts of Freedom of Speech to spread their hate, then sing out loud what we stand for freedom for all and that we are all created equal.
The wound of loss in Portland is felt throughout our nation. The best action towards that Pro-Trump rally to be held on Sunday is for no one to show up, including media. As Americans, we are not the kind to let go that easily injustice nor condemnation of a horrific act of cowardice by white supremacist, taking on two girls. If they intend to hide behind the skirts of Freedom of Speech to spread their hate, then sing out loud what we stand for freedom for all and that we are all created equal.
8
The election of Donald Trump has lit the fuse for countless walking time bombs of angry, disenfranchised white males who feel 'gypped' out of the good life in America.
1987. I remember my first job after university in a book shop of a major East Coast city where I encountered an individual of Christian's ilk. A young white deliveryman told me without any solicitation his hatred for blacks, boasting of beating them up during his stint in the US Navy. I simply remained calm, business as usual... bewildered by this racist's 'need' to share his violent and misanthropic ways with a perfect stranger, presuming that I would necessarily share his ideology....
In 2017, I can only imagine an exacerbation of the job situation for lowbrow young men like the individual I described above. America must be crawling with scores of these human time bombs : financially broke, zero worth on the sexual marketplace, lost in bittterness and an inability to accept positive social changes. Oddly enough, a person like Christian would be plausible fodder for Isis recruiters who share this paleo-reactionary's hatred of anyone different from their point of view.
1987. I remember my first job after university in a book shop of a major East Coast city where I encountered an individual of Christian's ilk. A young white deliveryman told me without any solicitation his hatred for blacks, boasting of beating them up during his stint in the US Navy. I simply remained calm, business as usual... bewildered by this racist's 'need' to share his violent and misanthropic ways with a perfect stranger, presuming that I would necessarily share his ideology....
In 2017, I can only imagine an exacerbation of the job situation for lowbrow young men like the individual I described above. America must be crawling with scores of these human time bombs : financially broke, zero worth on the sexual marketplace, lost in bittterness and an inability to accept positive social changes. Oddly enough, a person like Christian would be plausible fodder for Isis recruiters who share this paleo-reactionary's hatred of anyone different from their point of view.
8
Jeremy Christian represents pure evil. Now imagine that we held all Christians (his namesake) or Atheists (he appears to hate all religions) or all Whites (he is white supremacist) or all Trump supporters (his political affiliations are unclear) guilty by association. Imagine that we asked why more Christians or Atheists or Whites or Trump supporters are not protesting against Christian and his beliefs - where are the protest marches? Reality is that we will not charge Christian with terrorism, that the media will not cover his acts as terrorism, that we will soon focus on his metal health and if he is fit for trial.
Now imagine that is was a brown or black Abdul Islam instead of Jeremy Christian. That Abdul Islam was making anti-White and anti-Christian slurs against 2 White, Christian girls, and 3 brave bystanders intervened and that Abdul Islam stabbed 2 of them to death and almost killed the 3rd man. Now imagine the reaction to ALL Muslims and to Islam (the religion) on Fox News, on talk radio, on Brietbart, from President Trump - the instant tweets from @realDonaldTrump. The mainstream media would call it terrorism. Why weren't ALL Muslims doing more to stop this terrorism? No one would consider Abdul Islam's mental health - he is a terrorist.
Now imagine that is was a brown or black Abdul Islam instead of Jeremy Christian. That Abdul Islam was making anti-White and anti-Christian slurs against 2 White, Christian girls, and 3 brave bystanders intervened and that Abdul Islam stabbed 2 of them to death and almost killed the 3rd man. Now imagine the reaction to ALL Muslims and to Islam (the religion) on Fox News, on talk radio, on Brietbart, from President Trump - the instant tweets from @realDonaldTrump. The mainstream media would call it terrorism. Why weren't ALL Muslims doing more to stop this terrorism? No one would consider Abdul Islam's mental health - he is a terrorist.
22
From Waco to Oklahoma City to Charleston to Portland, Dixie is rising and singing and waving the Stars and Bars to reign and rule over the United States.
Listen to the dulcet drawls of the likes of Mitch McConnell, Jeff Sessions, Rex Tillerson, Bob Corker, Lindsey Graham and Trey Gowdy.
We are in the New Civil War era without the violent secession.
Where are John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Grant and William T. Sherman to bring justice to the bigoted confederate rebels occupying the District of Columbia?
Listen to the dulcet drawls of the likes of Mitch McConnell, Jeff Sessions, Rex Tillerson, Bob Corker, Lindsey Graham and Trey Gowdy.
We are in the New Civil War era without the violent secession.
Where are John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Grant and William T. Sherman to bring justice to the bigoted confederate rebels occupying the District of Columbia?
15
What is most frightening about the situation described by Mr. Kristof is that our president is more like the loud-mouthed bully yelling anti-Muslim epithets than like the three heroes who leapt to the defense of the two young women.
That Trump tweeted his response is an impertinence, and totally inappropriate. While the three heroes surely provide inspiration, we need a more tangible response to the outrages foisted upon the American public almost daily by Trump. We need constitutional lawyers studying the options available to the public to bring about change before 2020.
That Trump tweeted his response is an impertinence, and totally inappropriate. While the three heroes surely provide inspiration, we need a more tangible response to the outrages foisted upon the American public almost daily by Trump. We need constitutional lawyers studying the options available to the public to bring about change before 2020.
12
This incident has brought home to me , literally, the tragedy that is this presidency. Not that anyone here needed any kind of prompt. But hate breeds hate.
On Memorial Day I stopped by the train station Hollywood District stop, which has become a shrine. I could not believe the sacred vibe there. The steps leading up to the train are covered in writings encouraging love and inclusion. The walkway up to the train steps are filled with deep soul statements about equality and togetherness. About certainty in the strength of love. I cried as others were as I contemplated the recent actions that must have shocked a full train of Friday afternoon commuters, leaving town, going home, going to the airport. I felt so heartsick.
People continued to stream over from across the street after buying flowers at Trader Joes there. This is our home and neighborhood.
I tried to think of where else I'd traveled where any shrine held such potency and emotion. Maybe Gandhi's memorial in Delhi.
There will be a moment of silence on Friday at noon, sponsored by Trimet, which is our city trans agency. Please feel free to join in globally. I will be there again with my daughter. Both of us ride the train often, and still will.
On Memorial Day I stopped by the train station Hollywood District stop, which has become a shrine. I could not believe the sacred vibe there. The steps leading up to the train are covered in writings encouraging love and inclusion. The walkway up to the train steps are filled with deep soul statements about equality and togetherness. About certainty in the strength of love. I cried as others were as I contemplated the recent actions that must have shocked a full train of Friday afternoon commuters, leaving town, going home, going to the airport. I felt so heartsick.
People continued to stream over from across the street after buying flowers at Trader Joes there. This is our home and neighborhood.
I tried to think of where else I'd traveled where any shrine held such potency and emotion. Maybe Gandhi's memorial in Delhi.
There will be a moment of silence on Friday at noon, sponsored by Trimet, which is our city trans agency. Please feel free to join in globally. I will be there again with my daughter. Both of us ride the train often, and still will.
7
How can anyone start screaming like that at another person? There is no reason to call someone names or insult them for wearing a hijab, a Star of David, a habit, a cleric's collar, or a symbol that is LGBTQ. One has to feel very entitled or very angry and even those aren't good reasons to humiliate one's fellow citizens. I'm proud to live in a country where there are Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, etc., in almost every city and state. I'm proud to be able to work and play in places that aren't filled with the same sort of people every day. When I go to the park, to the Laundromat, to the grocery store, to work, I see all sorts of Americans and I'm proud of them.
I'm thrilled to know that a Syrian mother and father wanted to raise their family here because it's safe to be Muslim. I'm happy to see a Christmas tree in front of a church or a wreath hanging on a neighbor's door. It makes my day to know that I can light a menorah without worrying about being accused of some horrific crime. I'm glad to live in a country that supports same sex marriage.
I'm not happy that there are people who feel so threatened by this diversity that they try to stop it by harassing, maiming or killing those who are different. I don't want America to slide backwards to the "good ol' days" because they weren't. We're better off learning about and accepting our differences than trying to fit ourselves into one unified persona. I'm sorry that people have to die for this.
I'm thrilled to know that a Syrian mother and father wanted to raise their family here because it's safe to be Muslim. I'm happy to see a Christmas tree in front of a church or a wreath hanging on a neighbor's door. It makes my day to know that I can light a menorah without worrying about being accused of some horrific crime. I'm glad to live in a country that supports same sex marriage.
I'm not happy that there are people who feel so threatened by this diversity that they try to stop it by harassing, maiming or killing those who are different. I don't want America to slide backwards to the "good ol' days" because they weren't. We're better off learning about and accepting our differences than trying to fit ourselves into one unified persona. I'm sorry that people have to die for this.
20
As a 68 year old black woman, this story breaks my heart and warms it as it did during the days of 'make love not war' days of my youth. When we stood up for something, sometimes apart under different umbrellas and then united when needed. Peace. Civil rights. voting Rights. Women's rights. People's rights and the rights of humanity. Lately, that has been treated as weakness. We have congress glad to have it all to the detriment of others, poor, mentally challenged, unemployed, etc.
We are a country that continually speaks of it's Judeo-Christian values but incidents like this affirms and rejects this. These are heroes as much as our fallen in battle. I lived through JFK, MLK, RFK(still recovering, sorry). I did not know any of these wonderful people but some how their deaths hurt the most. God/Allah bless them and their families
We are a country that continually speaks of it's Judeo-Christian values but incidents like this affirms and rejects this. These are heroes as much as our fallen in battle. I lived through JFK, MLK, RFK(still recovering, sorry). I did not know any of these wonderful people but some how their deaths hurt the most. God/Allah bless them and their families
15
Let's call the hateful murderer what Trump would call a terrorist: a LOOSER. Just looking at his picture makes that clear.
There are lots of organizations that have popped up over the last 10-15 years to stir up hatred of muslims. People like Geller, Griffith preach it to the gullible. They too are losers who think setting others against each other would work for their interest. They should be carefully watched and charged with hate speech when appropriate.
I don't know how crowded the train was, but I kept thinking if everyone had raised their voice, maybe the coward loser would've shut up instead of pulling out a knife.
RIP heroes!
There are lots of organizations that have popped up over the last 10-15 years to stir up hatred of muslims. People like Geller, Griffith preach it to the gullible. They too are losers who think setting others against each other would work for their interest. They should be carefully watched and charged with hate speech when appropriate.
I don't know how crowded the train was, but I kept thinking if everyone had raised their voice, maybe the coward loser would've shut up instead of pulling out a knife.
RIP heroes!
6
He is mentally ill. Why was he not helped before he snapped?
6
What happened on a Portland train is not a battlefield of American values, it was an unfortunate incident that escalated into brutal murders. I have not seen the police report and have not fully analyzed the circumstances that led to the murders. Jeremy Christian (JC), the alleged murderer seems like a mentally challenged guy who was screaming at 2 teenage girls singled out because they were muslim. Several passengers were frantically calling 911 and listening to and watching what was happening. So far resentful and repulsive considering what JC was saying but no one was physically touched. Three well built men understandably decided they could overpower JC to stop the nastiness not knowing whether JC was armed or what was about to happen. What happened next is not crystal clear nor was it clear anyone knew JC or had any training in dealing with mentally challenged persons or the authority to physically restrain JC for his foul mouth and move him somewhere else in the moving train without waiting for the police. Seeing 3 men approaching him, JC figured he was outnumbered by men who were about to shut him up or harm and punish him for his verbal abuse. JC pulls a knife and a scuffle breaks out, an angry JC probably had not expected or planned this situation to occur. Feeling cornered, JC strikes in rage not the girls he intimidated and for which he deserved to be arrested by law enforcement for hateful words but the 3 men. My sympathies to the loved ones. RIP, 2 of the 3.
7
If he'd been black, he would have been shot dead, no questions asked. Problem solved.
2
(Mainly lurking here for messages from nativist groups disowning this guy. From the looks of it I'll be here awhile.)
8
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!
3
"What united the three was decency."
Something else, too, united three. All three were men. We live at a time when maleness is becoming almost synonymous with inadequacy or evil. Experts try to find out what's going wrong with men. Ideologues try to argue that something has always been wrong with men. Why doesn't anyone ask what makes men act altruistically despite this cynical cultural environment, one in which misandry co-exists (but is seldom named or even noticed) with misogyny?
Something else, too, united three. All three were men. We live at a time when maleness is becoming almost synonymous with inadequacy or evil. Experts try to find out what's going wrong with men. Ideologues try to argue that something has always been wrong with men. Why doesn't anyone ask what makes men act altruistically despite this cynical cultural environment, one in which misandry co-exists (but is seldom named or even noticed) with misogyny?
5
Nick, so true, so true!
This murderer must be judged & killed for 2 counts of Murder & 1 attempt.
No matter if he is mentally unstable. No one has the right to kill others in our country. I hope the liberal & decent folks of Oregon will make sure of that.
This murderer must be judged & killed for 2 counts of Murder & 1 attempt.
No matter if he is mentally unstable. No one has the right to kill others in our country. I hope the liberal & decent folks of Oregon will make sure of that.
3
NIck, if our Constitution allowed a sitting president to be indicted on a criminal charge then we can easily surmise that president Trump should be indicted for the loss of these two heroes in Portland.
By his own words and deeds and through his incitement to violence candidate Trump created this xenophobia in our country just to win his election .
These two real heroes of our country as you mentioned here, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country with another hero fighting for his life just trying to calm down one of Trump's craziest supporters who like millions of his supporters was totally influenced by Trump's horribly racist and immigrant and Muslim bashing inciting rants in all his rallies.
He did exactly what Trump told his followers to do in hidden and clear language that all the immigrants, especially the Mexicans and the Muslims who've to be stopped as they're all bad for this country.
He didn't stop there with his racist and xenophobic,Islamophobic and filthy and deplorable rants.
He also told his stupid supporters right after a massacre in California where 12 Americans died at the hands of a horrible Muslim couple that all the Muslims are 'Islamic terrorists' who are killing our people in masses with the idea of forming their caliphate here in America.
Neither of them were true as we all 'Anti-Trump' know it.
But not his racist supporters, especially this animal who killed two heroes in a train only because he heard Trump's voice in his head.
By his own words and deeds and through his incitement to violence candidate Trump created this xenophobia in our country just to win his election .
These two real heroes of our country as you mentioned here, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country with another hero fighting for his life just trying to calm down one of Trump's craziest supporters who like millions of his supporters was totally influenced by Trump's horribly racist and immigrant and Muslim bashing inciting rants in all his rallies.
He did exactly what Trump told his followers to do in hidden and clear language that all the immigrants, especially the Mexicans and the Muslims who've to be stopped as they're all bad for this country.
He didn't stop there with his racist and xenophobic,Islamophobic and filthy and deplorable rants.
He also told his stupid supporters right after a massacre in California where 12 Americans died at the hands of a horrible Muslim couple that all the Muslims are 'Islamic terrorists' who are killing our people in masses with the idea of forming their caliphate here in America.
Neither of them were true as we all 'Anti-Trump' know it.
But not his racist supporters, especially this animal who killed two heroes in a train only because he heard Trump's voice in his head.
6
Thank you so much, Nick.
3
The Portland murderer voted for Sanders, displayed hatred toward a variety of people --- Jews, Christians, Muslims, "foreigners' et al --- so, in the interest of journalism's survival (or revival) the NYT should report all of the above, not just what is convenient to feed the coastal campaign against this Administration.
Who knows: People might even start believing the press?
Who knows: People might even start believing the press?
12
Islamophobia does not just disparage Muslims, and transphobia dishonours transphobes. Yesterday Roger Cohen picked on "transgender stuff" as the archetypal political correctness gone mad, which was costing Democrat support. Today there is an inspiring list opposing prejudices- but it does not include transphobia. We get hurt too. Seven trans women were killed in the first 60 days of 2017 in the US- more than the number of Americans killed by foreign Islamic terrorists since 9/11. By numbers, we are more likely to be murdered than other groups. Yet the Times only mentions transgender as a boo word, to imply earnest social justice warriors are losing touch with reality. The reality is, we are dying.
3
trump is the terrorist I fear most.
15
It is sad but stirring to know that good people exist; heroes have not gone away.
However, as much as I disagree with Trump and his actions, it may be unfair to place the blame for every heinous act at his feet. Hate crimes have always existed, and a violent hateful man such as this likely would have committed this act even if Hillary had been elected. Hate crimes occurred in alarming frequency during the Obama presidency.
I'm not sure what the answer is, and Trump is doing nothing to help. But people like these three good Samaritans remind us that hateful violent people are in the minority, and good people are standing up when needed most. May they rest in peace.
However, as much as I disagree with Trump and his actions, it may be unfair to place the blame for every heinous act at his feet. Hate crimes have always existed, and a violent hateful man such as this likely would have committed this act even if Hillary had been elected. Hate crimes occurred in alarming frequency during the Obama presidency.
I'm not sure what the answer is, and Trump is doing nothing to help. But people like these three good Samaritans remind us that hateful violent people are in the minority, and good people are standing up when needed most. May they rest in peace.
2
"It’s terrific that the White House eventually acknowledged these heroes in a tweet. But it would have been more convincing if the tweet came sooner and from Trump’s own @realDonaldTrump account rather than the @Potus account mostly managed by his staff."
But the tweet did not come from @realDonaldTrump because the real Donald Trump has absolutely nothing in common with Rick Best, Taliesin Namkai-Meche and Micah Fletcher - and their extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and decency - they are the very best of America. The real Donald Trump, as Nick Kristof so accurately states, is defined by narcissism, nepotism and nihilism - he is the very worst of America. The real Donald Trump will never call Jeremy Christian a terrorist. It is hard to know what truly motivates the raw hatred, terrorism and pure evil of a Jeremy Christian. But we do know that the hate and fear mongering from the real Donald Trump gives license to many to engage in their hatred, bigotry, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, Islamaphobia.
Look at the photo of Asha Deliverence, mother of Taliesin Namkai-Meche, and you get a glimpse of why Taliesin Namkai-Meche's last words included love. My heart goes out to Taliesin Namkai-Meche's and Rick Best's families for their loss. I am so thankful that Micah Fletcher recovered and can continue to produce his beautiful poetry. All three are genuine American heroes.
But the tweet did not come from @realDonaldTrump because the real Donald Trump has absolutely nothing in common with Rick Best, Taliesin Namkai-Meche and Micah Fletcher - and their extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and decency - they are the very best of America. The real Donald Trump, as Nick Kristof so accurately states, is defined by narcissism, nepotism and nihilism - he is the very worst of America. The real Donald Trump will never call Jeremy Christian a terrorist. It is hard to know what truly motivates the raw hatred, terrorism and pure evil of a Jeremy Christian. But we do know that the hate and fear mongering from the real Donald Trump gives license to many to engage in their hatred, bigotry, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, Islamaphobia.
Look at the photo of Asha Deliverence, mother of Taliesin Namkai-Meche, and you get a glimpse of why Taliesin Namkai-Meche's last words included love. My heart goes out to Taliesin Namkai-Meche's and Rick Best's families for their loss. I am so thankful that Micah Fletcher recovered and can continue to produce his beautiful poetry. All three are genuine American heroes.
32
I thought the same...look at her face, still joyful and brave and meeting life in all its facets with love and you know why her son was a shining beam of light. Those three have redeemed us in some sense right now. They are heroes.
7
You !should read Tali's Mom's Facebook page on the loss of her son. Truly inspiring.
2
"Donald Trump is making America meaner". That is the perfect description of what the minority of voters has delivered to us all.
19
I am just so sad and discouraged by the violence and intolerance that abused those women and took those men's lives.
Just sad.
Just sad.
4
I use to think that Donald Trump simply played to the base with his xenophobic rhetoric but he, himself, held none of those beliefs. His children often said so.
Then, when his words started becoming more racist in the past year, I wasn't sure if this was just politics. That's what his kids said.
Now, I honestly believe that Donald Trump is as racist as he has let on in the past 4 years. I don't trust him or his children.
It's time to realize that he will NOT get better.
Then, when his words started becoming more racist in the past year, I wasn't sure if this was just politics. That's what his kids said.
Now, I honestly believe that Donald Trump is as racist as he has let on in the past 4 years. I don't trust him or his children.
It's time to realize that he will NOT get better.
14
Whether Trump is a genuine racist or just plays one on reality TV is immaterial, because he inspires the genuine racists and xenophobes among us.
9
After many years of city living, my first impression when this incident began would probably have been "untreated mentally ill man" not "racist poor white guy". How can bystanders make a quick situational evaluation when something like this starts rapidly unfolding?
9
These killings will make me think twice about intervening when an assault is only verbal. I would counsel my kids to leave the situation as soon as possible. There are just too many sociopathic nut cases out there, some of them armed and quite ready to strike out.
9
JS--
I'm not sure about leaving the scene as soon as possible, leaving the women alone to face the angry man---but yes, it may not be necessary to physically confront someone and escalate the act. Perhaps put yourself between him and the women, but do so without approaching him and forcing him to act or retreat. He may have stopped at the verbal abuse.
I'm not sure about leaving the scene as soon as possible, leaving the women alone to face the angry man---but yes, it may not be necessary to physically confront someone and escalate the act. Perhaps put yourself between him and the women, but do so without approaching him and forcing him to act or retreat. He may have stopped at the verbal abuse.
4
Whether the assailant was mentally ill or not is irrelevant. Americans should learn from history that mass violence is unleashed by leaders promoting polsonous ideologies. It has nothing to do with individual morality and/or sanity of the perpetrators. Thousands of German members of the Jew-killing squads who mowed down children and old people were not insane and neither were Hutu killers who slaughtered their neighbors and friends in Rwanda. Everyone can be a killler but only few of us can be saints - and one never knows in advance how one would behave in a situation like this. In Germany I visited the Museum of Silent Heroes - those who saved Jews during the Holocaust, sometimes paying with their lives in the process. They were of all kinds: some were what most would call "good people" but some were not. Some were Christians, some Communists. But when push came to shove, they made a choice - as did the men on the train.
The most accurate observation in this column: "We don’t know whether the [alleged] murderer" acted "because of Trump’s own previous Islamophobic rants." Correct re President Trump. Too early to call the accused a murderer, though. He is presumed innocent unless and until convicted under law.
The column's most (probably) misleading observation: "Police arrested . . . a white supremacist [for] the [alleged] murders." A white supremacist it would seem, and yet at times also a supporter of the 1960s civil rights movement, a Sanders supporter, a hater of President Trump, Atty Gen Sessions, and "racists," and a man who likes the idea of Santa Claus as African-American (all these according to his FB page, which is still up).
Such wild belief swings suggest a deranged individual who may also have been intoxicated. This atrocity probably has much less to do with any ideology than with the derangement of the dangerously mentally ill who roam the streets of my city and Portland both. The police shot and killed an alleged madman six blocks from my house the other day. It's the sixth San José police shooting of an alleged madman this year. Another guy comes around on recycling day and bays like a wolf. Another gibbers to himself day and night.
A wealthy country's wealthiest cities are awash in the floridly psychotic, staggering about in their filthy rags and blankets. The alleged assailant here may well turn out to be one more among them. That is the scandal.
The column's most (probably) misleading observation: "Police arrested . . . a white supremacist [for] the [alleged] murders." A white supremacist it would seem, and yet at times also a supporter of the 1960s civil rights movement, a Sanders supporter, a hater of President Trump, Atty Gen Sessions, and "racists," and a man who likes the idea of Santa Claus as African-American (all these according to his FB page, which is still up).
Such wild belief swings suggest a deranged individual who may also have been intoxicated. This atrocity probably has much less to do with any ideology than with the derangement of the dangerously mentally ill who roam the streets of my city and Portland both. The police shot and killed an alleged madman six blocks from my house the other day. It's the sixth San José police shooting of an alleged madman this year. Another guy comes around on recycling day and bays like a wolf. Another gibbers to himself day and night.
A wealthy country's wealthiest cities are awash in the floridly psychotic, staggering about in their filthy rags and blankets. The alleged assailant here may well turn out to be one more among them. That is the scandal.
17
Coming from a Muslim background I feel that I have basis for a lawsuit against Trump, given his repeated, slanderous statements that thousands of New Jersey muslims were observed celebrating in the aftermath of 9/11. Surely Trump would sue me if I stated a rumor that, say, Ivanka secretly celebrated the 9/11 attacks. I don't know if that's true, by the way, but I have heard some people talking as of it were...
6
It is odd and curious that you mention Trump in this commentary as the murderer supported Jill Stein and Bernie Sanders in the last election.
12
Well, they are definitely heroes but two of the men are dead and one badly wounded. If more upright citizens were packin', there would be fewer perpetrators able to do their dastardly deeds and fewer dead heroes.
One of the American Values, most especially since the Revolution, is to be able to protect yourself, your family and others from insane people, including dictators, kings, thugs, etc. Learning how to carefully and effectively handle a small pistol is something most men and women should be taught. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Those heroes needed something that trumps a knife. They didn't have it. And don't tell me their courage was to take the place of a small pistol. When you are dead, you are dead. Period. (And, no, I'm not a member of the NRA but I stand with everyone who opposes disarming our people.)
My answer to Blue Moon (NY Times Pick) on what I would do: I would draw my piece and show it to the madman, barrel first. If he came at me with that knife, he would no longer be on this earth, able to harm or harass no one ever again. I suspect he would sober up and that seeing superior force is all that would be needed. If not, he was making his choice. I'd already long ago made mine. Not to be a victim.
One of the American Values, most especially since the Revolution, is to be able to protect yourself, your family and others from insane people, including dictators, kings, thugs, etc. Learning how to carefully and effectively handle a small pistol is something most men and women should be taught. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Those heroes needed something that trumps a knife. They didn't have it. And don't tell me their courage was to take the place of a small pistol. When you are dead, you are dead. Period. (And, no, I'm not a member of the NRA but I stand with everyone who opposes disarming our people.)
My answer to Blue Moon (NY Times Pick) on what I would do: I would draw my piece and show it to the madman, barrel first. If he came at me with that knife, he would no longer be on this earth, able to harm or harass no one ever again. I suspect he would sober up and that seeing superior force is all that would be needed. If not, he was making his choice. I'd already long ago made mine. Not to be a victim.
30
Well, Paul, i sincerely hope you are as well-trained as you imply. You ignore a number of less pleasant possibilities:
(a) the attacker could have had a gun and been much quicker on the draw than you, in which case you would e in the exact same situation as the heroes who died.
(b) **others** on the train may have had guns - some of whom sympathized with the attacker, and some of whom may have sympathized with you, but perhaps weren't as good shooters as you imply that you are. If that were the case, not only could both you and the attacker have been seriously injured or killed, but the two women, as well as many others on the train, might have been injured or killed.
It may feel very good to self-righteously tout misinterpretations of the 2nd Amendment, but a few moment's thought (which seems to be more than you allow for in this precarious situations) is an excellent remedy for knee-jerk bromides about patriotism (Jonathan Haidt's "moral foundations" notwithstanding, there is patriotism which is based in authoritarian thinking, and there is complex patriotism which stems from a deep reverence for the full complexity and richness of the modern world - I'll leave it to readers to assess the level of patriotism implicit in the phrase "If more upright citizens were packing'").
(a) the attacker could have had a gun and been much quicker on the draw than you, in which case you would e in the exact same situation as the heroes who died.
(b) **others** on the train may have had guns - some of whom sympathized with the attacker, and some of whom may have sympathized with you, but perhaps weren't as good shooters as you imply that you are. If that were the case, not only could both you and the attacker have been seriously injured or killed, but the two women, as well as many others on the train, might have been injured or killed.
It may feel very good to self-righteously tout misinterpretations of the 2nd Amendment, but a few moment's thought (which seems to be more than you allow for in this precarious situations) is an excellent remedy for knee-jerk bromides about patriotism (Jonathan Haidt's "moral foundations" notwithstanding, there is patriotism which is based in authoritarian thinking, and there is complex patriotism which stems from a deep reverence for the full complexity and richness of the modern world - I'll leave it to readers to assess the level of patriotism implicit in the phrase "If more upright citizens were packing'").
6
Paul--
I definitely understand your point, which has validity. However the madman would have also been armed, and the train car might have become the enclosed scene of a gunfight. I'm not sure what the answer is, but without guns this confrontation only involved the combatants. Normally multiple deaths involve firearms, not knives.
There is no clear remedy. This has become horrific.
I definitely understand your point, which has validity. However the madman would have also been armed, and the train car might have become the enclosed scene of a gunfight. I'm not sure what the answer is, but without guns this confrontation only involved the combatants. Normally multiple deaths involve firearms, not knives.
There is no clear remedy. This has become horrific.
3
Paul
Would you draw your piece before you saw the knife? I remember being told in my military firearms training years ago to never draw my weapon unless I was prepared to fire it and to never fire my weapon unless I was prepared to kill. Once the madman threatens someone with a knife it's clear to me that you can draw a weapon; until then, a much harder and factually nuanced question.
Would you draw your piece before you saw the knife? I remember being told in my military firearms training years ago to never draw my weapon unless I was prepared to fire it and to never fire my weapon unless I was prepared to kill. Once the madman threatens someone with a knife it's clear to me that you can draw a weapon; until then, a much harder and factually nuanced question.
3
Decency! Doing the right thing for the right reasons. Because we have a vacuum of moral leadership does not mean the nation has a vacuum of morals, but sadly it is the person at the top who sets the tone and direction. Thankfully all the people of the US have not been so easily goaded into merely being sheep and following a narcissistic President into inflicting pain upon our most vulnerable citizens for sport and worse. The resistance is more than marches, it is facing down the ugliness amongst us and saying we are greater than this! Thank you for showing the true strength of the American people.
Mr. Christian is here because of immigrants from somewhere, legal or illegal. He doesn't share our values. He's a violent and vindictive man willing to commit serious crimes of terror in defense of a belief system that is clearly a threat to public order and moral values in a democratic society.
It would be good if Mr.Christian could be deported, although I doubt it would solve the problem people like him represent, that is, a far graver threat to our way of life than immigrants from any of the nations on Trump's ban list. If we teach respect for a pluralistic, diverse, and welcoming nation and we end up with Mr. Christian, yes, we have failed as a society to replicate American values. This is not to say that efforts to inculcate these values have failed, simply that they've been drowned out by blowhards like Trump, whose appeal to hate groups is notorious.
If not for the innate courage in applying those values at the risk of their own lives by those Mr. Christian attacked, I'd say this situation was hopeless. There is a shred of hope in that, while there is nothing of the kind present in the "great America" that festers from the bleeding wounds left by those like Christian.
It would be good if Mr.Christian could be deported, although I doubt it would solve the problem people like him represent, that is, a far graver threat to our way of life than immigrants from any of the nations on Trump's ban list. If we teach respect for a pluralistic, diverse, and welcoming nation and we end up with Mr. Christian, yes, we have failed as a society to replicate American values. This is not to say that efforts to inculcate these values have failed, simply that they've been drowned out by blowhards like Trump, whose appeal to hate groups is notorious.
If not for the innate courage in applying those values at the risk of their own lives by those Mr. Christian attacked, I'd say this situation was hopeless. There is a shred of hope in that, while there is nothing of the kind present in the "great America" that festers from the bleeding wounds left by those like Christian.
4
I arrived in Portland on a Greyhound bus in 1964; I was sixteen years old. It is a complicated place in many ways, with its own troubled history. But, as often as my life and career took me away from Portland over the years, I always, always came "home."
There is much America can learn from Portland, good and bad, but reliably trending to the better angels in our kind. Best, Namkai-Meche and Fletcher truly stand as exemplars of what Portland is and what America should be.
I live across the Columbia from Portland now...but continue to benefit from its professional services, cuisine and rich cultural offerings.
America, there is a model for what we could be...if we had the courage.
There is much America can learn from Portland, good and bad, but reliably trending to the better angels in our kind. Best, Namkai-Meche and Fletcher truly stand as exemplars of what Portland is and what America should be.
I live across the Columbia from Portland now...but continue to benefit from its professional services, cuisine and rich cultural offerings.
America, there is a model for what we could be...if we had the courage.
12
This is a sad, sad story. But it shows clearly: the bigger a country's population is the more nuts it does produce. This must be followed by more police and more supervision. That this results in a police state is another sad story, but otherwise you can't handle a mass-state.
The solution: a shrinking population on this planet would be favorable.
The solution: a shrinking population on this planet would be favorable.
5
This man is a terrorist and should be treated as such. He is a member of a radical Christian group with an agenda of killing and/or harassing anyone who is not white, male, and Christian because they feel they are not 'really Americans '. Their actual citizenship status is irrelevant. Their brand of Christianity says that only whites are important so what happens to others is not important. If this man and his cohort said they were Muslims instead of Christians there would be sweeps of all his acquaintances and our terror alert level would be heightened. If he were Hispanic there would be a surge in ICE round-ups and deportations. If he were black the black areas of cities across the country would be crawling with extra police. Even scarier is that one of the main architects and promulgators of the rhetoric that he followed is a close aid of President Trump. Promulgating terrorist ideology is illegal even if you're the President's BFF. It also pretty much makes the President look like a terrorist for associating so closely with the architect of this dangerous philosophy. I don't think Trump would ever personally hurt someone physically as that's not his style. However many of his policies will seriously harm and even kill many Americans. So draw your own conclusions. I don't think the president of our country should be associating with someone who creates and promulgates terrorist propaganda.
15
Isn't "radical Christian" an oxymoron? How do they reconcile being a Christian with hatred of others? I be the president AND vice president could answer that one.
2
Thank you, Mr Kristof, for this incisive and affective perspective. Every word of what you wrote is exactly how many of us who live in Portland are feeling. We must remember that going to the memorial and supporting the victims is only a bare fraction of what Rick, Taliesin, Micah did to resist bigotry and hate. I took those first steps, but I am forever inspired by them to take a million more.
3
Thank you for your powerful words, Mr Kristoff, but what was most powerful for me was the image accompanying your column. The mother of Taliesin Namkai-Meche looking into the eyes of that young Muslim woman, their foreheads pressed together, at the memorial for her slain hero son.
The mothers name: Asha Deliverance. Asha: an Indian name that comes from the Sanskrit word for hope or desire. Deliverance: an English name that comes from the Latin word for liberation.
May this photograph spread through the world of social media and cover walls at universities and churches and mosques, with Taliesin's last words quoted below it: "I want everybody on the train to know, I love them".
May that Love, so embodied in name and image and last words, and especially in the lives of mother and son, strengthen our desire and hope, and deliver us from evil.
The mothers name: Asha Deliverance. Asha: an Indian name that comes from the Sanskrit word for hope or desire. Deliverance: an English name that comes from the Latin word for liberation.
May this photograph spread through the world of social media and cover walls at universities and churches and mosques, with Taliesin's last words quoted below it: "I want everybody on the train to know, I love them".
May that Love, so embodied in name and image and last words, and especially in the lives of mother and son, strengthen our desire and hope, and deliver us from evil.
13
Real men must always protect women and the weak from bullies. Always. I take my figurative hat off to those men. They reacted instinctively and did the right thing. In these confusing times, they are a shining example to us all.
7
"Nihilism" hits the target. There seems to be no higher value chez Trump than his ego. Maybe his children are more important than his self-aggrandizement, but their ultimate worth seems be in how they reflect him.
I'm thinking that the service Trump might be rendering is to prepare us for the era of "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we (will) die" that will shape up around a collapsing climate.
I'm thinking that the service Trump might be rendering is to prepare us for the era of "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we (will) die" that will shape up around a collapsing climate.
3
Except that the oligarchs will be moving underground so that they don't die. That must be the reason they are amassing so much wealth.
2
Sadly, with live in an armed society, where decisions to confront bad behavior, must take into account what weapons a tormentor might have on his or her.
Trump wouldn't understand this kind of decency or sacrifice. And he certainly wouldn't put himself in harm's way for those young women. No wonder it took a while for someone to write that tweet for him.
9
The best and the worst of my state were on that train. So heartbroken over both.
2
Trump isn't directly responsible for individual acts. But he has created an atmosphere where those on the edge may feel it is now acceptable to act out their dark thoughts. This is the opposite of what we expect from the President of the United States. And in that he is guilty as sin.
6
The xenophobic discourse in this country can be laid directly at Trump's feet. The suspect in Portland screamed at his arraignment that he was a patriot. In Kansas, the defendant yelled at two Indian engineers to get out of his country before shooting. It took Trump days to reluctantly say something about these events, each time a mealy mouthed condemnation.
But when a reporter beating republican wins, he's right there to praise the win.
I hope the country is better than this, but for the moment it's up to ordinary citizens to show the world, because we are learning, like Germany, that you can't count on the US government.
But when a reporter beating republican wins, he's right there to praise the win.
I hope the country is better than this, but for the moment it's up to ordinary citizens to show the world, because we are learning, like Germany, that you can't count on the US government.
7
That first picture is among the more moving pictures I've ever seen...in spite of the horrific circumstances, Asha has love to give in spades. Asha, what a beautiful woman you must be, and you've given me and many other people a genuine dose of hope that love and kindness will ultimately prevail.
6
Mr Christian is a mentally ill person who was not acting rationally, and not that it matters except to slow up the Trump Deranged posters; the facts show that he was a Sanders/Stein supporter and hated Trump.
The lesson here is to be very carefully confronting unstable people in the city, especially in tight quarters. The can become violent, as we see. This episode is no indicator of the effects of anything or any any politician, but of mental illness.
The lesson here is to be very carefully confronting unstable people in the city, especially in tight quarters. The can become violent, as we see. This episode is no indicator of the effects of anything or any any politician, but of mental illness.
8
I agree that he's likely got several screws loose but he obviously felt emboldened by Trump's words and actions. Xenophobia and bigotry are the tools being used by Trump to implement his agenda and distract people from what's really happening.
4
It is not mental illness alone, drugs/alcohol can also make a person dangerous.
You never know how someone may respond. I've told my family members to call 911 and keep moving along. There are too many guns and other weapons available. I don't want my children to become dead 'heroes'.
You never know how someone may respond. I've told my family members to call 911 and keep moving along. There are too many guns and other weapons available. I don't want my children to become dead 'heroes'.
3
Many are asking: "Who will save our Nation?" The answer, as always, (though some of us may have forgotten it) is simple. I will save it. You will save it. Each of us is responsible for fixing what we can. No one else.
Blaming the politicians and other countries, disdaining "them"-no. That's how we landed in this embarrassing place. Resolving our own prejudices, misunderstandings and hatreds, doing the right thing when no one is looking, and following President Kennedy's advice to do what we can for our country and community rather than waiting for our Nation to serve US-yes!
It's up to me. And you. Period.
Blaming the politicians and other countries, disdaining "them"-no. That's how we landed in this embarrassing place. Resolving our own prejudices, misunderstandings and hatreds, doing the right thing when no one is looking, and following President Kennedy's advice to do what we can for our country and community rather than waiting for our Nation to serve US-yes!
It's up to me. And you. Period.
211
Does this mean taking to the streets? Because that's what I have been expecting to spin out of this hateful Trump presidency that ignores the rule of law: civil unrest possibly leading to civil war.
2
I am trying to take a hopeful, practicable lesson from this terrible situation: I need to be prepared to act. I have been that person who stood by, who observed aggression, and who failed to intervene. I listen to the instinct of self-preservation when I'm surprised by fear, and I do the immediate calculation as to what I am capable of, under the circumstances. I hope that, in future, I can make those calculations more carefully, and intervene where I can, instead of letting fear control my behavior. No blame to those who followed their instincts on the train that day, but I ask myself -- if ten people had stepped forward, if fifteen or twenty had blocked that man en masse, would he have felt so emboldened? And conversely -- what if he had had a gun? I'm saddened that we have to make such calculations, but I feel like the only way we can quash this violence IS to take more risk to intervene, as individuals, and as groups of individuals.
I hope I am prepared next time. To say that Mr. Best, Mr. Namkai-Meche, and Mr. Fletcher have my gratitude is a gross understatement. I will never stop thnking about them. I will not forget their names.
I hope I am prepared next time. To say that Mr. Best, Mr. Namkai-Meche, and Mr. Fletcher have my gratitude is a gross understatement. I will never stop thnking about them. I will not forget their names.
232
As Mr. Kristoff so artfully illustrates, it is only after a rare & ironic event like that in Portland, Oregon this weekend, that we can begin to appreciate how profoundly we have allowed popular culture to debase the concept of "hero".
Those three men, heros in the purest sense, separately, spontaneously and silently, volunteered for potentially deadly combat. Simultaneously, separately but together, they strode forward in defense of 2 strangers, young women with an affinity for the Muslim faith. In a ploy typical of intellectually & morally bankrupt authoritarians, their cultural minority has been declared hostile & held in contempt by the Bannon/Gorka/Trump cabal. The three defenders provided a clear definition and re-established the proper meaning of "hero".
Sadly, it is likely more heros will be called upon in this manner before the hate, ignorance and corruption that has overrun our country can be forced back into the political sewer from which it has erupted. As was evidenced in Portland, many more of those heros are out there; quietly, invisibly standing guard, ready to answer the call.
Decent men & women need to be vigilant and ready to follow their lead. Let us hope that by confronting the worst of this indecency before it metastasizes through our citizenry, we can keep political bloodshed from becoming a more common occurance and preserve our precious heros for other opportunities to inspire us all in a more civilized world.
Those three men, heros in the purest sense, separately, spontaneously and silently, volunteered for potentially deadly combat. Simultaneously, separately but together, they strode forward in defense of 2 strangers, young women with an affinity for the Muslim faith. In a ploy typical of intellectually & morally bankrupt authoritarians, their cultural minority has been declared hostile & held in contempt by the Bannon/Gorka/Trump cabal. The three defenders provided a clear definition and re-established the proper meaning of "hero".
Sadly, it is likely more heros will be called upon in this manner before the hate, ignorance and corruption that has overrun our country can be forced back into the political sewer from which it has erupted. As was evidenced in Portland, many more of those heros are out there; quietly, invisibly standing guard, ready to answer the call.
Decent men & women need to be vigilant and ready to follow their lead. Let us hope that by confronting the worst of this indecency before it metastasizes through our citizenry, we can keep political bloodshed from becoming a more common occurance and preserve our precious heros for other opportunities to inspire us all in a more civilized world.
133
I do not believe it is Trump himself is making it more acceptable to be 'mean' or 'xenophobic'. Trump is simply the most visible manifestation of a much broader, large-scale overreaction to the dominance of political correctness. The culture of political correctness may have begun with the best of intentions to hold back the worst parts of human nature that tend towards demonising the 'other'. And yet, political correctness became deeply stifling, shutting down people's ability to air concerns/fears that are actually reasonable. This pushed people's fear downwards inside of them in such a way as to cause it to fester and metastisize like a cancer. Otherwise reasonable concerns about Islam for example are now bubbling out in incredibly ugly ways. People have had enough of terrorist attacks. They have had enough of being told that they are racist because they have concerns about Islam and how it relates to terrorist attacks and honor killings and all the rest. Had we been able to have a more open conversation about the issue of Islam, perhaps we wouldn't be currently in a cycle of terrorist attacks and these inevitable violent vigilante responses. Political correctness effectively backfired horribly and has created a very dangerous monster: Trump and Trump's followers. And we liberals only encourage them by doubling down on the demand for absolute adherence to the previously dominant PC norms. Start by acknowledging people's legitimate concerns first and foremost.
66
You write that "People have had enough of terrorist attacks." Yet, statistics show that more people died in accidents with lawn mowers last year than were killed in terrorist attacks.
We have been through this before. In "The Proud Tower" Barbara Tuchman writes about the era of the anarchists (late 19th century-early 20th century) when hundreds of people were randomly killed by homemade bombs & attacks with guns & knives. The Brits lost thousands to the German Blitzkrieg in WW II. The IRA killed hundreds of innocent civilians during The Troubles, including Lord Mountbatten & his young grandson. The list goes on & on.
President Roosevelt was absolutely correct when he declared, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." We cannot hide in our houses. We must do what the Brits did during the German Blitzkrieg & "shoulder on".
We have been through this before. In "The Proud Tower" Barbara Tuchman writes about the era of the anarchists (late 19th century-early 20th century) when hundreds of people were randomly killed by homemade bombs & attacks with guns & knives. The Brits lost thousands to the German Blitzkrieg in WW II. The IRA killed hundreds of innocent civilians during The Troubles, including Lord Mountbatten & his young grandson. The list goes on & on.
President Roosevelt was absolutely correct when he declared, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." We cannot hide in our houses. We must do what the Brits did during the German Blitzkrieg & "shoulder on".
2
Good idea. Let's do engage with these problematic activities. A starting point: recognize they are not necessairly in the nature of Islam. It's a number of backward societies, hidebound, and patriarchal, mired in centuries of ignorance, clannishness, and folk belief, struggling to maintain their traditions in world that threatens the only value structures that have ever protected them.
If people want to live in Western societies, they don't have to abandon their religion. But they do have to abandon the abuses of basic human rights that accrued over time. And yes, that applies just as well to groups that have successfully defended these practices, like a number of Orthodox cults in the NY area.
If people want to live in Western societies, they don't have to abandon their religion. But they do have to abandon the abuses of basic human rights that accrued over time. And yes, that applies just as well to groups that have successfully defended these practices, like a number of Orthodox cults in the NY area.
1
Hi kd, thank you so much for your considered response. I've had many debates on this topic with highly intelligent people, and often times I am met with a similar statistic suggesting that people should not be so concerned about terrorism because it's more likely to die in so many other incredibly mundane ways. However, I think that this is an irrelevant distraction. The statistical likelihood of dying in a terrorist attack is not what motivates me to focus on this issue. Terrorist attacks have very far-reaching effects way beyond the immediate damage and the death of the victims. The sharp uptick in terrorist attacks around the globe has directly assisted the rise of far-right politicians, including Trump, and this has a lot to do with PC culture making it impossible for more mainstream politicians to talk honestly about the problem of terrorism, hence making Donald Trump more appealing to regular people with concerns about terrorism whose legitimate concerns have been ignored by Obama, Clinton and the New York Times.
3
That picture says it all. If this is not who we are yet, it's who we should be. A woman who has just lost her son - who was defending a young Muslim woman - embracing a Muslim woman. That is love. The other way is hatred and the irrational fear of the Other.
Asha Deliverance sends out a powerful message about love, acceptance, and bravery, in the most harrowing time of her life. This is the America I know exists.
Asha Deliverance sends out a powerful message about love, acceptance, and bravery, in the most harrowing time of her life. This is the America I know exists.
22
As a Portland resident I salute the courage and decency of those who stepped forward to protect the young women harassed by Jeremy Christian and I deeply lament their loss to their families and to the community. As an American I regret my countrymen chose to select as president an ignorant, cowardly bully whose bombast appears to convince the worst elements of our society they are endowed with some special legitimacy. And as a Republican I find it appalling the party embraces and defends a president who is a threat to national security, has no grasp of sound public finance, and above all is contemptuous of the Constitution he took an oath to uphold. The loss of brave, decent citizens strikes us all even as we honor their commitment to a humane and just society. Yet responding to the savagery displayed in those few seconds or the institutionalized visciousness emanating repeatedly from the second floor of the White House requires more than words of solidarity on the pages of the New York Times. It requires more than salutes to sacrifice or appreciation of lives cut short. It requires searching out, condemning, isolating, and uprooting the perpetrators of the arrogance and self-righteousness which gave rise to this incident. Jeremy Christian assumed both legitimacy to abuse others and empowerment to strike out with violence. Those providing legitimacy and empowerment must be brought to account, and he should spend the rest of his days in frank dialogue with fellow inmates.
47
Vey well said!!!!
1
You are very correct when you say we all have a stake in this. And by "We", I mean the world. Mot of the time we are confused, do not know what we should do, we are confused about what is right, but the three wise men has told us the right path.
16
Thank you to the families of these brave men; heroes today for showing what truly matters. As Kristof points out, it's respect for our common humanity that keeps us strong.
157
You will probably never face a situation like this. But what do you think you would do? And what would actually happen?
This story is at the heart of the human condition. It is impossible to imagine how you would react to something like this. You just react. The vast majority of people would cower, fearful for themselves, for their own survival, encumbered with the thoughts of what they have to do with the rest of their lives. Many would quickly consider responsibilities to their families, that others are counting on them to stay alive. A few would react heroically, instinctively, or perhaps from prior experience, training, or conditioning. Most people in a crowd will simply stand by while idly witnessing horrors, frozen in the herd. So what is it that separates us, and why, and how? Maybe the main purpose of our existence is to struggle in trying to figure that out? And maybe there is just no obvious answer.
This story is at the heart of the human condition. It is impossible to imagine how you would react to something like this. You just react. The vast majority of people would cower, fearful for themselves, for their own survival, encumbered with the thoughts of what they have to do with the rest of their lives. Many would quickly consider responsibilities to their families, that others are counting on them to stay alive. A few would react heroically, instinctively, or perhaps from prior experience, training, or conditioning. Most people in a crowd will simply stand by while idly witnessing horrors, frozen in the herd. So what is it that separates us, and why, and how? Maybe the main purpose of our existence is to struggle in trying to figure that out? And maybe there is just no obvious answer.
18
"When they intervened, the man harassing the girls pulled a knife and slashed the three men before fleeing."
You should consider that the police and military receive special training to deal with situations like this one, and they know that these confrontations are always dangerous and potentially lethal for anyone involved.
These three men may not have considered that the attacker was armed with a knife. Would they have approached so readily had they known that, or if, say, he had already been brandishing a gun at a distance? Maybe in that case they would still have taken him on, hoping the gun would jam, or run out of bullets, or the shooter would have poor aim. What would you do? What could you do? Every situation is unique.
Why not require classes for everyone in the psychology and tactics involved in dealing with these events? In high school? Later in life? It would help empower our population. Are we fearful of doing this? What would we have to lose?
You should consider that the police and military receive special training to deal with situations like this one, and they know that these confrontations are always dangerous and potentially lethal for anyone involved.
These three men may not have considered that the attacker was armed with a knife. Would they have approached so readily had they known that, or if, say, he had already been brandishing a gun at a distance? Maybe in that case they would still have taken him on, hoping the gun would jam, or run out of bullets, or the shooter would have poor aim. What would you do? What could you do? Every situation is unique.
Why not require classes for everyone in the psychology and tactics involved in dealing with these events? In high school? Later in life? It would help empower our population. Are we fearful of doing this? What would we have to lose?
5
How would you talk to the attacker? Are you physically able to cope with a situation like this? Can you play this type of situation through in your mind now -- would you study to be prepared for it? And would you be willing to act? If so, then you are our best hope.
2
Portland is devastated at the tragedy that unfolded so quickly on that train. Rick, Taliesen, and Micah were, in that moment, archetypically decent and compassionate men. Unknown to each other until they heard the shouting on the train, their fates converged with those of two frightened young girls and a deranged man bent on terrorism and mayhem.
Those three men set a bar for all of us. Their selfless actions present a pointed challenge to every one of us, no matter our color or creed, as the poisons of racism, hatred, hardened hearts and narrow minds gain currency in our society. But please let us also remember the girls.
Young, brown, female, these young women experience micro and macro dangers and aggressions every day in this very white and comfortable city. But while insults are not new to them, the extreme horror of that day on the Max train will stay with them forever.
The girls are traumatized at what they experienced and the mayhem that they then witnessed. The families of Taliesin and Rick are shattered, devastated, and so are those girls. Those heroes would not want the girls forgotten, or the insults and injustice they experience to be dismissed.
Our greatest hope is that some sparks of the bright light of those men's courage and humanity will now shine in the rest of us, that their unvarnished example will encourage and empower all of us to come fully into our own courage and decency and goodness and begin turning our country around.
Those three men set a bar for all of us. Their selfless actions present a pointed challenge to every one of us, no matter our color or creed, as the poisons of racism, hatred, hardened hearts and narrow minds gain currency in our society. But please let us also remember the girls.
Young, brown, female, these young women experience micro and macro dangers and aggressions every day in this very white and comfortable city. But while insults are not new to them, the extreme horror of that day on the Max train will stay with them forever.
The girls are traumatized at what they experienced and the mayhem that they then witnessed. The families of Taliesin and Rick are shattered, devastated, and so are those girls. Those heroes would not want the girls forgotten, or the insults and injustice they experience to be dismissed.
Our greatest hope is that some sparks of the bright light of those men's courage and humanity will now shine in the rest of us, that their unvarnished example will encourage and empower all of us to come fully into our own courage and decency and goodness and begin turning our country around.
35
Two more deaths that Trump's hateful rhetoric to get elected probably helped to cause. I have been counting. He is at least up to 9:
January 29th (the very same day that Canada's Prime minister was visiting Trump in America and talking about Canadian tolerance): "Six people were killed and eight wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Quebec City mosque during Sunday night prayers" by a person with Trump nationalist literature on his computer (and other hate speech type documents or links).
In February a man shouting "Get out of My Country" killed an Indian man in on a work visa in Olathe, Kansas. Does anyone doubt Trumps "America First" chants contributed to sending this man over the edge?
I think we all recognize these individuals already had a problem. But I also think that their rage was (and is continuing to be) encouraged by the anger and the silence coming from the top of our current administration.
January 29th (the very same day that Canada's Prime minister was visiting Trump in America and talking about Canadian tolerance): "Six people were killed and eight wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Quebec City mosque during Sunday night prayers" by a person with Trump nationalist literature on his computer (and other hate speech type documents or links).
In February a man shouting "Get out of My Country" killed an Indian man in on a work visa in Olathe, Kansas. Does anyone doubt Trumps "America First" chants contributed to sending this man over the edge?
I think we all recognize these individuals already had a problem. But I also think that their rage was (and is continuing to be) encouraged by the anger and the silence coming from the top of our current administration.
37
Violence begets violence. There's coarsening of what is acceptable speech: calling people names, threatening and hitting have been endorsed by Trump. The rise in hate and violence is spreading every which way. The killer felt emboldened to scream out his hate in court and believes that he is a patriot. It's heart breaking and scary.
20
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. Thete are good people who will stand up for decency. It gives me hope. Thank you.
17
I was waiting for this, brother of the Portland area. Portland is grieving for the lost Samaritans simultaneously heartbroken, inspired and proud. They exemplify the best kind of American values. Portland has come together in shock and grief to honor the spirits of these fine men. As Namkai-Meche's family put it, "We ask that in honor of his memory, we use this tragedy as an opportunity for reflection and change. We choose love."
26
Ironically, the most Christian acts of the day were done as a result of the actions of a man named Christian.
10
'President Trump’s overseas trip marked an abdication of American leadership, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel concluding that Europe can no longer rely on the United States.'
Trump did no such thing. He wants NATO member nations to live up to their obligations to partly fund their defence instead of having the US disproportionally funding i.e. subsidizing EU militarily. What is wrong with that, for EU to pay more for their own military spending? Also, to say that Merkel cannot rely on the US is an outright untruth. There are many leaders who are close to the current US administration, Israel, Poland, Hungary, the UK, etc. Merkel is just trying to score anti-Trump political points, but she should worry a little less about Trump and a little more about making her country more safe from Islamic terrorism.
Trump did no such thing. He wants NATO member nations to live up to their obligations to partly fund their defence instead of having the US disproportionally funding i.e. subsidizing EU militarily. What is wrong with that, for EU to pay more for their own military spending? Also, to say that Merkel cannot rely on the US is an outright untruth. There are many leaders who are close to the current US administration, Israel, Poland, Hungary, the UK, etc. Merkel is just trying to score anti-Trump political points, but she should worry a little less about Trump and a little more about making her country more safe from Islamic terrorism.
7
"He wants NATO member nations to live up to their obligations."
Like all Trump supporters, you seem quite adept at ignoring inconvenient facts. But if we are going to speak about living up to obligations, then let us remember how NATO countries came to the aid of the United States after 9/11, and many members deployed troops to Afghanistan to fight Al Qaeda and the Taliban. This includes small countries like Denmark, who are so small they cannot afford sustained, large-scale military deployments. But they fulfilled their obligation and sent troops anyway. Over 1/3 of casualties in Afghanistan came from these allied contingents. I would have thought, so close to Memorial Day, you would bother to remember the sacrifice of these allies who stood with us.
Since $$$ seems to be all that matters to Donald Trump, perhaps he can put a price tag on those lives and count that against the money he seems determined to squeeze out of our NATO allies.
Like all Trump supporters, you seem quite adept at ignoring inconvenient facts. But if we are going to speak about living up to obligations, then let us remember how NATO countries came to the aid of the United States after 9/11, and many members deployed troops to Afghanistan to fight Al Qaeda and the Taliban. This includes small countries like Denmark, who are so small they cannot afford sustained, large-scale military deployments. But they fulfilled their obligation and sent troops anyway. Over 1/3 of casualties in Afghanistan came from these allied contingents. I would have thought, so close to Memorial Day, you would bother to remember the sacrifice of these allies who stood with us.
Since $$$ seems to be all that matters to Donald Trump, perhaps he can put a price tag on those lives and count that against the money he seems determined to squeeze out of our NATO allies.
56
Gee, Just exactly what price would you put on avoiding another world war? Because that is exactly what NATO is designed to do. Perhaps you should take a history class specifically on WW I & WWW II. Europe & the world have had 70 years of peace precisely because of NATO's Article 5 in which all Treaty members agree to come to the aid of any one under attack.
Trump embarrassed the US with his crass behavior while at the NATO meeting. He was belligerent with our friends and cuddled right up to the Saudi's, covert sponsors of terrorists! We are the laughing stock of the world because of The Donald. What is it exactly that his supporters do not get? He is not making America great again. He is driving her into the ground.
Trump embarrassed the US with his crass behavior while at the NATO meeting. He was belligerent with our friends and cuddled right up to the Saudi's, covert sponsors of terrorists! We are the laughing stock of the world because of The Donald. What is it exactly that his supporters do not get? He is not making America great again. He is driving her into the ground.
6
Of the war veteran Rick Best, you write, "He fell on the battlefield of American values." That one sentence ranks with your best work.
70
Why do we lose the good like this? On battlefields and home ground, the best of men and women sacrifice themselves to protect others. During the ugliest period of history that I've lived through in America, it saddens me that these two brave men lost their precious lives, but it is heartening to know that their bravery and decency existed. It was Portland Oregon in 2017, but here we are just past Memorial Day, when we think about soldiers and sailors who gave their lives for freedom and democracy; these men of Portland should be equally honored.
61
"In that train car, we saw that courage and leadership are alive — if not always in Washington, then among ordinary Americans converging from varied backgrounds on a commuter train, standing together against a threat to our shared humanity."
Thank you for this column, Mr. Kristof, beautifully expressed. And yes, we "ordinary" citizens, like Europe, can no longer look to American "leadership" ~ for integrity, protection, nor common decency.
"It’s terrific that the White House eventually acknowledged these heroes in a tweet."
Not really. Actually it's the lowest level of acceptable response...
Thank you for this column, Mr. Kristof, beautifully expressed. And yes, we "ordinary" citizens, like Europe, can no longer look to American "leadership" ~ for integrity, protection, nor common decency.
"It’s terrific that the White House eventually acknowledged these heroes in a tweet."
Not really. Actually it's the lowest level of acceptable response...
80
What I'd like to know is where are all the concealed-carry heroes in these situations? We lead the world in this kind of event--and in people walking around armed--and yet nobody can seem to remember one of them ever being thwarted by a random citizen proudly exercising his/her Second Amendment rights. Could it be the whole let-me-carry-a-gun-and-the-whole-world-will-be-safer premise is perhaps bogus?
124
I'm afraid your argument is full of holes. The way the situation unfolded, in the blink of an eye, nobody but a Hollywood figment of the imagination could have responded in time. In close quarters, a knife can be wielded with such speed and devastation that it is almost impossible to defend yourself against it, even with a firearm. Ask any street cop. The only thing that will save you is time and distance. In the close confines of a train, you are pretty much toast. And you can't just pull a gun on someone verbally abusing people on a train. That's a no-no. Life has to be threatened to justify a deadly force response, but in most cases it all boils down to time and training. In this case, there was simply none of the former available to make a serious difference.
2
People are free to say what they want.
This is now cause for us to go around shooting and stabbing people.
They should have simply moved away from the lunatic and saved these two men from dying for no good reason.
This is now cause for us to go around shooting and stabbing people.
They should have simply moved away from the lunatic and saved these two men from dying for no good reason.
1
The number of young, hijab-wearing women killed by U.S. smart bombs and hellfire missiles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria because they "got in the way" would fill a large stadium so no wonder Jeremy Christian saw nothing but collateral damage when je boarded the train.
I doubt any of these people were or are on trumps radar. They are not rich, they are not celebrities and they are not Russian. They are/were caring, brave, giving, moral and unselfish, nothing like trump.
58
What is most frightening about the situation described by Mr. Kristof is that our president is more like the loud-mouthed bully yelling anti-Muslim epitaphs than like the three heroes who leapt to the defense of the two young women.
That Trump tweeted his response is an impertinence, and totally inappropriate. While the three heroes surely provide inspiration, we need a more tangible response to the outrages foisted upon the American public almost daily by Trump. We need constitutional lawyers studying the options available to the public to bring about change before 2020.
That Trump tweeted his response is an impertinence, and totally inappropriate. While the three heroes surely provide inspiration, we need a more tangible response to the outrages foisted upon the American public almost daily by Trump. We need constitutional lawyers studying the options available to the public to bring about change before 2020.
This didn't even make the news on Friday but there was plenty on the front page about Trump.
17
The Portland police, familiar with Christian, have said he is mentally ill. Reading his ludicrous Facebook rants and judging from his unhinged public behavior, there can be little doubt. The Islamophobia and general xenophobia stoked by the un-American rhetorical incitements of the so-called president and his surrogates fuels the often homicidal madness of those like Christian and Adam Purinton, who killed Srinivas Kuchibhotla last February in a hail of bullets preceded by an anti-Muslim outburst. Just as right wing pols who bow to the NRA make it all too easy for the mentally ill to arm themselves and vent their demons in murderous rampages, so the irresponsible Trump et al have done all they can to enable the mortal sickness of race and religious hatred to run rampant. Their is only one place to lay the sum total of blame for these lunatic crimes and the senseless loss of life they engender--squarely at the feet of our instigator in chief. The blood is on his hands.
61
The label of mental illness traditionally belongs to people with Axis 1 disorders in the DSM. Disorders like bipolar and schizophrenia. People with Axis 1 disorders are more likely to be the victims of violence than perpetrators. Jeremy Christian is a psychopath or has antisocial personality disorder which is not a mental illness that can claim the insanity defense. His long history of criminality proves that. Trump also likely suffers from Narcissitic Personality disorder and has psychopathic traits because he apparently feels no guilt or remorse for lying all the time at all.
I don't recommend using the blanket term "mental illness" to include antisocial personality disorder. Christian will not get off for insanity. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He chooses to justify it with hate speech. His aggression problems and lack of conscience cannot be treated like bipolar and schizophrenia can be. He is not therefore ill. Trump's rhetoric does carry the danger of inciting psychopaths like this to act more because they feel more justified and that they can get away with it. When the president shows lack of empathy and little remorse for his transgressions , well, everyone like him in this country is emboldened to come out of the woodwork. It's not a coincidence.
I don't recommend using the blanket term "mental illness" to include antisocial personality disorder. Christian will not get off for insanity. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He chooses to justify it with hate speech. His aggression problems and lack of conscience cannot be treated like bipolar and schizophrenia can be. He is not therefore ill. Trump's rhetoric does carry the danger of inciting psychopaths like this to act more because they feel more justified and that they can get away with it. When the president shows lack of empathy and little remorse for his transgressions , well, everyone like him in this country is emboldened to come out of the woodwork. It's not a coincidence.
The Ku Klux Klan's endorsement of Donald Trump for President read, "While Trump wants to make America great again, we have to ask ourselves, 'What made America great in the first place?' The short answer to that is simple. America was great not because of what our forefathers did — but because of who our forefathers were. America was founded as a White Christian Republic. And as a White Christian Republic it became great."
This violence is not an aberration. It's not an accident. It is the symptom of a larger disease. Just as ISIS lone wolves are expendable pawns for an ideology of hate, so the Portland killer will only be one of many expendable pawns for another ideology of hate - one empowered by having a voice in the White House.
This violence is not an aberration. It's not an accident. It is the symptom of a larger disease. Just as ISIS lone wolves are expendable pawns for an ideology of hate, so the Portland killer will only be one of many expendable pawns for another ideology of hate - one empowered by having a voice in the White House.
70
When you have one party blaming govt over and over and over it makes sense that it's delegitimized in the eyes of many.
9
Welcome to Trump's America.
14
The actions of Mr Best, Mr Namkai-Meche and Mr Reed are far more reflective of the American people than that of the deranged Mr Christian. So too the actions of Ian Grillot in Kansas City earlier this year and Anthony Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler on the French train in 2015 (along with Briton, Chris Norman) .
Our political discourse in society has become so incredibly negative that it begins to bleed over into our perceptions of our fellow citizens but are they really that bad? Apparently, quite a few of them are willing to lay down their own lives in order to save others.
Our political discourse in society has become so incredibly negative that it begins to bleed over into our perceptions of our fellow citizens but are they really that bad? Apparently, quite a few of them are willing to lay down their own lives in order to save others.
27
The point is that they should not have to, provided we as a people delegitimize the kind of behavior and attitude that led to the murders. I am grateful that the "alleged" murderer did not have a gun, but those good men are still dead. Is that justice?
Giants walk among us; we work with them, we stand in line with them, we ride in the same Metro Car, we go past them without even knowing it
51
Beautifully said - thank you.
1
Lethal racial hatred is, was and will be our nation's original sin, but I never thought I'd see the day when an elected US President would condone and actively foment it. Even Richard Nixon wasn't that vile. Now, I have lived to see it. Shame on us. Shame on me for willingly being part of the nation that tolerates such venom.
A recent photo showed this The "Christian" hater shrouding himself at a rally in the American flag. To me, this is more treasonous than burning it in protest.
A recent photo showed this The "Christian" hater shrouding himself at a rally in the American flag. To me, this is more treasonous than burning it in protest.
33
I saw the photo of the victim that lived.
Was this a Buck knife that many men wear in their pockets? How was it that he got the best of three men?
Again, many men wear buck knives in their pockets, many more than carry guns right? It's frightening to think about. And yet these objects everyone uses everyday. So different than guns, but really just the same.
Was this a Buck knife that many men wear in their pockets? How was it that he got the best of three men?
Again, many men wear buck knives in their pockets, many more than carry guns right? It's frightening to think about. And yet these objects everyone uses everyday. So different than guns, but really just the same.
4
I so enjoyed this article. We need more reminders of the good around us. My heart goes out to the family and friends of those two wonderful American men who gave their lives in standing up for the values of tolerance that has made this country great, as well as for Mr. Fletcher and his family during what I am sure will be a difficult recovery. Like the author, I hope and pray that their families will take pride in their courage as they mourn their loss...
17
Racism and psychosis have similar manifestations and this assailant appears to have been suffering from both. Once can easily say the same about our nation's chief executive. Mr. Christian will probably be obliged to undergo a psychiatric evaluation in order to determine whether he can stand trial for murder. The Donald should be required to do the same before he's permitted to continue ranting and raving about immigration.
46
Trump is a catalyst in an increasingly dysfunctional society that over the last four decades proved that dynamic development seems to go hand in glove with greed, unhampered ego, racism and worship of bullies behind the pulpit and the podium.
There were many instances in history that the society turned that way. None of them had a good ending and we won’t be an exception.
There were many instances in history that the society turned that way. None of them had a good ending and we won’t be an exception.
24
Well said on many levels. Words matter. Something you try to teach your children and you yourself practice as part of a civil society. Will we breakdown into a society of Shite vs Sunni , Conservative vs Liberal, Democrat vs Republican etc? The root of terrorism is intolerance. We must demand this of ourselves and our leaders.
11
These men are true heros - Very sad to see this violence take place in such a great progressive city. Don't change Portland, you have a great community with a lot of great people - Stand tall, and continue to push back hard against the hatred that is spreading across America
24
Kristof writes: "We don’t know whether the murderer on the Portland train felt empowered to scream at a Muslim girl because of Trump’s own previous Islamophobic rants..."
Oh, I know. For a fact. He did feel empowered by 45's rants.
Yesterday, May 29, was the 100th birthday of John F. Kennedy--the very antithesis of the creature that currently occupies the Oval Office. I remember, even as a child, the hope, charm, wit and civility of JFK. A smart president with top-notch advisors and, yes, a brother equal to him in intellect and vision. Not a bunch of loyal toadies hoping to cash on the misery of the American people.
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"
"We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard"
"Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate."
"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich."
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind."
Geez, it would be great to have someone literate in the White House again who TRULY cared about the American people.
Oh, I know. For a fact. He did feel empowered by 45's rants.
Yesterday, May 29, was the 100th birthday of John F. Kennedy--the very antithesis of the creature that currently occupies the Oval Office. I remember, even as a child, the hope, charm, wit and civility of JFK. A smart president with top-notch advisors and, yes, a brother equal to him in intellect and vision. Not a bunch of loyal toadies hoping to cash on the misery of the American people.
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"
"We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard"
"Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate."
"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich."
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind."
Geez, it would be great to have someone literate in the White House again who TRULY cared about the American people.
85
"We must love one another or die." -- W. H. Auden
21
There's video. Some of your questions may be answered. Don't guess. The perpetrator has said he's glad they died. He had a history of violence. He's guilty and the rhetoric of Donald Trump's campaign is interpreted by some to justify this kind of hateful, murderous behavior. Trump is culpable. Great role model.
16
Great piece Mr. Kristof. Your words, with the photo of the mother and her compassion in the face of terrible loss and grief elevate us all and bring us together.
We are supposed to get that from the Presidency, you know leadership.
The boomerang effect from the class of Obama, Bush II, and Clinton before during tragedies, to this unimaginable occupant now is enough to give one whiplash.
Nothing has been elevated by Trump, nor drained, but we all have been drug in to the muck by his myopic and self centered 'vision'.
We are supposed to get that from the Presidency, you know leadership.
The boomerang effect from the class of Obama, Bush II, and Clinton before during tragedies, to this unimaginable occupant now is enough to give one whiplash.
Nothing has been elevated by Trump, nor drained, but we all have been drug in to the muck by his myopic and self centered 'vision'.
19
This is absolutely horrific, however, it is illogical and also intellectually dishonest to state that the 'president incites hatred' and is to blame. The perpetrator was not a Trump supporter but a Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein supporter. In fact, the perpetrator demonstrated hostility to Trump supports at a Trump rally before the election. Trump is no more responsible for this tragedy than Sanders or Stein is. Trump has not incited hatred against any minority group nor is he guilty of Islamophobic rants. He supports border control and extreme vetting of immigrants from the ME and a ban from a handful of ME countries with a high incidence of terrorism, but this does not translate into incitement or hatred.
12
Trump spoke about banning Muslims and stereotype illegal aliens from Mexico as "rapists". He has absolutely exploited xenophobia and Islamophobia as part of his political rhetoric. That's why the two federal appellate courts that ruled on his EO saw through his façade.
20
Philly writes, "The perpetrator was not a Trump supporter ... Trump has not incited hatred against any minority group nor is he guilty of Islamophobic rants." This is incorrect. The suspect was a Trump supporter. It is well documented that Trump has done the opposite of what Philly claims.
Buzzfeed reports, "According to his [the suspect's] posts, he was a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter who later supported, but did not vote for, President Trump. He frequently posted violent threats against Hillary Clinton and her supporters." See:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/portland-suspect?utm_term=.xb1xl...
This is a great tragedy. At this moment, we should be expressing our gratitude for the brave and selfless men who protected these two young girls. They are the best of what America has to offer.
Buzzfeed reports, "According to his [the suspect's] posts, he was a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter who later supported, but did not vote for, President Trump. He frequently posted violent threats against Hillary Clinton and her supporters." See:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/portland-suspect?utm_term=.xb1xl...
This is a great tragedy. At this moment, we should be expressing our gratitude for the brave and selfless men who protected these two young girls. They are the best of what America has to offer.
10
If the DNC had not undermined Sanders, he had a good shot at becoming president. Nothing he said, as candidate or president, would have legitimated Christian's violent xenophobia. Had he won, those two fine men might today be alive and the third not in hospital.
1
I'm a native-born American of Middle Eastern ancestry. Half my family are Assyrian Christians who came from Iran. Understand that none of this xenophobia has anything to do with "religious freedom" and everything to do with threatening brown people. No one has ever asked my religious background before they utter their slurs and threats.
While I've battled discrimination in this country all my life (I'm now in my 60's), it wasn't until Trump's election that I began to fear for my safety and for the safety of my family. To that end, we've already found a home outside the U.S. For this we are profoundly grateful, and we know we are so much more fortunate than many Americans who are not able to do so.
We feel very much like German Jews of the early 1930's. I say this quite advisedly, as my husband is a descendant of Holocaust survivors. My own ancestors survived the Armenian genocide.
My family understand that the killings on the Portland train are only the beginning. My heart goes out to the families of those brave men who stood up to a vicious bully. These three men are the real heroes. Neither Trump nor his supporters are fit to be in the same room with men like these. Their families should be extremely proud of the sacrifices they made.
I never thought I'd see an America where these attacks would happen with impunity. I'm not a religious person, but I feel as if the only thing I can do is pray for those families like mine, who cannot afford to leave.
While I've battled discrimination in this country all my life (I'm now in my 60's), it wasn't until Trump's election that I began to fear for my safety and for the safety of my family. To that end, we've already found a home outside the U.S. For this we are profoundly grateful, and we know we are so much more fortunate than many Americans who are not able to do so.
We feel very much like German Jews of the early 1930's. I say this quite advisedly, as my husband is a descendant of Holocaust survivors. My own ancestors survived the Armenian genocide.
My family understand that the killings on the Portland train are only the beginning. My heart goes out to the families of those brave men who stood up to a vicious bully. These three men are the real heroes. Neither Trump nor his supporters are fit to be in the same room with men like these. Their families should be extremely proud of the sacrifices they made.
I never thought I'd see an America where these attacks would happen with impunity. I'm not a religious person, but I feel as if the only thing I can do is pray for those families like mine, who cannot afford to leave.
1018
I'm so sorry you feel the need to leave the US. I understand, and I wish you well, but I'm so very sorry.
10
Zatari, I'm so sorry. This isn't the country I've known all of my life, yours too.
My husband's grandparents fled China during Mao.You don't say what country of refuge you've found but I wish you every happiness there. For us, US citizens and taxpayers all our lives, we've found a potential home in Europe.
My husband's grandparents fled China during Mao.You don't say what country of refuge you've found but I wish you every happiness there. For us, US citizens and taxpayers all our lives, we've found a potential home in Europe.
1
It is unfair to say "with impunity". The killer was arrested and is in jail and will never get out. Oregon does not have a death penalty.
Has ANYONE anywhere spoken out in support of this murderer? this heinous act was universally condemned.
It is your right to live the US, and immigrate elsewhere, but frankly, if you run away from every nation that takes you in -- every time there is a problem, any time anyone is killed or threatened or some politician is elected whom you dislike...honey, you will be on the run your entire life. I'd keep my bags permanently packed!
Has ANYONE anywhere spoken out in support of this murderer? this heinous act was universally condemned.
It is your right to live the US, and immigrate elsewhere, but frankly, if you run away from every nation that takes you in -- every time there is a problem, any time anyone is killed or threatened or some politician is elected whom you dislike...honey, you will be on the run your entire life. I'd keep my bags permanently packed!
I fail to see the relevance or the point of this sentence: "Last year Americans were less likely to be killed by a Muslim terrorist (odds of one in six million) than for being Muslim (odds of one in one million), according to Charles Kurzman of the University of North Carolina." That's like saying, "Your odds of choking on a Big Mac are lower than your odds of working at McDonald's."
7
The first part of the sentence, "likely to be killed", applies to both. One is more likely to be killed for being a Muslim, then be killed by a Muslim!
18
The point is (according to Kurzman) that in the United States last year, it was six times more likely that a Muslim would be killed in a hate crime than that any random person would be killed by a Muslim extremist.
Is that any clearer?
Is that any clearer?
19
After posting this, I realized I had misread the sentence, which does make sense: a person is more likely to be killed because he or she is a Muslim than they are to be killed by a Muslim terrorist. My bad -- never mind.
1
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for writing the words that we once might have been able to expect from our highest elected official. Instead, the language coming from the White House now arms white supremacists, and threatens and murders friends, neighbors, family. Our president and his cronies are ripping apart the very fabric of our nation, and I increasingly fear that we are moving too slowly to do repair.
12
I think of what life would be like if everyone had the courage of these three gentleman to confront wrongdoing like this. Think of all the victims of pedophile priests, Jerry Sandusky, rape victims, fraternity hazing victims, etc. would would be safe and alive if someone had stepped up to report the crimes or sought help for these people. The sadness of hearing of the deaths & injury to these heroes is offset slightly by my pride that such Americans exists. May God Bless, these brave men.
17
"What united the three was decency." If we could just make that the goal for everyone, I think we could find common ground. How about it Trump supporters, what do you say to just common decency being the DMZ.
16
Beautifully written, thank you. Sometimes I think I'm waking up from a nightmare and it's that terrible moment when I can't separate the dark from the truth....these heroes have created a shining light to lead the way out
15
I'm sick reading this story. The environment of the Trump's enables and empowers these crazy insecure inferior white angry pathetic mostly male losers. Where is a voice of reason and dignity to guide this country. It's awful.
20
Thank you. While many of us are disillusioned by our current leadership we are not hopeless. The courage of all the victims and heroes on that Portland train is inspiring. I know many of us feel our efforts to affect positive change will have meager results. But many of us also hope that we will rise to the occasion if needed regardless of our personal safety. Do unto others...as you hope someone will do for the people you love.
15
A vile, possibly deranged, loudmouth was saying vile loudmouth things to two women. Three men got up to confront him. He cut their throats, and two of them died. One of them was the father or four children.
Why didn't they escort the two women off the train and wait for the next one instead of confronting the monster? I have not read that he physically threatened either woman. What will we think when the monster's lawyer says that all he was doing was talking, that it was they who threatened him, that he feared for his life, and that he defended himself?
Confrontation in such a situation is a bad choice, unless you are Jack Reacher and live in a novel. In the real world, violence is very sudden, very fast, and much worse than you expect, especially if you're not used to it, properly armed, and trained to handle it. I'm very, very sorry for the victims and their families. I wish the victims had been just a little less heroic and a little more experienced and wise.
Why didn't they escort the two women off the train and wait for the next one instead of confronting the monster? I have not read that he physically threatened either woman. What will we think when the monster's lawyer says that all he was doing was talking, that it was they who threatened him, that he feared for his life, and that he defended himself?
Confrontation in such a situation is a bad choice, unless you are Jack Reacher and live in a novel. In the real world, violence is very sudden, very fast, and much worse than you expect, especially if you're not used to it, properly armed, and trained to handle it. I'm very, very sorry for the victims and their families. I wish the victims had been just a little less heroic and a little more experienced and wise.
12
The young ladies got up and moved to a different part of the train.
13
They were attempting to deescalate, not do anything crazy or unwise. If you do your homework and read the whole account of what happened you may feel less inclined to play Monday Morning Quarterback on this one.
41
Last August, three American's on a Paris-bound train confronted and disarmed a man with a gun. They undoubtedly save many lives because they thought of others before themselves. And they KNEW the man was dangerous.
We DON'T yet know everything that happened in Portland, but it's likely these good men thought they could help some people and never suspected this lunatic would start slashing at their jugulars.
This is event in Portland is tragic, but as a nation we are already seeing what happens when people don't stand up to bigoted loudmouths because it's too much of a personal sacrifice.
We DON'T yet know everything that happened in Portland, but it's likely these good men thought they could help some people and never suspected this lunatic would start slashing at their jugulars.
This is event in Portland is tragic, but as a nation we are already seeing what happens when people don't stand up to bigoted loudmouths because it's too much of a personal sacrifice.
15
Mr. President,
Moments happen, and sometimes they are wonderful and sometimes tragic.
Sometimes they are a mixture of both.
We all should see the wonder in these compassionate and decent men standing up for decency and humanity. We all should see the tragedy of their deaths due to the ugliness and hatred embodied in this man, mentally ill or not.
Words have meaning and profound consequences Mr. President, is there any way possible for you to understand this?
I know you will try to hide and say this has nothing to do with you sir, but it has EVERYTHING to do with the ugliness you played to, and encouraged, during the entire campaign. You have not grasped the gravity of the position which you hold sir. Your words and your rhetoric have emboldened people, and continue to embolden people with unimaginable hatred and anger in their hearts.
The deepest of shame on you.
Moments happen, and sometimes they are wonderful and sometimes tragic.
Sometimes they are a mixture of both.
We all should see the wonder in these compassionate and decent men standing up for decency and humanity. We all should see the tragedy of their deaths due to the ugliness and hatred embodied in this man, mentally ill or not.
Words have meaning and profound consequences Mr. President, is there any way possible for you to understand this?
I know you will try to hide and say this has nothing to do with you sir, but it has EVERYTHING to do with the ugliness you played to, and encouraged, during the entire campaign. You have not grasped the gravity of the position which you hold sir. Your words and your rhetoric have emboldened people, and continue to embolden people with unimaginable hatred and anger in their hearts.
The deepest of shame on you.
35
When did mental illness become an American value?
6
According to Congre$$ional Republican$, nor should it stop one from possessing a gun.
15
This is such a beautiful tribute to the three men who stepped in, and to the values of many Portlanders. It also calls the harassment and murders exactly what they were: acts of terrorism, and it implies what I feel is correct: the terrorist was emboldened by the spoken and unspoken rhetoric of our current White House. Before finding out this had happened I was driving home on the freeway here in Portland on Saturday morning and noted a large truck with large American and Confederate flags waving off the back of the truck bed...the driver of this truck was driving belligerently, coming dangerously close to cars it apparently wanted to pass in what I can only describe as an aggressive manner. I thought to myself, if that's happening in Portland I shudder to think what's going on in counties that actually went for the current administration. My thoughts and prayers and heartfelt thanks go out to Best, Taliesen Namkai-Meche and Fletcher...three true heroes and patriots. They represent the absolute best of our country in what are turning out to be ugly and absurd times.
21
Wouldn't it be nice to see Jared Kushner organize the commission of a monument to these three, to be placed atop an 80' pedestal in downtown Portland, to perpetually shame white supremacists of all stripes? Think they might start to get an inkling about those Confederate monuments defiling towns and cities throughout the South? Or would they short-circuit?
Of course, I only mention JK to help him out. It's a life-preserver idea--you're welcome.
Of course, I only mention JK to help him out. It's a life-preserver idea--you're welcome.
5
He'd never do it; there's no money in it for him.
2
The good will triumph, never fear!! My special thanks for those courageous guys who intervened and confronted the madness straightaway. Their voices and actions saved many lives. Be proud, parents.
12
The photo made me weep. I am moved beyond words by the graciousness and kindness in this mother's face and actions.
27
We are at war. Both men should be buried at Arlington.
40
George,
Very well said.
Very well said.
7
Why won't the president use the words "Radical Xenophobic Terrorism"?
1
So there are American heroes still.
One hundred days had obscured that.
If Obama were President he would have stirred the nation by now with a glorious affirmation of our values exemplified in the actions of these moral Americans against the aberration of evil. But we are left with a surrogate's tweet. Pah!
One hundred days had obscured that.
If Obama were President he would have stirred the nation by now with a glorious affirmation of our values exemplified in the actions of these moral Americans against the aberration of evil. But we are left with a surrogate's tweet. Pah!
68
He would have had the survivor and the families of the deceased at the White House, and rightfully hailed them ad heroes.
15
"Given Name TALIESIN. USAGE: Welsh, Arthurian Romance. ... Means "shining brow", derived from Welsh tal "brow" and iesin "shining".
In the face of hatred, we have lost these good Americans and mourn them---
Army veteran Ricky John Best, 53, a father of four- and 23-year-old Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche.
In the face of hatred, we have lost these good Americans and mourn them---
Army veteran Ricky John Best, 53, a father of four- and 23-year-old Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche.
24
Mr. Rogers said; When you see a tragedy, watch for the helpers.
25
The blood of those brave courageous people is on the hand of our incompetent president Trump, as he only knows how to spread hatred, bigotry and stupidity.
22
DT needs to disappear on his own. Back to the Trump Tower.
6
This breaks my heart and inspires me at the same time. I've been reading more and more about the WWII resistance, and the Underground Railroad during our nation's slave days.
The heart-breaking part is that we now seem to be in one of those horrible eras in history where the violent ugliness that humans are capable of has begun to gain an upper hand -- we've seen them in the days of the Nazis, the KKK, the slave days, the ethnic cleansings, etc. All it takes is a selfish and uncaring leader like Trump to open the doors to that kind of awful movement, because there will always be that element waiting for an opportunity.
Thankfully we also have the best that humanity can be -- like these men who stepped forward -- and the best eventually beat back the evil because they are brave and relentless. And for a while, we have peace and prosperity and progress.
I wonder how long this wave of human ugliness will last, and what eventual form it will take, and how much it will cost in human suffering to beat it back for a time. My grandchildren will unfortunately grow up in a very different time than I did.
The heart-breaking part is that we now seem to be in one of those horrible eras in history where the violent ugliness that humans are capable of has begun to gain an upper hand -- we've seen them in the days of the Nazis, the KKK, the slave days, the ethnic cleansings, etc. All it takes is a selfish and uncaring leader like Trump to open the doors to that kind of awful movement, because there will always be that element waiting for an opportunity.
Thankfully we also have the best that humanity can be -- like these men who stepped forward -- and the best eventually beat back the evil because they are brave and relentless. And for a while, we have peace and prosperity and progress.
I wonder how long this wave of human ugliness will last, and what eventual form it will take, and how much it will cost in human suffering to beat it back for a time. My grandchildren will unfortunately grow up in a very different time than I did.
15
I hope I'll have the courage to stand up as those three Americans did. I hope there are enough Americans who are like them that we can turn this country back from racism and xenophobia and what seems to be for many a general tendency toward hatred. Meanwhile, let's honor them and be thankful for them.
21
A piognant image. The love in the eyes of the mother of a fallen Hero.
I could not take my eyes of this picture. Such acts of courage, love and kindness by common people does make America - the home of the Brave.
A nation represented by good Samaritans, a nation of leaders.
I could not take my eyes of this picture. Such acts of courage, love and kindness by common people does make America - the home of the Brave.
A nation represented by good Samaritans, a nation of leaders.
10
More fake news. The attacker was a supporter of Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein. But what a great opportunity to go after President Trump.
6
This comment like a few others is an example of alt-right / Fox News head-sanding. The comments captured by the racist murderer where all over the spectrum. To say he was for Bernie is a cover for insane supremacist babble. Next you'll be saying we do not need gun laws because the killer used a knife. The question is whether the strength and sacrifice of these heroic citizens will be trivialized by such a hateful defense.
24
Bob writes, "More fake news. The attacker was a supporter of Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein. But what a great opportunity to go after President Trump." That is incorrect. Mr. Kristof's editorial is not fake news and the suspect was indeed a Trump supporter.
Buzzfeed reports, "According to his posts, he was a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter who later supported, but did not vote for, President Trump. He frequently posted violent threats against Hillary Clinton and her supporters." See:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/portland-suspect?utm_term=.xb1xl...
Buzzfeed reports, "According to his posts, he was a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter who later supported, but did not vote for, President Trump. He frequently posted violent threats against Hillary Clinton and her supporters." See:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/portland-suspect?utm_term=.xb1xl...
8
So, let me get this straight: TRUMP is the victim here?!
Tragedy after violent tragedy, without fail, President Barack Obama understood his role and summoned the courage to speak to the nation. Sandy Hook, Orlando, Boston, and all the countless other places and lives lost to senseless violence triggered by ignorance and hate. His words and mere presence gave us pause to reflect and to mourn together as one nation...as would be expected of a leader, an American President.
Thank you for your tardy and heartfelt tweet Mr. Trump.
Thank you for your tardy and heartfelt tweet Mr. Trump.
12
Mr. Kristof writes that we don’t know whether the murderer "felt empowered ... because of Trump’s own previous Islamophobic rants ..." That is correct.
On the other hand, is that the standard that should be applied here? The "more likely than not" standard is probably better. In other words, is it more likely than not that this event was partly or wholly caused by Trump's Islamophobia, pandering to White racists, and implicit endorsements of violence? By that standard the answer is "yes."
On the other hand, is that the standard that should be applied here? The "more likely than not" standard is probably better. In other words, is it more likely than not that this event was partly or wholly caused by Trump's Islamophobia, pandering to White racists, and implicit endorsements of violence? By that standard the answer is "yes."
8
In about 1975 I was on the subway headed for the DeKalb exit. All of a sudden two big young guys (18 years old?) grabbed a diminutive kid with Latino features (16 years old). They forced him into the empty driver's cubby at the right front of the car. The smaller of the assailants started pummelling the Latino with his fists, so I could hear the blows to the head and trunk. I rose to stop it. The larger of the two assailants blocked my way and said, "This is none of your business - just sit down." The kid had red hair, freckles, and muscles. For a moment I tried to reason with him. I am quite sure he was assessing his odds of winning a fight with me. Just as suddenly as they jumped the kid, they departed. I tried to help the young man back to a seat. He could scarcely walk. I tried to console him, but he would have nothing of that. Maybe he was ashamed of crying, mixing tears with blood from his lips. No one else in the car did anything.
I still wonder if I should have jumped the assailants. I am not a fighter. They were clearly fighters. But I am big. Yes, or course, one of them might have had a knife, or a gun. I just hope the kid was OK. He was very firm in saying that he did not want me to take him home.
I still wonder if I should have jumped the assailants. I am not a fighter. They were clearly fighters. But I am big. Yes, or course, one of them might have had a knife, or a gun. I just hope the kid was OK. He was very firm in saying that he did not want me to take him home.
12
Thank you for your courage.
4
You did the right thing. It reminds me of the words of C.S. Lewis, that courage is the manifestation of every virtue at its highest testing point. And courage doesn't mean not having fear. I honor your attempt to stand in the way of a couple of bullies, to help a kid in trouble.
I would not include someone who is obviously nuts in a conversation about American values. He was a nut pumped up on Trump-isms and nothing more and definitely does not deserve to be in a discussion that doesn't highlight his being crazy, in need of help and influenced by Trump's own sick Narcissism.
3
This crime was terrible indeed and needs to be condemned, but blaming the Republican President for a criminal act is despicable - it reminds me of when the Times editors falsely blamed the Gifford shooting in Arizona on Republicans (specifically, Sarah Palin's "cross hair" ad). Kristof takes a tragedy and uses it to criticize Republicans' policy preferences (what does Trump's budget have to do with a criminal stabbing three people?) Maybe Mr. Kristof could once write a passionate op-ed piece about the unique dangers posed by Islamic terrorism, like his colleague Bret Stephens. But instead of grappling with the hard issues, Mr. Kristof just likes to play the easy game of identity politics.
7
Banning people and demonizing them from the very top office of our country comes with consequences.
it is naive to think that the attitudes we empower in the culture has no effect.
it is naive to think that the attitudes we empower in the culture has no effect.
17
This was never true. Repeating it incessantly will not make it so.
1
"Look for the helpers." That's what Mr. Roger's mother said. I wonder if the president has read Namkai-Meche's mother's letter to him.
3
Thank you Oregon Heroes! True American Heroes.
Why no direct recognition and honoring of these three heroes from our President? What could the reasons be? I want to say something mean spirited but that wouldn't be in keeping with the actions of our Oregon Heroes.
Why no direct recognition and honoring of these three heroes from our President? What could the reasons be? I want to say something mean spirited but that wouldn't be in keeping with the actions of our Oregon Heroes.
22
What trump "achieved" in Europe was a display of America eschewing European values and a tradition of civility in exchange for the thuggery of Russia and now, our own. When I read that Angela Merkel is looking beyond America for the coalition of western values, and that we are now being seen by Europe as a 'rogue nation', I am chilled to the bone by the spectre of trump shaking off democracy as our guiding principle, and realigning us as a world power with Russia.
Who would have ever thought that America would be aligned in an axis rather than as part of an alliance? Can he do this? Is anyone in Congress noticing?
I am terrified.
Who would have ever thought that America would be aligned in an axis rather than as part of an alliance? Can he do this? Is anyone in Congress noticing?
I am terrified.
20
I am so moved by the actions of the defenders. We all hope that we would do the same. I am so sorry for them and their families, but I am so grateful to them and will try to be guided by their example.
25
I very much hope that the family and friends of those who sacrificed their lives for others know that all around the world we are saluting those men for not only having a moral compass but acting upon it.
I'm awestruck by their courage and their love for others.
Ave atque Vale, Hail and Farewell.
I'm awestruck by their courage and their love for others.
Ave atque Vale, Hail and Farewell.
26
I was incredibly moved by Mr. Kristof's writing, who has once again used his words to help me digest an important story. I cannot help but feel that there is a cancer spreading in our great country. We know it's there, we can see it and feel it, but the cure is a long way off and there is a real possibility that this national illness will do lasting damage to the patient.
Thank you Nicholas Kristof for helping us to understand a bit more about these brave men, and giving us a bit of hope that somewhere down the road there will be a cure for what currently ails our country. This is the kind of writing that makes me glad that I am a subscriber.
Thank you Nicholas Kristof for helping us to understand a bit more about these brave men, and giving us a bit of hope that somewhere down the road there will be a cure for what currently ails our country. This is the kind of writing that makes me glad that I am a subscriber.
22
Nick
A bit of perspective is helpful. You must have written this before it was revealed he was a Jill Stein/Bernie Sanders supporter and was decidedly anti Trump.
A bit of perspective is helpful. You must have written this before it was revealed he was a Jill Stein/Bernie Sanders supporter and was decidedly anti Trump.
13
Who is the "he" you refer to? If it's the assassin, name your source. He was a known anti-Semite and white supremacist; he certainly didn't get either of those from Stein and Sanders
30
Nothing in this comment invalidates Nick's message.
4
"Daddy" writes, "You must have written this before it was revealed he was a Jill Stein/Bernie Sanders supporter and was decidedly anti Trump." The anti-Trump part of this is not correct.
Buzzfeed reports, "According to his posts, he was a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter who later supported, but did not vote for, President Trump. He frequently posted violent threats against Hillary Clinton and her supporters." See:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/portland-suspect?utm_term=.idGXW...
Buzzfeed reports, "According to his posts, he was a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter who later supported, but did not vote for, President Trump. He frequently posted violent threats against Hillary Clinton and her supporters." See:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/portland-suspect?utm_term=.idGXW...
8
Many people are stating that the attack by this deranged individual was the direct result of Donald Trump's electoral victory is pure conjecture.
It's no less speculative to declare that his actions were motivated by the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London.
It's happening too often where journalists and their niche followers readily state their opinions as "facts" in lieu of actually searching for them.
It's no less speculative to declare that his actions were motivated by the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London.
It's happening too often where journalists and their niche followers readily state their opinions as "facts" in lieu of actually searching for them.
8
The conjecture is far more likely to be true than anything said by the President.
11
It isn't conjecture that Trump has been stirring the alt-right.
6
Michael - to your point news articles are coming out that the perpetrator was a Sanders supporter and then supported Trump.
While I think it is hard to argue that Trump's language does not promote intolerance and hatred this sort of sad episode is becoming more common with the ready display of anger candidates show from both parties (Sanders and Trump share this)
We need something more uplifting out of our leadership.
While I think it is hard to argue that Trump's language does not promote intolerance and hatred this sort of sad episode is becoming more common with the ready display of anger candidates show from both parties (Sanders and Trump share this)
We need something more uplifting out of our leadership.
2
Thank you, Mr Kristof, for this and so much of your writing the last couple of years, which has buoyed my spirits.
I teared up many times over the weekend thinking of these fallen heroes and those they leave behind. Talesin & his mother are shining humans who have graced us with supreme love.
I teared up many times over the weekend thinking of these fallen heroes and those they leave behind. Talesin & his mother are shining humans who have graced us with supreme love.
29
These American men are the best of our guys. They jumped up to protect.
We unfortunately stuck with Trump and his lame "tweeting" instead of ever showing up for any disaster, but it is heartening to know that the real men are still out there, making America great by being great human beings.
We unfortunately stuck with Trump and his lame "tweeting" instead of ever showing up for any disaster, but it is heartening to know that the real men are still out there, making America great by being great human beings.
45
Thank you again for another insightful article. My friend has said the "hoods are off" and so they are. I am not sure how the hate and ugly divisive dialogue will change but I am sure it will never change if we are silent. Thank you for speaking out.
25
Witnessing for tolerance...it's just what you do as a sentient human being. Out in the wilds of NE Oregon, it can be exhausting and disheartening and, now in the era of Trump, dangerous. These men represent the best of Oregon and our nation and we should all strive to emulate their deeds in our lives. Oregon has a troubled history with racism and xenophobia and there's still lots of work to do. Our president has given the dregs of our society permission to crawl out from under their rocks and do their worst. As a civilized society, we must stand up to this hatred in all of its forms to honor the memories of the two who were cut down and the one who has had his life altered forever.
28
"This is what we must do for one another...."
16
Imagine if the race and religion of the victims and perpetuator were switched. The GOP, Trump and Pence would in Oregon every day shouting from the rooftops for a Muslim ban and blaming the press, Obama and HRC for the attack. Their silence speaks volumes. They know in their hearts that Trump and his words are encouraging racists and bigots and misogynists. How they sleep at night is a mystery.
38
Right. And no one is pointing at whites in the US now...
1
The race of the victim and perp are switched on a constant basis. The beginning of this month a black male in Texas stabbed several whites. In the northwest there have been about 6 similar black on white and black on Asian incidents in the past 3 years. None have been called terrorism. There has been as epidemic of black on Asian "random" violence in the NW for years and there was an epidemic of Jews being stabbed in NYC about 2 years ago, with blacks being the culprit in most cases. None of these, or the epidemic of black mob attacks this country suffered (including in the northwest) were labeled hate crimes or terrorism. It sickens me how the media exploits this for false narratives. Muslims and blacks are on the giving end of unprovoked violence far more than on the receiving end.
6
exactly.
While the killer is a murderer and should be fried, a little something stirs in the back of my mind. I was in Paris, a block away from the Muslim terrorist who killed a policeman. There is something that urges me to tell every Muslim woman to take off that darned veil, and to every Muslim that, until they assimilate, I can never trust them.
This killer went too far, but so did the terrorists in san Bernardino. Neither excuses the other, but we are Americans, not middle eastern Muslims who treat our country as a part of the middle east.
This killer went too far, but so did the terrorists in san Bernardino. Neither excuses the other, but we are Americans, not middle eastern Muslims who treat our country as a part of the middle east.
6
You're right. This is not the Middle East; it's the United States. And as such, you do not have the right to tell (or even suggest) any Muslim woman to "take off" her "darned" veil. I might also add that not all women who practice the Islamic faith veil themselves; it is a matter of choice. For that matter, what do you suggest we do about Roman Catholic nuns? I'd certainly like to see how you'd fare against the nuns who ran my school when I was coming up. Something tells me you'd lose that fight.
4
Should Hasidic Jews stop wearing the payot? Sikhs their beards? Quakers their simple garb? Where does your rule stop, sir?
9
We are Americans. We have the right to wear a hijab. We have the right to practice our religious beliefs. What you are expressing is anti-American.
17
"Today’s White House seems to stand for nothing loftier than crony capitalism and the scapegoating of refugees, Muslims and immigrants. To me, Trump 'values' are primarily narcissism, nepotism and nihilism."
The common 'value,' which always so very very scrupulously gets left out, is racism. Thurgood Marshall's remark at his retirement press conference in 1991 says it all:
"Well, I'm not free. All I know is that years ago, when I was a youngster, a Pullman porter told me that he'd been in every city in this country, he was sure, and he had never been in any city in the United States where he had to put his hands up in front of his face to find out that he was a Negro. I agree with him."
The common 'value,' which always so very very scrupulously gets left out, is racism. Thurgood Marshall's remark at his retirement press conference in 1991 says it all:
"Well, I'm not free. All I know is that years ago, when I was a youngster, a Pullman porter told me that he'd been in every city in this country, he was sure, and he had never been in any city in the United States where he had to put his hands up in front of his face to find out that he was a Negro. I agree with him."
15
A few years ago I travelled to Portland to visit my brother, who was graduating from Reed College, as Taliesen Namkai-Meche did one year ago. My brother told my mother, my grandmother, and me - all of us horrified - about his attempts to break up a fight between two strangers in a convenience store. We told him that he could have been hurt. We were clutching on to him because we so valued the fragile potential of his young life. This week I've seen photos of Taliesen wearing the graduation wreaths that all Reedies wear at graduation, and I've been hit hard at the thought that had my brother been on that train, he would have done just the same. Reading here of Taliesen's boundless love even at the end of his life I know that he must have been beloved by all who knew him well. Looking at a photo of Taliesen's grieving mother makes me weep: I can grasp, if only a little, how immense it must be, and yet how tinged with pride.
I am proud of Taliesen, and of Rick Best, stolen from his children and family too soon, and of Micah Fletcher, who reminds us all to love one another. I wish it had not happened, but I thank them for their example.
I am proud of Taliesen, and of Rick Best, stolen from his children and family too soon, and of Micah Fletcher, who reminds us all to love one another. I wish it had not happened, but I thank them for their example.
181
Thank you for this beautifully written column. It moved me to tears. And gave me some hope for our future.
21
" The train attack doesn’t fit America’s internal narrative of terrorism, "
Neither do the numerous muggings, assaults and murders that occur daily in the US, but thanks for pointing out that they are terrorist attacks.
Neither do the numerous muggings, assaults and murders that occur daily in the US, but thanks for pointing out that they are terrorist attacks.
11
This anger starting to rear its head can be tied to Trump and the manner in which he is provoking it. He started it during his rallies and will continue to push the right buttons while he's in office. HE'S THE CULPRIT AND THIS NEEDS TO BE POINTED OUT. TRUMP'S THINKING IS MALIGNED, MR. NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER SUPREME.
And all the while, Putin is enjoying this immensely.
And all the while, Putin is enjoying this immensely.
5
There have been half dozen black on non-black stabbings in the NW in the last 2 years. This doesn't count the shootings and mob attacks. In the case of the stabbings the media says it's mental illness, it the case of the shootings and mob attacks they say it's poverty and it's used as a shakedown.
5
The attacker was a Sanders supporter.
Thank you for calling this what it is: Terrorism. This man was terrorizing two young girls, and his killing those was intended to terrorize people who step up to help. How many people will now be dissuaded from stepping up to help when they see someone attacked?
42
The takeaway from this violence must be that too few stood up against the aggressive abuser, just as it is the responsibility of everyone to stand up against violent aggression wherever it may arise.
7
These men are heroes. They stood up for true American values--courage, kindness, helping those in trouble and doing what is right. Two of them paid the ultimate price, one of them leaving behind a wife and four children. In this troubling time, when we have a president who embodies none of these virtues, these men should be honored and revered.
It is my hope that their death can be some kind of turning point for our nation. We cannot allow this hideous, nasty egomaniac who we somehow elected to change who we are and what we have stood for and represented to the world. We are a beacon of hope, not a dark, black hole of hate.
These men should be buried in Arlington.
It is my hope that their death can be some kind of turning point for our nation. We cannot allow this hideous, nasty egomaniac who we somehow elected to change who we are and what we have stood for and represented to the world. We are a beacon of hope, not a dark, black hole of hate.
These men should be buried in Arlington.
43
You got to dig really hard to find any mention of this on foxnews.com. Too perfect. White nationalist named Christian (allegedly) acting as a murderous terrorist.
27
Will Trump condemn "white nationalist terrorism"? Will he even say the words "white nationalist terrorism"? Trump eagerly blanketed Muslims with "radical Islamic terrorism", which is a slur on an entire religion for the actions of a few criminals. Meanwhile, all through his campaign, Trump was 'wink-wink' with the white nationalists (excuse me, "European-American activists") who endorsed him... Trump pretended to not notice their strong support, but certainly did nothing to dissuade them. Trump seems to see the "white nationalist" alt-right extremists as fellow travelers, perhaps not explicitly supporting them, but certainly willing to look the other way, and hear nothing amiss when the alt-right declares its allegiance to Trump. Trump and these criminal, bigoted scum came together, and either Trump needs to strongly disown them, or he's acknowledging them as his own. Perhaps Trump should ask AG Sessions to transfer some of the zealous attention he is focusing on "illegal immigrants" to the criminal alt-right terrorist groups festering right here at home in Trump's aftermath.
29
If one had the opportunity to kill Hitler before the war, would that person be a hero? Should I revive an opiate addict, should I employ ignorant people, will this country and democracy survive extremists? My empathy tank is near empty, these brave men gave me a refill. The world needs heroes.
19
I was feeling the same.
5
The sleaze that has infested the white-house at all levels and stages is unfathomable. The self serving, self enriching , lying, treasonous, amoral grifters have to be removed. These are frightening times.
27
An interesting fact being overlooked is that this murderer was a virulently anti-Trump supporter of Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein. His facebook posts even have him threatening to kill the "Nazi=Trump". Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
7
Irrelevant. The point is that three brave men stood up to racism and two paid with their lives, while the third was seriously injured. These men are American heroes.
7
That's the first I'm hearing of that. You'd have thought since Kristof brought politics into this he would have mentioned it. No?
2
It's much more complicated than that. He was a white supremacist first and foremost and supported anyone whose statements seemed to line up with his way of thinking at any one time. Sanders's views on globalism probably earned him his support. He also supported Trump at times and hated him at other times. The only person he never supported was Hilary Clinton whom he clearly hated. Here's an article that sums up what is known about him so far. It's pretty grim:
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2017/05/who_is_jeremy_chris...
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2017/05/who_is_jeremy_chris...
7
There are three legitimate gofundme campaigns for the families of the two dead victims.
4
The Battle of American Values is reflected in the news Americans consume.
Mr. Kristoff's NYT.com homepage headline covering this event is countered by foxnews.com wher the event isn't covered at all.
While the Times covers terrorist hatecrime murder by a white supremacist, Instead the redstate site highlights the glorious resurrection of a despised confederate memorial in Kentucky.
Which underscores a the real divide in the USA:
For foxnews & its devotees who now wholly own the entirety of the US government, its highest court & its electoral map, what's 'real news' is that the redstate neo-confederacy matters.
But the victims of white supremacist random murderous terror in bluestates, not so much.
Mr. Kristoff's NYT.com homepage headline covering this event is countered by foxnews.com wher the event isn't covered at all.
While the Times covers terrorist hatecrime murder by a white supremacist, Instead the redstate site highlights the glorious resurrection of a despised confederate memorial in Kentucky.
Which underscores a the real divide in the USA:
For foxnews & its devotees who now wholly own the entirety of the US government, its highest court & its electoral map, what's 'real news' is that the redstate neo-confederacy matters.
But the victims of white supremacist random murderous terror in bluestates, not so much.
12
This was homegrown American terrorism. Shame on this nation for tolerating this. And thank you, Nicholas, for this beautifully written column.
51
Tolerating this? Three white men stepped in to protect these young women. The killer was apprehended and will be imprisoned. We are supposed to be ashamed?
9
It wasn't tolerated. Hopefully the murderer will suffer in prison. Not sure if Oregon has the death penalty, probably not.
But you see I can say without any hesitation the perp doesn't deserve to live.
But you see I can say without any hesitation the perp doesn't deserve to live.
7
Taliesin's mother, Asha Deliverance, is utterly radiant. What a loving spirit she has, and clearly, imbued into her brave and compassionate child.
To Taliesin, Mr. Best (another apt name), Godspeed.
To Mr. Fletcher, wishes for full recovery of from your injuries.
To Taliesin, Mr. Best (another apt name), Godspeed.
To Mr. Fletcher, wishes for full recovery of from your injuries.
117
Mr. Kristof, thank you for this editorial. It rings true and is up lifting to me. In time this scourge of Trump will pass and it will be people in the image of these three men that put this country back together.
19
Nicholas Kristof, writes movingly about the incredible heroism of Mssrs. Best, Namkai-Meche, Fletcher, all who gave of themselves selflessly, two to their terrible deaths, to the young women passengers riding with them on that train. I can't begin to fathom the heartache of the families who lost their loved ones. I know the two beautiful young women and the surviving hero, Mr. Fletcher, have years of healing ahead. However, I must comment about our city and state. My husband and I came to Portland from Chicago forty years ago, and we raised our family in the metro area. We love Portland, its quirkiness, its aesthetic, its deep commitment to "green" values, the fact that it's a mecca for creative young people. But Portland, like the state of Oregon is mostly white, and has a mean history of bigotry against people of color.The KKK thrived here in the nineteen twenties and there were "sundown laws" in municipalities across the state until recently. Arriving from Chicago in the early seventies, my husband and I were shocked to hear Blacks referred to still as "colored people" or worse. And many people of color have spoken out about the terrible discrimination they face in Portland. In fact, with the gentrification of vast swaths of the city (i.e, sky high rents), to include historic Black neighborhoods there is an emptying out of Black families from Portland. There's lots of hidden poverty, despair and anger behind Portland's rosiness. We have soul-searching to do here.
46
To be brave enough to risk your life to save a stranger takes a special kind of courage. Greater love hath no man than to die for his fellow man. I am in awe. Real heroes.
52
Mr. Christian spoke from prison and challengingly said that what he did was "patriotism." He, and his hateful agenda, must not be given power over the narrative here. This country is bigger and better than him or the discrimination he promotes.
Come what may to him personally, prejudice will not end with him. The rest of us must stand with the brave interveners on that train and stand for each other and a pluralistic country. That is real patriotism.
Come what may to him personally, prejudice will not end with him. The rest of us must stand with the brave interveners on that train and stand for each other and a pluralistic country. That is real patriotism.
19
The white supremacist is said to have been a Bernie Sanders supporter who very much hated Hillary Clinton and her supporters, one of the misogynistic Bernie Bros evidently. He apparently did not vote for Trump. He may well have some mental disorder.
However, Trump's rhetoric and actions such as his non-Constitutional Muslim ban have emboldened the bigots and given them an easy target.
The heroes here were the wonderful and courageous men who stepped forward to protect the young women. That they had such diverse backgrounds gives us hope that there is still something good in America and some common standard.
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled by their heroic actions. Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for others.
However, Trump's rhetoric and actions such as his non-Constitutional Muslim ban have emboldened the bigots and given them an easy target.
The heroes here were the wonderful and courageous men who stepped forward to protect the young women. That they had such diverse backgrounds gives us hope that there is still something good in America and some common standard.
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled by their heroic actions. Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for others.
12
Mr. Christian is obviously a very mentally ill person. Unfortunately there are many like him in America. Sadly they will not get the psychological help they
so seriously need. The lives affected by him were tragically and senselessly ended. We are now left with an after thought of what we may have done if we'd been in their shoes. One would hope that most of us would've done the same, right thing but in this aftermath we may also be thinking twice before intervening.
so seriously need. The lives affected by him were tragically and senselessly ended. We are now left with an after thought of what we may have done if we'd been in their shoes. One would hope that most of us would've done the same, right thing but in this aftermath we may also be thinking twice before intervening.
3
I don't only blame Trump for these sort of incidents but rather the GOP Senate and Congress members who are spineless in standing up to Trump and his racial and anti Islamic rhetoric. There are a few exceptions which you can count on one hand. This is not healthy nor constitutional.
32
Right, and I blame as crimes by African-Americans on African-American leadership. Got it...
2
As a teacher i always told my children most people in the world are good. Most people would rather help you than hurt you.
I know this truth, most of us know this truth.
Most people in our country & the world see ugly & know it when they see it.
We have a selfish, ignorant , president motivated by money, ego, lies & no respect for decency , integrity & responsibity.
He's one of the bad people.
Surrounded by like minded people who cover for him & support his lies & egomaniacal spins.
He'd rather hurt you.
We know it & so do our allies.
I love my country & I love the majority of people in it who care.
We will overcome this nightmare of an administration.
My love & sympathy to those many good people in Portland.
I know this truth, most of us know this truth.
Most people in our country & the world see ugly & know it when they see it.
We have a selfish, ignorant , president motivated by money, ego, lies & no respect for decency , integrity & responsibity.
He's one of the bad people.
Surrounded by like minded people who cover for him & support his lies & egomaniacal spins.
He'd rather hurt you.
We know it & so do our allies.
I love my country & I love the majority of people in it who care.
We will overcome this nightmare of an administration.
My love & sympathy to those many good people in Portland.
20
My love and respect goes to the three men, heroes, and their families and friends. Three men, strangers, who stood up for their fellow citizens, human beings in their time of need. Three men who stood up for decency, respect for others with a courage only imagined by many of us.
20
Imagine the outrage if the killer had been a Muslim man wielding a knife for whatever reason. There would be calls to ban Muslims (or deport the ones already here), protests at mosques, and a rash of hate crimes against Muslims.
We have a true double standard in which some white, i.e., not dark-skinned, guy, who likely is "Christian" (and, ironically even has that name) is given a pass by so many of those "real" Americans who would be foaming at the mouth if some immigrant, refugee or Muslim person committed the same crime.
We have a true double standard in which some white, i.e., not dark-skinned, guy, who likely is "Christian" (and, ironically even has that name) is given a pass by so many of those "real" Americans who would be foaming at the mouth if some immigrant, refugee or Muslim person committed the same crime.
51
The only people allowed to make mistakes or commit crimes in America are white. There's always a reason a white man murders someone (mental illness or fearing for his life). When a black person stabs someone, it's depravity, of course. It's not mental illness, likely resulting from the stress of living in a white supremacist country.
16
@Sur:The only people allowed to make mistakes or commit crimes in America are white.
With African-Americans committing just one half of the murders in this country, well you are just plain wrong.
With African-Americans committing just one half of the murders in this country, well you are just plain wrong.
5
I've been on that train. I wonder what I would have done. There's no way to predict what would have happened if those brave guys hadn't intervened.
I admire them deeply and it hurts that this happened here.
I admire them deeply and it hurts that this happened here.
48
Thank you for this. And thank you to those decent and good men who stood up to protect two young women. They are the best of us. They are examples of what it means to be a grown up man, and a member of humanity. They are our role models. I am so sad we lost them, and hope their example encourages more of us to care.
55
The despicable murderer screamed, "you call it terrorism, I call it patriotism..."
This is why one mustn't ever play with fire by dividing people and pitting one group against the other, just for political benefit. MAGA was simply a dog whistle in the guise of a campaign slogan. Trump has given strength to white supremacists like these by liking their tweets and by refusing to disavow them when asked directly on TV.
I pray for the American heroes who stood up for decency and the values that keep America Great. They represent the finest of our country.
This is why one mustn't ever play with fire by dividing people and pitting one group against the other, just for political benefit. MAGA was simply a dog whistle in the guise of a campaign slogan. Trump has given strength to white supremacists like these by liking their tweets and by refusing to disavow them when asked directly on TV.
I pray for the American heroes who stood up for decency and the values that keep America Great. They represent the finest of our country.
140
Nick, thank you for giving us a beautiful ray of hope for our struggling society.
These three AMERICANS are beacon for the rest of us.
These three AMERICANS are beacon for the rest of us.
30
Muslims, immigrants, minorities.
All scapegoats the Republicans invent so that poor and struggling middle class whites have someone other than them to blame for tilting the playing field to their wealthy benefactors. And away from common folks.
The problem is a conservative philosophy that pits people against each other so that we don't stand together to make a nation that values the average American.
Know who is responsible for the forty year rip off perpetrated on people who just want a little to get by and who want to get something back for their hard work.
It's not the American next to you who is also struggling.
It's the greedy who pull the strings for their benefit alone.
All scapegoats the Republicans invent so that poor and struggling middle class whites have someone other than them to blame for tilting the playing field to their wealthy benefactors. And away from common folks.
The problem is a conservative philosophy that pits people against each other so that we don't stand together to make a nation that values the average American.
Know who is responsible for the forty year rip off perpetrated on people who just want a little to get by and who want to get something back for their hard work.
It's not the American next to you who is also struggling.
It's the greedy who pull the strings for their benefit alone.
50
Hatred breeds violence.
A man, inspired to clothe his own disaffection, violence, hatred, and misery in some overweening and brutal ideology, decided to intimidate and threaten girls - that is the act of brave man and righteous man, no? - to spread his own hate, his own dark soul.
And challenged, he killed.
I don't know if it is terrorism, any more than the attacks planned by other lone wolves, and inspired by hate speech and hate-filled writings. But it is evil.
We are dredging some pretty vile stuff up off the river bottom, right now, and we should be able to depend on a President who doesn't inspire people to dig deeper, churn more foul, nasty and repulsive stuff up out of the silt. We should be able to depend on our leadership to keep a lid on it.
Instead we look to two traumatized girls and three truly heroic and honorable men to still the waters. These men proved Yeats wrong. The worst was full of passionate intensity; but no one could claim that the best lacked all conviction. Two died and one was wounded to protect integrity, conviction, honor and just plain kindness.
I wish we had even one person in a leadership position who might have done the same.
A man, inspired to clothe his own disaffection, violence, hatred, and misery in some overweening and brutal ideology, decided to intimidate and threaten girls - that is the act of brave man and righteous man, no? - to spread his own hate, his own dark soul.
And challenged, he killed.
I don't know if it is terrorism, any more than the attacks planned by other lone wolves, and inspired by hate speech and hate-filled writings. But it is evil.
We are dredging some pretty vile stuff up off the river bottom, right now, and we should be able to depend on a President who doesn't inspire people to dig deeper, churn more foul, nasty and repulsive stuff up out of the silt. We should be able to depend on our leadership to keep a lid on it.
Instead we look to two traumatized girls and three truly heroic and honorable men to still the waters. These men proved Yeats wrong. The worst was full of passionate intensity; but no one could claim that the best lacked all conviction. Two died and one was wounded to protect integrity, conviction, honor and just plain kindness.
I wish we had even one person in a leadership position who might have done the same.
88
Those are some beautiful words, Cathy. I found them deeply comforting. Thank you.
2
Thank you Nick. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
19
I love this story. Its is true, you cant just generalize people. The evil exhists right next to the good all over America. In rural Alabama some of the nicest and most caring individuals can be found. In San Fram you can find mean ols bigots.
In Colorado you can find a black racist, and in Califorinia there is houses a transgender murderer.
We are all just people, and assuming that our outword identities are our real selves is a lie. We need ro realize that each individual is exactly that, an individual, and their color, relgion, or clothing shouldnt be used to judge their character.
In Colorado you can find a black racist, and in Califorinia there is houses a transgender murderer.
We are all just people, and assuming that our outword identities are our real selves is a lie. We need ro realize that each individual is exactly that, an individual, and their color, relgion, or clothing shouldnt be used to judge their character.
10
No such thing as a black racist. Racism us prejudice plus power. Only white people have power in a white supremacist society. We're not "all" racist because we don't have the power to be. I could write more, but the internet will explain this concept to you.
PS. As a minority, I get nothing for the free teachings and education I provide white people daily. I consider it my community service ;)
PS. As a minority, I get nothing for the free teachings and education I provide white people daily. I consider it my community service ;)
5
The longer Trump defends his Muslim ban, the more his implicit encouragement to attack them grows.
17
1. Its NOT a muslim ban.. Its a temporary ban of travel from several Muslim majority countries. A Muslim from Bangladesh, England or Maurtius etc is welcome to visit with the standard visa screening
2. The murderer was anti Trump and supported Bernie and Jill Stein.
2. The murderer was anti Trump and supported Bernie and Jill Stein.
5
So, Ross, the fifteen 9/11 hijackers from Saudi Arabia are also welcome, right?
5
it seems that no matter what happens in the world - be it a prolonged handshake with a Frenchman, a tentative move to improve US - Russian relations or the head covering (or lack thereof) of the First Lady - it is an opportunity for a NYT columnist to immediately extrapolate the event into an imminent apocalypse of American values... as if the racist rants of an Oregon misanthrope (and certifiable psychopath) can be traced directly to the tweets and mumblings of our inarticulate President... too many journalists, late night comedians and self-appointed pundits are making a living off these purported linkages, much to the detriment of what used to be known as honest discourse... apparently, obsessive-compulsive psychosis is to be found not only in the mind of deranged Portland stabbers and Manchester bombers but also in formerly respected and respectable commenters on the pages of our most esteemed newspaper
6
Stop being an apologist for Trump. Stop demonizing the press. Stand up for real American heroes and values: tolerance, freedom of expression, real opportunity for people other than the rich.
16
I think you are wrong, even though you have a right to have your opinion.
2
@LD:"Stand up for real American heroes "
Yes the three white guys who intervened.
Yes the three white guys who intervened.
4
Why do these three feel like the first casualties in the new unamerica? A president who is a fat wad of bullying and beligerance has fostered something wicked, something that filters to the bottom of the swamp first, something acted on first by the bottom most feeders. When history records this devolution of a great nation, it will begin with incidents like this one.
47
The boor spreading the hate is still President, the White Supremacist will be a big cheese in the White Supremacists prison gang and in two weeks the people who died will only be mourned by their friends and families. That is the reality we live in.
8
Thank you, Mr Kristof, for this tribute to three true heroes of humanity, and especially for including their own moving words.
32
This happened in my neighborhood, the same one dotted with signs proclaiming acceptance, tolerance, and equality. Most of us are distraught by the notable uptick in racist and other behavior we have seen since November and are doing all we can to improve the outcomes. However, one aspect of this I have not heard discussed enough is our treatment of behavioral health conditions. One cannot diagnose through news stories, but it would appear that several of the actions described by the murderer represent a mental illness, perhaps a long-untreated one.
14
When Ann Coulter wants to speak at Berkeley, ask her about her opinion of Jeremy Christian, her opinion of the rights of the young women and her opinion of the men that died protecting American freedom. Then you'll know exactly why her hate speed should not be allowed, because make no mistake - what Ann Coulter has to say is hate speech.
61
Most of what Ann Coulter has to say could best be characterized as ignorant nonsense.
4
This story...these people...lift my soul.
26
Could you please provide a reputable source through which I can donate to these heroes' families? Thank you.
46
Awfully sad. But also legitimate rage for this climate of hate in Trumpian times. We are aware of misfits in our midst, of course, but usually circumspect as the majority are decent people, trying to do their best to blend and belong, a disincentive to those intent in harming others. But when a callous scoundrel in the White House incites fear, hate, division and violence, those mentally sick, xenophobes and perhaps racists like Trump, pick up on the mood where freedom becomes license to kill. This was not an isolated episode, and no healing in the making until we get rid of this vile, vulgar bully -in-chief seemingly oblivious of his cruel, and barbarous, intent.
26
I don't see the point of this column. It says nothing that those who loathe Dear Leader don't already agree with. So the question is, at whom is it aimed?
Republicans? Waste of time. Hoping to appeal to their sense of morality, or to convince them with facts and reason is as futile as trying to teach chess to your dog.
What a horrible personal tragedy for the families of the dead men! What a horrible tragedy for the nation to have Dear Leader!
Republicans? Waste of time. Hoping to appeal to their sense of morality, or to convince them with facts and reason is as futile as trying to teach chess to your dog.
What a horrible personal tragedy for the families of the dead men! What a horrible tragedy for the nation to have Dear Leader!
5
What are the odds of his impeachment? The Congressional investigation is ongoing.
3
Maybe it is simply a sense of duty to report that good still exists? Maybe it is just written because we each wish and hope to be just as brave when this same sort of disgraceful activity suddenly appears within our vicinity? Maybe because true valor of spirit should be honored when and where it is found?
Why do you think there is no reason to point to the good and and upstanding people, those who truly embody not only the precepts our founding fathers espoused but those which all major religions teach and honor? Does everything have to have a monetary value to be of any worth in your consideration? Must an act of virtue be determined by only how many blind are made to see again?
It is enough to stand up and against evil. It is what we are or must strive to be.
Why do you think there is no reason to point to the good and and upstanding people, those who truly embody not only the precepts our founding fathers espoused but those which all major religions teach and honor? Does everything have to have a monetary value to be of any worth in your consideration? Must an act of virtue be determined by only how many blind are made to see again?
It is enough to stand up and against evil. It is what we are or must strive to be.
11
Yay - dear leader - the best.. ( not.. )
It is all about money - has always been -- Trump and co. are deeply in debt
to Russian money. All the overheated rhetoric is intended as diversion only - and has worked beautifully. That is why dear leader has put his taxes where the sun don't shine - and will not 'release' them - period...
It is all about money - has always been -- Trump and co. are deeply in debt
to Russian money. All the overheated rhetoric is intended as diversion only - and has worked beautifully. That is why dear leader has put his taxes where the sun don't shine - and will not 'release' them - period...
"...don’t know whether the murderer on the Portland train felt empowered to scream at a Muslim girl..."
Does it matter whether the racist murderer felt empowered? No it doesn't. What matters is, we have an individual who holds the highest office in our country does feel empowered to denigrate and even threaten Muslims.
Trump has demonstrated over and over again that if you are a Muslim you are not wanted here. If your a Latino immigrant, you are not wanted here. If you don't look or act like a white, you are not wanted here.
Let's not mince our words, Trump is a racist and he likely empowers/incites the radicals and racists among us. And what happened in Portland will happen again and again until Trump is removed from office.
My heart goes out to the families involved in this terrible tragedy. The bravest among us stood up to hatred.
Does it matter whether the racist murderer felt empowered? No it doesn't. What matters is, we have an individual who holds the highest office in our country does feel empowered to denigrate and even threaten Muslims.
Trump has demonstrated over and over again that if you are a Muslim you are not wanted here. If your a Latino immigrant, you are not wanted here. If you don't look or act like a white, you are not wanted here.
Let's not mince our words, Trump is a racist and he likely empowers/incites the radicals and racists among us. And what happened in Portland will happen again and again until Trump is removed from office.
My heart goes out to the families involved in this terrible tragedy. The bravest among us stood up to hatred.
41
If Mr. 'Christian' had been named Mr. 'Mohammed", this would be hailed a terrorist attack.
Somewhere, Mr. 'Christian' learned some pretty lethal skill with a knife, so he could kill and injure 3 adult healthy adult men before fleeing. The importance of this should not be ignored.
Should not our government be tracking the terrorist training camps operated by American white supremacists? Certainly our response toward those should be just as vigorous, intolerant, unambiguous and swift as toward ISIS training camps in Afghanistan. Training to inflict lethal terror based on ethnicity. appearance and religion is exactly the same product. Certainly that fact deserves at last a tweet from our Illustrious Leader, doesn't it?
Mr. 'Christian' shames his (no doubt) adopted surname.
He is an anathema to anyone who professes to follow the instructions of Jesus. Or professes to be a decent human being.
Somewhere, Mr. 'Christian' learned some pretty lethal skill with a knife, so he could kill and injure 3 adult healthy adult men before fleeing. The importance of this should not be ignored.
Should not our government be tracking the terrorist training camps operated by American white supremacists? Certainly our response toward those should be just as vigorous, intolerant, unambiguous and swift as toward ISIS training camps in Afghanistan. Training to inflict lethal terror based on ethnicity. appearance and religion is exactly the same product. Certainly that fact deserves at last a tweet from our Illustrious Leader, doesn't it?
Mr. 'Christian' shames his (no doubt) adopted surname.
He is an anathema to anyone who professes to follow the instructions of Jesus. Or professes to be a decent human being.
502
I think that may very well be the surname he's had since birth. I just heard a recording of him in court and he was ranting against everybody, including Christians. Many of these white supremacists are actually "Odinists." They think Christianity is a weak and passive religion. Their gods love war and fighting. Salvation by RACE, not grace, is their fundamental belief.
11
Concur emphatically. Indecency will not be challenged by the current administration as the titular head is himself indecent. Yet another reason to be rid of him sooner rather than later.
1
Hello- I live in Portland Oregon and not far away from the Transit Center where this occurred.
1) The man in question, has been in and out of jail for over a decade.
2) He has been observed and seen making far right and outright racist, violent remarks on his Facebook Page AND has been in at least one gathering where he shouted epithets and did Nazi salutes, along with other racist white nationalists who are now showing themselves in the Portland, OR area.
3) The Portland Police has a 'Gang Unit'- but seems to use this unit to target young people of color AND not the very real rise of White Nationalists who are so bold as to show themselves on camera now.
1) The man in question, has been in and out of jail for over a decade.
2) He has been observed and seen making far right and outright racist, violent remarks on his Facebook Page AND has been in at least one gathering where he shouted epithets and did Nazi salutes, along with other racist white nationalists who are now showing themselves in the Portland, OR area.
3) The Portland Police has a 'Gang Unit'- but seems to use this unit to target young people of color AND not the very real rise of White Nationalists who are so bold as to show themselves on camera now.
5
Yes, they are heroes. Today a 12-year old is fatherless because of what the election brought to bear. And make no mistake, this has everything to do with that election! Trump has invoked the worst this society has to offer, and did it so successfully that even in the traditionally liberal Northeast were I live we now see racist idiots going around with Confederate flags on their cars and hurling racial epiteths at people. Saw both, and I expect to see more unfortunately.
Elections have consequences. The kind of filth that we though would never come back can do it in a flash when the "right leader" is in. All we can hope is that decent people are taking notice and will bring this sad joke of a presidency to an end soon before it is too late.
Elections have consequences. The kind of filth that we though would never come back can do it in a flash when the "right leader" is in. All we can hope is that decent people are taking notice and will bring this sad joke of a presidency to an end soon before it is too late.
249
What country do we actually think we live in? People are only now waking up to the extent of blind hatred and bigotry? Some of us have parents who can, at this very moment, show us amid the gated communities and golf courses, where black men were lynched. We can rationalize the deaths of Tamir Rice and Trayvon Martin, even Philando Castile's life can be quickly explained away by the cold-hearted. But today we finally care, because the men who lost their lives were white. We only notice hate when it enters our own house.
Let's not forget who voted for trump, who decided that a coarse, adolescent, malevolent, narcissistic bigot would make a fine American leader. A black man in Clearlake, California, was just hacked by a machete-wielding, racial-slur-hurling white man. America, you voted for this. Are you happy now?
Let's not forget who voted for trump, who decided that a coarse, adolescent, malevolent, narcissistic bigot would make a fine American leader. A black man in Clearlake, California, was just hacked by a machete-wielding, racial-slur-hurling white man. America, you voted for this. Are you happy now?
38
That three men stood up against a man threatening a Muslim woman and her African American friend, and died in their defense, is what has rightly captured our attention. These men identified with the victims of potentially-deadly religious and racial harassment as fellow human beings. They died defending others against invective and hatred; they died defending their fellow Americans. And their memory reminds us all of the courage it takes to fight such hatred. That these men happened to also have been white shouldn't debase their sacrifice. If anything, it is important only insofar as it shows the common denominator of all the victims--of the taunting and the knife attack--was a shared humanity.
1
Sad that, being unarmed themselves, there was no way they could neutralize the knife-wielding thug in such a confined space. Maybe if more had intervened?
6
Unarmed, yes; lobbying for a 2nd Amendment solution are we? Oh, imagine the glorious shootout on a crowded commuter train if only these heroes had been able to pack heat like the Wild West. Insane.
6
I hadn’t ‘heat’ in mind. A baseball bat might have done.
Keep in mind that the killer backed Bernie Sanders and Stein. Hardly a typical white supremacist. Mostly crazy. https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/portland-suspect?utm_term=.mamb9...
5
Apparently he did not vote for anyone despite a previous declaration that he would vote for Trump (yes I actually read your link). Quite something that even he could not bring himself to cast that vote.
3
America continues to sends its Jeremy Christians mixed messages by adding more dead Muslim women and children to its mountain of "collateral damage" in the Middle East with its drone lynchings and smart bombs.
3
" Crap" flows downhill, and so does hate. When can we start profiling young, white males??? Is THIS Making America Great Again ??? Oh, I'll guess that he will be written off as " crazy", with little mention of the racial and gender components. Just saying.
7
This is just part of an orchestrated attempt by the right to intimidate people into silence and stasis. It will not work. I hope the sacrifice of these brave men will long be remembered and their courage can be an inspiration to others.
8
Truly heartbreaking, and these three men exemplify the best of human values. Still, I suspect there will be more such incidents, and how should we respond if we are the bystanders without ending up dead? There's a cartoon strip circulating on the web that recommends engaging the person(s) being berated in a friendly, comforting manner while totally ignoring the attacker (unless, of course, he's threatening violence). If ignored by the berated and all those around him/her are offering protective comfort and safety, the hope is he will slink away without causing bodily injury. To ensure he may be taught a lesson, those staring at their phones pretending nothing is happening can quietly call for police intervention.
7
This is the tweet sent on the Presidential account in response to the Portland killings: "The violent attacks in Portland on Friday are unacceptable. The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/ them." It seems remarkably restrained to refer to the appalling acts of violence as "unacceptable."
15
I think you need to understand the end of the tweet as "Our prayers are w/ hate and intolerance"
1
To the families of Rick Best and Taliesin Namkai-Meche, I hope you know what heroes they were and the shinning example they have set for others, especially during an especially dark time in our country.
To Micah Fletcher, thank you too. I am so glad you survived and hope your pain and recovery aren't too difficult.
Jeremy Christian is to blame but Trump holds a great deal of responsibility for the atmosphere of hate and intolerance he has encouraged. Watching a documentary over the weekend about JFK, I was saddened to realize how low we've fallen. European leaders are right to assume they can't count on us for now, but I'm hopeful this is a short chapter and that good, like the men in this story will prevail over incompetence and racism.
To Micah Fletcher, thank you too. I am so glad you survived and hope your pain and recovery aren't too difficult.
Jeremy Christian is to blame but Trump holds a great deal of responsibility for the atmosphere of hate and intolerance he has encouraged. Watching a documentary over the weekend about JFK, I was saddened to realize how low we've fallen. European leaders are right to assume they can't count on us for now, but I'm hopeful this is a short chapter and that good, like the men in this story will prevail over incompetence and racism.
13
A great column, but I do hold Trump personally responsible for this incident and others that have been happening. His rhetoric was viscous and racist on the campaign trail, and I believe this is the direct result of that. How do I tell a 12 year old girl whom I mentor not to get into a physical fight with another girl who taunts her when Trump sets the example by praising Gianforte for "a great win?" This all sickens me to the bottom of my heart and soul.
24
I wish I could share your optimism about the triumph of goodness - but I fear we are in a might makes right downward spiral - where the "winners" are dictating the rules of society. And the worst part is all the people who would self describe as good, decent religious folks who are complicit in this horror by tolerating it and failing to speak out each and every time someone is threatened, attacked and disparaged who is not white and Christian. As a mother to young children- I fear for their safety in this climate and fear that despite what they hear at home what they see with their own eyes is that sexual predators and physical abusers get elected to the nations highest offices.
7
"A white man riding on that train on Friday began screaming anti-Muslim insults at a black 16-year-old girl and her 17-year-old Muslim friend wearing a hijab. One can imagine people pretending not to hear and staring fiercely down at their phones; instead, three brave passengers stepped forward to protect the girls.
The three were as different as could be. ...What united the three was decency.
When they intervened, the man harassing the girls pulled a knife and slashed the three men before fleeing."
Forgive the long quote. It bothers me that another possibility for how this went down exists. Yes a man was screaming at girls. Here is the sentence that bothers me: "When they intervened, the man harassing the girls pulled a knife..."
Unless I have more information, I have to suppose it was the INTERVENTION that 'caused' a knife to be pulled. Two alternate stories are possible. Story one is that a nasty man yelled at girls and made everybody uncomfortable and everybody's day was ruined but they all got home safely. Story number two is two men ended up dead and another severely injured.
So my alternate lesson is bravery and decent people standing up for principle ends in death. Being chicken and weak ends up with everybody feeling bad, mad, sad, but all alive. Unfortunately there are details missing here that would enable me to decide definitely: what was the real level of threat BEFORE the intervention caused things to escalate?
The three were as different as could be. ...What united the three was decency.
When they intervened, the man harassing the girls pulled a knife and slashed the three men before fleeing."
Forgive the long quote. It bothers me that another possibility for how this went down exists. Yes a man was screaming at girls. Here is the sentence that bothers me: "When they intervened, the man harassing the girls pulled a knife..."
Unless I have more information, I have to suppose it was the INTERVENTION that 'caused' a knife to be pulled. Two alternate stories are possible. Story one is that a nasty man yelled at girls and made everybody uncomfortable and everybody's day was ruined but they all got home safely. Story number two is two men ended up dead and another severely injured.
So my alternate lesson is bravery and decent people standing up for principle ends in death. Being chicken and weak ends up with everybody feeling bad, mad, sad, but all alive. Unfortunately there are details missing here that would enable me to decide definitely: what was the real level of threat BEFORE the intervention caused things to escalate?
4
Yep, if you choose to engage a stranger in public, everything's on the table. Not to be taken lightly. Life or death self-defense situations are about all that call for it, unless you really have nothing to lose.
2
Considering his history of violence and his attack of a black woman the night before, story three is that he killed two children while people stared at their phones.
10
Aren't you ever so clever.
6
We will never know the exact motivations of the two dead men who stepped up. Maybe they thought their attacker was just being incredibly rude and particularly cowardly in picking on women, or were concerned he was acting so hateful he was about to do the women physical harm. Whatever spurred them, they must be honored as examples of what we all should do.
Look at what a man does, not what he says. The Lord hates a coward. All it takes for evil men to succeed is for good men to stand by and do nothing to intervene. Stand up for the weaker among us. Uphold the stranger. The lessons taught to me by my grade-school teachers, all women. These mens' families, while suffering, should be proud they died good and meaningful deaths. We should all be proud of them.
Look at what a man does, not what he says. The Lord hates a coward. All it takes for evil men to succeed is for good men to stand by and do nothing to intervene. Stand up for the weaker among us. Uphold the stranger. The lessons taught to me by my grade-school teachers, all women. These mens' families, while suffering, should be proud they died good and meaningful deaths. We should all be proud of them.
7
Taliesin died as he lived, with honor and dignity, courage and compassion. Although we only knew each other in passing, he tried to help me get a job at the company he was working for when I reached out to him. I am shocked that he is dead and upset at the pathetic response of our president to the violent hate that lead to his death.
89
Thank you. I am choking back tears.
6
Not pretending not to hear. Not staring down at your phone...but remaining silent and dialing 911, or the transit police...please be there at the next station, and if you are not we will walk away.
Because, before he pulled his knife, his weapons were invectives.
And no one has ever bled to death from words.
Because, before he pulled his knife, his weapons were invectives.
And no one has ever bled to death from words.
3
I am so shaken by this event. It could have been me on that train standing up for the girls. I asked my classroom of students today, who knows someone who would have tried to protect the girls, and nearly everyone raised their hands.
6
It is a dramatic difference between how Portland citizens confronted society's racism and hatred versus so many stories in the U.S. and around the world. Horribly, we see how the sickness of religious and cultural hatred can destroy not only the targets of hate but the heroes as well with their incredible moral courage to come to the aid of the victims.
My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the fallen heroes.
My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the fallen heroes.
6
I guess the killer had a " ghetto" upbringing and a single, welfare mother. RIGHT, GOP ???
14
Thank you Mr. Kristoff for a beautifully written piece. The three men who came to the defense of those young women should be treated as true heroes by our country's leadership. It is a real shame to even mention these men and their sacrifice in something as lame and banal as a tweet. Our current president is completely devoid of bringing this nation together and God help us if we ever experience a massive tragedy on our soil again because he is incapable of both empathy and character. Peace to the heroes and their families.
127
Trump ran a campaign of fear-mongering and empty promises of making us safe.
But the cynical fear-mongering makes innocent people, like those on the train, less safe. So does the myth that "guns everywhere" will stop the villains.
Not every act of violence can be anticipated or stopped. But the more people are willing to stand up for each other, as did the courageous individuals here, the more that right will win.
But the cynical fear-mongering makes innocent people, like those on the train, less safe. So does the myth that "guns everywhere" will stop the villains.
Not every act of violence can be anticipated or stopped. But the more people are willing to stand up for each other, as did the courageous individuals here, the more that right will win.
38
Brilliant writing on a poignant episode in a fractured nation. Americans stood up to defend America; what could be more American? Bless these brave martyrs, and plaudits to Mr. Kristof for his eloquent paean to bravery and humanity.
27
I hope the friends and families of these men are in no small measure comforted by the fact that their sons' and husband's and father's caring, and their courage, show us not only the best part of ourselves as Americans but as human beings. They remind us of our purpose as a people--and as people. We grieve with you. And we take inspiration from their example. Thank you for helping raise and shape three such men.
37
I grew up in New York but Portland has been my home for almost forty years now. I wouldn't live anywhere else. It is a community of free thinkers and the greatest of American values. But, like many places, it has an undercurrent of bigotry and intolerance, a sickness that lies at the heart of an ailing country.
People at the margins, the poor, the dispossessed, the mentally ill, flock to towns like Portland for the openness they offer. But they also bring with them a hateful minority, sick with a vision of America like the one currently embraced by the right wing of this country: that we are all on our own. That there is no help for oneself anywhere. And a fear arises in people for whom greater society has too long ignored. And that fear, that aloneness, is fed every day by talk radio and cable news and the drumbeat of blame that comes from our political class and the wealthy.
Until we can as a country solve the inequities driving that fear, pushing people to the margins, forcing them to feel forgotten, more scenes like that terrible one on the MAX train will happen again.
Portland has shown the country the best of us can arise to the task of facing blind hate. When will the country at large, when will our institutions and politicians do the same?
People at the margins, the poor, the dispossessed, the mentally ill, flock to towns like Portland for the openness they offer. But they also bring with them a hateful minority, sick with a vision of America like the one currently embraced by the right wing of this country: that we are all on our own. That there is no help for oneself anywhere. And a fear arises in people for whom greater society has too long ignored. And that fear, that aloneness, is fed every day by talk radio and cable news and the drumbeat of blame that comes from our political class and the wealthy.
Until we can as a country solve the inequities driving that fear, pushing people to the margins, forcing them to feel forgotten, more scenes like that terrible one on the MAX train will happen again.
Portland has shown the country the best of us can arise to the task of facing blind hate. When will the country at large, when will our institutions and politicians do the same?
61
"The best lack all conviction, while the worst/ Are full of passionate intensity." This line from Yeats' poem "The Second Coming" has been haunting me. We see it so often, when those with good intentions lack the conviction to act, while those who hate are all too quick to hurt and destroy. Thank you for this tribute to 3 everyday heroes. They are truly the best among us.
17
I don't expect anything dignified from Trump. His presidency, his tweets, his insults to the common man and woman and to world leaders is a deepening and debilitating wound that will take us years to heal. The three who died defending the young women of color are American heroes and even if the White House does not honor their courage, most of the world does. For today, that is our triumph.
31
Beautifully written and so poignant and on point. Thank you for telling us about the real heroes among us. I hope I will be as brave if I should ever find myself in a similar situation.
25
Thank you Mr Kristof for writing a fair account of what happened. The family members of the men who were killed and injured could have lashed out but instead they have been very proud of the fact that these men stood up against hate even though the decision to do so had such tragic consequences. There's a beautiful memorial growing at the platform where this incident happened. Our mayor is working on making the memorial permanent so that we never forget.
I live in a state that has an imperfect history when it comes to race relations. We've long had a reputation of being one of the most racist states this side of the Mississippi. Trump's campaign emboldened people who are normally secretive about their personal beliefs to start going puplic with them. Since his election there's been an uptick in violence against minority groups.
I hope that out of this tragedy comes an understanding that we need a return to civility. People should be able to go about their daily lives without fearing for their safety. I know in Portland our Muslim imams have told women they can choose not to wear their hijabs for their own personal safety. That's not acceptable in a free and secular nation.
Hopefully this incident will change the dialogue in our country. I know that I won't forget what happened anytime soon.
I live in a state that has an imperfect history when it comes to race relations. We've long had a reputation of being one of the most racist states this side of the Mississippi. Trump's campaign emboldened people who are normally secretive about their personal beliefs to start going puplic with them. Since his election there's been an uptick in violence against minority groups.
I hope that out of this tragedy comes an understanding that we need a return to civility. People should be able to go about their daily lives without fearing for their safety. I know in Portland our Muslim imams have told women they can choose not to wear their hijabs for their own personal safety. That's not acceptable in a free and secular nation.
Hopefully this incident will change the dialogue in our country. I know that I won't forget what happened anytime soon.
31
Beautifully written, and 100% Truth. Thank you, Mr. Kristof.
While, daily, we as Americans see so much of our ideals circling the drain, here is an example of our very best core values. This IS what America is all about.
My neighbors, in rural Oregon, feel the same way.
And, the Poet, Fletcher, said it best.
While, daily, we as Americans see so much of our ideals circling the drain, here is an example of our very best core values. This IS what America is all about.
My neighbors, in rural Oregon, feel the same way.
And, the Poet, Fletcher, said it best.
11
Because Mr. Trump is our president, and he's not very good at it, he becomes the focus of our daily attention. I don't know about the rest of you, but that focus fills me with despair. Maybe his hatred contributes to the mood that normalizes both the assault of a reporter as well as these terrible attacks, maybe not. What I know for certain is that these three marvelous yet ordinary citizens drown out Trump's droning, tedious, corrupt mediocrity. They shine and sing and fill my heart not just with overwhelming sadness but also with a great and glowing hope. I hold them in my heart and mind because they are simply good. And that goodness, coupled with action, will prevail. We are all capable of it. That's their gift to us. I thank them.
144
We are all people with beauty and ugliness inside. Our job as human beings is to call forth that which just, good, and beautiful--to nurture all that is good. And our job as human beings is to restrain our ugly impulses, to get help when we can't manage our hearts. Religion, at its best, is about helping people to become their best selves. These three men chose to deal with someone at their worst and to confront evil and defend other people. They were at their best. Now it us up to the rest of us to nurture the goodness in our children and our fellow citizens and ourselves.
9
God bless these three men for their courage and compassion. They will be remembered as leaders by millions of us. Prayers and love to their families.
9
Trump, in language and manner at his rallies, gave license to an outpouring of hate and his message is being reinforced, constantly, by extremist conservative media. This violent episode illuminates the need for us all to take a stand for ending the divide thus created before it consumes the nation and costs more lives.
11
There was nothing at all "terrific" about the belated and meager tweet that came from the POTUS account. It was pitiful. When I think of President Obama having to stand up time and time again to address similar tragedies and doing so with such dignity, compassion, sadness, and resolve, I realize even more so what we have lost. I agree with J.K. Rowling. In ALL things that he does, Trump is a tiny, tiny, tiny little man.
414
They are indeed heroes.
Mr. Kristof, unfortunately, makes a mistake, though. He says that "Donald Trump is making America meaner." No. He has simply made it more acceptable for the meanness to be public and violent rather than just private and vile. All Trump has done is tap into what people like Jeremy Christian already believed and would act on, and what the people of Yamhill who voted for Trump have felt all along.
Mr. Kristof, unfortunately, makes a mistake, though. He says that "Donald Trump is making America meaner." No. He has simply made it more acceptable for the meanness to be public and violent rather than just private and vile. All Trump has done is tap into what people like Jeremy Christian already believed and would act on, and what the people of Yamhill who voted for Trump have felt all along.
15
What a beautiful photo to include with your column, Nicholas.
If Talieson's mother can celebrate her son's decision to risk his life for doing the right thing, and embrace someone "different" as "welcome," rather than "evil," than surely we all can.
Are you listening President Trump?
If Talieson's mother can celebrate her son's decision to risk his life for doing the right thing, and embrace someone "different" as "welcome," rather than "evil," than surely we all can.
Are you listening President Trump?
39
Thank you for writing about this horrific event. The only thing I find more troubling than this is how little attention this event has received outside of the Pacific Northwest. These 3 men are heroes and this story deserves a lot more attention, especially by this paper. I just checked Fox News where they are only reporting about how the Mayor of Portland is using this event to cancel a "Free Speech event for Trump" and that Christian was a Sanders/Stein supporter. What a sad time to be an "American."
12
Yes, a fine tribute. But have we sunk so low that we consider that an adequate response by the leader of our country to this horrific event is one kind of tweet, rather than another? A tweet? Really? Is that all these herbs deserved, and all this President can muster by way of being Presidential?
6
This is awful on so many levels. I am concerned people will now be more afraid to stand up against this sort of thing the next time it happens. We must live up to the example set by these three men.
9
This is truly a horrific incident. To me there is no doubt that this sort of hatred for minorities of all stripes – religion, race, and ethnicity – has been let loose by our current president.
Mr. Kristof’s list of three “N’s” should be rallying cry for a nation that cares. But DT is not the only one to held accountable.
Our so-called leaders need to be held accountable as well, for they are his enablers who never protest, never speak-up, never express any sort of outrage.
President Obama would have been on the phone speaking to the families of the brave men who stood up in the face of death. Our current president’s staff tweets. Have we heard from Speaker Ryan, Senator McConnell, and Vice President Pence?
The world is seeing us for what we have become, mean spirited children who boast exceptionalism and display pettiness, claim the wisdom of our democracy and champion authoritativeness, assert our leadership of the free world while the free world turns its collective back on us.
This tragedy in Oregon is the manifestation our backwards march to the failed concept of a America First.
Mr. Kristof’s list of three “N’s” should be rallying cry for a nation that cares. But DT is not the only one to held accountable.
Our so-called leaders need to be held accountable as well, for they are his enablers who never protest, never speak-up, never express any sort of outrage.
President Obama would have been on the phone speaking to the families of the brave men who stood up in the face of death. Our current president’s staff tweets. Have we heard from Speaker Ryan, Senator McConnell, and Vice President Pence?
The world is seeing us for what we have become, mean spirited children who boast exceptionalism and display pettiness, claim the wisdom of our democracy and champion authoritativeness, assert our leadership of the free world while the free world turns its collective back on us.
This tragedy in Oregon is the manifestation our backwards march to the failed concept of a America First.
14
Do Trump's enablers realize their complicity?
Even if they do, Pence, Ryan, McConnell, et al, must be held to account.
Even if they do, Pence, Ryan, McConnell, et al, must be held to account.
8
A friend on Monday told me about the tragedy--she had not heard it from the news--but from her good friend, who was Taliesin's grandmother. I had already heard it on the news. The personal loss and pain was made real. It was a reminder that we are all connected. These were three Americans who didn't have to be made "GREAT AGAIN," these men are examples of what makes America great. Not rhetoric and hate speech from politicians. Just some guys on a train doing the decent thing..the right thing. Please Mr. President, let their sacrifice be an EXAMPLE to you!
14
Heroes are everywhere if you just look. People are fundamentally decent, regardless of their race, religion or backgrounds. We focus too much on the exceptions.
6
Thank you for this lovely, well-written piece. As I have been reading in On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder, we must all"take responsibility for the face of the world"when confronted with hatred as these brave men did. I grieve for their families while I am grateful, so grateful, for their deep humanity, generosity of spirit, and example. May many more of us find ways to "live for one another" and resist with all our might the narcissism, greed, and, yes, hatred too frequently on display in this mean-spirited time. Thank you, Asha Deliverance, Taliesin Namkai-Meche, Rick Best, and Micah Fletcher. You are the best of us.
7
All three of these men are heroes and should be recognized as such and my heart goes out to their families. I hope that Mr. Fletcher recovers and that his poem reaches wide and far so others can learn how much we need to help others who face this type of intolerance.
7
A wonderful column about three American heroes. Many thanks and warmest good wishes for your continuing efforts of this kind
6
We were all shocked and dismayed to hear about the knifing in our city. Not that Portland is crime free; we also have a large homeless population and schizophrenics on the street ranting and occasionally yelling at people. It probably depends on which of Portland's 95 neighborhoods that you live in. In mine, the nearest policeman is at least a five minute high speed ride away (that's another story). But I never felt a sense of danger here until this.
Our neighborhoods are connected by this train and thus all Portlandians were connected by this hate crime; so it made sense that 6 of us would sit around the table the next night, talking about what we would do if (when) confronted with a similar situation. Would we start filming the ranter on our phones and call the police? Talk to the girls so that they would know that weren't alone? Confront the man and tell him to shut up? Before the knifing, I would have spoken to the man. Now we can only hope that we can be as brave as these three men were should this happen again.
We have a divisive President who played a part in this tragedy. He's like the theater manager who yells fire and turns out the lights and then wants to console those who are injured in the stampede to the doors. I have said for months now that he only cares about being in the center of the circus, not about the circus he creates so that he can be in its center. Well, the Trump Circus came to Portland this past weekend. You can expect it in your own city soon.
Our neighborhoods are connected by this train and thus all Portlandians were connected by this hate crime; so it made sense that 6 of us would sit around the table the next night, talking about what we would do if (when) confronted with a similar situation. Would we start filming the ranter on our phones and call the police? Talk to the girls so that they would know that weren't alone? Confront the man and tell him to shut up? Before the knifing, I would have spoken to the man. Now we can only hope that we can be as brave as these three men were should this happen again.
We have a divisive President who played a part in this tragedy. He's like the theater manager who yells fire and turns out the lights and then wants to console those who are injured in the stampede to the doors. I have said for months now that he only cares about being in the center of the circus, not about the circus he creates so that he can be in its center. Well, the Trump Circus came to Portland this past weekend. You can expect it in your own city soon.
28
To blame this in Trump is bizarre and unfair. Has Trump ever called for anyone to harass Muslim-American citizens? Has he ever called for people to murder one another?
That he wanted a TEMPORARY ban on travel from 7 nations -- those with such poor vetting and passport policies, that they easily let through terrorists -- has nothing whatsoever to do with this heinous act of murder by a mentally ill man.
That he wanted a TEMPORARY ban on travel from 7 nations -- those with such poor vetting and passport policies, that they easily let through terrorists -- has nothing whatsoever to do with this heinous act of murder by a mentally ill man.
1
It is likely that the place--Portland--is instructive. Unfortunately, there are far too many other kinds of places where, historically, terrorist acts by white men are more tolerated, even embraced. Too many welcome the efforts by our president to exclude the "other" while ignoring the terrorist down the street who looks like the majority of our citizens.
6
For shame, Mr. Kristof. The focus in this tragedy should be on the victims, heroes, and perpetrator. Do not use them to fuel your preoccupation with seeing the President fall. Neither you nor I know what was in the perpetrator's mind and heart.
4
When I read about the abuse against the young women and ultimate stabbing of the Good Samaritans in Portland, I feel sad. I have felt our value system has been ripped apart and tossed to the winds. This is not the United States I was born into in 1952 as Ike prepared to take the reins. This is not the United States I was educated in when JFK and LBJ were in the White House, when the Civil Rights Bill and Title IX were made the law of the land.
No, this is the United States that has been simmering below the surface since the days of Reagan /Bush (when Welfare Queens were driving their Cadillacs to pick up their welfare checks, or so we were led to believe). The United States Newt Gingrich fomented with his nastiness and his "Contract with America". The United States of Bush II with an ego-driven war based on lies and trumped up false evidence. The United States of Mitch McConnell who announced his sole purpose in life was to ensure Obama was a one-term President. The United States of Donald Trump, where if you're not with him, you're a "loser".
We're better than this America! It's past time for the goodness and kindness that was exemplified by these three heros becomes commonplace again. We need to be nicer and kinder to each other because God knows no one else will be.
No, this is the United States that has been simmering below the surface since the days of Reagan /Bush (when Welfare Queens were driving their Cadillacs to pick up their welfare checks, or so we were led to believe). The United States Newt Gingrich fomented with his nastiness and his "Contract with America". The United States of Bush II with an ego-driven war based on lies and trumped up false evidence. The United States of Mitch McConnell who announced his sole purpose in life was to ensure Obama was a one-term President. The United States of Donald Trump, where if you're not with him, you're a "loser".
We're better than this America! It's past time for the goodness and kindness that was exemplified by these three heros becomes commonplace again. We need to be nicer and kinder to each other because God knows no one else will be.
9
There are deplorables here, but there are heroes who rise in defense.
3
Three brave souls - true American Heroes- also the kind woman who comforted him in his last moments ... these are our shining examples of the BEST of people ( much like NYers during and after 9/11) - if only our government could do the same - #RESIST #notmypresident
3
I am halted, speechless by the accidental poignancy of the surname of Taliesin's mother: Asha Deliverance.
10
“I, am alive.
I spat in the eye of hate and lived.
This is what we must do for one another
We must live for one another.”
A poem written by Trump would read:
"I, am a liar.
I spat in the eye of hope and defiled.
This is what we must do to one another
We must live for ourselves."
I spat in the eye of hate and lived.
This is what we must do for one another
We must live for one another.”
A poem written by Trump would read:
"I, am a liar.
I spat in the eye of hope and defiled.
This is what we must do to one another
We must live for ourselves."
7
Shame on Trump for his silence: if ever there were an opportunity for a President to point out the difference between our American values--- and the price we're willing to pay for them--- this is it. These self-sacrificing men, through their indomitable spirits, showed the Islamists of the world that Americans stand up for the rights of all.
They showed that the dignity and honor of all women will be protected in this country, that we fear not those who preach hate and divisiveness. The acts of these men should be contrasted with those of the vile creature that bombed the Manchester concert: a starker difference cannot be imagined.
They showed that the dignity and honor of all women will be protected in this country, that we fear not those who preach hate and divisiveness. The acts of these men should be contrasted with those of the vile creature that bombed the Manchester concert: a starker difference cannot be imagined.
5
The tragic accident caused by a bigot only stresses the point that all men and women of good will, love of liberty, and sound mind should carry arms EVERYWHERE AND ALWAYS -- the three critical words that have been overlooked by the Founding Fathers in the text of the 2nd Amendment.
2
Mr. Trump should spare us the drip, drip, drip of his inevitable demise and just resign.
That he continues to tweet about Russia and fake news, yet couldn't bring himself to personally tweet about the tragic loss of life on a Portland train, a hate crime I hold Trump personally responsible for, underscores his inability and unwillingness to lead this country in a manner expected of a president. He sows hatred and violence, then sits quietly on the sidelines admiring his work.
I can't even express my contempt for this reprehensible man who wreaks havoc wherever he goes and leaves innocent victims, alienated allies, and bewildered Americans in his wake.
How is this shallow, immature, dishonest, ignorant, greedy man the president of the United States? How can Republicans continue to enable him?
Please, turn up the drip, drip, drip to a fast flow of evidence that will expose this man's crimes and misdemeanors. He cannot occupy the Oval Office much longer.
That he continues to tweet about Russia and fake news, yet couldn't bring himself to personally tweet about the tragic loss of life on a Portland train, a hate crime I hold Trump personally responsible for, underscores his inability and unwillingness to lead this country in a manner expected of a president. He sows hatred and violence, then sits quietly on the sidelines admiring his work.
I can't even express my contempt for this reprehensible man who wreaks havoc wherever he goes and leaves innocent victims, alienated allies, and bewildered Americans in his wake.
How is this shallow, immature, dishonest, ignorant, greedy man the president of the United States? How can Republicans continue to enable him?
Please, turn up the drip, drip, drip to a fast flow of evidence that will expose this man's crimes and misdemeanors. He cannot occupy the Oval Office much longer.
9
Hey, give Trump a break. After all, didn't he initially tweet that this attack was "unacceptable"?
1
Very, very few Americans would have done what these three men did.
Most people just look the other way.
My advice is to intervene, but protect yourself at the same time.
America with all its guns and crazies to me seems like a place to avoid. And I live in Mexico.
Most people just look the other way.
My advice is to intervene, but protect yourself at the same time.
America with all its guns and crazies to me seems like a place to avoid. And I live in Mexico.
9
The man who did the killing is obviously deranged.
As such he does not represent "American Values".
Is there a web-site where we can donate to the victim's family ?
As such he does not represent "American Values".
Is there a web-site where we can donate to the victim's family ?
1
The Portland 'hate murders' continues to fill me with sadness. Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche lost his life and could have been my son. Micah David-Cole Fletcher Ricky was injured and could have been my son. John Best is my age and lost his life. I don't know if I would have stepped forward like he did. The girls on the train could have been my daughters. The true bravery of these men exceeded the level of extreme hate in the murderer. We saw the very best and the very worst of America in this awful tragedy. I would like think that 'good' won on this day, but all I can feel is sadness for all of it.
9
Three American heroes. I thank them for their compassion, courage and willingness to stand up and support strangers even at risk to their own lives.
As Mr. Kristof points out, they represent the best of America. Regrettably, they are in the minority.
As Mr. Kristof points out, they represent the best of America. Regrettably, they are in the minority.
216
I don't believe this. I think hate is amplified right now, but the majority of people on this earth are decent and want the same that we all want -- dignity, opportunity, acceptance, and love. Terrorism and hatred arise from the lack of these things and from the careless promoting of them (as from our President and other weak leaders). We must believe that loving people far outnumber the degraded and the compromised.
4
Agree with ML. Following the bomb explosion in Manchester, people rushed to help the victims, including a homeless man who had been waiting in the foyer. He comforted a dying mother and also helped a young girl who had lost her legs due to the blast. No small feat, given the graphic carnage. Not all of us will be thrust into first responder roles but our every day actions and attitude can promote love versus hatred.
3
The president should not be tweeting responses to this kind of tragedy. If a tragedy is worthy of a presidential response, then the response should be presidential. The president should stand at a podium, look into a camera, speak into a microphone, and offer words of comfort and grace to a grieving nation. The president should stop and ask himself, "What would Obama do?"
960
Completely agree. But if Don the Con EVER happened to think "What would Obama do?" if would ONLY be to determine the exact opposite course of action. Sad.
10
In this, as in all things, Donald Trump is a "tiny, tiny, tiny man."
5
Your suggestions for Trump's actions to be presidential, while admirable, assume that the recipient of your advice is a citizen in the fullest sense of the word . . . someone who senses an obligation to his fellow citizens' well-being as the founders of our country defined for each other. Alas, there's just an empty, selfish, mountain of fat and flesh at the other end of your urging. Your and all our best actions with the most probability for restoring a leader who inspires citizenship is to spend every possible moment between elections in helping our fellow citizens everywhere understand the value and immediacy of voting out the disgrace to our nation along with all his defenders who are willing to ignore any Trump immorality to do something called "win.'.
7
Thank you for the reminder that we still have heroes in this country.
175
I wish there was something one could do to bring back the fallen heroes. The best one could hope for is to keep their memory alive by working tirelessly to achieve their aims: protect the vulnerable and stand up to hatred.
877
I thank Mr. Kristof for this article. I would argue that what we are confronting now is not so much a battlefield of American values, but more, a battlefield of human values. And many, many more of us need to step to the fore, as did these three disparate heroes.
I also feel compelled to take exception to Mr. Kristoff's characterization of America as "leaderless, with nastiness and bullying ascendant,..." The problem is very much that this country has a leader who is a fascist, and is moving society in that direction. I feel we must not talk falsely, the hour has gotten late, to paraphrase Bob Dylan. Trump must be recognized for what he is, and for what he is calling forward in this society - it is an unbearable ugliness, and I fear we have not seen the worst of it by a long shot.
To defeat this is going to require many, many more heroes - all of us need to step out of our comfort zones.
I also feel compelled to take exception to Mr. Kristoff's characterization of America as "leaderless, with nastiness and bullying ascendant,..." The problem is very much that this country has a leader who is a fascist, and is moving society in that direction. I feel we must not talk falsely, the hour has gotten late, to paraphrase Bob Dylan. Trump must be recognized for what he is, and for what he is calling forward in this society - it is an unbearable ugliness, and I fear we have not seen the worst of it by a long shot.
To defeat this is going to require many, many more heroes - all of us need to step out of our comfort zones.
1341
And we need leaders of ALL parties, Democrats and yes, you Republicans over there, to repudiate bigotry and violence at every turn. Especially those of you who so vocally wear your faith on your sleeve: let's see those values you so loudly profess in action combatting violence and hate rather than politically profiting from them.
8
Very well said, Tom.
Well said Tom.
So it escalated from screaming to deadly physical violence only after the three men intervened. We can only speculate as to whether anyone would have been injured if they had done nothing.
8
@Joel
Instead of posting this, you should have done a little research on the story. It's not hard.
According to multiple news reports, the men were trying to calm him down. They were trying to de-escalate the situation. See
MAX attack unfolded quickly: Extremist cut three in neck, police say
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2017/05/horrific_scene_unfo...
or Portland train stabbings: FBI looking into possible hate crime charges
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/26/us/portland-train-stabbing/
They were very brave to stand up and do something. It couldn't have been easy. If he had stabbed the girls and no one had done anything, we would be lamenting the lack of decent people willing to help strangers and the bystander effect (see https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/bystander-effect for more about it). Instead we are lamenting the senseless deaths of two good men and the injury of another.
While this quote was originally about political apathy (see http://www.openculture.com/2016/03/edmund-burkeon-in-action.html ), it is still appropriate for this situation:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke
Instead of posting this, you should have done a little research on the story. It's not hard.
According to multiple news reports, the men were trying to calm him down. They were trying to de-escalate the situation. See
MAX attack unfolded quickly: Extremist cut three in neck, police say
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2017/05/horrific_scene_unfo...
or Portland train stabbings: FBI looking into possible hate crime charges
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/26/us/portland-train-stabbing/
They were very brave to stand up and do something. It couldn't have been easy. If he had stabbed the girls and no one had done anything, we would be lamenting the lack of decent people willing to help strangers and the bystander effect (see https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/bystander-effect for more about it). Instead we are lamenting the senseless deaths of two good men and the injury of another.
While this quote was originally about political apathy (see http://www.openculture.com/2016/03/edmund-burkeon-in-action.html ), it is still appropriate for this situation:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke
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Nice. Let's blame the three stand-up guys who came to the defense of two girls (not even adults, just kids), but give a free pass for the instigator of hatred, a grown man more than twice their age, to verbally abuse them at will. I guess those guys should have waited until the girls were knifed, themselves, to finally stand up for what is right. Great lesson, man.
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Hate would have won, and that is an injury to all of us.
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I'm more proud of our American values than ever.
I'm proud of these true American heros.
They stood up to hate and a vicious fascist.
The way our brave men and women did in World War 2.
They defeated Hitler then.
Let Hitler's deciples know this now:
We'll never let you win.
I'm proud of these true American heros.
They stood up to hate and a vicious fascist.
The way our brave men and women did in World War 2.
They defeated Hitler then.
Let Hitler's deciples know this now:
We'll never let you win.
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“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) . . . we need Mr. Rogers wisdom & kindness now. Clearly Rick Best, Taliesin Namkai-Meche and Micah Fletcher are the folks that Fred Rogers mother had in mind. How do we get back to Mr. Rogers neighborhood?
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Start with electing a president worthy of the office, and don't tolerate those who won't respect a president whose flaw is the color of his skin or whose politics is different from their own.
Don't ever forget that it was the self-proclaimed party of "Christian" and "family" values that elected our current demagogue. They have a lot to answer for in the debasing of our society.
Don't ever forget that it was the self-proclaimed party of "Christian" and "family" values that elected our current demagogue. They have a lot to answer for in the debasing of our society.
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Thank you for this. It was beautifully written.
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well said. I hope that I would have the courage that these three men displayed. What the president of the U.S. says and does matters and it's time that everyone of us recognizes that and holds him or her (one day in the future) fast to the values of America written in our founding documents.
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Thank you, Mr. Kristof.
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Thank you Mr. Kristof. I work just one block from the transit station where the stabbings took place and I ride that train on occasion. Your column aptly points out the disparity that seems to be infecting our country between hate and acceptance. There are currently several memorials at the Hollywood transit center, including several walls covered with colorful chalk messages of thanks, support, love, and hope, including one that reads "I wish I could have stood with you". There are messages in Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Japanese, and Russian. This level of hate and courage has affected everyone, and we won't recover anytime soon. (PS, I have photos of some of the memorials if you would like to see them.)
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Julijay, thanks for letting us know about the chalk messages in various languages. It's a beautiful tribute. If only the people of the world with goodness in their hearts, like the heroes in the article and the loving mother in the photo, could figure a way to combine our energy to stop the hate, I believe it could happen. There are more of us than them.
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A Portland native, I learned to value curiosity, diversity and idealism. I believe many Portlanders would have stepped up to protect two young women or anyone at risk of danger because of their religion, race, nationality, sexuality. Our pioneer spirit makes us bold. I honor the two men who gave their lives and the young college student who is recovering for their heroism. I hope the best for the young women who were traumatized.
We must value, help, defend as many as we can, including those who would veer towards violence. Let's catch problems early by acting proactively and reaching out.
We must value, help, defend as many as we can, including those who would veer towards violence. Let's catch problems early by acting proactively and reaching out.
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To Paula: Twice this year, I have been the grateful recipient of a good Samaritan's intervention against bullying in PDX. Once, a man in a parking lot kept screaming at me, but would not say what was the problem. Another man went up to the guy, then to me, and said, "Have a nice day, Ma'am. You'll be all right." (The screamer moved his car--he was blocking mine. Then gave me the finger, angrily, as I drove away.)
In my experience over 40 years in Oregon, people are more willing to step up and help each other than elsewhere. But on the other hand, before the 1990s, I experienced a terrifying amount of anti-semitism on the job, also in Oregon, ending in my dismissal.
As Nick says, the best and the worst. This is our world.
In my experience over 40 years in Oregon, people are more willing to step up and help each other than elsewhere. But on the other hand, before the 1990s, I experienced a terrifying amount of anti-semitism on the job, also in Oregon, ending in my dismissal.
As Nick says, the best and the worst. This is our world.
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These murders are profoundly upsetting, in part, I think, because the three men who stood up to hatred did what we all hope we would do in the same situation. It will require even more bravery to stand up the next time -- but that's what it will take to overcome this current groundswell of hate and fear. We all have to be prepared to stand up. Every day, every single time.
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For the record, which Nick appears to again have conveniently forgotten -- while a candidate last year, President "Not Hillary" firmly and forthrightly told fringe groups like the New Black Panthers and KKK, "Hey, stop it, now."
And what did his opponents say? We're still waiting.
Quoting 100,000 Democrats isn't editorializing, Nick. It is being a politician.
And what did his opponents say? We're still waiting.
Quoting 100,000 Democrats isn't editorializing, Nick. It is being a politician.
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Of course, most of us are saddened and horrified by events such as these. But we will not be defeated by the forces of hate and ignorance! Our resolve to bring love, kindness, and caring for each other only grows stronger. These heroes did not act or die in vain. Believe it!
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When the leaders of our country are lacking in civility, compassion and a sense of responsibility for its citizens they are giving tacit agreement that it is okay to act less than human. When a man attacks two young women who were sitting innocently on a train, it speaks to the lack of courage of our leaders to do the right thing. And if our leaders are not doing the right thing then this is the tragic
result. They all better start "manning" up, and this includes the women who are leading our country.
result. They all better start "manning" up, and this includes the women who are leading our country.
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This is the end result of years of hate radio , hate blogs , hateful xenophobic language , sadly some of our politicians are infected too and some like our half elected president uses it to stir it into the open , these haters are no better then the fundamentalists elsewhere . We must stand up to them as these three brave men did , even at the cost of our lives, because that might be the only way to show the haters you don't scare me.
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