Glendening Defends Remark About Sniper

WJLA via Yahoo! News ^ | Thu Oct 17, 8:15 PM ET

[Conagher]

Maryland's governor is defending himself against criticism over his calling the sniper a "coward."

Parris Glendening made the comment at a news conference last week. That led to complaints that the name killing might have taunted the sniper to continue his deadly ways.

But Glendening tells WJLA he doesn't think his comments played any role at all. He says he made the "coward" remark as what he calls as a "gut response."

The governor is also urging a quick return to normalcy, while being as careful as possible. Glendening includes the resumption of school sporting events in that, and says one individual can't be allowed to disrupt everyone's lives.

Glendening is also rejecting suggestions that the National Guard should be out patrolling. He says that would make schools and shopping centers look like an "armed camp."

[Puppage]

That led to complaints that the name killing might have taunted the sniper to continue his deadly ways.

Gimmee a break! Just like all the talk about the US going to war with a Iraq will lead to more acts of terrorism. IT WILL HAPPEN REGARDLESS!!!

[Paleo Conservative]

If the sniper is a terrorist, taunting will not have an effect. Actually this murderer is a coward. Also, the critics, who are afraid to make judgemental statements about the sniper for fear of reprisals by him, are cowards also.

[Huck]

Right. Maybe if we call the sniper nice names he'll leave us alone.

[Conagher]

. . . the critics, who are afraid to make judgemental statements about the sniper for fear of reprisals by him, are cowards also.

Hey! Don't do that! You may make critics more afraid to make judgmental statements about the sniper!

< /sarcasm>

[Puppage]

I think we should begin the process with stern language. Thoughts?

[Conagher]

He really deserves a good talking-to.

[Huck]

Maybe give him a time-out.

[NittanyLion]

I think we should begin the process with stern language. Thoughts?

Well, we should definitely say that we understand poverty, hopelessness, despair and racism have more to do with his/her actions than he/she does. Society has driven this sniper to these actions - it's not the sniper's fault. BUT, we must mention that killing another person is wrong, unless we're talking about abortion. Because that isn't wrong, you know, because The Man is trying to keep poor women down.

[Conagher]

has driven this sniper to these actions . . . .

I'm sure Society will be charged, too.

Apologies to Monty Python.

[inquest]

Actually, it's the bedwetting over calling a coward a coward that's encouraging him and others like him to continue attacking us. We might as well tape a big sign to the back of our collective butts saying "TERRORIZE US! YOU'LL NEVER FIND A MORE NEUROTIC CROWD!"

[Fixit]

Bill Maher Calls D.C. Sniper "Courageous"

(From this week's Daily Probe, a satirical web "news"paper)

[blau993]

There may be an even more subtle subtext at work here. Everything is relative, after all, and it may be that the killer needs to consider the standard of cowardice being applied.

For example, our President has often described terrorists and evil doers as cowards. But being called a coward by the President may not be the grossest of insults, when you consider the high personal moral standards of the President.

To be called a coward by Parris Glendenning, however, is a whole different issue. To have it suggested that you are beneath that man's moral standards, wow! That is really hitting below the belt.

[dead]

"I love you, sniper! We all love you. Really. You're a good guy. Popular, too."

[Huck]

Remember when Bugs Bunny meets the creature in the mad scientist's castle?

"My stars!" Bugs gushed as he shoved the creature into a chair. "Just look at your hands!" and he began filing the creature's ragged fingernails. "You monsters are such interesting creatures! I was just saying to my girlfriend, just the other day, 'Monsters are such interesting people! Why I'll bet they lead such interesting lives!' The things you must see and the things you must do! My stars!"

[erikm88]

So I guess... since everything is relative and what is right for you is not right for me OR the sniper... Killing people is really okay.... of course for the sniper only... You see, killing for me is considered wrong and hideous.... but if its okay for the sniper.. then... that's alright, because we don't want to offend him.

--erik [/sarcasm off]

[blau993]

I think you've got it.