“The attacks in Oslo on Friday have riveted new attention on right-wing extremists not just in Norway but across Europe, where opposition to Muslim immigrants, globalization, the power of the European Union and the drive toward multiculturalism has proven a potent political force and, in a few cases, a spur to violence,” according to the New York Times.
“The success of populist parties appealing to a sense of lost national identity has brought criticism of minorities, immigrants and in particular Muslims out of the beer halls and Internet chat rooms and into mainstream politics. While the parties themselves generally do not condone violence, some experts say a climate of hatred in the political discourse has encouraged violent individuals.
“’I’m not surprised when things like the bombing in Norway happen, because you will always find people who feel more radical means are necessary,’ said Joerg Forbrig, an analyst at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin who has studied far-right issues in Europe. ‘It literally is something that can happen in a number of places and there are broader problems behind it.’
The rest of the article is here.
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It seems the extreme right wing now have “someone” they can and do Heil as a hero in their insanity. Anders written instruction to the right-wing fundamentalist christian nutjobs after mowing down innocent Norwegian children? “Embrace Martyrdom”. Sound familiar? Kate
I recieved a note from my niece this morning with some insights on how those in Norway are responding which I thought might be of interest: English is her second language so please forgive the few places that she does not get it just right.
Dear everybody!
I quess you are updated through your news about the tragedy that hit Norway.
So fare there are 93 persons confirmed dead and several still missing. The police has also arrested a native Norwegian who claims he did al this horror by him self.
They had a memory service in the main church in Oslo today with the King and Queen, the Prime minister, government and also private, ordinary people as we had throughout the country. It was a touching service in grief and hope. The Prime minister spoke and said we will meat this terror with more democracy, openness and humanity. He also quoted a young girl who servived: If one man can show so much hate, imagine how much love we can spread together! The flower bed with candles that people started in Oslo is growing as they are in cities and places around the country.
The crownprince and princess together with the foreign minister attended the service in the local church where many of the relatives of those who are missing from the island or still not confirmed dead yet. At least one of the ministers in the government is at the hotel where the relatives stay and at least one minister, is there 24 hours everyday until they have confirmation of everybody missing. To support the relatives and assure they get all answers and care they need.
Please pray for our victims and their families as we also pray for showing love and care for each other.
Love
Mari
Thank you for sharing this John. My prayers go out to the victims, families, and Norway.
What an amazing, compassionate and graceful country Norway is. The memorials and the picture of their King weeping in empathy are overwhelming. Thank you for Mari’s letter, John. Strength, tears and prayers…Kate
P.S. There have been at least 6 more arrests in Southern Oslo re: Norway Massacre.
Thanks for posting this. I am so impressed with how the Norwegians are handling this.
I have been reading parts of Anders Behring Breivik’s 1,500 page rant and a lot of it reads like it was copied from Todd Juvinal’s and George Rebane’s blogs.
Rebane has posted his thoughts about this tragic event on his blog. Lot’s of focus on gun laws and Russ Steele’s one comment is all about gun laws, making a pitch that it’s Norway’s fault for having restrictive gun laws.
A very disturbing look into Russ’s mind and what he thinks is important and what the issue is.
I too am so very impressed with how the Norwegians are handling this.
Yeah, I would agree Steve. Everyone should read it. It is basically the same bull$#!+ we hear from our buddies, with a slightly more European bent.
Now I am not saying there is any direct relationship. I am merely saying that some minds think alike.