Violent Crime in America

 

The recent murders of Charlie Kirk, Iryna Zarutska, Dr. Julia Gard Schnuelle and subsequent sympathy for their murderers is unreal. In the case of Charlie Kirk, it has included celebrating in the streets, defacing memorials, attacks on mourners, and remarks so vile that many have been fired from their jobs. Even talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel wasn't immune. Since when do Americans celebrate the death of someone over a difference of opinions? 

The glorification of violence and disregard for human life has once again underscored the vast and deep divide between the Left and Right in this country. It has also brought to the national forefront once more the growth of violence in this country, with some calling for confiscating firearms (all though two of the murders involved the use of a knife).

Along with this rise violence has been the dramatic increase in vitriol anti-White rhetoric. Black on white crime is at a all time high, with Black assailants and White victims accounting for  63.9% of robberies, 58.6% of the rapes, and 51.8% of assaults. By contrast, Blacks are the victims in crimes involving robbery where the perpetrator was White just 8.3% of the time, and in 2.7% of assaults, and 5.5% of the rapes.

Hispanics also face a far disproportional rate of victimhood when it comes to murder, rape, assault, and robbery. They are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime 65% more often than someone who was White and 54% more likely than a Black  individual. Asians too are facing higher rates of violent crime. What is happening in America?

According to FBI statistics from 2019, the latest available, 51.3% of those arrested for murder were Black. 45.7% were White, while 1.83% were Hispanic and 1.1% were Asians. When it came to aggravated assault,  Whites were responsible for 62.2%. Blacks committed 32.7%. Native Americans were 2.2%. Asians made up just 1.8% of those convicted on aggravated assault charges. Note these are raw numbers and not based on their percentage of the population

Another form of assault is rape. In 2019, there were some 13,799 reported cases. Whites were reported as the offender in nearly 70% of the cases. Blacks were reported as the perpetrators in 26.8% of the incidents. Asians were arrested in 1.7% of the attacks while Native Americans accounted for 1.5% of the reported rapes.

Note that many cases of rape are not reported or the charges are withdrawn for various reasons. As of 2024, there are an estimated 225,000 unprocessed rape test kits currently lagging in storage areas. While the judicial system does consider rape a serious issue, many jurisdictions lack the funding or staff to process the kits timely.

A ScienceDirect Study from 2020 reported that from 2016 and 2018, there were approximately 300,000 to 400,000 untested kits awaiting processing. A 2022 Congressional Study reported an estimated backlog of anywhere from 90,000 to a staggering 400,000 untested kits were still pending. Some of the worse offenders are West Virginia, Louisiana, Oregon, and North Carolina.  

One of the states with the worse record is Kentucky. It received a test kit on January 7, 1993 and didn’t finalized the results until 28 years later, on September 27, 2021! But if you think that’s bad, consider Washington State. It received a test kit on January 14, 1984 and didn’t return the results until October 3, 2022, some 38 years later! While there should have been repercussions, it should also be noted that the there is no federal law mandating the tracking, processing, and reporting on rape test kits, which is obviously unacceptable on any level.

When it came to robbery, the FBI report indicated that in 2019 there were 104,595 reports. Of those apprehended, Whites made up the overwhelming majority at 69.8%. Blacks were 27.3% while Native Americans were 1.4% and Asians were 1.2%. Hispanics were 18, 584 of those arrested and convicted.

Unlawful weapon possession is another serious crime the FBI keeps track of. Their data shows there were 97,466 reported arrests made in 2019. Of those busted, 54,167 were White. 40,827 were Black. 18,756 were Hispanic. 1,073 were Asian, and just 988 were Native American, which brings up to another topic—gun violence.

Despite the rantings of a few, the prospects of any political or government agency actually seizing America’s guns are highly unlikely. Based on 2024 data, there are approximately 107 gun owning Americans, or roughly 32% of the adult population of the United States. In all likelihood, that number is higher. Much higher. There are approximately 120 guns per every 100 individuals. In addition, roughly 40% of the U.S. population live in a household where is at least one firearm present.

Guns in the United States are as much a part of the culture as the Old West and the Declaration of Independence. They were written into our Bill of Rights, to be used as a tool to protect us from government overreach and tyranny. They were as any essential tool in the exploration and settlement of this country. We still use them to hunt and for sport. Guns are as much as part of the American character as our belief in individualism and our sense of freedom.

In terms of the demographics of gun ownership, it should come as no surprise that males own 40% of the firearms compared to women who own about 25%. Those living in the country or in rural locations comprise 47% of gun owners. Those who live in suburbia make up some 30% while those living in urban areas are about 20%.

When it comes to age, older Americans, those 50 and up, are the mostly likely to own a firearm at 46% followed by those 30 to 49 at 42%.  The least likely was those individuals between 18 and 29. Only around 32% of them own any sort of firearm. The number one reason for gun ownership---72%---was for personal protection. An average of 31% said it was for hunting and target shooting. 15% said they were simply gun collectors, and just 7% said it was required as part of their job.

Academically, 47% of those with at least some college are most likely to have a gun. Next are those education extends up to high school. About 43% of them own a firearm of some sort. About 40% of college graduates are gunowners while just 30% of those with post graduate degrees are.

When it comes to race, the majority of gun owners---38%---are White. 24% are Black while 20% are Hispanic, and 10% are of Asian heritage. No data was available for Native Americans or Pacific Islanders. Another interesting statistic is political registration.

According to the survey, 45% of Republicans own at least one firearm while just 20% of Democrats own one or more guns. The survey, conducted by Pew, ignores Independents, the nations largest political demographic, so it has to be “presumed” that the 35% difference between Republican and Democrat ownership must be Independents. Unfortunately, a rare case of poor statistics gathering by Pew.

In 2023 there were over 46,000 deaths due to gun violence. Contrary to popular opinion, most of these weren’t the result of a crime, but rather the result of suicide or other self-inflicted injury (there were 26,700 gun related suicides in 2023). Gun related deaths are the leading cause of children ages 1 through 17, largely to a failure to properly secure the weapons and in the case of older kids, a lack of adequate gun safety training. The graphic violence is often portrayed and glorified in video games and in movie are also a significant factor. Unfortunately, there’s no reset button to push in real life.

In terms of gun safety, 58% of those surveyed said they supported tighter gun safety laws. 26% said that the current level of gun laws were about right and 15% thought they were too strict. 88% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats support restrictions on those with known mental illnesses from owning a firearm. 69% of Republicans would like to see the age requirement to own a gun of any sort raised to 21 across the board. 90% of Democrats agree. Mandatory gun safety and care training is also strongly recommended.

So where are the gun related deaths the worse? According to a 2022 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), which keeps track of these figures, Texas had the most gun related deaths at 4,630. California had 3,484, while Florida was next with 3,232 deaths. Georgia had 2,163. Other states with a high number of gun related deaths included Pennsylvania with 1,941, Illinois at 1,798, and North Carolina reporting 1,831, matching Ohio.

Indiana had 1,211 gun related deaths with the majority being in Gary and Indianapolis. Tennessee had 1,480, mostly stemming from Memphis and Nashville. Kentucky had 840 with Louisville leading the way. The District of Columbia, the nation’s capital, had 154. Meanwhile, Vermont experienced only 84 deaths. Hawaii had 66, and in  Rhode Island there were only 37 gun related deaths.  

It bears mentioning that while the United States is usually portrayed as the gun related death capitol of the world, there are countries far worse than the U.S.  According to a report by World Population Review for 2025, the overall death rate by gun in the United States is 4.42 deaths per 100,000, but first, who are among the lowest?  

In Jordon, despite being surrounded by violence coming from neighboring Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Iraq, the number of civilian gun related deaths is just 0.3 per 100k. In Australia, it’s 0.09 and 0.02 in Oman.  In Spain and Algeria, the figure is 0.11. In Switzerland where gun ownership is mandatory, gun deaths are only 0.14 per 100,000. As impressive as those numbers are, the nation with the lowest number of gun related fatalities is African nation of Zimbabwe which reported a remarkable 0.01 deaths by firearm.  

The countries with the highest deaths rates due to firearms include Ecuador, where it’s 39.5 per 100k, nearly ten times higher than the U.S. In neighboring, Mexico it’s 17.2% despite all the drug cartel reported killings. Nevertheless, the nation at the top of the corpse strewn mound is Jamacia. Once known for its tourism, Jamacia now has the dubious honor of having the most gun related deaths with a whooping 42 per 100k.

Will stricter laws reduce the number of violence crimes by gun? Perhaps. It will certainly make it tougher for law abiding citizens. Criminals, of course, will have no difficulty getting their hands on gun any time they want, but that doesn’t account for knife attacks with are on the rise.

Knives, not guns, were what took the lives of Iryna Zarutska and Dr. Julia Gard Schnuelle for instance. They were the third most often used weapon in 2023. Random attacks, particularly involving “sucker punches” (aka “coward punches”) are responsible for many of the assaults on the elderly and handicapped along with weapons of opportunity.

So, are we going to impose bans on knives or other sharp objects along with guns? What about bricks, rocks, or pointy sticks? Then too, how do we combat the rise in race based attacks, often brought on by vile racist rhetoric which serves only to promote the violence without violating the 1^st Amendment? Unless civility can be restored, the violence will only continue and grow. We are facing dangerous times not seen since the late 1850’s. We are at the point where any act, no matter how benign or unintentional, could potentially be the spark to set this nation on fire and neither side, regardless of the bravado, is prepared for the consequences. 

 

 Thank you for reading "Another Opinion", the Op/Ed blog page for the "militant middle".  Here at "A/O" we truly value our readers. At A/O we seek the facts as they exist, not partisan talking points.  We hope you find our articles informative and engaging. Comments are welcome, provided they are not vulgar, insulting or demeaning.  Another Opinion is offered without charge and is directed toward all independent and free-thinking individuals. We ask, however, that you "like" us on whatever platform you found us on in order to keep our articles available for free to others. Lastly, in order to keep costs down, we depend on passive marketing, and therefore, depend on our readers to please forward our posts along. Below you will find links to the sources we used in writing this article. Thank you. 

 

How many rape kits are awaiting testing in the US? See databy state.

America tested 100,000 forgotten rape kits. But justiceremains elusive.

End The Rape Kit Backlog

FBI: 2019 Crime in the United States

WPR: Gun Deaths per Country 2025

Gun deaths and violence in the United States by state

 

Understanding Terrorism For What It Is

When the Notre Dame Cathedral recently burned and was nearly destroyed, almost everyone was quick to blame local Muslims. Perhaps, given the growing militancy of the local Muslim population throughout France, and in particular, in Paris was why. However, officials have stated that the fire was result of faulty wiring, which triggered the blaze, during renovation. Nevertheless, the crown jewel of Paris, which dates back to the early 13th Century, was nearly gutted; it's famous spiral collapsing to the horror of onlookers as a result of the intense heat.

Current estimates for rebuilding the structure put the figure at around $1 billion and $2 billion dollars, with a time frame of approximately ten years. In 1992, when a smaller fire broke out in Windsor Castle, the cost of renovation was around $32 million dollars. While millions have already be promised, there's no way to put a price on the historical artifacts which went up in smoke. However, this isn't about the tragic loss of this magnificent medieval structure or its irreplaceable furnishings. This is about the fact that almost everyone immediately assumed the fire was the result of Muslim terrorists. Is there any reason we should fear such an attack? Based on recent events, it would appear the answer is yes.

In Sri Lanka, which is a small island nation located off the coast of India, eight churches were systemically blown up, killing 320 people and injuring over 500. The culprits were members of the terrorist group, ISIS, whom President Trump recently claimed had been defeated in Syria. Obviously they are still very much active, at least when it comes mass homicide bombings. A few days before, these murderers were videotaped proclaiming their devotion to Allah and to ISIS, leaving no doubt who they were and what they were all about.

Following the attack, a statement was released by ISIS claiming that their attacks was the result of the attack on a mosque and Islamic Center in Christchurch New Zealand, which killed 50 individuals and injured 50 others. Ironically, the perpetrator, an Australian, stated that the reason for the assault was because of all the attacks on non-Muslims in Europe and elsewhere, along with what he called "The Great Replacement" of Europeans in Europe with African and Middle Eastern "migrants", though the media painted it as "white supremacy ". As an aside, authorities in Sri Lanka have stated that the attacks appear to have been planned before the two attacks in Christchurch.

In continental Europe (most notably Germany, Belgium, Holland, and Sweden, but especially in the UK, there has been numerous reports of knife attacks (these attackers usually stab as many people as possible and run away) and organized rape gangs, who typically do far more than just brutally assault and gang rape European women. In addition, the hijacking of cars, vans, and buses have been used in these attacks; all in the name of radicalized Islam and demands for Sharia law. How many knife attacks are we talking about?

In the UK, the incidence of unprovoked knife attacks is up 54% of the last five years. In 2018, 4,986 people were admitted to hospitals as a result of knife or sharp object attacks, up from 3,849 in 2017. The majority of these stabbings, 1,012, were on individuals between the ages of 10 and 19. If we go back to 2012, there has been a total of 71 reported terrorist attacks through 2017, of which 360 people have died. Note these statistics don't include assaults, rapes, or vandalism. It also doesn't include simple acts of harassment which are generally not considered crimes.

Additionally, these numbers don't include attempts by victims attempting to report such crimes since the local police force are often instructed to either discourage victims from filing such reports or the reports are written in such as generic way as to downplay who the attackers were (as in the attacks which took place throughout Germany on New Year's Eve in 2015/16). The reason most often given for downplaying these incidents is to avoid the appearance of escalating crime by the migrants and provoking fear among the residents. Of course, many of the victims have stated that they were "encouraged" by law enforcement to either not report these crimes or not include the "ethnicity" of their assailants out of threats of being accused of Islamophobia.

There is no doubt that militant Islam, which is an extreme ultra conservative form of Sunni Islam called Wahhabism, is currently waging a war with the West, whether the West wants to acknowledge as such or not. However, militant Islam is also waging a war against Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Judaism, polytheism, and even against fellow Muslims; in particular Shiites, who make up approximately 15% of all Muslims.

For close to four decades, extremist have waged war. They have murdered tens of thousands of individuals---men, women, and children. Often beheading some while crucifying others (mostly Christians). Some have been burned alive, while numerous others have been shot or hanged. It's not uncommon for women to be gang raped; often selling young girls as sex slaves. They have destroyed hundreds of Christian churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, Jewish centers of worship, not to mention destroy priceless artifacts in museums and historic sites; sites, I should add, which represent the very foundations of civilization itself. They engage in drug cultivation and sell to help finance their operations along with kidnapping, robbery, extortion, plus money filtered to them from wealthy supporters.

Is it any wonder then that the fire which nearly destroyed Notre Dame was originally thought to have been the work of Islamic extremist? Many Europeans believe that Europe is under siege; that its laws, culture, values, government and social systems, traditional religion, and most of all, its future are under attack. Locals have experienced protests and demands (threats in some cases) to stop advertising or selling traditional items like liquor (including beer and wine), pork, or tobacco. They have even been told that they can't have pets, which are view as "unclean", and has resulted in hundreds of dogs and cats being killed.

Local Muslim leaders have warned non-Muslim women to be covered and not to be alone (preferably escorted by a male relative) or face attack (including acid attacks) or rape. They've even demanded that girls be pulled from schools and working women exit the workplace. Some areas of Europe have even seen de facto "no go" zones for non-Muslims and the imposition of Sharia law. Along with this, they brought their traditional customs (some of which are regarded as unsanitary or unhealthy to say the least).

In response, local and national governments have looked the other way whenever possible; often going as far as to blame the victims or telling their citizens to "quietly comply" in order to "avoid trouble". Of course, this begs the question, "trouble" for who? It seems more a matter of cowardice and fear rather than taking responsibility and leadership. Europe, of all places, should know that appeasement never works. Sooner or later, the lion will eat you too unless you eat the lion first.

This mass migration has been said to be part of a secret UN plan--"Plan 2030"---to significantly replace the population of Europe with less educated individuals who are conditioned to do as they are told (as an aside, the name "Islam" translates to the word "submission", so perhaps that's where the idea comes from). Regardless, there is a massive influx of individuals into Europe; the majority of whom are males of military age who appear to be pretty healthy. Meanwhile, the United States is also facing its own migration crisis with hundreds if not thousands of individuals coming from Central and South America.

However, these individuals are primarily economic migrants, not individuals seeking political or religious asylum as they claim. They are looking for a job, not to immigrate and certainly not to assimilate. These individuals come "demanding" entry into the US as if it is somehow their right, which it isn't. The US, like every other country, has a sovereign right to secure it borders and protect its residents. Those who are seriously interested in asylum, can easily apply at any US consulate or embassy, which are located in practically every country in the world, so there's no need to storm our borders.

Interestingly, law enforcement authorities from Mexico, Honduras, and elsewhere have detained individuals identified as members of drug gangs or members of drug cartels, as well as those of Middle Eastern origin embedded in these so-called "migrant caravans". ISIS has already boasted that they've successfully smuggled potential terrorists into the US through these caravans as well as with the help of "coyotes"; smugglers who often work with or on behalf of drug cartels. With approximately 8 to 11 million illegal immigrants now living in the US, it wouldn't be surprising that there would be dozens of potential terrorists already in the US.

So, what do we do? First and foremost, we must except that we are engaged in a religious and cultural war; one whose sole aim is the change the face of not just the West, but of the world itself. This war is being waged by an extreme form of Islam against everyone who is not an active member of their sect. This war is both militant in that it involves violence and non-militant in that it invades and conquers by using existing laws, such as open immigration, social networks which encourage having children, and the tolerance of others while showing others no tolerance.

Immigration policies must change. Europe, if it is to act together, must seal their borders and aggressively prohibit migrants from entering. This also includes establishing and enforcing quotas on immigration They must be willing to return these individuals to their home countries immediately and to deduct the cost of doing so from the aid packages they provide to these countries. Those who are allowed in must show proof of either employment or sponsorship so that they will not be a economic burden on taxpayers.

They must accept and agree to follow existing national laws, and not attempting to force their religious customs or beliefs on others. They must learn the language of their host country. In addition, they should be required to have a minimum level of education, either upon entering the country (with proof) or meet that goal within a set period of time---no exceptions or extensions---otherwise, face deportation. They must agree not to engage in any criminal activity, lest they be immediately returned to their home country. They must agree to provide a current address and report any changes in their status immediately to law enforcement. Failure to do so should result in immediate deportation---no exceptions. Marriage to a natural citizen will also not serve as an excuse.

In the US, anyone guilty of aiding or assisting an illegal immigrant will be charged with aiding and abetting. This includes businesses, churches, mosques, or other religious institutions. They should also face suspension of their business licenses or tax exempt status as well as face a substantial fine per individual on a increasing sliding scale which should include jail time for repeat offenders and loss of any government contracts. Any town, city, or state which provides "sanctuary" status automatically forfeits federal tax dollars. This could also apply to Europe as well.

We must accept the fact that a terrorist attack is always possible. No country and no one is exempt. Therefore, we must learn to respond to terrorism or the threat of terrorism like the Israelis. Israel, which is surrounded by potentially hostile neighbors bent on their complete and total annihilation, has very few actual terroristic incidences. This is due to a number of steps which Israel has undertaken to detect and remove any potential threats before they happen, and they've done so at a fraction of the cost that most nations spend on anti-terrorist measures.

Israel uses a special police unit---YAMAM---which is specially trained to seek out, identify, and remove any threat before it happens. YAMAM is part of Israel's national police force, which many countries don't have, including the US. YAMAM is said to have the "powers of the police, the capabilities of the Mossad, and the brains of Shin-Beth, Israel's version of the CIA. Many of the police forces around the world have called on YAMAM to assist them with training, tactics and techniques needed to prevent terrorist attacks, including the New York City Police. Every major police force in the world should at least explore what YAMAM does better than anyone---stopping an attack before it happens.

People also need to be more aware of their surroundings. In countries without draconian gun laws, the people at least have a measure of protection. In countries who do, people must become better at learning how to defend themselves. There are hundreds of classes and courses out there. A simple basic self-defense class could make you a survivor rather than a victim, especially when it comes to a knife attack. For those willing to take the risk of becoming a victim, they should at the very least take a first aid course so they can help save lives. Lastly, it's the old maxim---"see something say something". If something or someone looks out of the ordinary, it's better to report it and be wrong than to be right and see people die.

The world is facing a serious evil right now. This evil knows no borders, no morals, and obeys no international laws. Their only ideology is their misinterpretation of a sacred book guided by a religious fanaticism which can't be reasoned or bargained with. It sees as its enemy everyone, regardless of who they are, where they live, or what they believe so long as it differs from them, and even then it doesn't necessarily matter. It attracts those who feel lost, alone, or powerless and promises them everything, if not in this world, then in the next. It doesn't believe in tolerance, which it sees as a weakness to be exploited. Appeasement has not and will never work. It glorifies death and violence in the name of peace. Terrorism is the last resort of those who believe they have nothing left to lose.

In order to fight this evil and prevail, we must be prepared physically, mentally, and spiritually. We must put aside our differences, whatever they may be--real, imagined, or manufactured by the media and government. We must educate everyone, regardless of race, gender, age, ethnic origin, or religion. Knowledge is power, and it's the kind of power which not only makes governments tremble, but those who strive to keep us in the darkness of ignorance as well, which can include any religion or ideology. We must acknowledge our common Humanity. Our differences are a trifle compared to what we have in common. That doesn't mean losing our national, ethnic or other identity. It simply means having a mutual acceptance and respect for each other. Finally, it means coming together and exposing this evil for what it is. Darkness has no power in the light; even the shadows run from it. We must be that light.


England's knife crime epidemic sees 54% rise in young stabbing injuries in 5 years

Islamic Terrorism in Europe

ISIS's Persecution of Other Religions
What Is ISIS? What you need to know about Islamic State in Syria and Iraq

US Sargeant Kills 16 Afghan Civilians

We can't seem to catch a break in Afghanistan. A few weeks ago, the US was apologizing all over itself over the accidental burning of some Koran copies left behind at a base in transaction (which resulted in several dead and tens of thousands of dollars in damage to property). Now, a 38 year old US Army Staff Sergeant named Robert Bales (with helmet)

snapped and murdered approximately 16 innocent Afghan men; women, and children while they peacefully sat or slept in their homes. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has asked that US and NATO troops be restricted to base and added that his troops were capable of picking up the slack. He also asked the timeline for US troops withdrawal be moved one year (frankly, who can blame him?). The Taliban has withdrawn from "peace talks" (yeah, I didn't put much stock in it either) and now they are threatening to killing more US and NATO troops (as if they needed another excuse).

Now, before anyone goes off thinking this was "par for course" ; just another US serviceman going nuts and just starts killing everyone in sight, let's look at what we at least know (or think we know) at this point. The first thing to consider is that was his third tour of duty. No one likes to be away from home. No one. But here we have a soldier, who volunteered just two weeks after 9/11. He was willing to put life on hold for America, yet he's expected to turn off everything he was taught; forget everything he's seen and step back into society as if he'd simply gone to the local 7/11. Also, this same soldier had suffered a mild concussion last year at Ft. Bliss, and later was twice injured in Iraq, including the lost part of foot (yet another, very personal reminder of what he's been through). And in case you have any further other doubts about this man, let's remember that his job was providing protection to Special Operation Forces, in dealing with the often mercurial militias and he had no history of Islamophobia or disrespect for the Afghan People. By all accounts, he was another outstanding example of an American Soldier.

Servicemen and women have been struggling with this aspect of war since we started murdering each other in an organized fashion. War requires a specific mindset. One of the things you're taught in the service, beginning in boot camp is that you are not indestructible.; no one is. You can and may likely die. The individual counts for little. It's the team and unit that matters. Once you've come to accept that dirty little fact, everything else falls into place. But, with repeated deployments, you're asking the service member to turn their training off and on again like a light. Well, sooner or later, a light will stop functioning properly and so does the human mind, and when it does, you have heartbreaks like My Lai.

In the past, repeated tours of duty weren't that common (a few actually volunteered) but that went the way of the draft. Few ever did more than two tours. Unfortunately , our military has dropped the ball when it comes to reintegrating military personnel back into society now that we have a smaller military, which means more frequent rotation and longer deployment into and out of combat situations. You just can't go from be a cold blooded killer living and breathing in a highly stressful and intensive combat zone for a year at a time and then suddenly you're home and expected to be an average "soccer dad". As an aside, Congress has proposed to reduce our military even more, which will call for longer and more frequent tours of duty in the future.

Secondly, here was a soldier who had just witnessed a friend's leg blown off the day before. How would you respond, especially when you're in the "wind down" phase of turning the country over and getting out? Your first thought has to be "why"? Things like that aren't supposed to happen; not now. Supposedly our Afghan trained "allies" have everything under control, at least according to Karzai. Oh, and the Taliban? Well, as I mentioned, they were supposedly wanting to talk peace with US and the Afghan government. Doesn't sound too "peaceful" to me. How about to you?

We shouldn't forget that there have been several instances over the last year of Afghan soldiers shooting and either killing or wounded US or NATO troops. There has been at least 7 such killings over the past few weeks. How come we're not protesting ? Needless to say, this get little prime time coverage since it doesn't fit into the bigger picture and public image. Check out this article

Afghan's President Karzai has "requested" that US and NATO troops be confined to base and avoid any direct contact with the country's population after telling US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that we've "reached the end of rope". Really? I didn't realized American troops were ever on anyone's "rope". But, I suppose that's playing with semantics. The fact is, we didn't need a sustained presence in Afghanistan and most certainly not Iraq. Our role was to find and remove Bin Laden and anyone directly involved with 9/11. In that we were successful. However, I think we should stay out of the nation building business.

No Honor Here

There was an article I read recently which, frankly, horrified me (and I don't winch much folks). In this article, a young Moroccan girl of 16 by the name of Amina Filali

had been brutally raped. Under Islamic law (Article 475), she was required to marry her rapists. No, that's not a typo or mistake. The law, which essentially blames the woman, or girl in this case, for the rape and is a "dishonor" to family. No consideration is given to the individual in this case. To restore their familial honor, the girl must agree to marry her assailant. In exchange, the rapist avoids any form of punishment. No crime --- no punishment. Seriously. In her last courageous act, Amina swallowed rat poison. That's no way for a 16 year girl to die. If you'd like to read more, check out the article here

Change and Hope

I case you're wondering, yes, the design of AO has been changed. The goal was to make the design and color a little more easy on the eye. We've also changed out URL and email addresses. I've also expand the name of the blog from simply "Another Opinion" to "Another Opinion with Paul Hosse". Our new URL will be AnotherOpinionBlog.com and if you would like to write, our new email address is PaulHosse@aol.com. Hope you like the change!