La la land

We’ve known for some time that American society looks as much like a Third World country as a First. Sure, it has a GDP that is still larger than China’s, and it is viewed, especially by Americans, as a world leader in just about everything good. However, its social gap is the largest among western democracies.

The U.S. has what sociologists call the “underclass,” with gangs, drugs, 14-year-old mothers and 30-year-old grandmothers, not too far from nice bubbles of the well-to -do. The country is either enviable or deeply troubled, depending on where.

Now what is said to be the greatest of the mass shootings reveals that American governments are somewhere in la la land.

It took the police a while to arrive and put an end to the carnage, more than a day to count the bodies, and another day to bring them to a morgue.

The president made a statement keyed to lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals and transgenders, without a mention of Islam.

The killer had been interviewed at least twice by the FBI on account of statements he had made. Yet the FBI wasn’t certain. And he had no trouble acquiring an arsenal with an assault rifle and lots of ammunition.

It’s not hard finding columnists ridiculing the White House. So far no record of Arab politicians clucking their tongues, but we know enough about the attitudes of Saudi and Egyptian leaders to fill in the blanks. Even Iranians, despite the agreement on nuclear activities that caused the Saudis to pout, haven’t stopped marching against the American devils.

I’m sure to hear from Americans who don’t like what I write about the U.S. They can insist that they are not living in a bubble, but admit that there is no reason to go to places that are unattractive, i.e., outside their bubble. They’ve been lucky that a grandchild hasn’t been caught in a school or college massacre.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel has said that it’ll take a while to be certain about the motives of the killer. He’s in line with his boss that authorities are investigating, and until they are sure, no one should jump to conclusions.

There’ll be other mass killings before all the facts are in about this one, and the president may never have to couple the words terror, hate crime, violence, and Islam.

No surprise that commentators from all over are competing with their assessments of Orlando.

Some of their Israeli colleagues are claiming superiority for our security personnel. Some are moaning that we are all suffering from Islam, while others warn of Islamophobia. Those concerned about what are now called LGBTs are noting the similarities between the American-Afghan and the ultra-Orthodox Jew who murdered a young woman in Jerusalem’s gay parade. 

Hillary is doing well by those who see this as an attack against gays and lesbians, while Donald gains among those who see Islam at its core. The president used the occasion to make another pitch for his flaccid posture about guns.

He does well as Soother in Chief. 

“As we go together, we will draw inspiration from heroic and selfless acts—friends who helped friends, took care of each other and saved lives. In the face of hate and violence, we will love one another. We will not give in to fear or turn against each other. Instead, we will stand united, as Americans, to protect our people, and defend our nation, and to take action against those who threaten us. 

May God bless the Americans we lost this morning. May He comfort their families. May God continue to watch over this country that we love.”

It’s his roles as chief executive and commander-in-chief that could use some work.

He can start by seeing who in the FBI gave the killer a pass, and sending them to a place where there are no Muslims, guns, or LGBTs.

If anyone can find such a place in la la land.

Comments welcome.