Massacre in Orlando -- anti-gay? or anti-American?

The largest mass shooting in U.S. history took the lives of 50 people and wounded more than 50 others on Saturday night in a gay nightclub in Orlando, FL.   The shooter, who was killed by police officers, was identified as an American citizen born in the U.S., the son of an immigrant from Afghanistan, and a Muslim.  He apparently acted alone;  and, as of late Sunday afternoon, the FBI said that it had no evidence of any link to ISIS or any other organized terrorist group.

The man's parents have said that he was very angry but suggested that his anger was anti-gay and had nothing to do with his religion.   None of this has not stopped Donald Trump's supporters and other right wing zealots from claiming that this proves Trump was right about "radical Islam" and his call to ban Muslims from entering this country.   Of course, such a ban would have done nothing to prevent this attack, which was carried out by one lone man who was born in the U.S.

Trump's instincts were not presidential.   His first tweet was typical for this narcissist:

"Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness and vigilance. We must be smart!"

It's all about him, even in his "humble" message of saying that it's action, not congratulations, that he wants.   But nothing about the victims.   No concern for the nation.   No waiting to get the facts before he spouts off.

President Obama spoke to the nation to try to calm fears, urge people to wait for the facts, and to again call for action on sensible gun control.   Hillary offered condolences to the victims' families and cautioned against over-reaction until we get the facts.

I'm going to heed this advice and not speculate about the rumors that are flying about.   Let's wait until we know more.

For now, it is enough that we know this is not part of a larger, organized attack.   It is a time for sorrow and support of the victim's families and for the gay community at large.

Ralph