Stacia Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 http://www.voanews.com/content/hostages-held-in-sydney-cafe/2558928.html ETA: Link to the Google news feed for this, which has coverage from various news outlets around the world: https://news.google.com/news/rtc?ncl=doKNu50zeEHSSbMON5M_9mjssQfxM&authuser=0&ned=us&topic=h&siidp=f8ae8639691c080446c921fc551db6afc514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Oh, no. How terrifying! :crying: I'm hoping for a safe resolution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Lulu* Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Oh my. I hope they are able to resolve this without any injuries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Oh no! Those poor people must be terrified! :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Oh my word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilaclady Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Praying for a quick and safe resolution. That is quite a scary situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahrazad Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I'm praying this is resolved quickly and no one is harmed. I also hope they're as effective as Canada was and manage to take out the hostage-takers ASAP and not let them do any more damage. IMO, what they'll be facing after death is way worse of a punishment than what the jail will give them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I hope this is safely resolved. Be safe, Australians. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aelwydd Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I'm praying this is resolved quickly and no one is harmed. I also hope they're as effective as Canada was and manage to take out the hostage-takers ASAP and not let them do any more damage. IMO, what they'll be facing after death is way worse of a punishment than what the jail will give them. Shahrazad, I'm agnostic, so I don't pray as such. But, along with the hostages and their loved ones, I am keeping my Muslim friends in my thoughts. As you stated in the other thread, it isn't the religion making people act in sick and sociopathic ways. It's their underlying insanity. In the same way that my former belief in the veracity of the Old Testament never could compel me to dash the heads of infants of idolators against rocks, or convince me to stone sinners. Nor the loooong history of Christians burning, beheading, and otherwise murdering all manner of heretics could ever inspire me to seek to do harm to other Christians I disagreed with. Because I am innately, fundamentally repulsed by such acts, and I know you are as well. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I'm scared for them. I'm praying for their safety. I'm worried about copycat crimes. I'm worried about Muslim women (who tend to be more easy to identify) in Australia being attacked in hate crimes because of the actions of these people And sadly, I'm a pessimist regarding this being resolved peacefully. I hope I'm wrong, though. I guess I don't see them putting up an ISIS or similar flag if they really wanted to negotiate. They want to terrorize, and the way to do that is not only to take people hostages, but kill them. I really hope I'm wrong. In the 1970s, an offshoot of the NOI (Nation of Islam) took hostages in DC. The ambassadors from Egypt, Pakistan, and Iran were able to negotiate and get them released, by basically talking to them about Islam and why they were doing was wrong. I'd like to hope something like that is possible here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahrazad Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Shahrazad, I'm agnostic, so I don't pray as such. But, along with the hostages and their loved ones, I am keeping my Muslim friends in my thoughts. As you stated in the other thread, it isn't the religion making people act in sick and sociopathic ways. It's their underlying insanity. In the same way that my former belief in the veracity of the Old Testament never could compel me to dash the heads of infants of idolators against rocks, or convince me to stone sinners. Nor the loooong history of Christians burning, beheading, and otherwise murdering all manner of heretics could ever inspire me to seek to do harm to other Christians I disagreed with. Because I am innately, fundamentally repulsed by such acts, and I know you are as well. :( Thank you so much. It makes me feel so ill to see this stuff going on. Many in our community are actively fighting against it, the scholars have encouraged people to join the fight against these groups, and I have friends who returned to Kurdistan and are actively fighting there to protect the Yazeedis and fight this group off . There is overwhelming opposition against them within religious circles but at the same time, as an individual, I feel powerless and dread every new report. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 My dd's friend lives next to that cafe, and this morning she couldn't get hold of her. Anyway she eventually did, and was told she nearly went to that cafe as it's her local joint! A sleep- in was what stopped her!!!! How scary!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in FL. Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 This is horrible. I hope and pray that it is resolved quickly and safely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Shahrazad, I'm agnostic, so I don't pray as such. But, along with the hostages and their loved ones, I am keeping my Muslim friends in my thoughts. As you stated in the other thread, it isn't the religion making people act in sick and sociopathic ways. It's their underlying insanity. In the same way that my former belief in the veracity of the Old Testament never could compel me to dash the heads of infants of idolators against rocks, or convince me to stone sinners. Nor the loooong history of Christians burning, beheading, and otherwise murdering all manner of heretics could ever inspire me to seek to do harm to other Christians I disagreed with. Because I am innately, fundamentally repulsed by such acts, and I know you are as well. :( Perfectly said. Thinking of the hostages, their families, and the police. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 The city centre is on lock down - we were in the city as this unfolded but thankfully in a different area. I feel absolutely sick in the stomach and very glad to be safely home. Details seem scant but an Islamic sign was unfolded and displayed at the café :( I'm glad to hear that you and your family are safe, Sadie. This is so scary -- I'm sure you are glued to the news reports. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 My dd's friend lives next to that cafe, and this morning she couldn't get hold of her. Anyway she eventually did, and was told she nearly went to that cafe as it's her local joint! A sleep- in was what stopped her!!!! How scary!!!!!! :eek: Thank goodness she slept late!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Oh my goodness! My dd's friend has a friend that in cafe now!!!!!! Too close to home! I feel sick!!! Apparently, a hostage made a handsign showing the finger to the throat and sliding action! They must be terrified!!! What is this world coming too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 :eek: Thank goodness she slept late!!! Tell me about it! She is a very close childhood friend of hers, so you have no idea at how relieved we all are. She lives in another state, but they are on the phone daily. We are relieved but lots of family and friends aren't. :'( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I feel bad liking your post, but hugs and prayers for your family and your daughter's friend. I cannot imagine how frightening that must be :( I knew what you meant. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 The city centre is on lock down - we were in the city as this unfolded but thankfully in a different area. I feel absolutely sick in the stomach and very glad to be safely home. Details seem scant but an Islamic sign was unfolded and displayed at the café :( Sadie, thinking of you... And hope it doesn't cause more difficulties for your dd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegs Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I thought of your DD too, Sadie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I fervently hope all people involved find a way to step back from the abyss of violence and hatred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted December 15, 2014 Author Share Posted December 15, 2014 Link to the Google news feed for this, which has coverage from various news outlets around the world: https://news.google.com/news/rtc?ncl=doKNu50zeEHSSbMON5M_9mjssQfxM&authuser=0&ned=us&topic=h&siidp=f8ae8639691c080446c921fc551db6afc514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 :crying: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aelwydd Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Thank you so much. It makes me feel so ill to see this stuff going on. Many in our community are actively fighting against it, the scholars have encouraged people to join the fight against these groups, and I have friends who returned to Kurdistan and are actively fighting there to protect the Yazeedis and fight this group off . There is overwhelming opposition against them within religious circles but at the same time, as an individual, I feel powerless and dread every new report. :( It's not your fault. It's not a reflection on your person, of your values, of the people in your community. What makes a person murder another in cold blood? How does one ignore or shut off the capacity for empathy? That isn't a religion problem, it's a militant problem. ISIS is a rebel/ revolutionary force, and if one examines the history and patterns of such groups, no matter their philosophical, political, or religious leanings, they all share in common the same willingness to resort to brutal and vicious tactics. The most meaningful response to such violence is to to affirm each other's basic humanity, and to refuse to allow clannishness and fear of the Other become fuel for greater antipathy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Im worried that if there is only one hostage taker INSIDE there might be co-conspiritors waiting for part 2. im worried that all these resources are being drawn to one location. That would make it easier for a worse episode to happen elsewhere or to destroy all the amassed law enforcement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 The news just said that the hostages are talking to the media (radio) and trying to negotiate. Obviously under orders from the terrorist. But the media is saying they have no power to do what the terrorist want, and are working with the police. What a nightmare!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Three hostages have been released (or fled). I pray more are able to do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Absolutely, Sadie. Violence and hate only beget more hate and violence. May all be safe! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Looks like the 2 ladies were Lindt cafe employees. They aren't sure whether they were let go, or escaped yet. The others were male. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewingmama Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Bah...I turned the news off when they started showing footage of 9/11 and the Bali bombings...I mean this is a terrible thing but no need to sensationalise it. Aussie police will not shoot unless there is no other option...so this could drag on for days so long as the hostage-taker doesn't start shooting people. It's a cafe..plenty of food in there. Just glad it's a hostage situation with room for negotiation and the guy didn't just run in there and start shooting random people from the outset. That in itself shows there is a high chance they will all be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deee Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Sydney is showing its true colours: this afternoon someone started the twitter hashtag #illridewithyou to show solidarity with Muslim women who felt unsafe on public transport. Its gone viral as Sydney-siders stand with their fellow Aussies to protect them from rascist opportunists. Fortunately, ATM its one incident in one cafe. Media sensationalism, especially comparisons with the Bali bombings or 9/11, is absolutely repugnant. D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I saw that five had escaped. I'm so happy for them and their families. I'm hoping it's a good sign that they could escape. I saw this on the Daily Mail (yes, I know). Apparently a bunch of Australians are using the hashtag #illridewithyou to show support to the Australian Muslim community. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2874431/I-llridewithyou-Celebrities-tens-thousands-everyday-Twitter-users-social-media-support-Muslim-community.html (Oops, starting writing and then posted it when Deee wrote her post.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Selfies? Show some class, people. Taking advantage by charging $100? He should be charged with a crime, albeit a minor one. I can't imagine the fear a Muslim woman living in Astrailia must be feeling now. The ride with you campaign is very comforting. Yay to whomever started it!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 BBC reports that more have escaped. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30481241 Good. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 It's over. Looks like everybody may be safe. Police stormed the cafe. ETA: Now, they're saying one hostage and the gunman have died. Some hostages were injured as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aelwydd Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 It's over. Looks like everybody may be safe. Police stormed the cafe. Thank goodness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aelwydd Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Reading reports there may have been two people shot. Can't confirm the veracity yet. I hope all hostages survived. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 So grateful it's over... and so moved that Sydney responded as it did... Sydney is showing its true colours: this afternoon someone started the twitter hashtag #illridewithyou to show solidarity with Muslim women who felt unsafe on public transport. Its gone viral as Sydney-siders stand with their fellow Aussies to protect them from rascist opportunists. I saw this on the Daily Mail (yes, I know). Apparently a bunch of Australians are using the hashtag #illridewithyou to show support to the Australian Muslim community. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2874431/I-llridewithyou-Celebrities-tens-thousands-everyday-Twitter-users-social-media-support-Muslim-community.html (Oops, starting writing and then posted it when Deee wrote her post.) a few days ago over on another thread we were talking about an where townspeople responded in a similar manner... Let there be light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Reading reports there may have been two people shot. Can't confirm the veracity yet. I hope all hostages survived. :( I just read one was believed to be the gunman and one a hostage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 :( Yes, I just saw that on the BBC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I just read one was believed to be the gunman and one a hostage. I just saw this as well (BBC). :crying: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 It sounds like he never should have been let out on bail. I'm sure they never guessed anything like this would happen, though. It's terrible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 In the same way that my former belief in the veracity of the Old Testament never could compel me to dash the heads of infants of idolators against rocks, or convince me to stone sinners. Nor the loooong history of Christians burning, beheading, and otherwise murdering all manner of heretics could ever inspire me to seek to do harm to other Christians I disagreed with. :( You know if I would have said something as equally vile about the Koran and Islam in this thread I would have been yelled off the board immediately, and for good reason. EVERYONE'S beliefs and religions ought to be respected, even Christianity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 though given his record . . . yeah. sometimes, they need to NOT give the 'benefit of the doubt'. it's not like he didn't have a *record* of highly untoward behavior! It sounds like he never should have been let out on bail. I'm sure they never guessed anything like this would happen, though. It's terrible. he's not the first - and certainly won't be the last. (thinking of Maurice clemmons and josh powell here . . . . ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Shahrazad, I'm agnostic, so I don't pray as such. But, along with the hostages and their loved ones, I am keeping my Muslim friends in my thoughts. As you stated in the other thread, it isn't the religion making people act in sick and sociopathic ways. It's their underlying insanity. In the same way that my former belief in the veracity of the Old Testament never could compel me to dash the heads of infants of idolators against rocks, or convince me to stone sinners. Nor the loooong history of Christians burning, beheading, and otherwise murdering all manner of heretics could ever inspire me to seek to do harm to other Christians I disagreed with. Because I am innately, fundamentally repulsed by such acts, and I know you are as well. :( You know if I would have said something as equally vile about the Koran and Islam in this thread I would have been yelled off the board immediately, and for good reason. EVERYONE'S beliefs and religions ought to be respected, even Christianity. I think you may have misunderstood Aelwyyd's post. I didn't read it as vile or disrespectful at all. I read it as "Christians don't routinely terrorize and kill people just because there are violent stories in their holy book, and neither do Muslims. People in either of these religions who use their holy book as justification for violence are wrong. Neither Christianity nor Islam teaches followers that this kind of violence is OK." As Aelwyyd said, "It isn't the religion making people act in sick and sociopathic ways. It's their underlying insanity." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aelwydd Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I think you may have misunderstood Aelwyyd's post. I didn't read it as vile or disrespectful at all. I read it as "Christians don't routinely terrorize and kill people just because there are violent stories in their holy book, and neither do Muslims. People in either of these religions who use their holy book as justification for violence are wrong. Neither Christianity nor Islam teaches followers that this kind of violence is OK." As Aelwyyd said, "It isn't the religion making people act in sick and sociopathic ways. It's their underlying insanity." Thank you. Yes, this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Thank you. Yes, this. Ahh.. You're right, I'm sorry. I read it when I was in a bad mood and it colored my perception. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Two hostages dead. Not terror, just a terrible crime. So sad. Are they saying it wasn't a terrorist act? To me, it was. Sorry for the upset in your land. It is hard to not be on edge at times such as this. Peace to you all. Hug your kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Are they saying it wasn't a terrorist act? To me, it was. Sorry for the upset in your land. It is hard to not be on edge at times such as this. Peace to you all. Hug your kids. It appears to follow the recent pattern of a troubled criminal adopting extremist ideology and acting it out. Terrorism in a way, but not as part of an organised group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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