Khalil Mahmoud

[Ella]

Folks, stop with the political posts. And yes, debating Israel vs. Palestine is highly political. Stop. It's not the topic of this thread.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Missy. This thread is not about Gaza. Not about Hamas.


The facts being presented here are about America.
You can not see beyond very strong- justifiable hate.
But hate it is.

Its causing so many of us to ignore the draconian policies being put in place.
Ignore the similarities to authoritarian regimes like Hungary.
Ignore a global trade was started by the US and based entirely on lies and misinformation. Do not look at your stock portfolio. Don’t look at the fact that the US is now a dangerous country to visit- tourism numbers plummeting.
It’s impossible for you to have a discussion about US policies without constantly changing the subject to fit your narrative about Israel. Completely impossible.
I wish you the very best.
Based on facts and actions being carried out by the policies being enacted, many of feel the reality HERE in the USA is about to bite us all in the ass.

 

[missy]

@Rockdiamond

David, this thread is about Khalid Mahmoud. A person who supports terrorists and terror. In Israel.

How do we talk about him and the reason this administration wants him deported without discussing Gaza and Israel?

In addition I was just responding to your questions and answering them. That's the way conversation works.
Ebb and flow. If one must stay within a narrow topic without expanding upon explanations and rational that makes for a very limited conversation.

Maybe that is all you want. Stick to the topic without fully exploring all the issues.
Touch upon things very superficially.
That was never something I was good doing
I am not one for superficial conversation usually

I am happy to stop answering any of your questions as I do not want to cause you (or anyone else) further distress

Just know when you are "discussing" topics with all who agree there really is no discussion/debate going on if you kwim.
If you want to preach to the choir go ahead. Knock yourself out
As you wrote before free speech only when you agree with it

I wish you and your family all the best too. I mean that

 

[Ella]

The topic at hand is not a debate about Gaza or Israel, it is about due process in the United States. Bring the discussion up a level so it does not devolve into political debate.

No politics or political discussions.

 

[Tigerlilyrosepetal]

Yes blame me for your behavior
Not surprising at all
That’s the MO of anti semitic rhetoric

@missy, I’m really sorry for all the posts on here. It’s quite sad.

@Rockdiamond

David, this thread is about Khalid Mahmoud. A person who supports terrorists and terror. In Israel.

How do we talk about him and the reason this administration wants him deported without discussing Gaza and Israel?

In addition I was just responding to your questions and answering them. That's the way conversation works.
Ebb and flow. If one must stay within a narrow topic without expanding upon explanations and rational that makes for a very limited conversation.

Maybe that is all you want. Stick to the topic without fully exploring all the issues.
Touch upon things very superficially.
That was never something I was good doing
I am not one for superficial conversation usually

I am happy to stop answering any of your questions as I do not want to cause you (or anyone else) further distress

Just know when you are "discussing" topics with all who agree there really is no discussion/debate going on if you kwim.
If you want to preach to the choir go ahead. Knock yourself out
As you wrote before free speech only when you agree with it

I wish you and your family all the best too. I mean that

@missy, I want you to know that I’m sorry for some of the comments on here, as when I read them, they come off as harsh and unfeeling. I’m with you in your thinking and want you to know that you are a marvelous advocate. You are not alone.

As an aside, just noticing that there are so many contentious posts as of late, like this one that @Mreader started. Why is this? I also thought it was super ironic that there was another post the other day by @Mreader, in which she claimed not to be aggressive; lamenting that she was not aggressive enough. I don’t know. It seems that there’s a lot of fire in people’s comments in this post and others which some may interpret as aggression well enough.
Just saying.
Wondering how we come to a point of lowering the temperature? Is that even possible?

 

[Mreader]

@missy, I’m really sorry for all the posts on here. It’s quite sad.


@missy, I want you to know that I’m sorry for some of the comments on here, as when I read them, they come off as harsh and unfeeling. I’m with you in your thinking and want you to know that you are a marvelous advocate. You are not alone.

As an aside, just noticing that there are so many contentious posts as of late, like this one that @Mreader started. Why is this? I also thought it was super ironic that there was another post the other day by @Mreader, in which she claimed not to be aggressive; lamenting that she was not aggressive enough. I don’t know. It seems that there’s a lot of fire in people’s comments in this post and others which some may interpret as aggression well enough.
Just saying.
Wondering how we come to a point of lowering the temperature? Is that even possible?

What’s ironic @Tigerlilyrosepetal is that you talk about lowering the temperature yet you provoke me by referencing another thread in which I have had a difficult situation to contend with. And you are the one who attacked Daisy in a different thread, which does the very opposite of lowering the temperature. I really don’t appreciate it. I’ve been respectful to everyone in this thread.

 

[Tigerlilyrosepetal]

What’s ironic @Tigerlilyrosepetal is that you talk about lowering the temperature yet you provoke me by referencing another thread in which I have had a difficult situation to contend with. And you are the one who attacked Daisy in a different thread, which does the very opposite of lowering the temperature. I really don’t appreciate it. I’ve been respectful to everyone in this thread.

@Mreader I’m truly sorry for your difficult situation that you are dealing with. I wanted to show that by our comments collectively in these hot topic posts and in defending our beliefs/commenting, its perception can come off accusatory and aggressive to those thinking differently. Again, I’m sorry that you are having a tough time.

 

[Matata]

Wondering how we come to a point of lowering the temperature? Is that even possible?

One thing people can do is stay out of threads that upset them. When people read or participate in a discussion that upsets them, the onus is on them to opt out and the consequences for not doing so fall squarely on the shoulders of the people who choose to expose themselves to things that upset them.

Just sayin'.

 

[Lookinagain]

How do we talk about him and the reason this administration wants him deported without discussing Gaza and Israel?

In my opinion, the way this is done is discuss what due process is or isn't. Not which particular person is entitled to it and which isn't, and why. It's a concept of the law, so whatever the law is, it applies in a particular situation, regardless of the person. Otherwise, you just can't have the discussion without it devolving into politics.

 

[Rockdiamond]

How do we talk about him and the reason this administration wants him deported without discussing Gaza and Israel?

Easy. Limit the discussion to US policy.
Freedom of speech has limits- we can all agree.
The classic of yelling “fire” in a crowded theater…. Clearly doesn’t qualify.
Given the political climate in our country, there are very few places where a civil discussion can be had. FB, twitter- devolve into name calling, and personal insults.
This forum is really unique in this sense. We have freedom to speak, within limits.
We are bound by a respect for each other and this place- so we’re glad to comply
Colleges, and universities should be places where free exchange of ideas occur.
There are going to be ideas some of us don’t like.
Have there been protests and demonstrations that have gone to far? Obviously.
But the fact remains that although we respect Ella- so we do not discuss the hot topic of Middle East conflict- the subject needs to be discussed if any solutions can be found.
That’s where this discussion is centered.
Again- American policy now- if the US government uses draconian measures to stifle this debate on college campuses, we all lose. It seems they won’t stop with this single issue. All free speech is at risk.
If the guy was violent he should have been arrested at the time- or even subsequently, but for an actual crime.
What we’re seeing- and not just in this case- the government is saying it’s a crime to say certain things.
TV networks are being sued.
Because the government doesn’t like critical reporting.
To me, the point of the thread- they are using a scapegoat to stir up resentment.
These reek of authoritarian policies. Force progressive people to defend a heinous character in defense of the First Amendment.
The people making these policies are clearly concerned with domestic issues over what’s going on in the Middle East.
They are throwing down a gauntlet by disregarding due process and our courts. Don’t like it? Too bad.
How to bring down the temperature of this sort of discussion?
Sadly it seems that the policies and enforcement actions are designed to keep us all at each other’s throats
I wish this discussion could change the course. To many of us, the USA we know and loved is gone.

 

[missy]

@missy, I want you to know that I’m sorry for some of the comments on here, as when I read them, they come off as harsh and unfeeling. I’m with you in your thinking and want you to know that you are a marvelous advocate. You are not alone.

Thank you dear Tigerlily. Your supportive and very kind words are much appreciated. And have touched my heart.

And I do know I am not alone. It's funny because in the last few days I have received over a half dozen supportive and sweet emails from members (who are mostly no longer posting on PS). Some members I never communicated with offline before. And also I have received IG messages from PSers. All so kind and supportive and basically feeling similarly to what you wrote. And they all wrote I am not alone and how they appreciate me standing up and speaking out.

Reading what they wrote brought tears to my eyes. And shows us that while few of us who feel the way we do about this topic post on PS they are reading and they do see a bias and the double standard. All of the emails/messages I received said something about that. We cannot talk about that topic here but it reinforces how I was/am feeling about certain things said. Yes we do know it when we see it.

I am OK though so please do not worry. If I wasn't I wouldn't continue sharing another point of view here. My heart goes out to PSers who are feeling pretty bad about things at the moment. I feel their distress and it makes me sad. And I also realize some people are very self unaware. And perhaps that is why some of what they write comes across very harshly. I am not angry with them. I feel badly for how they are feeling.

Of course I prefer not dealing with conflict (who.likes it) but I never shy away from the truth and justice. It is a big deal to me when things are unfair and it is part of my DNA to speak out against injustices all over. I don't reserve my outrage for just one injustice but I rally against them all. And yes huge injustices have been happening to a certain people since October 7th 2023. I will never forget the hostages and never stop asking for their release. Asking to release innocent people should never be viewed as a political issue. It is a HUMAN rights issue. Just like what we are talking about in this thread.

I also agree with you It is sad we cannot disagree and calmly discuss our differences. And the reasons behind why we feel the way we do. We cannot share the entire story because the rules are the rules. But that does us a disservice because it really is a one sided conversation in many respects. And one of the reasons many no longer post here.

OK so now this thread is about due process. Not about what Mahmoud is accused of and not about the hate he is spewing against a certain race. Fine. I will abide by the rules. And once again here is my thought about due process. I am for it. Got that? I am for due process. Once due process is done I am also 100% for deporting ALL those who support terror and the destruction of our western values.

 

[Rfisher]

OK so now this thread is about due process. Not about what Mahmoud is accused of and not about the hate he is spewing against a certain race. Fine. I will abide by the rules. And once again here is my thought about due process. I am for it. Got that? I am for due process. Once due process is done I am also 100% for deporting ALL those who support terror and the destruction of our western values.

Agreed.
(although im not educated enough to know where the intended melting pot of USA ends and the standard of western values begins - different subject though)

It’s a shame the current administration didn’t follow due process and point to evidence instead of a weak statement.
I feel there’s a reason for their choice to do so that isn’t incompetence or laziness though. If they had followed due process - it wouldn’t be this big of a topic of its implications.

I understand your passion and stance.
I hope you can also see there’s a difference between hateful posts that are deservedly deleted and someone that chooses to have a discussion that fits the rules here to be allowed. To discuss a topic that’s related but you can’t find enough proof online of other discussions to earn that right to question something.
They aren’t the same.

 

[missy]

@Rfisher thank you for understanding my passion for the truth and for justice.

Sadly I’ve observed a double standard here. That’s the truth. I can’t call it out because that’s breaking the rules. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I’m not the only one who sees it either. I’m glad for the validation from people I respect. But the truth also is I’m a strong person and don’t need validation. I know what I’m seeing. However it’s always nice when others back you up when seemingly many here are twisting facts.

There are gross injustices happening all over the world and the current administration certainly doesn’t hold the monopoly on them. If the previous administration had addressed the violations of others civil rights (and I did not see anyone here calling that out) perhaps we would not be here today. But they didn’t and here we are

And yes everyone in the USA deserves due process. Mahmoud is going to appeal the immigration judge’s decision that he can be deported. So due process is happening

 

[Rfisher]

There are gross injustices happening all over the world and the current administration certainly doesn’t hold the monopoly on them. If the previous administration had addressed the violations of others civil rights (and I did not see anyone here calling that out) perhaps we would not be here today. But they didn’t and here we are

Oh I didn’t think of this aspect and should have chosen my words differently. Yes you are right. I used ‘current administration’ at this time just to not name names. Not to imply anything on previous administration.
I’m not a fan of a lot on either side of administrations that’s happened.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Once due process is done I am also 100% for deporting ALL those who support terror and the destruction of our western values.

What exactly is “support”?
Kind of sounds like “let’s give’’em a fair trial-then we’ll hang them”
The policy now has been to deport first, then ask questions.
The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia seems to be yet another example of how these policies degrade our entire rule of law.
He’s still alive ( unbelievably) but the government seems to ignore court decisions and orders.
That’s really what this is about. The degradation of the rule of law in the USA


I didn’t post about the demonstrations but that doesn’t mean I “approved” of them.
To me- and many of us- that situation- bad as it was- didn’t have anywhere near the implications on our country as a whole.
Not a double standard- but a different perspective.
I am totally in support of permitting peaceful campus protests- but also enforcing laws that protect all the students.
What happened at Columbia wasn’t ok.

 

[Rfisher]

Sadly I’ve observed a double standard here. That’s the truth. I can’t call it out because that’s breaking the rules. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I’m not the only one who sees it either. I’m glad for the validation from people I respect. But the truth also is I’m a strong person and don’t need validation. I know what I’m seeing. However it’s always nice when others back you up when seemingly many here are twisting facts.

So can I take this as a ‘no I dont see your side’ and you do consider side shoot discussions as disrespectful? And therefore against. Antisemitism. One needs to have a marked stance you can find here or elsewhere to comment on the side shoots. The multiple “where are your posts on ‘_____’ instead of this side shoot topic” that has implications for life in the USA, comments?

David’s comments on these expectations is what brought me here to post instead of just read.

I don’t read other PS members social media. If I do - I’m unaware of the connection. Maybe that’s the disconnect, and you do. I don’t know.

I have a hard time understanding ‘if you aren’t absolutely with me - you are absolutely against me, therefore an enemy’, beliefs.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Also- one of the people who was pardoned on 1/20/25 was a guy wearing a “Camp Aushwitz” shirt. A self proclaimed Nazi. So please don’t tell me this administration is concerned with antisemitism.

 

[Roselina]

There are gross injustices happening all over the world and the current administration certainly doesn’t hold the monopoly on them.

That is certainly true. However, there are things happening under the current administration that are, in my opinion, clearly unworthy of a democracy — and that is very scary.

 

[Matata]

Is it FOMO, emotional dysregulation, or curiosity-killed-the-cat that makes PSers who left here disgruntled with the place for whatever reason keep returning to read stuff that upsets them?

@missy when I've broken the rules here I've had my knuckles slapped and posts deleted. There are others here who have been similarly spanked for stepping over the line and I see no favoritism for any given position or affiliation. The only favoritism I see is from posters for each other and that isn't a bad thing, it's one of the aspects that makes PS feel like family.

 

[Roselina]

That is certainly true. However, there are things happening under the current administration that are, in my opinion, clearly unworthy of a democracy — and that is very scary.

But just to make this clear: this does happen elsewhere as well. I love America, have family there and really hope that everything will be fine.

 

[missy]

Is it FOMO, emotional dysregulation, or curiosity-killed-the-cat that makes PSers who left here disgruntled with the place for whatever reason keep returning to read stuff that upsets them?

@missy when I've broken the rules here I've had my knuckles slapped and posts deleted. There are others here who have been similarly spanked for stepping over the line and I see no favoritism for any given position or affiliation. The only favoritism I see is from posters for each other and that isn't a bad thing, it's one of the aspects that makes PS feel like family.

The PSers who contacted me are definitely not disgruntled members. They are very lovely people and were lovely posters here as well.
It't ironic we are discussing free speech but aren't free to fully discuss it lol. I mean it makes me laugh. Yes PS isn't the real world of course but it strikes my funny bone

I’m not a fan of a lot on either side of administrations that’s happened.

Same. I never cared for either administration. This time more than ever. I mean it's always voting for who I feel (who we all feel) is the lesser of two evils. This time one topic swayed me over all else. I used to be a pro choice/women's rights voter all the way. When I saw how women's rights groups remained silent about the rape (and mutilation and torture) of (Jewish) women that was the final straw for me. And I voted the one issue that is most important to me. Which is everyone's right. Of course. Agree or disagree but it is each individual's choice to make as I am sure everyone here can agree

I cannot discuss that topic because Ella closed the AS thread. Right after October 2023. I wish I could discuss this topic with you and anyone interested.

But just to make this clear: this does happen elsewhere as well. I love America, have family there and really hope that everything will be fine.

I hope everything will be fine too. I care about our country. I truly care about the entire world. And all I want is peace for everyone. That is the truth. But it is very hard to find peace when there is so much hate.

it's one of the aspects that makes PS feel like family.

Yes, I agree... and it really touched my heart when members reached out to me.

I have a hard time understanding ‘if you aren’t absolutely with me - you are absolutely against me, therefore an enemy’, beliefs.

That is not my belief system. That is our enemies belief system. But when one calls for another's death I draw the line there. That is my value system. Do whatever you please as long as you don't hurt others and wanting a whole race dead is never acceptable

I am going to shut up now so I don't get banned. If one day we can have a 24 hour thread where we can discuss anything freely I would be onboard with that. Just saying