James Foley’s parents cannot be faulted for this naivete. After all, the official U.S. government line is that Islam is utterly peaceful and benign. This group calls itself “the Islamic State,” and is, of course, “extremist,” but the Foleys may have hoped that they would ultimately recall some of the vaunted peaceful, tolerant, benevolent and magnanimous teachings of their holy book and prophet, and let their son go. The Foleys’ failure to realize how brutal the Islamic State really could and would be is a byproduct of the general denial by both government and media of the fact that there are texts and teachings of Islam that preach hatred and violence. Their naivete is a manifestation of the general willful ignorance and the demonization of all who speak the truth about this as “racists,” “bigots,” and “Islamophobes.”
“Foley’s parents ‘underestimated how brutal they were,'” ITV, August 22, 2014:
The mother of James Foley, the US journalist executed by Islamist militants, told NBC’s Today show that they had previously attempted to negotiate with the extremists holding their son hostage.
“The last time we heard from them was in December, actually. In December we had received several emails but then they stopped communicating,” Diane Foley said.
“And so we were just anxiously waiting. We had established a special email and sent multiple messages hoping to engage them.”
James’ father, John, said he had been “excited” to see the most recent Islamic State email “despite the conclusion that they would execute Jim” and that he “did not realise how brutal they were.”
Rajivi says
It is reported that IS put a proposal for exchange of J Foley with one Dr. Afia Siddiqui;
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/ISIS-offered-to-swap-Pakistan-woman-scientist-for-slain-US-journalist/articleshow/40667427.cms
Meshulam says
I think we should still make that exchange if you get my drift …
Mrs. Sherringham says
Maybe ISIS could kidnap Robert Fisk.
Beagle says
This horrible story got worse with the release of the details on how Foley was treated in captivity. I hope journalists and aid workers will take this opportunity to GET OUT OF THERE NOW.
Kidnapping for ransom and beheading are sanctioned by Islam and big business over there. There is no purpose which justifies the risk of going there but for dropping bombs from high altitude.
Like the PC kamikaze brigades feeding female journalists into the Tahrir Square meatgrinder, please, stop the madness!
Shane says
It’s a shame that the parents did not take this opportunity to call for the destruction of ISIS who are nothing but Muslim savages. For Obama and Kerry to recently state the ISIS has nothing to do with Islam is a travesty. ISIS is doing nothing that Muhammad did not do except for killing other Muslims.
We need a leader who will tell the truth about Islam. How about Allen West for President.
Pavelina says
Yes. We need a wartime president and West has complete knowledge of Islam. He’s dealt with them, studied their books and has no illusions about them.
West for President.
Mailboxawnings says
As much as I liked Bush, he set the stage for this madness with his “Islam is a religion of peace” immediately after 9-11. That and his spectacularly inane advice to go shopping completely confused the nation. To fight a war, a country must know who the enemy is. Consequently whenever an American someone Islam, he was branded Islamophobic and evil groups like CAIR were allowed to attack him.
i-Infidel says
Foley himself was a “progressive” journalist who not doubt pushed the mainstream media mantra “religion of peace hijacked by a tiny minority of extremists”. Wherever he is I wonder if he still believes such nonsense…
Myxlplik says
True, and it looks like the apple didn’t fall too far from the stupid tree. Sorry to say it, but dumb can get you killed.
Robert is right though, it is the job of our government and media to keep us informed in regards to the goals and motives of our enemies. That said we do live in a free society, so if you are motivated the truth is out there. Educating yourself can keep your head attached to your neck.
Jay Boo says
I don’t know if Foley himself pushed the mainstream media mantra but their are a whole bunch of them trying to sell the fantastic fairytale of:
“If we say nice things about them and ignore their brutality they will like us more and wish us no harm” .
voegelinian says
Some PC MCs are so stubbornly starry-eyed, they would continue to believe Islam is peace (and don’t forget “most Muslims are decent moms and pops like the rest of us”) even as the blade begins to saw at their jugular and surrounding tendons. I consider the reckless endangerment of our loved ones and our fellow citizens in which they indulge for the sake of their precious ethical narcissism to be a higher priority than the atrocity itself — particularly when that atrocity is perversely used to redouble and strengthen the prevailing TMOE paradigm (viz., that the problem is only a Tiny Minority of Extremists), rather than to begin to weaken it, as it should in a sane world.
espe says
Because Foley was a Progressive, that’s the reason his parents also thought the same, that the religion of Islam is a religion of Peace. Marquette University where James Foley went is a liberal, progressive, University despite being Catholic. I hope James Foley’s parents now have a different conclusion on Islam. If they don’t they need only to study history & what the religion (cult) of Islam has done throughout the centuries from Mohammed, Ghengis Kahn, Attila the Hun and the rest of these killers to the present day
Diane Harvey says
“. . . and that he [Foley’s parent] ‘did not realise how brutal they were.’”
I’m guessing here, but Foley’s parents have not bookmarked JihadWatch.
Being educated about Islam, and the ways of Big Mo, none of us in the JW faithful is surprised in the least. Disgusted certainly, but not surprised.
Boy o’ boy, a lot of scales have yet to be fallen from the eyes of way too many Westerners as they learn about Islam.
Terry says
Probably voted for Obama twice and were hoping he would seize permanent power.
Jay Boo says
Whenever a Muslim insists on offering hospitality, run away.
I was just speaking with a 1400 year old Jew from Medina yesterday.
He told me to never trust a Muslim who insists on offering you his hospitality.
So true,
Even today
abad says
Sad that Foley’s parents – and siblings – are so liberal – his siblings were interviewed by Couric and they claimed our USA government should have given ISL the 1 million Euros they demanded – so glad we did not – giving money to such a wickedness – and the European nations who paid off the ISL to have their journalists released are STUPID.
James Foard says
“Died Abner as a fool dies?”
2 Samuel 3:33
Kathy Brown says
Hey: The Foleys went on MSNBC, OK? Not Fox.
I’m sure we all feel 2 things at the same time: Great sadness for the Foley family and for James (God rest his soul). And-at the exact same time-we’re ‘surprised’ that Mr. Foley didn’t hastily add: ‘We were surprised at their brutality-OF COURSE WE REALIZE THAT THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ISLAM, THE RELIGION OF PEACE’.
SpiritOf1683 says
Where have they been all this time not to realise how brutal ISIS are? Our cat couldn’t have failed to be aware of this, given what has been happening over the last two years at least. Barely a day has gone by without some heinous atrocity at the hands of ISIS.
Victor Mc. says
Foley was an Islamic supporter and collaborator.
I am not suggesting that he deserved the awful brutal death by these maniacs but he ought to have known what he was association with. If not, why not?
Joeb says
I once was told the Islamists have said: “You have the clocks, but we have the time.” Perhaps the time is now. Wake up America and lower your political differences with each other. There is a common enemy that eclipses.
The common enemy has the will to die, whereas the rest of the world accedes to nature and has the will to live. So, we must remember what Gen George Patton once said: “Your duty is not to die for your country. Your job is to help the other poor bastard die for his country.”
Remember, the Islamist lives with the vision of glorious death always in mind. Once radicalized, he becomes a suicide waiting to slaughter others as he slaughters himself.
Connie says
I cant believe how Stupid his parents are..Wake UP America..Stop believing your Thugs in government, the News that isnt the real news, TV that lies..2 Many Americans are glued 2 the idiot box tv, drinking beer, never ending sports, getting drunk , Shopping , on and on..These pigs are ready 4 YOU all of us..ITS time 2 get Violent in a subtle way like they do..Poor Bastard foley..He knew the risks..I wouldnt go over there for 2 million in cash..BRUTAL yes THEY are more than Brutal..Snap out of it..Better get your weapons..
doomsdae says
James Foley was a graduate of Marquette University. While it’s Catholic, it’s a liberal progressive University so most likely where he was indoctrinated.
His parents also need to read/learn history and the truth about this (cult is what I call it) religion of war. From the savages Genghis Kahn, Attila the Hun, Mohammed to the present savage Islam. They need to do their homework and stop relying on the left wing media & Obama for their news. Nevertheless, I do feel sorry that they had to lose their son in such a needless way.
Anon says
James Foley’s LIBERAL parents.
Anon says
Appalled, very “appalled”. What’s for dinner.
David says
It seems that their son was towing the leftist / Muslim Brotherhood line but ultimately that did not help him, either. http://shoebat.com/2014/08/21/muslim-brotherhoods-islamic-state-beheads-liberals/
LuLu says
please tell me they are not this mind numbed; their son was kidnapped and held hostage for two years by these vile animals.