3:15 am attack on Bourbon Street, New Orleans this morning. This tragic attack killed 10 and injured ~35 including 2 police officers. Most of the people taken to the hospital seem to be locals.

Tonight's Sugar Bowl game is postponed 24 hours. About 1/2 mile of Bourbon Street is closed off for processing.

Not my first experience with terrorism. Left the 1996 Olympics Centennial Park about 25-40 minutes before the bomb went off near where was sitting. Figured out my best revenge was to reenter park morning it opened and live my life with joy and without fear. Was not going to change the way live because some cowardly act.

We don't need to overreact nor run in fear. Patience is our best weapon against heinous acts. The FBI, National departments, Louisiana State Police, New Orleans Police, and all the local sheriffs are coordinating assets investigating who was involved. Impressed with response so far.

We know the name of the 42 yo US citizen who decided to be a terrorist. (edit) Is an army veteran. Not sure alone or affiliated with ISIS groups. Investigators believe did not act alone.
Someone wanted to Change our lives because of Hate. Love and faith endures. Pray for all the victims, families, first responders and investigators.

Remember this is about 7 miles from my home. As soon as French Quarter is open will try to visit again. Photos are from my early morning November run on Bourbon Street.

Choose Joy, Love, Faith and Living Life over fear.

Confronting Reality

Called an audible on today’s post for this week’s news. Attacks on Tree of Life Synagogue, bombs mailed to prominent Democrats, a convenience store shooter first tried to enter Black First Baptist Church, and Molotov cocktails thrown at Iglesia ni Cristo Locale of Seattle, a Church of Christ. This year there were attacks against Afro-Americans, Christians, Gays, Hispanics, Indians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs (often mistaken for Muslims) and more.

Everyone knows ISIS and Al Qaeda are violent and try to influence young people to commit violence. Right Wing Extremists killed more people than ISIS over the last decade. (Thanks to Peter Singer DefenseOne). Live on west coast where Antifa promotes violence and Animal Activists burn down labs and homes. Lets not forget the bigotry against races and religions leading to violence. It is only time until people die.

Remember most people are not violent. They love their children. We need to listen to the concerns of others. We need to treat others with respect. Especially if we disagree with their views. And they need to let us disagree.

For security don’t focus on politics, race or religion. Don’t ignore women either, even though most assaults are committed by young men. ISIS and Al Qaeda use women and children as bombers. The best focus for security is people’s actions. Regardless of beliefs their actions are similar. Security is only successful if we talk about all extremists and their actions. Simple answers don’t work. Security requires effort.

Extremist and armies tend to dehumanize the enemy so they don’t feel guilty killing others. We need to acknowledge everyone. We need to talk with everyone. We need to let people know they are important. 

It is up to you. Acknowledge, talk and respect others. No matter how different they are than you.

National Security Pros, It’s Time to Talk About Right-Wing Extremism

https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2018/02/national-security-pros-its-time-talk-about-right-wing-extremism/146319/?oref=d-dontmiss