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Taliban “claims responsibility” for shooting down Blackhawk helicopter – Earlier today, the Associated Press announced that a Blackhawk helicopter was shot down over Afghanistan.  Four U.S. soldiers died in an attack that the Taliban ‘claimed responsibility’ for.

First, my condolences to the family of the soldiers, these men (not sure if any women were involved) died serving in the interest of helping another, less fortunate nation.

But, my gripe here is about language.  I’m vaguely aware of hearing a comedian, probably George Carlin, talk about the phrase “claiming responsibility.”  I’m going to try to steer away from whatever he said and take it into a different realm.

Is it me, or does it seem like “claiming responsibility” is the wrong phrase to use?   It’s used especially in terrorist attacks.  “Al Qaida claimed responsibility for the attack on the USS Cole.”

But it’s a euphemism.  It’s an understatement.  When I think of claiming responsibility, it sounds like something I could do when I’m at fault in a car accident (even though you’re not supposed to), like “Sorry, it’s my fault.”   Saying ‘it’s my fault’ is like saying ‘I claim responsibility.’  There’s a sense of regret and guilt involved, like they know they were in the wrong.

But when they shoot down a helicopter or knock down two buildings in New York, they don’t feel guilty about it at all.   Too them, it’s mission accomplished.  They’re proud of their actions.  They’re bragging.   It’s a blow to the infidels, and to the view of fundamentalist Muslims, they’re one step closer to the ultimate goal of fundamentalist Islam.

A lot of people don’t realize this, but the endgame in fundamentalist Islam is nothing short of conquering the planet, and putting the planet’s population under Shariah law.