Tuesday News Reads: Updates On Boston Marathon Bombings and Iran Earthquake
Posted: April 16, 2013 Filed under: Breaking News, morning reads, open thread, Pakistan | Tags: Boston Bombings, Boston Marathon, Iran Earthquake 98 Comments
Morning All…
I will start this post with thoughts for those of you in Boston, who wake up this morning to a different city. I am sure the raw numbness is still with you….I know it will linger for some time. Boston Boomer covered the bombings yesterday, and she is probably exhausted and worn out. So I will just post some updates for you. Here is the cover of the Boston Globe this morning:
NBC News:Boston on high alert after marathon bombing kills 3, injures scores – U.S. News
Terror at Boston Marathon: 3 dead, 144 wounded – CNN.com
Authorities Search Apartment in Probe Into Deadly Boston Marathon Blasts- FoxNews
Boston explosions: three dead, no arrests, no claims of responsibility | World news | guardian.co.uk
LIVE UPDATES: Boston Marathon Bombing, Day 2 – ABC News
But this is not the only story breaking today. There has been a huge earthquake in Iran:
Iran Earthquake | Liveblog live blogging | Reuters.com
Reuters is reporting 40 deaths…
Strong Earthquake Is Felt Across Wide Area of Asia – NYTimes.com
Iran earthquake: LIVE UPDATES — RT News
Hundreds feared dead in 7.8 Iran earthquake, also felt in New Delhi, Gulf States — RT News
It is going to be a loooong day…see you in the comment section below…treat this as an open thread and post anything you like.
peej
Carissa
ecocatwoman
grayslady
mablue2
JJ Lopez aka Minkoff Minx
NW Luna
peggysue22
skydancingguestblogger
Mona (aka Wonk the Vote)
Sky Dancing 
Though I live 90 miles from Boston I have family in friends there. Patriot’s Day in the Commonwealth has always been a big deal. The past is always present in MA where the American Revolution led us on our path to freedom. We will never be the same.
We will soon know what happened and why. What we do know is that though love can be spread as evidenced by those who ran back to help, hatred can only explode. Who hates enough to do this evil act? This is the world we live in.
What we also know is that one person’s twisted view on life becomes devastation for countless others. The dead, the injured, the traumatized will live with this event for the rest of their lives.
Senseless.
I hope your granddaughters get some help dealing with what they saw yesterday. You are right about it staying with these people for the rest of their lives.
Yes, Pat. Hug your granddaughters, your son and daughter-in-law close. I’m so sorry for what they went through, but so glad they weren’t physically injured.
Hi JJ, Thanks for doing this. The boy who was killed has been identified as Martin Richards of Dorchester. His younger sister and mother were also seriously injured. His sister lost a leg. His dad was running in the Marathon and Martin had waited at the finish line for him and then was walking back to the sidewalk when the explosion happened. I’ll look for links on this. Friends and neighbors in Dorchester were getting together this morning to grieve together, according to WBUR.
Here’s one link at ABC News.
Another child seriously injured:
I saw somewhere that people from Israel who were there for the race were very helpful in setting up the triage area….
Just a few more links:
IRS: Boston-area taxpayers will get time on taxes – CBS News
The Associated Press: Feds seek suspects, motive in Boston bombings
BBC News – Surgeon Dr Peter Fagenholz describes Boston Marathon injuries
China slams Boston bombing attack – Xinhua | English.news.cn
The 10 Absolute Worst Media Reactions To The Boston Marathon Bombings | Mediaite
Maine man who lost two sons, one in Iraq and his younger brother who committed suicide in his grief, helped injured people before first responders arrived. Said it was like a bloody war zone.
In reading the stupid media reactions to this tragedy I am reminded that though the events dominate coverage, it just goes on and on for 24 hours when little is really known until much later.
Every single news outlet suspended regular programming to cover the tragedy. Film was played endlessly to fill up the time. Talking heads were invited to offer conclusions based on opinions which led to so much hot air filling the airwaves as morsels of information were fed to the public, some of it untrue.
I had to turn it off after awhile since so much of it was little more than “opining” about facts that had yet to be discovered. Chris Matthews blabbering on about this or that theory was just as annoying as other outlets that rushed to make knee jerk assertions in fixing blame.
Every network and cable outlet was onboard, dragging out “commentators” alongside the same relooped footage in order to fill the void.
I can’t help but remember Paddy Chayefsky and his masterpiece “Network” that essentially laid out the ground work for this coverage that invites “ratings”.
I can’t watch TV. I’ve been listening to WBUR.
It strikes me wrong, as I listened to Joe Scarface (husband has it on in am), and all he can do is call in the MALES, he couldn’t find one female to interview…………..every fucking one of them were men………………it was the same thing that Bush did, called all the men to talk in the media, and you think there wasn’t one female who could offer up her talking points. And there sits Mika………..calling out Sect. Tom Ridge, Gov. Tom Ridge. and all the other republicans that I am sure Joe lined up to investigate……………..I will say that during the FBI conference, one woman came forward, Carmen Ortiz……………..I suppose somewhere in time women will be called as experts on bombings, security, and government’s role therein.
Oh, and I couldn’t help but note Joe bringing up “Benghazi” and how this is unforunate that Boston Bombing happened on HIS WATCH. …………..Mabye it’s just me, the truth is I tossed and turned, and didn’t sleep very good.
Interesting how Republicans constantly forget that 9/11 happened on Bush’s “watch.”
I agree with you about Joe S. I don’t know how Mika can take it, sitting there surrounded by men who will shout her down if she dares disagree with them.
I agree totally. It is the shortcomings of our news. A lot of speculation and no real evidence. They should concentrate on what was a great response by so many, especially bystanders. Boston will survive. But there should be a special penalty for whoever killed a child and wounded other children. Solitary confinement for life with no contact with any human comes to mind.
Per NPR: FBI says there are “no obvious signs” that this was an attack by someone trained overseas.
Press conf. about to start.
Gov. Patrick speaking.
Only two explosive devices were found. There were no unexploded bombs.
More than 160 injured.
Thanks first responders for extraordinary work. Has called hospitals to thank them.
There’s a counseling center set up downtown.
Everyone should remain vigilant.
Mayor Menino. It’s kind of calming to hear his voice and thick Boston accent.
Say’s let’s keep working together to help each other. Has never seen law enforcement pull together like this. Boston will get thru this. Again, this is an info and counseling center–didn’t get phone #
24-hour hotline has received calls from all over the world.
Rick DesLauriers, FBI special agent in charge. Doesn’t say anything new. Just PR.
It’s an active investigation, no new threats. Interviewing witnesses and processing crime scene–could take a long time. Need assistance from public to develop timeline. Thanks for all info so far. Please keep helping.
bb, are you getting the same impression that they are closing in?
I don’t know what to think.
Just want to say that if anyone didn’t read this op-ed in the NYT yesterday, please try to read it sometime today. “Gitmo is Killing Me”
An inmate describes the horrors he and other have been through. He has been there for 11 years with no charges–he’s completely innocent and has been cleared for release, but is still being held. He’s now on a hunger strike with many others.
This is so shameful. Our tax money is paying for this to be done in our name.
It qualifies as torture as far as I’m concerned.
Found out that the 78-yr old man in the photo of BB’s post #3 lives about 20 miles from me. Glad he was able to get back up and finish the run. So sad about others who could not.
BB, take care of yourself too. JJ, too, and Pat, and everyone else. Can’t find the right words — we all have either been too close to horrible violence ourselves, or know someone who has been.
That guy had guts. It was his second Boston marathon–at 78!
Six degrees of separation…
Yes, I have been thinking of the shootings in Aurora where I have family and how afraid I was that my relatives might have been among the victims. They were not, thank goodness, but a family friend was killed.
This insanity must stop.
Saw this yesterday and thought it was a good reaction .
Howard Dean: Obama Might Drive Me Out Of The Democratic Party
Wow.
Wow, but good.
Ironic when you consider that Obama would never have gotten the Democratic nomination without the help of Dean and Democracy for America.
Yeah, he authroized the deal.
Yep.
Gee, I had that happen to me in 2008. Specifically, Saturday, May 31st and on Monday, June 2nd, I reregistered as an Indy.
Long memories – are they a blessing or a curse?
Yep, irony is not dead.
I’m still registered as Independent. I probably won’t change it.
Obama has driven me crazy. 2016 can’t come soon enough.
Tru Dat Babe!
I just heard something about the search in Revere. A local reporter says that a reliable source told him that the Saudi national who was in the hospital lived in that apartment. His roommate was also a Saudi. They were living out of suitcases and the lease was nearly up. The roommate may have been arrested.
I got the impression from the news conf. that they suspected a homegrown terrorist.
If the Saudi has been a student in the US for some time, he may qualify as homegrown for all practical purposes.
It’s just that they said “saudi national.” We have thousands of students here from the Middle East, India, Asia. I admit I don’t want this to be an attack by a muslim. I’m more fearful of Islamophobia than anything.
On their ticker tape news thread earlier this morning, CNN mentioned the Saudi who is hospitalized and also said the Saudi government is cooperating in the investigation. Nothing about an arrest. I don’t know what to make of it either.
CNN: Boston police looking for a Penske truck denied entry into the Marathon area yesterday.
CNN: Bombs contained carpenter nails, among other items.
To me, that sounds like domestic terrorist tactics, but what do I know?
They said carpenter nails were used in the Olympic bombing by Eric Rudolph.
Yup, purchased at the Walmart not far from Banjoville, in Murphy NC.
CNN now reporting the apartment of the two Saudis in Revere, MA has been searched. Nothing suspicious was found. The two Saudis were cooperative with authorities.
That’s good news.
Look at this:Right Wing Blogs’ Massive Fail: Injured Saudi Is a Witness, Not a Suspect – Little Green Footballs
Hope he sues their asses for character defamation. He should start with the Fox Propaganda channel.
CNN: One bomb was in a metal pressure cooker placed inside a black backpack.
I sure in the hell would like to know if Sec. Janet Napolitano is going to step up to the plate, and take some questions, and give some answers as to what she knows………………We are waiting Janet, it’s part of your JOB……………
What would she know though?
Well, she is an actor that we pay and she can at least address the issue of “safety” if nothing else. Surely she mills about with those who know something.
I suppose so, but I’d rather hear from the people who are directly investigating. I’d rather keep the Feds out of it as much as possible. The local Boston FBI office is in charge. I don’t care what Homeland Security people think. I’d rather just have that whole department eliminated, frankly.
I see your point, about elimination……………I’ve always been against the patriot act, and nod in agreement about FBI.
Did you know that we haven’t hired a ATF director for over six years……….and that we have fewer agents now than we had back in the 1970’s? Do you know who is blocking the hiring of a new director? The NRA has been fighting this because they see the role of ATF as policing the gun industry, and they are the one’s blocking the appointement of Bureau Chief. Now is the time for Obama to come out and just do it, and fight back on the NRA’s control. It might help make our cities safer and get a grip on where these explosives are coming from, and/or made.
Yes, it’s awful. Republicans won’t confirm anyone to the post. I’m starting to really dislike gun nuts. SCOTUS decided that prez can’t make interim appointments anymore.
I was reading an article in the Sacto Bee, regarding the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, Ca. They arrested a civilian employee, Mr. Devon Biggs on federal counts related to the theft of government property……………..several agents were involved and on the day he was busted he had done over $85,000 dollars worth of “technologically advanced thermal images, lasers, scopes, and modified automatic rifles with adjustable stock and converted to accept a sound suppressor sales.”……………Don’t know how long this nut has been stealing and dealing, and what all has left the depot, but it’s cases like this that helps the likes of the Timothy McVeighs wanna be, and the NRA gun nuts.
To top it off, in Ontario, Or. two men were injured with life threatening injuries when a homemade bomb went off Sunday……… There names were not released, because the police do not know whether it was an accident or deliberate attack.
WTF, do you think the two men were readying themselves for a pinick or what? It’s cases like this all over our country that need to be examined.
The ATF is a big fat bug up the ass for right wing militia nuts. The top NRA guys practically fall into that category. It’s another one of those throwback things to the neoconfederate movement.
It was so fortunate that there was a well equipped medical tent right near the sites of explosions and so many world class hospitals nearby as well. It’s amazing there weren’t more deaths. There are still 14 people in critical condition though.
There are so many people who have lost limbs…these are terrible injuries.
Those people would have bled to death if there hadn’t been so many medical people on scene for the runners.
Salivating Over The “T” Word
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2013/04/salivating_over_the_t_word.php
I would lump Lanza as a terrorist, a suicidal mass murder terrorist. His weapons were guns instead of bombs. It all creates the same fear and panic. I feel that this is terrorism too…but do not automatically label it Islamic, right-wing, home-grown, foreign or domestic…I am so sick of the shitheads that nit pick over this crap. If it is shit, call it shit. If it is shine-o-la, it ain’t shit. This was bombs at a marathon. It was an act of terrorism. Notice though, there is no adverb describing what kind of terrorism.
Dak, the Fort Hood Massacre comes to mind.
Yes … the mislabel a lot of things just because of the need to blame something they want to hate and misunderstand.
This is disgusting. Saw on Twitter that right wingers have gotten the name of the Saudi student who isn’t even a suspect now and are posting it on line.
Here is a sampling of some of the other crazy out there: The five weirdest Boston bombing conspiracy theories yet | The Raw Story
Good Grief: No More Mister Nice Blog
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE?
From Joe the Plumber’s Facebook page (via his Twitter feed):
Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid Plumber………..I think it was the other Joe on tv this morning getting this Bengahzi thing going.
It’s not socialism that you have to worry about, Joe plumber. It’s idiocracy.
Oh, no. It’s just madness; all of it.
Man found out on Reddit that his friend is alive. Friend was photographed in a wheelchair after the bombing. He was a runner. Story at the Atlantic. His name is Jeff Baumann and he is in stable condition but may have lost a leg. He father said Jeff had to have both legs amputated.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/stories-behind-most-indelible-images-boston-bombing/64267/
Meanwhile, Carroll University, (Wisc) on lockdown, armed gunman………..Tarrant County College (Texas)on lockdown, gunman….El Segundo, female holding boss at gun point (Calif)….and 62 year old shoots his neighbor, and turns himself in (Calif)……..Another, and another, and another, and another.
Nouriel Roubini just destroyed his reputation.
Ugh
He’s not called Dr Doom for nothing.
Where were the bomb-sniffing dogs? I am inclined to think that they should have had them patrolling the area. I would be interested to know what pre-race precautions were taken, as well as during the event.
The area had been swept twice earlier in the day with dogs prior to the explosions.
Yes. In fact I just heard on WBUR that the area of the finish line was swept minutes before the elite runners arrived.
I heard the last sweep was on the wrong side of the street though.
Image and caption via George Takei on fb:
Ok, finally got it up here! My wordpress skills are so rusty.
(waves to everyone!)
All my Skydancers affected by the Boston explosions are in my thoughts. XO
Oh Mona, that is so sad.
I saw that a little while ago. Heartbreaking.
Yes, BB and JJ, it really is.
“My dear son Martin has died from injuries sustained in the attack on Boston. My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries. We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin. We also ask for your patience and for privacy as we work to simultaneously grieve and recover. Thank you.” -Bill Richard on the death of his son, Martin Richard, 8
STORY: 8-Year-Old Died at Boston Marathon Waiting to Greet Father http://abcn.ws/ZocHFg
(apologies if any of this is repeat content here!!)
His younger sister lost a leg and his mother has serious brain injuries. It is too sad for words.
A second fatality was Krystle Campbell of Arlington–the town I live in.
She was 29.
It is horrible…so sad.
I found a few links you may be interested in:
5 viral stories about Boston attacks that aren’t true – CNN.com
Typical crap indeed.
The Boston bombing produces familiar and revealing reactions | Glenn Greenwald | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk
Read the rest of that Greenwald post…if you can.
Then there is this:Celebrity’s Facebook post about Boston attacks goes viral – CNN.com
About this post:
Boston. Fucking… | Facebook
Along similar lines as the links you and BB posted about the bs going around…
http://gawker.com/5994754/false-flags-and-roof-terrorists-your-guide-to-all-the-internet-horseshit
Georgia Rep. Jack Kingston urged National Guard to “take a pass” on Boston Marathon this year.
If the pressure cooker was sealed very well, with no gun powder on the outside, wonder if a bomb sniffing dog could have missed it?
There are reports of a man seen putting backpacks in trash cans on surveillance tape during the race. He could have done it after the security check. It’s a madhouse down there during the marathon, with a Red Sox game letting out at the same time. No one would have noticed.
We’ve never had a violent incident on this holiday–the worth thing I can recall is Rosie Ruiz jumping in and claiming she was the first women across the finish line.