Yesterday, the Justice Department reversed itself and released a full, unredacted transcript of the 911 call of Omar Mateen during his massacre in Orlando. The Justice Department redacted references despite objections from media and political leaders that the redactions were ridiculous. Nevertheless, Attorney General Loretta Lynch went on the Sunday shows and insisted that it was best for the public and the victims. It was a telling moment of how the government now begins with an assumption that it is better to limit what the public reads and knows. What was removed was references to “Islamic State” and ISIS leader “Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.” How exactly do those references, according to Lynch, “revictimize” people? It was well known and widely reported that Mateen had referenced both ISIS and al-Baghdadi. Yet, the impulse of the Justice Department was to censor and control information that was already public.
Matinee says “I pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi may God protect him [in Arabic], on behalf of the Islamic State.” In the earlier official version it read: “I pledge allegiance to [omitted] may God protect him [in Arabic], on behalf of [omitted].”
Now the Justice Department insists that it was the fault of the public in making a big deal over the omissions: “Unfortunately, the unreleased portions of the transcript that named the terrorist organizations and leaders have caused an unnecessary distraction from the hard work that the FBI and our law enforcement partners have been doing to investigate this heinous crime.”
An “unnecessary distraction”? Of course, it is always a bit distracting when the government by reflex withholds information from the public and then tells the public it is really for its own good.
Well, for those members of the public willing to risk it all, here is the transcript: Mateen Transcript
Source: Fox News
Actually, this was a taste of Socialism. Censorship, 2nd Amendment needs to go, guns can only be used by the government, you get what government wants you to know. This from Obama, and Hillary is going to continue Obama’s vision. I heard an interesting discussion after the Soviet Union broke up. Young students from Russia were asking their families “why did you put up with this?” Especially with their grandparents. How could they let this happen?
If you vote for Hillary and she wins, get your answers ready for your grandchildren.
Dog Man,
If you’ve read more about Orlando than the official BS, then you know their version is almost certainly a lie. Therefore, what would expect to learn from the transcripts? Don’t you know that if there’s ANYthing there which sheds light on the truth, there’s no way in Hades that the perps will allow the public to know it.
Doglover,
As Paul points out, the Orlando police dept. has all the records. By law, these are public records not open to redaction. I don’t know why you think no govt. entity has all the records. I’m quite certain that multiple agencies have all the records.
I do agree with you that it’s a good idea to read many, many blogs and news sources across the world. This isn’t exactly realistic for most people, but if you can do it, I think it’s wonderful! The fact that you suggest such a thing shows just how far gone our “open” society is. It has left the building!
Paul, my understanding is that the Orlando Police are supposed to release these as public records. I don’t know if that means the DOJ can’t also release them. It’s a good question but I can’t answer it. I do know that multiple FOIA have been filed to get the supposed “public” records. We may learn something this way, but not for a while.
Joe,
Shah
The release of the transcript may tend to traumatize the little college flowers who are constantly unsafe and victimized by words.