Breivik's papers is over 1,500 pages long and rambles on about everything from personal hygiene to the development of radiological weapons. The killer also lifts word-for-word the writings of authors who have focused on the existential fight against Islamist jihad. And given the nature of both the Norway massacre and extreme gotcha politics of ideological progressives, it took only minutes for blame to shift from the deranged murderer to the most prominent conservatives fighting for the preservation of freedom. It doesn't work the other way around. When Nidal Malik Hasan massacred 13 soldiers and civilians in November 2009 the progressive left and MSM mounted a massive cover operation for a man who yelled "Allah Akbar" before opening fire. Behold the politics of the information battlespace. The truth gradient doesn't favor those fighting for decency and justice. And it means those who know truth in their hearts and souls must redouble their efforts against the broadsides. And to remind people, right commentators were gathering their information from MSM outlets like the New York Times, which had this in its initial reporting:
Initial reports focused on the possibility of Islamic militants, in particular Ansar al-Jihad al-Alami, or Helpers of the Global Jihad, cited by some analysts as claiming responsibility for the attacks. American officials said the group was previously unknown and might not even exist.It won't matter much to the left, but the truth is supreme and righteousness floats to the top. Amid the cloud of death that still hangs, the debate will rage on the culpability of influence. So for what it's worth, here's a little round-up of those exploiting the dead to destroy their political enemies:
There was ample reason for concern that terrorists might be responsible. In 2004 and again in 2008, the No. 2 leader of Al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahri, who took over after the death of Osama bin Laden, threatened Norway because of its support of the American-led NATO military operation in Afghanistan.
Norway has about 550 soldiers and three medevac helicopters in northern Afghanistan, a Norwegian defense official said. The government has indicated that it will continue to support the operations as long as the alliance needs partners on the ground.
* Adam Server, "In response to Norway attacks, right-wing bloggers suddenly demand nuance."
* Balloon Juice, "“This rhetoric,” he added, “is not cost-free”."
* Booman Tribune, "Pam Geller Compares Herself to John Lennon."
* Charles Johnson, "NYT: US 'Counter-Jihad' Bloggers Heavily Influenced Oslo Terrorist."
* Daily Kos, "Norway killer found inspiration in American anti-Islamism."
* Dean's World, "Atlas Shrugs Blogger Pamela Geller an Inspiration for Terrorists."
* Roy Edroso, "Rightbloggers Discover the Real Victims of Norway Mass Murderer Breivik: Themselves."
* William Saletan, "If Muslims are responsible for Islamic terrorism, are Muslim-bashers responsible for the massacre in Norway?"
I'll have more on this later. Political and ideological debates are driven by an obscene double standard. To speak out against Islamist jihad is to be labeled "racist" or "Islmophobic." And it's frankly gut-wrenching to witness the left's vile opportunism amid the carnage.
And see Pamela's response: "MEDIA ASSASSINS."
RELATED: At New York Times, "Killings in Norway Spotlight Anti-Muslim Thought in U.S." (At Memeorandum.)