UPDATE: Confirmed reports indicate that the person killed was the U.S, Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens. Information is being updated by the minute. 4 Americans in all were killed. Ambassador Stevens helped free the Libyan people. President Obama issued the following statement:
“I strongly condemn the outrageous attack on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi, which took the lives of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Right now, the American people have the families of those we lost in our thoughts and prayers. They exemplified America’s commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the globe, and stand in stark contrast to those who callously took their lives. I have directed my Administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of our personnel in Libya, and to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe. While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants.”
Demonstrators attacked a U.S. consulate in Libya, killing one American, and breached the walls of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, amid angry protests over a film by a U.S. producer that mocks and insults the Prophet Muhammad.
The movie, “Innocence of Muslims,” was directed and produced by an Israeli-American real-estate developer who characterized it as a political effort to call attention to the hypocrisies of Islam. It has been promoted by Terry Jones, the Florida pastor whose burning of Qurans previously sparked deadly riots around the world.
In Benghazi, Libya, several dozen gunmen from an Islamist group, Ansar al Sharia, attacked the consulate with rocket-propelled grenades to protest the film, a deputy interior minister for the Benghazi region told the Al-Jazeera network. A government brigade evacuated the consulate, after which militants set it on fire, said the minister, Wanees Sharef.
One State Department officer was killed in the attack in Benghazi, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday night.
Mrs. Clinton said the State Department was working with Libyans to secure the compound and protect Americans in Libya.
Enter Mitt Romney to throw a little gasoline on an extremely volatile situation.
The campaign of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney called the Obama administration’s handling of a violent and contentious day at two American facilities in the Middle East “disgraceful” in a statement released late Tuesday night.
The campaign had initially planned to hold the statement until after midnight — and the end of the eleventh anniversary of September 11th — but lifted the embargo an hour and a half early as the controversy flared over a series of attacks against the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and the American Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
“I’m outraged by the attacks on American diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt and by the death of an American consulate worker in Benghazi,” Romney said in the statement. “It’s disgraceful that the Obama Administration’s first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.”
What is Romney thinking? There is a dead American staffer and obviously there are Americans in harm’s way. These Americans are not armed and are far away from home soil. Romney can be as outraged as he wants to be. Those Americans in those embassies aren’t his responsibility. Unless they are his responsibility, he needs to shut the hell up and stop strutting how incredibly unprepared he is to take on any role in foreign policy.
The statement that Romney was criticizing was not put out by the White House but instead it was put out by the Cairo Embassy itself. That’s quite a mistake, Mr. Romney. The White House disavowe
http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2012/09/12/the-lost-soul-of-mitt-romney/?commentPage=2
When a conservative rag like Forbes takes Romney to task over his comments, you know there is something to it.
I have a right to criticize, object to and disagree with “South Park” and Bill Maher over what they say about my religion. I do not have a right to deprive them of their freedom of speech, or worse, murder them.
I don’t think anyone has the right to murder over religion. Who here or anywhere else said the mob thugs had rights to do anything. Where does that even come into play.
6th time. statement issued before the violence, by at least 6 hours.
Look at the crowd. Think they have any notion of how America works? Do you think, living under Quadaffi as thugs, they have any concept of freedom of speech or that film makers work independently of our government?
@Starryflights
At least you are reading “Forbes” instead of Drudge now. You might pick up something there to help your retirement savings.
In the House and Senate, top Republican leaders refrained from mentioning Obama, and instead offered messages of sympathy, unity and even praise for the State Department.
“Yesterday we commemorated the anniversary of the attacks of September the 11th, and today we are reminded that brave Americans serve us every day at the risk of their own lives,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said in a statement. “We honor the Americans we lost in Libya and we will stand united in our response.”
Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) announced plans for a moment of silence in the House and ordered flags at half staff.
“We mourn for the families of our countrymen in Benghazi, and condemn this horrific attack,” he said in a statement. “Eleven years after September 11, this is a jolting reminder that freedom remains under siege by forces around the globe who relish violence over free expression, and terror over democracy — and that America and free people everywhere must remain vigilant in defense of our liberties.”
A joint statement from three of the Senate’s most prominent foreign policy hawks, Sens. John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT), took a similarly measured response that acknowledged that the full story of what happened on Tuesday had not yet emerged.
“There is still much we do not know about what happened in Benghazi yesterday,” the statement read. “What is clear, however, is that the attackers must be apprehended and punished. We appreciate that senior Libyan leaders have condemned these cowardly attacks, and we now look to the Libyan government to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice, and that U.S. diplomats are protected. We have confidence that our own government will provide all necessary assistance to this end.”
McCain said later on Twitter that Clinton’s statement Wednesday morning condemning the attack, was “excellent and moving.” Graham, while critical of Obama’s broader foreign policy on FOX News Wednesday, reiterated that he sided with Clinton’s efforts to transition the government to democracy.
“Under Gaddafi it was the policy of the government to kill Americans,” he said. “This is an outrage and I think Hillary is right.”
Another key lawmaker popular with the right, rising star Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), refrained from criticizing Obama in a statement on Twitter as well.
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/09/romneys-false-libya-attack-puts-him-way-ahead-of-mainstream-gop.php?ref=fpblg
Not many of Romney’s fellow republicans are defending his comments. I believe his comments will turn off a lot of moderate voters
For me, Romeny showed me who he was–and that is a little rich boy who will say or do anything to get elected. Pile that on top of the 180° turn he has done since being Governor Romney, and he is done. Stick a fork in him. In fact, he disgusts me. His remarks are unAmerican, in my opinion.
I am reminded of those out on the steps of the Capital on 9/11/01, both parties, singing God Bless America. That is what Americans do in times of crisis.
Too bad those being critical really don’t understand the chronology of what happened. They are showing their lack of knowledge of the situation.
Liz Cheney and Reince Priebus are also disgusting for their remarks.
John McCain, as usual, showed class as did John Boehner. I feel certain George Bush and Laura would also show class.
When I first read your blog this morning, I was distressed by Romney’s statement. As the facts were revealed today, I have come to view his statement as okay.
Everyone is making a big deal that the apologetic statement from the embassy was not cleared by the U.S. government. But what everyone forgets is that the ambassador IS the official U.S. government spokesman in a foreign country. There is simply no reason to suspect that an embassy statement does not represent official U.S. policy.
Ironically the Obama administration tacitly agreed with Romney’s point by disavowing the U.S. embassy apology.
Yes and no. @Kelly. Operative words, In a foreign country. They do not speak for the entire nation outside of their jurisdiction.
They disavowed that that statement was the offical statement.
You know, I am tired. I was up most of the night watching this story unfold. Now I feel that every word that is said is being scrutinized under a microscope. That should not be. The President and Secretary of State have a lot of work to do. No one has time for all this second guessing because of some political candidate who has give every indication that he is ill equipped for the job he is running for.
The more he says, the more offensive I feel Romney is. I was clearly wrong thinking he was the best Republican candidate. He should not be politicizing a crisis.
We do appear to have a real problem on our hands, here. The DoD is calling private citizens telling them to avoid their first amendment rights because it might endanger our personnel overseas. And don’t give me that “nobody’s first amendment rights are more important than someone’s life.” garbage. What do you think our soldiers fight for? If not to defend our rights, then what? If we don’t figure out what the Europeans are learning the hard way…that multiculturalism doesn’t work when one group acts like Muslims, then I’m afraid we are in danger of becoming a very different nation….not America anymore.
What I won’t do is defend Romney or Obama. I’m still watching to see how this pans out.
And while I feel bad for the ambassador’s family and loved ones…..I have a hard time thinking he said at some point “Hey! I’m the new US ambassador to Libya! What could go wrong?”
@SlowpokeRodriguez
Who in the DoD called on private citizens to avoid their first amendment rights?
Similar arguments were used against Reagan when he criticized Carter’s handling of the Iran hostage crisis ….
…. which greatly saddens me because we were affected by the same issues 30 years ago.
With the abundant oil and natural gas reserves that have been recently identified in N. America and the Arctic, we now have the capability to rid ourselves of dependence on the Middle East. I am of the mind that the country should embark on a 10-year plan for N. American energy independence. We would then be in a position to pull out and leave the Middle East to its own devices except perhaps to assist/equip friends like Israel.
Any word yet on what IS the position of the Administration? Was Ambassador Stevens wrong to issue the apology? Or has the Administration accepted the position of Ambassador Stevens as policy?
Kelly, do you have a link?
@SlowpokeRodriguez
I seriously don’t think our soldiers fight for each individual right. Give me a break. I hope DOD is making those phone calls.
Think back to WWII and how restricted citizens were. Tell me about A1 rights again….
“Acts like a muslim.” Damn. Is that a euphamism for “arab” or what? HOw do you act like a muslim?
Am I do assume that all Muslims, just like Jews, Catholics, and Presbyterians, act just alike?
@kelly_3406
If you are going to remain FOI, friend of Israel, you can’t leave the area. It won’t work.
@marinm
I don’t think Stevens issued an apology. I think he just died. No one knows why he was at the consulate or if they do, they aren’t saying.
I haven’t figured why it is more acceptable to make films ridiculing Mohammad and muslims than it is to make a film showing jews in stereotypical behavior or perhaps Amos and Andy.
Could someone please explain the differences to me.
@marinm
The position of the administration is very clear and has been seen and heard of TV all day. first Hillary spoke to the nation. Then Obama spoke to the nation. The Marines have been sent into the area to guard the embassies.
Maybe tomorrow I will post the official responses.
Romney is not yet receiving national security briefings – this should begin. Usually done after securing the nod.
Your right. My bad. The apology came from our embassy in Egypt.
@Moon-howler
I just read the Romney transcript. Interesting. A little hawkish for me but I also believe we should apologize to Libya in .556 American brass. They can have as many as they want.
I think the point Romney is making is maybe a little high end for most people. Sure policy wonks will declare this a botch on the Administration and another example of amateur hour at the White House ala deleting twitter messages but I think the avg family may have an issue connecting tr dots.
Broadly speaking I think it’s wrong for any American to say that we caused this because a guy made a video. I think a more intelligent question is why we are in some obviously backwards backwater countries to begin with. Screw their insignificant country. Let Israel deal with them in any way they want without our interference.
We haven’t lost a General in a war since Vietnam but we’ve lost five Ambassadors to violence in the same period. I don’t know that there’s anything to draw from that other than diplomacy is dangerous.
You can sell your freedoms for cheap if you like. Not me.
Rabid zealots will come cut your tongue out, not mine.
No wonder you all like to arm yourselves to the hilt. It allows you all to go around thinking you can say anything you want. Sometimes that backfires.
You all are city boys. Those thugs have lived in the jungle their whole lives.
@Moon-howler
I haven’t figured why it is more acceptable to make films ridiculing Mohammad and muslims than it is to make a film showing jews in stereotypical behavior or perhaps Amos and Andy.
Could someone please explain the differences to me.
Perhaps.
a) making a film about stereotypes is not generally considered appropriate.
b) making a film about stereotypes CAN be funny.
c) Mel Brooks and Monty Python do it all the time.
d) in this case it was political satire, poorly made, somewhat confusing, and not funny. But truthful in some contexts. Such are created daily across the world.
e) even if it was the most bigoted thing since “Birth of a Nation,” while it should be condemned, it is not the cause of violence.
f) violence is directly the responsibility of those that commit the violence. Everyone has a choice. 100’s of millions of muslims DO NOT choose to commit violence or support violence.
g) no one has the right to not “be offended.” They have the right to not be slandered. If every OTHER religion can coexist without violence, “sudden jihad syndrome,” or killing each other, then there is no excuse.
If a religion/culture cannot accept this, there will be conflict. Only one culture has this conflict on ALL of its borders where it interacts with those that believe differently.
a. ok
b. but horribly unacceptable.
c. But Mom, everybody is doing it. NOT a good excuse for others to do it.
d. not political satire. How about some of those Hitler movies showing Jews as rats with long whiskers and sharp teeth and beady eyes? Satire? Nope. I would call it propaganda.
e. Yes, it does cause violence. If I throw a bone in a dog pen, that should be no reason for violence but there will be violence. Yes, the dogs should know better.
f. This is the most bogus bullshit argument I have ever participated in. Rightly or wrongly, the reality is, it causes people to act violently. If you do it knowing that is probably what is going to happen, then guilty as charged. I believe we call it aiding and abetting–very close to what law enforcement calls fighting words. If you mimick Mohammad, many sects of muslim consider it fighting words.
g. More talking points that mean nothing. What are you trying to prove?
It is anti American to make fun of other people’s religion. I dont see what the issue is. Jones threw down fighting words. In Virginia, if face to face, he could go to jail. The dude who made the distasteful video really is not better, in my mind, than Hitler propogandists. He had a point to make and it wasnt funny.
From the timeline:
“Roughly 2000 Salafist activists answered a call on Tuesday by Wesam Abdel-Wareth, a Salafist leader ”
Salafist. That’s the problem right there. We have Jones and Westboro. They have the Salafists. With the Muslim Brotherhood taking over, and the new gov’t in Libya…we will see much more of these guys.
I am not sure why. The new govt in Libya is made up of expatriots is it not?
Muslim Brotherhood were some of the first to condemn the terrorism.
Salafists…as I said, snake handlers. Why stir them up?
The Muslim Brotherhood is one step removed. Both are Islamists. But the Salafists tend to be a little more radical. Osama Bin Laden was a Salafist.
Of course the movie was political satire. It made fun of Mohammed because it is HIS edicts that get Jews and Copts killed. Islam is a POLITICAL system too. And its said that this film was made by Jews and Copts. If true, then this could be seen as a satirical attack against an oppressive system.
Of course, we could find out that all the information that we have on it is wrong. No one seems to know much about the director/writer, including the actors.
I have heard he is in hiding…afraid for his life. Apparently he didnt pay much attention to Solomon Rushdie and the Satanic Verses.
I call that a propaganda film. Political satire is way too generous.
Again, what’s the difference in that film and one of those Nazi films with Jews depicted as rats with beady eyes and sharp teeth? The Nazi films exaggerated every stereotype ever used about jews.
Hmmmm…sorta like the muslim film.
“It is anti American to make fun of other people’s religion.”
Unless it’s the Catholic Church, of course.
Victim mentality? How about if you are southern Baptist? They seem to draw a lot of fire. So do Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jews even have their own set of jokes to go along with their mockery. Evangelicals? Pentacostals? They catch it also.
Who has made fun of the Catholic Church? I have spoken out against their brand of religion being made into national policy. That’s easy enough to do without mimicking them.
And “priests that diddle”
Some have. Most don’t. There was a national scandal. Are we to pretend it didn’t happen?
Yeah, because we all know that pedophilia is unique to Catholic priests.@Lyssa
unfortunately, they are going to have to own that one for a while mainly because they mishandled it. Penn State will have to own Gerry Sandusky pretty much the same way, I am told.
Emma, I think it was the code of silence and protection that looked so bad there. Of course it isn’t unique to Catholic priests but by the same token, it can’t be swept under the rug.
Yup.
So it’s okay to make fun of them if they’ve done something someone thinks they now own. I’ll go with that. I think the denial of who has made fun of the Catholic church was this particular point. No big deal.
Would you like for me to go back and be more reverent about child abuse? I can if it would make everyone happy.
I hate to show prejudice. I had a Baptist diddler in my home town. He liked teenage girls. He had teenage daughters himself. I shut his nose in the visor of our ford station wagon when he went after me. I was a mean girl though.
My criticisms of the Catholic church certainly are not meant as fun. I don’t care what policies they have for their own flock. That is their job–to tell their own flock how to live. I care what they try to make a policy for me and mine as a non-member. Actually I am nicer abot them than my husband who is an ex. He will probably be stuck by lightning.
The bible belt has a long history of making the town church’s rules everyone’s rules.
Does anyone remember the Blue laws?
That’s not even disingenuous. You mocked priests then asked who made jokes about Catholics then you justified it by saying they own it now you ask if I think you should be nice about child abuse.
It’s not even noon yet but I recommend a tall drink.
You really are a one woman wonder righting wrong through the decades…. I’m exhausted just reading this.
How on earth did I mock priests? I don’t even know where I mentioned priest diddling. I will go write in molesting instead. I would hate for anyone to think I thought it was funny. I don’t.
Sorry, I am not going to pretend that there wasn’t a scandal any more than I would pretend that Bill Clinton wasn’t impeached. As a Clinton supporter, I have to own that.
Nobody is asking you to pretend anything. You made a reference to “priests diddling” then asked when/where Catholics were mocked. Now youre asking if I think you should be soft on chold abusers and if you should pretend something.
How the heck did you get to Clinton Being impeached.
I withdraw my recommendation to have a drink.
It is not unique to the Catholic Church, but the Catholic Church Administration (Cardinals, Bishops, etc) chose to cover it up more times than dealing with it. That is the Sin.
@Pat.Herve Apparently, the reason for the Catholic Church reference has gone right over your head. Lyssa got it. But thanks for the mini-lecture.
“Priests that diddle” is present tense. Moon, if you are aware of any current abuse taking place, I hope to God you are reporting it. Otherwise, you are mocking.
Denial much? As I said earlier today, the words police here to analyze every word that is typed. If you will tell me where that unfortuate word diddle is, I will go change it to molest.
I will even, just for you, change it to Clergy who molest. That way no one should ever be offended, except all the other people who are offended.
Any time a church takes an agressive role in trying to bring non-flock members into line, they become targets. You don’t even have to leave town to have that happen. bull Run Unitarian and All Saints Catholic both caught it from the anti immigration crowd for feeding the hungry.
I have ignored the All Saints saints for getting up on Sudley Road and causing auto accidents. Why? I used to do it to until I realized how dangerous it was. Then I stopped.
Stick a D on the end of that please. You know that when you start picking you become a sitting duck. dot every i, cross every t.
I sure hope you got them all and that all the protestant ones will mind their p’s and q’s also. I no longer know any priests.
What is it we are deflecting that we have to hone in on my making fun of priests? I guess my suggestion that putting Jesus in as an extra and pulling Mohammad out of that movie wasn’t such a hot idea? Probably not. Christians would be offended, and rightfully so.
By the way, when I start making actual fun of priests, there will be no doubt in your mind that I am doing it. Perhaps it would only be fair to tell you that one of my parents left the church and my husband left the church. Do you think that there is a remote chance in hell I haven’t been exposed to mockery of priests? My husband is far worse than my parent was. I have often feared being stuck by lightning when he gets cranked up.
ARRKKKKK!!! There is also a cousin who was in the seminary. He didn’t finish. He became a drop out also.
I’m gonna send some priests to your house…..