Important media headlines for October 3rd:
Bottom Line: These are the stories you don't want to miss (but probably would if I didn't find them for you).
Why Did the Islamic State Claim the Las Vegas Shooting? Graeme Wood, The Atlantic
Excerpt: The idea that the Islamic State simply scans the news in search of mass killings, then sends out press releases in hope of stealing glory, is false. Amaq may learn details of the attacks from mainstream media—and often gets those details wrong, also like mainstream media—but its claim of credit typically flows from an Amaq-specific source. As the facts emerge, we’ll see whether this killing spree ends up reminding us to take Amaq seriously, or demonstrating that its standards have slipped beyond recovery.
The author of this story does a credible job depicting how ISIS doesn't have a history of making false claims in the aftermath of attacks save one attack in the Philippines this past June. An initial ISIS claim that particular attack at a casino in the Philippines was later determined not to be an ISIS related attack. If this becomes the second, it may actually indicate that ISIS is desperate as much progress has been made in combating the terror group in recent months. That would serve as your silver lining in this otherwise horrible news cycle.
The Slow Death of the NFL? Derek Hunter, Townhall
Excerpt: I’m done. HGTV was my refuge. Watching a marathon of real people get their houses remodeled was much more entertaining than watching pampered millionaires wrestle in taxpayer-funded stadiums while disrespecting the national anthem and the American flag.
It has evolved from an organization that fined Jim McMahon for writing messages on his headbands to one that ignored players perpetuating the lie of “hands up, don’t shoot.” From blocking the Dallas Cowboys from honoring five police officers who were murdered by a militant racist inspired by anti-police activists to ignoring Colin Kaepernick wearing socks portraying police as pigs. It seemed like a league held hostage by Kaepernick’s racism; in fear of being called racist itself. Now it’s an enabler of ignorance.
Brilliantly stated. I cited it last week and I'll mention it again. I believe September 24th will live in infamy as a day that will cost the NFL billions in time. This time is different. The demographics of the average NFL fan are an awful lot like those who serve(d) this country in the military. Are supportive of their local police and even (gasp) would have been far more likely to vote for Donald Trump than Hillary Clinton or Colin Kaepernick (the average NFL fan is 54 year old white man).
Stop Politicizing Mass Shootings David Harsanyi, The Federalist
Excerpt: There are generally two kinds of social media reactions to heart-wrenching events like yesterday’s mass shooting in Las Vegas: one is to offer prayers and sympathy to the victims and their families, and the other is to reflexively lash out in anger at those who don’t share your political agenda. Although emotionally satisfying, one of these responses makes it nearly impossible for the country to engage in any kind of useful discussion moving forward.
No doubt, there is immense frustration after a mass shooting, and this looks to be the most deadly in American history. The unstated reality is that many of these murders probably can’t be stopped. Attempting to preemptively discern which of our neighbors are ideologically driven or mentally capable of committing mass murder is no more feasible than trying to keep every one of the 350 million guns in the country away from them.
Maybe Paddock evaded or abused some gun law. Maybe it can be tightened. But those who reflexively call for more restrictive gun laws without even knowing how or why Paddock got his hands on guns — or what kind of firearms he used — give themselves away. Those who conflate automatic and semi-automatic guns also give themselves away.
I find it alarming when we don't even know the facts of a case and the immediate reaction is a political one. It's disgusting and unbecoming. Imagine if our legal system were as irresponsible as to not consider facts before rendering outcomes.