Friday, November 28, 2025

When tragedies strike, demagoguery trumps mourning

Just prior to Thanksgiving, two West Virginia families were dealt a horrific blow


National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, both of whom were stationed in Washington, D.C., were shot by an Afghan national who worked with U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan. Beckstrom ultimately succumbed to her injuries while Wolfe continues to battle for his life.


Let's call this what it is: a horrible tragedy where two individuals dutifully serving the country they loved were killed in cold blood. And the focus should be on providing all the support necessary to the loved ones of these Guard members, particularly with this incident occurring so close to a holiday focusing on blessings bestowed upon us. 


Of course, we're in a time in this country where the folks attempting to score political points wanna shout through their proverbial megaphones, thus attempting to drown out calls for thoughts and prayers. 





Given the rampant crime wave that was affecting D.C. before the Guard was deployed there should tell you how successful they were in alleviating those issues if all they had to do was "pick up trash." But aside from that, Janie's comment here has a similar vibe to blaming a rape victim for wearing a provocative outfit.  


Not to be outdone, some MSNBC MS NOW commentator also got a hold of the prog chanting points. 





Oh, and you thought that because D.C. has perhaps the most draconian gun control laws in the United States that gun grabbers couldn't possibly exploit this for political gain? Heh. Clearly you underestimate their depravity. 





Never mind these atrocities were committed with a run-of-the-miller revolver, which are very common across the country. And never mind there are already laws in place disallowing a non-citizen from purchasing such an instrument. No, this is just another example of gun grabbers operating as if their target audience is at best woefully ignorant and at worst downright stupid  

 

On the other hand, there is a temptation among the right (including the Trump administration) to use this as a cudgel to rid the country of Afghans who came here after the disastrous U.S. withdrawal in the summer of 2021. But the reality is those who were brought here were allies who assisted America's efforts in that conflict. I'm not really sure how using one bad actor as a rationale for deporting those who are seeking asylum from the evil Taliban is the wisest course of action.  


In the end, I pray that the families of Sarah and Andrew not only have a peace that transcends all understanding but also they can be spared from having to hear of their loved ones being used as political pawns. It's a vicious cycle, to be sure. 


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