But it important to realize that ISIS's only goal is that we come to hate large groups of people. It is also their goal - and one they and Al Qaeda have succeeded at - to turn us - Americans of all stripes - against each other in our fear, to see our fellow citizens as the enemy. One issue where they have clearly succeeded in this is the gun control issue - it is one place that progressives are running headlong to hand them a great victory.
How else can one interpret the behavior of people who, after a violent rampage, turn immediately to blaming their fellow citizens rather than the perpetrators. No, it is not that evil people did this thing, it is what they did it with that is important. No, we do not know what to do about the evil people who would harm us, so let's just do what we have always wanted to do anyway.
Some people want an excuse to hate others; the goal of terror is to give them someone to point that hate at. Terror makes conscious our realization that we are, in the end, finite beings. In that state of vulnerability, we seek enemies, to assert our control over the uncontrollable, to blame someone or something. So some people may become islamophobes, wanting to lash out to assert control over their destiny by inflicting hate upon others. Some people turn their hate toward their fellow citizens, adopting the agendas they have long held.
So, yes - potentially - adopting an overly zealous approach toward the Muslim community may lead to increased radicalization in that community. On the other hand, as the Professor of the United States (still POTUS) noted, it is not unfair to suggest that Muslims also stand against those who would hijack their faith and "If you see something, say something".
It is just as concerning that those who have wanted to disarm their fellows find cause to do so in the violent acts of others, that they allow their hoplophobia to put all of us in danger.
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