August 4, 2007
Posted: 02:08 PM ET

Republican presidential hopeful Tom Tancredo

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo's campaign stood by his assertion that bombing holy Muslim sites would serve as a good "deterrent" to prevent Islamic fundamentalists from attacking the United States, his spokeswoman said Friday.

"This shows that we mean business," said Bay Buchanan, a senior Tancredo adviser. "There's no more effective deterrent than that. But he is open-minded and willing to embrace other options. This is just a means to deter them from attacking us."

On Tuesday, Tancredo warned a group of Iowans that another terrorist attack would "cause a worldwide economic collapse." IowaPolitics.com recorded his comments.

"If it is up to me, we are going to explain that an attack on this homeland of that nature would be followed by an attack on the holy sites in Mecca and Medina," Tancredo said. "That is the only thing I can think of that might deter somebody from doing what they would otherwise do. If I am wrong, fine, tell me, and I would be happy to do something else. But you had better find a deterrent, or you will find an attack."

Tom Casey, a deputy spokesman for the State Department, told CNN's Elise Labott that the congressman’s comments were "reprehensible" and "absolutely crazy." Tancredo was widely criticized in 2005 for making a similar suggestion.

–CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich

Filed under: Tom Tancredo


zeeshan   January 28th, 2008 4:47 am ET

yes that's an peace loving comment .that west belives

Mike   January 13th, 2008 3:54 am ET

WOW! You push a strong point but you are forgetting that the main part of muslim is not violent. The vast magority are very good and peacful people.. supprise but just like me or any God loving christian we have the same type of values. Lets just stop for 1 second and realize we are all humans………………………….

Well not to mention there is a reason for people to feel oppressed, especially to the point were they are willing to give there lives. I not implying that bombers are justified just that we should look at there actions as casusal. one event (called cause) and another event (called effect) which is the consequence (result) Everything is done for a reason, whethier you are christian, muslim, jew buddist, bla bla bla … ECT. Any of these people would do extreme things if there way of life was disturbed/threatened enough. OH and have they, Dear God look what the christians did in the first crusades when they fianally breached Jerusalems walls. Well The texts speak litterally of rivers of blood, not a singal musslim was spared.

My rant does have a point, And that is that seperation of church and state was part of our constitution. If we declare war on Islam we are underming every foundation this country ever stood for!!!!

Mike   January 9th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

How soon can we start?

eric house   January 4th, 2008 2:42 am ET

Why are you people so weak? Tancredo is right on the dot with this idea.
Tell me does anyone remember how the world tried to appease Hitler throughout the 30's? What did it get the world accept a stronger enemy to have to fight in the end. These Muslim nations mean exactly what they are saying when they say we as America are "the great Satan" and when they call on a holy war for our destruction. The Muslims have a serious weak point, their religion, to be a real Muslim they must at least once in their lives make a pilgrimage to Mecca, their holy sites are "precious" to them, we should use our ability to turn their holy sites into nuclear wastelands as a way of stopping them from attacking America. No one wants this to happen, but it is time for the "good muslims" to stop sitting on the fence on this issue, and to get a leash on their dog. We need to "motivate" them, The pentagon is a national holy site in a secular way, did they have a problem flying planes into it? We should openly at the UN tell the Russians and the Chineese that we are opening two of our ICBM missle launch sites and that these missles are pointed at both Mecca and Meddina, if they truly love their God, and their religion, they will come to the table and talk like civilized people, if not then they are responsible for those cities destruction.

matthew john dudzik, brookfeld w.i. 21940 foxhaven run #7   December 16th, 2007 4:42 pm ET

thats not crazy, thats called strategy.!!!!!!!!!!!

latif   December 1st, 2007 11:17 am ET

if you were to bomb a site like that you will bring so much pain to the usa. i dont think you would want to do that to the u.s people

MIRNES KELESTURA ST.LOUIS,MO   November 29th, 2007 1:54 am ET

SITUATION IS MATHEMATICAL:POLITICS=CORUPTED VISSION OF MAKING LEAGLE SLAVERY, HATE=SIN'S, BEING EVLE=HELL FIRE, WOR=#1 BUSSINES IN THE WORLD, POLITICS USE RELIGION TO ACHIVE THEIR MISSIONS, SO THEIR MISSIONS MIGHT TAKE THEIR OWN FREEDOM.,DIVIDE THAT WITH; MISSTERIES STORIES FROM HOLLEY BOOKS, OUTCOME=SOON. WINNING II'nd-WW+CREATING ENEMY 4THE FUTURE=III'rdWW. THEN ALL HUMAN'S WILL GET EQUAL PUNISHMENT+DESSTROING A LIFE BECOMES BECAUSE OFF GREED MOSTLEY. I'M BOSNIAN-AMERICAN MUSSLIM. MY ADVICE IS HOLD UR THOUGHTS AND LOOK AT THE SITUATION THROUGHOUT GOD'S EYES. IF U SAY IT, IT'S LIKE U DID IT!!! PANDERUP ON THIS., ONE AND ONLEY

Roz, Toronto, Ontario   November 14th, 2007 1:05 am ET

Im sorry to say that is just bigotry coming out without logic. Like saying UK should have bombed the Vatican in retaliation for the IRA. What's sad is that people get away with saying these kinds of things when they would dare not say that about any other culture or group of people.

Randy Phillips, SF, CA   September 17th, 2007 10:23 am ET

Quisling of Norway, it seems the best thing for Islam to do, is to track down and capture/kill bin Laden and al qada before Islam suffers a retaliatory nakba.

If our "friends" in Saudi Arabia are on our side, Saudi troops should be PUBLIC members of the coalition forces tracking down osama. Public to demonstrate to the World that Saudi Arabia is NOT a supporter of al qada.

But I don't believe they are. Perhaps a conflict of interest?

E. Kulseth, Trondheim, Norway.   September 12th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

The US is not at war with every muslim in the world as the situation stands today; bomb Mecca and Medina, and it certainly will be.

My guess is that five minutes after such an attack takes place (and I'll pray to any god willing to listen that it never does), we'll see bin Laden on TV, wearing his biggest Cheshire Cat grin, going 'See, I told you! America hates islam, so go get'em…', and how will he be proven wrong at that point?

Sierra, Los Angeles CA   September 12th, 2007 3:27 pm ET

Bombing and destroying religious lands in the Middle East would not only anger those in the Middle East, but would be a personal affront to anyone of the Muslim faith here in America. Tom Tancredo is sending a message of intolerant, religious hatred to those both overseas and to those belonging to the American Muslim community.

Actually, he'd be destroying everything we hold dear in America regarding religious tolerance and treating everyone of different faiths equally. Destroying Mecca and Medina would basically give dangerous precedence to others that it's a legitimate form of political exchange and tactic to bomb Jerusalem, the Holy Mount, St. Paul's Cathedral, Stonehenge, or any other site that holds religious or spiritual significance to other persons of faith.

And this is coming from an agnostic, not a person of any particular faith. And how is this going to help the future of mankind? What a stain on future history books – "Here's the site that used to be Mecca, the most holy of Muslim sites, but America destroyed it in 2010 after Tom Tancredo was elected President."

Let's not let this "gentleman" from Colorado have any more years of service in the Representative body, please???

Alex Seredin, Delray Beach, Florida   September 3rd, 2007 2:10 am ET

The Tancredo Doctrine would be useful policy for the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, India, Israel, Australia.

J. K. Nalgon, Pueblo, Colorado   September 2nd, 2007 3:57 pm ET

Brilliant, Tom! Let's also nuke a few Christian churches down in Oklahoma in order to deter any potential Timothy McVeighs.

Lewis, United Kingdom.   August 29th, 2007 8:31 am ET

Haha, you Americans should definitely vote this guy for president… But if it were up to me I would get the muslims in North America and Europe out and back to the Middle East, and then do what this guy suggests.

Ardentor   August 28th, 2007 9:59 pm ET

Great words Tancredo, finally a man who knows what it takes to defeat the cult that is set to devour western civilization unless halted soon.

gerry   August 27th, 2007 11:11 am ET

there is no way he'll gonna make it to the White House. not even a slight chance. Provocative (if not called stupid) statement like that will only put him on the bottom of polling position.

What a moron..

Tom Tancredo in '08 or in Guliani or McCains or Rommney's cabinet   August 26th, 2007 12:26 pm ET

Not "some unknown". The "known" of Islamofascist Al Qada and the Islamofascist Regime of iran.

I've yet to see TRUE Muslims in the US or anywhere march en mass denouncing Al Qada and Wahabbism.

The suicidal "wrong" would be a nuke attack on the US.

If there are 6 million Muslims in the US, whose side are they on? The US or Al Qada?

Is Saudi Arabia helping the US capture Al Qada? If so why isn't Saudi Arabia doing it publically – not under cover?

A Saudi would be able to blend in and find Osama more easily than an American.

G. Thompson, Ft. Hood, TX   August 25th, 2007 9:58 am ET

<Is this guy on drugs, or something? He wants to attack
Saudi Arabia, because some 'unknown' attacks the U.S.? Does he understand first, that that would be wrong & second, there are over 6 million Muslims in the U.S. I'm a nonpracticing Muslim and I was taken aback by his idiotic comments. How can someone obviously so ignorant make it so far in public office? Oh, never mind; "W".

Tom Tancredo needs to be President or Secretary of War   August 23rd, 2007 4:58 pm ET

Tom Tancredo was elected by the majority of voters in his district. Its called Free Elections.

You see the US is not Cuba where Fidel has been Presidente since 1959. There have been 10 different MEN electeted Presdient since 1959 but only ONE MAN, the SAME MAN, Castro, who for 48 years has been the ONLY Presidente of Cuba. And now as a literal dictator, Fidel is too weak to be Presidente, so his BROTHER, ANOTHER Castro will take over the family business.

As far as Mecca and the rest, their fate lies in the hands of TRUE Muslims who want to preserve Mecca, the Kabba, and are motivated to stop, disband, destroy al qada and similar Islamofascist criminal gangs.

Tom Tancredo needs mental attention, Houston, TX   August 21st, 2007 1:19 pm ET

What an IDIOT and a total MORON. How the heck did he get elected to Congress? What he's saying is lets drop down to the terrorists level. And just an FYI, TRUE Muslims are not terrorists. Those who kill innocents are not part of our religion unless they sincerely repent and are forgiven by the family of the deceased. Furthermore, bombing Mecca and/or Medina will only do one thing: it will turn all Muslims against us and will only show that we are as low as terrorists by bombing innocent civilians. Oh yes, any of those who follow your logic will definitely need to be mentally examined and put into a psychiatric ward with you in one with EXTREME security.

Vancouver, Canada   August 20th, 2007 12:06 pm ET

Hello Mr Tancredo

You are a hero. Yes, I agree with you that there is no other deterrent to fight these radicals. These islamofascist are there to kill us and get their 72 virgins. You mentioned that about 10% of muslims are terrorists. I like to disagree with you on that note. I would say its about 40%.

Yes striking them in their heart will do it.

I hope you win the elections to become the leader of the free world and spread freedom and democracy throughout the islamist world.

God bless you and God bless America.

Reuben R.

Moe, Saudi Arabia   August 17th, 2007 10:17 am ET

Well i guess a new terorist is in town..a congressman gone crazy. He wants to fight fire with fire, common we all know what's the end of that!

Alasdair, Scotland, UK   August 16th, 2007 7:49 am ET

Now you see this is why the world hates you guys … I suggest you strap this guy (and his pals) and shoot him into outer space.

Now, that will help to lessen the states as a target …

Mark Bales, Norman, OK   August 14th, 2007 2:39 pm ET

Saudi Arabia pretends to be our friend so we will protect them and buy their oil. We pretend that they are our friends so we will have an uninterrupted flow of oil, and so the Saudi's will continue to insist on receiving US dollars, which conveniently props up the US economy.

A more likely target will be Tehran and the Iranian Holy city of Qom, from which they expect to see their Muslim "Madhi" rise from the well in that main Mosque in Qom.

It is not contradictory for a Christian to say they will nuke a muslim city, the President of the United States of America has a fiduciary responsibility to protect this country. Saudi Arabia continues to fund Sunni extremists, and promotes the Wahabbist sect of Islam, which Osama Bin Laden is a member of. So they are only friends to us out of convenience.

Having said that I would threaten to bomb Tehran and Qom if we received another attack on the homeland, and also if they do not stop interfering with us in Iraq.

Razali   August 13th, 2007 11:34 am ET

WW2 was the last honourable world conflict that America took part and since that, America has been led by idiots, morons, jokers, thieves, skirt chasers & cheats.
I thought Bush was the father of all idiots and cheats but Tom Tancredo beats him to it.
C'on America, wake up, be counted and return back to the days when you were respected – not feared!
C'on Americans, be true blue Americans and set things straight again. Make the White House whiter than white with honour, respect and transparency.
If I had it my own way, Id gather all the racists, extremists, KKKs, idiots, morons, cheats and allow them to be pioneers on the moon and elect Bush and Tancredo as President & VP!
Our world will be a safer place for our children!

John carlsbad CA   August 12th, 2007 8:27 pm ET

you guys have no clue what you're talking about. Tom Tancredo knows what hes talking about.

Guys we are dealing with blood thirsty terroists who do want to nuke us, and if they do get a nuke they will use it.

Tancredo is smart, the only way to stop
these terroists from bombing the us is to use agressive deterrent talk by saying if you bomb us well bomb your holy sites, so in the end the probably wont bomb us if they think our president is being serious.

rob, ny, ny   August 12th, 2007 5:05 pm ET

it's an idiotic statement by a nobody from the far right, but if a nuke goes off in times square and a million americans die you can be damned sure alot of people in this country will not be too upset if we do what he suggests.

Oza, Chicago, IL   August 9th, 2007 9:47 pm ET

Well,guess what, Mr. Tancredo is a genius — he says something completely idiot and ignorant and in return he gets tons of free publicity! Cheap trick and all of us are buying it?

I reckon this is a record high for AC360 blog with more than 1600 comments. Ignore him!

Edward, New York, NY   August 9th, 2007 1:42 pm ET

Quoting Gem Bara, Langkawi, Malaysia,

You say there are 1.302 billion Muslims.

Please consider that there are 5 billion NON-Muslims. Many of whom live in highly advanced technological societies, societies that put men on the Moon and returned them safely, societies that placed remote controlled rovers on Mars, societies that defeated nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

Predominantly Hindu India almost had a nuclear war with Pakistan over Kashmir. Thankfully that never happened.

Please don't make the mistake of doubting the resolve of 5 billion NON-Muslims.

As far as I'm concerned, the US has been fighting with one arm tied behind its back too long. A nuclear attack on the US would be the straw that breaks the camels back.

I think it was very wise of Mr. Tancredo to voice the possiblity of a retaliatory strike at the heart of the Muslim world in response to any nuclear attack on the US.

This is a high stakes poker game and I'm placing my bet on the West and like minded societies.

Gary Bowers, Birmingham, Alabama   August 9th, 2007 9:36 am ET

The United States no longer has the appetite to fight a war to win. We are only willing to fight wars in a manner that is politically correct. That is why we have not won a conflict since WWII. So no matter what the size or magnitude of a terrorist attack on our country, we do not have the will to do what is necessary to respond in such a way that another one will not happen. The only acceptable way to stop terrorism is to surrender to the terrorist demands. Everyone must convert to Islam and allow Israel to be totally destroyed. Then the terrorists will be satisfied with us.

Anonymous   August 9th, 2007 9:00 am ET

Notice To All Muslims! Please do not worry as Allah has clearly stated in the Quran that Allah will protect the two holy cities and retain the Quran in it's original state until the end of this world. You (the Musilm) should follow the sunna of Mohammed PBU strive to better yourself (towards Islam) and rise above all the ills of this world. You have nothing to fear – Allah is our protector. A word to the leaders of all Musilm countries – wake-up before it's too late – your neglect to your public is the cause of todays situation. May God help us all live in peace for life is too short – I belive religion (all religions) is NOT the cause of any violence it's the politicians who use it in any way they can to save their postion or to get votes. I am sure that this guy will not gain control of the USA since most USA citizens do not think like him… The best way to stop any kind of terrorist attacks is to find the root cause and work towards fixing any issues as best possible… I think it's wrong to refer to terrorists as Muslim Terrorists (ones having a muslim name) since no other such people are named in same way (IRA was never called Christian Terrorists). These so called Muslim Terrorists even attack Muslims (similar to what IRA did)… UK sorted the IRA problem and I think UK should lead the way to help sort out current situation and bridge the gap between Christians and Muslims.

A World Citizen   August 9th, 2007 7:41 am ET

Well, Let us ponder on certain things before we discuss what Tancredo has said.

"History is written by the victorios side"

That means those who win wars also write the history books that others study.

The good points of the loser is wiped out and his bad policies are reflected and along with that the victors bad policies are ignored while the good ones are highlighted.

Think what we would have read in the history books if Germany and Japan would have been victors of World War II.

What I intend to say here is not everything about the victor is good and loser is Bad, but it depends on how it is projected.

These are injustices every victor keeps on doing where by all the grudges of the loser is accumulated till it forms some form of protest.

The Muslim relegion was created to protect the "have not" from the attrocities of the "haves" and thus Jehad was a term coined to fight againts the injustice caused to the "have nots".

Therefore this relegion was accepeted initially by millions of "have nots"

Clocked moved on and the central theme was forgotten, because the relegion was then spread using force by the Muslim rulers who fought against the "haves" and established there regimes.

A look around the world will show that the muslims also forms the bulk of the worlds poors who also feel the developed countries are enjoying all the good things when they don,t have a good days meal. Thus the anger in them leads them to support there feeling of injustice whenever there is even a single case of "percieved" injustice by the developed world especially there leader "America"

Now coming back to Tencredo's statement.

Being a US elected representative, he should be careful about his statement in Public because in any case he will not be able to do that even when he is made the President of US as the consequences would be a full fledged was WW III where US will be precieved as the aggressor without thinking.

He may personally think anything, but as a responsible person, he sould know that no relegion preaches violence. So hitting at the highest level of muslim holy site will make US as a villian in the eyes of BILLIONS of peace loving muslims around the world who may be sympathatic to US causes at present. A handful of the Muslims are terrorist now and they are also disowned in Public by there reletives if found to be involved in any case of terrorism. All of these Terrorist will then become legitamate Solders and will get open support from from the Muslim world.

and THIS IS A MAJOR GOAL OF THE TERRERISTS, to get full fledged support from the Muslim world in the cause of JEHAD.

And Mr. Tancredo, you are helping them to achieve their GOAL.

So go on and bomb the holy site and make US a site of WW III

If Japan could bomb Pearl Harbour in 1941 so Terrorist can do much more in 2007. 9/11 may then be like a Trailor.

Look at the foriegn poliy:

Are all US foriegn policies politically correct?

Are they making friends or more enimies?

Are they doing anything for the "HAVE NOTS" or adding more to the kitty of "HAVES"?

and then fight the US Presidential war based on the Policies that a US President will follow to make the world a safer place with more people accepting US as their leader.

Gem Bara, Langkawi, Malaysia   August 9th, 2007 7:03 am ET

Quoting Chris Clifton, NJ : August 3, 2007 1:09 pm: "100% agree. If these nut case islamic fundamentalist want to even think of attacking us we should make it perfectly clear to them that if you even attempt to attack us and suceed, we will turn all your holy sites into a super sized craters.

I suggest we wait until they are all at Mecca then bomb it. They showed no mercy for us on 9/11, so we are just returning the favor."

But, mind you Chris, the most populous time is when when Muslims worldwide congregate in Mecca during the Hajj season. Well, you may eliminate 2 million Muslims and create a gargantuan crater in Mecca and Medina. But simple maths will say this:
Total Muslims 1.302 billion.
Eliminate 2 million, and you get one third of the world population attacking the U.S from the north, south, east and west. They will come with ill-equipped molotovs and also well-prepared nuclear and super-ionic bombs and missiles.

What you give, you get back.

Posted By Chris – Clifton, NJ : August 3, 2007 1:09 pm

Edward, New York, NY   August 9th, 2007 4:40 am ET

What many posters are ignoring is that Congressman Tancredo recommends a RETALIATORY nuclear attack on Mecca IF and only if the US were to suffer a nuclear attack that is connected to Islamists.

This policy would leave it to the Ummah to stop their crazies who are trying to trigger WW3.

BTW, if Saudi Arabia were truly a friend of the US, Saudi troops would be fighting along side of American troops to capture Osama and the Al-Qada – but Saudi Arabia is NOT.

Musa Islam, Youngstown, Ohio   August 9th, 2007 2:30 am ET

wow woooow What an idiot. I mean what a stupid thing to say. As an American Muslim I take great offence, not that he threatened Mecca and Medina, but that SOMEONE actually elected this bigot to Congress. If the smallest of bombs went off in Mecca or Medina It would be open season on anyone non-Muslim,Jews, Christians, a bomb under the pope's sheets. Not saying that, that is right aether, but wow. That is what would happen. 2Billion SUPER angry Muslims who would be happy to die for their religion… Can you say… End of the world?

Mitchell : Bellview, VA   August 8th, 2007 10:27 pm ET

Tom Tancredo is crazy.

Amir, KY   August 8th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

nip this devil in the butt or it will become monster and get out of control. no one has attached his religion or even talked about it.

swill15 DP, New York   August 8th, 2007 3:08 pm ET

It seems no one else has suggested an alternative idea to deter the Islamic Fundamentalists from detonating a nuclear device on American soil.
Please remember that these people are FANATICS, and understand only one thing- force. Yes, not all Muslims are terrorists, but so far all the terrorists have been Muslim.

Sohail Chaudhry   August 8th, 2007 1:43 pm ET

How is he even considered a candidate? Bombing Mecca and Medina would probably the worst thing anyone can think of. Another politician scoring points on what the [ignorant] people want to hear.

Nedzad, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina   August 8th, 2007 5:50 am ET

“USA should use nuclear bomb against the Muslims holy sites (MECCA AND MEDINA) to stop the terrorism.”

When Ottoman Imperia decided to dismiss then actual military system and to introduce regular army (Nizaam), nobody in Bosnia wanted to go to that new Army. Then they choose a group of soldiers, dressed them in nice uniforms with turbans and put them in a line just before Gazi Husref Bey Mosque in Sarajevo. People, not knowing what that new military is, started to gather and ask what is that? Then, they heard, “This is a new Army which will protect Holly Mecca and Medina if they are attacked by non-believers”. People which refused to go to Nizaam, when heard that, instantly started to apply for Army because that was the highest possible honor for every Muslim, to protect Holly sites. In short time, the Bosnian contingent was full. Hamdija Kresevljakovic has mentioned this last in his famous book about Bosnia history. I thought about this story when I heard that somebody thinks he may bombard Mecca and Medina. I simply cannot imagine, at the first place, how somebody could even think that such the act may resolve the problem of terrorism. This would produce mega terror where ordinary people would like to revenge on anything what has western sign. Just wanted to share this anecdote from Sarajevo with you, so I cannot conclude the possible consequences of even such the statement and, as itself, such the statement makes serious harm to the peace, making average Muslim hard to fight against radical elements (mostly created by the West during the war in Afghanistan).

Salman,Tampa,FL   August 8th, 2007 2:20 am ET

Everyday people in America get upto, Good Morning America and this is pleasent to everyone in the world. launching attacks of Holy Cities,Mecca and Medina would be suicide. Muslims fromall over the world will slay each and every non-muslim and the whole is to suffer. if people think this is a joke, then fine US is to make its keys allies like Saudi Arabia and pakistan its worst enemies. US would be NUKED and life would be terrible.

would Christians like it if the Vatican City was to be bombed?

Thinks again, it is a poor move and move to provoke the inside beast which when unleashed could mean WW3.

Truth, Madison, Wisconsin   August 8th, 2007 12:41 am ET

His approach is a bit irrational but does merit some discussion. The Saudi government which is the largest recipient of US dollars for oil and supposedly a friend of the United States is also built on a foundation of Wahhabi Islam. The Saudi family's ability to rule the arabian peninsula is the consequence of religious/ideological support from the Wahhabi clergy that dates back over 100 years, possibly longer. The same Wahhabi ideology is spread with support from the Saudi government and the royal family in the form of madrassas and mosques built in many places around the world (including US and Europe). The ideology taught to those who attend is an intolerant one that has no place for any other religion or ideology but islam. So the focus should be on Saudi Arabia, the royal family, the clergy and the funds that flow from the Saudi government/royal family to those who wish to remake the world into what they wish it to be (a(n) (sunni)islamic caliphate). If this indeed is the goal of the clergy that populate the Saudi Arabian peninsula and the cities of Mecca/Medina, should this option be ruled out?

Truth Alone Triumphs

Sarah, Kansas City, MO   August 7th, 2007 1:08 pm ET

We should not confuse the jihadists with the Muslims. Most Muslims are peace loving people. Threatenting to bomb their holy sites in response to a threat or act from a very small segment of Muslims (who are really not Muslims) would make enemies out of the much larger, moderate group of Muslims. Does this man hate all Muslims? What an idiot.

If we bomb their holy sites I suppose we should prepare for them to do the same to ours. Oh yes, right, that is why the Christianists are so supportive of Isreal, because the Isrealies protect our sites. Never mind that the Christianists think the Jews are going to hell anyway because they killed Christ. What a bunch of hypocrites. Isn't there something in the Bible about not worshipping false idols, wouldn't that include religious relics and sites. We should not be worshipping things.

Obviously, the republican party is completely demoralized. The party for wingnuts and other crazy people.

USA   August 7th, 2007 11:03 am ET

It's amazing how this man has succeeded in beginning to tear this country apart on this issue. BRAVO Tancredo!

For any intelligent person that went to school and was taught RESPECT and HISTORY learned that acts of GENOCIDE (yes, that's what he's doing) is WRONG – can spot a man like Tancredo from a mile away.

For every other person that got high during class and agrees with Tancredo, all I have to say to you is that you people are no different than Hitler's followers and no different than Osama's followers … You people are becoming the TERRORISTS!!

Rick Alden   August 7th, 2007 6:32 am ET

Where did they say the terrorists came from?

Afeef, India   August 7th, 2007 2:37 am ET

Tom Tancredo is not fit to be US President. Futur US President should have positive mind set and lover of peace then complete world will be at peace.

Suraiya, Denver, Colorado   August 7th, 2007 1:02 am ET

I'm ashamed that he's from Colorado.

Anonymous   August 6th, 2007 11:49 pm ET

Is this fellow a senator and running for the presidency of U.S.A. ?
God help us.

memon   August 6th, 2007 7:52 pm ET

I think he knows that he is not going to win(not even close) and thats why trying to put fire in his campaign.
I cant believe that he is runing for a President a fanatic president HA!! or Ah!!!
His comments and ideas are no different probably worse than terrorist. He made USAMA look better.

We didn't all vote for Bush and other morons, TX.   August 6th, 2007 7:50 pm ET

Hmmm… so what he is saying that if we bomb Muslim Holy Lands then all will be okay? Where has this guy been? Hasn't he heard of Palestine and Israel? Enough said.

Bobby, Denver, CO   August 6th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

He makes a lot of sense to me. Babies aren't off limits to the Islamic animals, so why should their holy sites be off limits to us?

Bill McIntosh   August 6th, 2007 2:51 pm ET

I agree with Tancredo. There is a Fatah that permits Osama Bin Laden to kill up to 10,000,000 Americans.

During the Cold War, we had thousands of nuclear warheads tasked to Soviet targets. It was called MAD (mutually assured destruction)

It worked; there was no war

The nuclear option would specify an ultimate price to be paid by Islam for wanton death brought about by fundamentalists acting in its name; Islam might then consider leading its militant followers along a more enlightgened path.

Robert, Miami, FL   August 6th, 2007 1:29 pm ET

This "guy" is somekind of loon, for sure, when he "demoted" Miami as a third-world city. Now we have this "representative" talking about an absolutely insane retaliation (even if we knew who were responsible, that wouldn't justify this kind of action for said "cell"-terrorist activity)… no doubt he'll loose this presidential bid. He should realize how lost he is, indeed "RESIGN" and apologize for his mis-conduct. The Islamic World Reads, and his statements are surely just stoking the fire. We don't need his kind, to help promulgate a new crusade, or to define the clash of "culture".

Erika, New York, NY   August 6th, 2007 11:39 am ET

It's like when extremists bombed the World Trade Center and Americans stopped being capitalists.

Ally, NY,NY   August 6th, 2007 11:20 am ET

This man will most definitely have EACH AND EVERY MUSLIM- fundamentalist, moderate or non-practising destroy USA.

He doesn't realise what he is saying. oh wait! Isn't that a definition of a mad man?

David B. Gillis, Nassau Bay, TX   August 6th, 2007 6:59 am ET

Tancredo joins Obama in the looney bin of the most bizarre of presidential candidates. And Bay Buchanan is the binkeeper! How do these people get elected to Congress? While 'holy' anything is a myth, it warrants more respect than 'idiot.'

Keith Binghamton NY   August 6th, 2007 6:19 am ET

Wow, that is the dumbest thing that I've ever heard!

What the terrorists want is total war between the west and the Islamic world. If the US were to bomb Mecca, that would be every radical Islamic terrorists' wet dream. And you can't destroy Mecca, dummy. Turn it into a crater, and the crater becomes a holy site.

Karen Janbaz. Oklahoma City, OK   August 6th, 2007 4:31 am ET

Bomb Mecca and Modina. No more moderate Moslems. Churchs and the Vatican, better watch out, Tancredo, has set you up for Jihad. Boy, you think Iraq is bad now…

Donklephant » Blog Archive » Tancredo Slammed For “Nuke Mecca” Comments   August 6th, 2007 1:17 am ET

[...] From CNN, first let's recount exactly what he said… “If it is up to me, we are going to explain that an attack on this homeland of that nature would be followed by an attack on the holy sites in Mecca and Medina,” Tancredo said. “That is the only thing I can think of that might deter somebody from doing what they would otherwise do. If I am wrong, fine, tell me, and I would be happy to do something else. But you had better find a deterrent, or you will find an attack.” [...]

KD, Dallas, TX   August 6th, 2007 12:17 am ET

What on earth is the Republican party thinking? I thought Bush was a bit like Hitler, but this guy is just plain scary. We don't need to start something so big that every single Moslem on earth hates the US. There are many good Moslems. If one were to take statistics into consideration, you are probably talking about a very small percentage that train as terrorists. Why on earth would you want to kill many innocent people to seek revenge against such a small minority…only furthering the hatred and difficulties we would endure as a result. Clearly, some people in Washington have no foresight as to what the world could become. Iraq was insane enough, this is just plain mindboggling. The reference to 911 and THEY that caused it in the mosques just shows how misinformed some people can be; and therefore how scary the world can be due to ignorance. I am all for getting those that committed such mass destruction on our soil, but even our government made mistakes and many have lost their lives due to our being in Iraq which had nothing to do with 911. We lost sight of what we really needed to be doing when we started that war and took our focus off of Afghanistan and Bin Ladin.

Maghy, Sanaa, Yemen   August 5th, 2007 11:49 pm ET

Well, every election needs its crackpot to keep things interesting, I think the jocker just revealed himself. Doesn't he watch the news? Look what happened after the bombing of the Golden Dome Mosque in Karballah and that was just a minor place of importance, imagine the response to Mecca and Medina being attacked, this guy is such an idiot, obviously he can't put things together in his mind. Its amazing that these kind of people are elected in the first place but he might have been sane then.

amidt   August 5th, 2007 10:36 pm ET

try that and you will see what would happen to the world…

Ruben   August 5th, 2007 4:11 pm ET

This guy is no different than the terrorists with these types of comments.

There are over 2 billion people of the muslim faith that would immediately go from being suspicious of the US to looking at our country as an "enemy". That includes American Muslims as well.

I would be embarrased to vote for a clown with that type of rhetoric

Joshua, Sunnyvale, CA   August 5th, 2007 2:40 pm ET

The war in Iraq is a cold war against
the Saudi Arabian sunni faction that
committed the 9-11 attacks. Saudi Arabia
could not be directly attacked due to
our nation's need for crude.

Danial, DFW TX   August 5th, 2007 2:26 pm ET

If Tancredo hates Muslims so much, why doesn't he forcibly evict Muslim residents from Colorado then?

Why does he continue to support Mujahideen-e-Khalq? He refers to them as freedom fighters even though they are considered a "terrorist group" by the State Department.

And those who agree with his comments, I dare you to express those comments in front of a group of Muslims and see what happens to you. It's easy to be a warmongering bigot behind the safety of your computer, but in reality are nothing but spineless bastards.

I'm in DFW, try to evict me you cowards. I'm a proud Muslim American and will be until the day I die, so you cannot take that away from me at all.

wdporter, leesburg, va   August 5th, 2007 1:42 pm ET

This is the problem with single-issue (and just single-minded) candidates. When they open their mouths to discuss topics outside of their core issue, they sound like dummies.

Kucinich is the same way on the other side. His response to economic questions is always, "Hey if we weren't spending so much money on our military, we'd have tons of money."

Tancredo is an illegal immigration wonk, but he evidently hasn't spent a lot of time on other issues.

It's still early, but eventually he's going to have to stop wasting our time, so the adults can have an adult conversation. The same goes for:

Gravel, Kucinich, Tancredo, Tommy Thompson, Brownback, Gilmore (I think he already pulled out).

I personally think things could even be MORE reasonable if Richardson and McCain would both give it up as well, but that's just me…

Clinton, Obama, Rudy, Romney, Biden, Huckabee, Hunter…those are the only current candidates that I could ever picture being president anytime soon, and I'd rather just hear what they have to say (yes I left out Edwards–I simply don't like the guy, at all).

Other than Fred Thompson and AlGore, anyone else is going to have to come from a "third party" or independent to even add to the debate, much less be a serious contender.

Tammy, Kansas   August 5th, 2007 12:51 pm ET

For Seth Hill who asked a legitimate question, if not then what? what do we do to stop the terrorists. Understand WHY!! Why do they do what they do? because the U.S. continues to interfere and oppress (through the support of the dictators who run those countries) their peoples all for the control of the oil. We trained Bin Laden and the pakistani/afghani mujahideen to fight against Russia, we promised to help them rebuild after it was over and we didn't, we left that country in bombed out ruin and wide open for the warlords to take over and then the Taliban. We created a hatred towards us ourselves. We took in the Shah of Iran, we harbored a man who was three times worse than Saddam, and refused to send him back to stand trial in his own country like we should have, it was their right!! but he was our 'friend'. We aided Saddams rise and supported him as long as he fought against our newly minted enemy, Iran, not caring what he did to his own people. You have seen the pictures of Rumsfeld shaking hands with Saddam. We even returned the dictators of Kuwait back to their country once we liberated it from Saddam, and when a Saudi attacked this country on 9/11 what did we do? We sent his entire family home on a plane, while all others were grounded, and did nothing to Saudi, made no demands of Saudi to get Bin Laden and do something with him, we did not use diplomacy to get him from the Taliban, (which they were willing to do) we attacked an already dirt poor afghanistan and bombed it back into the ice age. It cannot even list itself as a third world country now! We mourn over a few thousand American dead, and yet keep silent over hundreds of thousands of Iraqi innocents, men, women, and children who are coldly labeled as "collateral damage" and dismissed as 'accidental' bombings, because their lives don't mean anything to us, and you seriously don't understand why they hate us?? Yet, if you were to go to Jordan, Syria, Iraq, or Iran, you as an American citizen would be treated with Unbelievable hospitality, because the people outside of the governments are really wonderful people and that is how they were raised to be, and they really do think we are a great nation. They hate our government and what it represents, because it has meant nothing but pain and suffering to them. Our government and their ignorant foreign policy is what got us into this mess and if there is another attack, and one poster assured those in "wonderland" there will be, it is because of that Foreign Policy and our meddling where we ought not to, and our total disregard for the sanctity of their lives, the lives of those who are innocent.

Tammy, Wichita, Kansas   August 5th, 2007 12:30 pm ET

Some of the people posting here are just as bigoted as he is. There are over a billion Muslims worldwide. Indonesia has the highest per capita of Muslims than anywhere, the Middle East does not! To damage something that is sacred to all Muslims for the actions of a few is irresponsible and reprehensible, and would set off Muslims from the Orient to the U.S. not just a few fanatical morons from the mid east. To compare these few (amongst billions) to the entire military of the Japanese is misleading because they are not a legitimate military, they are NOT "Islamic" terrorists as the media insists on calling them because they are going outside of the religion to do what they do. Most importantly there are believe it or not large Christian and Jewish communities in these countries. In Syria the Christians with the support and protection of the Islamic government still speak the original Aramaic of Jesus. But if we bomb Mecca and Medina (both are in Saudi) those communities would be put in grave danger of being the nearest available for retaliation. This is politics for these terrorists, it is agenda driven, no matter how they use their religion, but if you bomb the Islamic Holy sites YOU make it about religion, and that is a place no one should want to go, since the terrorists are bullies they need to be dealt with, but not by alienating over a billion peoples who should be our best allies in this. One person said it right, the middle east wants to be able to live their lives without our interference and telling them what and how to do it. We didn't care what Saddam was doing to his people for years and years, it is all about Oil. Don't believe it, then tell me where is Osama Bin Laden?

Steve Savage, Neptune, New Jersey   August 5th, 2007 11:54 am ET

Americans are a very very dangerous adversary. If, or when, we finally accept that our very existence is threatened with annihilation, God have mercy on the antagonists. Nagasaki and Hiroshima are proof that we are capable of any outrage and will use any means at our disposal to relegate our enemies into historical oblivion, to trample them into dust under our feet. The truth be told, we aren't really looking to deter our enemies; we are hungry ravenous wolves drawing their arrogant offensive bravado into an awaiting Hell they cannot imagine. The fools have ignited our Blood Lust which will not be assuaged until Arabic joins Latin and Sanskit as dead languages.
Steve Savage "King of the Beasts"

Chris   August 5th, 2007 11:45 am ET

Way to preach peace you hypocritical bigot.

malay   August 5th, 2007 11:33 am ET

most americans are just trying to act morally correct. for goodness sake, do you think the terrorist give a damn if u treat them nice?
They only have one objective, that is to convert the whole world to be the same religion as them. If not you are clasified as infidels, and you are justified to have your head cut off or murdered.
get real, Tancredo is doing u guys a favor

Jim Vance Saginaw MI   August 5th, 2007 10:42 am ET

I think this is a great idea. I don't want anyone killed but If the next time we are attacked I hope the people that are against it are the one that pay the price for their stupidty. I beleve the Bible says somthing about an eye for a eye?

N25   August 5th, 2007 10:22 am ET

If anything you're just asking for more

Stancel Spencer   August 5th, 2007 10:14 am ET

Tancredo is probably the Republican candidate I despise the most. I have often said if you combine the hawkishness of Giuliani, the fundamentalism of the late Jerry Falwell, and the rabid xenophobia of Pat Buchanan, you get a crazy little fascist named Tancredo.

Recently Tancredo re-iterated what he had very controversially said in 2005: Bomb Mecca. I thought, well not surprising. This man is a right-wing extremist. He has also called China a “growing threat”. Hey America, you thought Bush was bad, meet Tancredo.

Tancredo’s main issue has been his virulent hatred toward immigrants. It is very clear he is a racist and xenophobe. Why else would be willingly attend and address a League of the South meeting, singing “Dixie” in front of portraits of Robert E. Lee and Confederate flags? The Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization which tracks and fights against racist, xenophobic and homophobic groups and individuals, called the League of the South a “hate group” in reference to Tancredo addressing the group.

Or who could forget the time he referred to Miami as a "third world country". Tancredo insulting an American city. And he wants to President of this country.

An official at the State Department called his comments “absolutely crazy”. They are. As much as I dislike our alliance with Saudi Arabia, they are our ally, and to bomb Mecca and Medina, would be an attack on them, a provocation of war. Could a Tancredo administration really afford to fight so many wars at once? Supposedly, if Islamic terrorists attack us, we should bomb Muslim holy sites, because it would send a “message”. Yes, it would send a message. That message would be: time to destroy the United States of America.

What he’s basically saying is that it is reasonable to hold an entire religion guilty for the actions of terrorists. This will only make America more of a target for terrorists. Has Tancredo addressed Christian-based terrorism? That of Eric Rudolph and others who have attacked abortion clinics and gay nightclubs? Of course not. He would never suggest that in response to Christian terrorists we should bomb Christian holy sites. Hell, for all we know, Tancredo might privately sympathize with those Christian terrorists.

An attack on Mecca and Medina would mean the ultimate global descension into chaos. Let’s hope Tancredo doesn’t become President.

Douglas Penner, Albuquerque, New Mexico   August 5th, 2007 9:42 am ET

Tancredo is an idiot and his comment is completely irresponsible, as is his advisor Bay Buchanan. In my mind, his comment is so irresponsible he should remove himself from the presidential campaign.

Chris, Orlando, Florida   August 5th, 2007 9:41 am ET

We have to go wherever there are terrorists and kill them and destroy their infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia is not supporting us and all targets should be in consideration.
Using Mecca and Medina to motivate others to do the right thing is not that insane to me.

Nazry, Singapore, Singapore   August 5th, 2007 9:28 am ET

what? he hopes to be the US president?
with that kind "ideas", the word 'hopeful' is an overstatement.

Leo Whittier, CA   August 5th, 2007 9:19 am ET

Almost as insane as his attacks on illegal immigrants. Maybe we should just bomb Mexico, China, and all of Eastern Europe? That will take care of the illegal immigrant problem. You mean there's a district that actually elects this fool?

Joseph Thinn, Santa Ana, California   August 5th, 2007 9:08 am ET

This is not news:We used this same strategy in WWII
Tom is simply re-using a winning strategy from long ago. Put our enemies on notice that their actions will result in the complete and utter destruction of the one item they venerate. If those here are so critical of Tom for repeating a winning strategy, then what do you say about WWII, hmmmmmmmm? Would you say that FDR and Harry Truman were also 'crazy in the way they prosecuted the war in the 1940's against Fascism?
I thought not…..
Everyone loves enjoying the fruits of being a free people but nobody wants to be a part of the ugly, violent work that it takes to secure those freedoms.

David, Pittsburgh, PA   August 5th, 2007 8:16 am ET

That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Attacking the holiest muslim sites in Saudi Arabia will cause a World War and there will be absolute chaos. This man is a threat to world peace and making comments like that can be dangerous within the U.S itself.

Omar, Alberta   August 5th, 2007 7:11 am ET

This is the most ill-regarded statement ever made. If you use the N-word on tv you get fines, fired, and ostracized from society but yet stating that the US military should blow up the 2 most important religious sites for almost 1.5 billion people is perfectly fine. All of you who agree with Mr. T's statement have no idea about the world around and still beleive that Iraq had WMD's. these "Islamic Extremists" represent at most 5% of Muslims…furthermore only about 13% of Muslims worldwide are actually Arab..the rest come from mainly south east Asia. So you want to take the moderate 95% and do the one thing that will turn them all against you…how is that smart. Not only will all of the Muslim world turn against the United States but other nations, Russia, China, The Koreas, Britain, Canada..and almost all other nations will definitely will also not agree with this…America will be a lone duck yet again, a black eye of society. What those of you who agree with this statement fail to understand is that if you give the extremists reason and purpose to attack you they will never stop.

As a Muslim person I am completly against terrorism, it goes against everything in the Koran…Jihad appears in the Koran 24 times, and only 4 of those can be interpreted as a holy way against society, the other 20 refer to an inner Jihad as muslim has within himself(his willingness to be muslim and to follow the beleifs and teachings). Suicide does not gaurantee Paradise, instead it is the most certain way to go to hell. And as for those 72 virgins thats not true either…I looked into it!

We need to fix the problems, we need to give Iraq back to the Iraqis, and America needs to return itself to the quasi-neutral mediator of middle east peace that it once was. Islamaphobia has to stop, but calling all of us terrorists its disheartening since most of us are on your side in this fight?

Al-Radhi , Sameer   August 5th, 2007 6:36 am ET

I belive that A graet country like America , with it's " in God we trust"
Will never think of doing that . This graet country has great respict to all religions , espically Islam . I think this guy is traying to increase the hatered of the Muslims against America , he likes to see a rael ware between the muslims and the Americans. That will never happen because we respict America and trust the wisdom of it's people .

Roy   August 5th, 2007 5:38 am ET

Whos side is the State Department on anyway?

naurah,lahore,pakistan   August 5th, 2007 5:32 am ET

tom tancredo and osama bin laden can be best friends if given a chance.see both of them get a twisted kind of pleasure out of destruction and violence and both of them are full of nonsense!

Al Hazen, San Antonio, TX   August 5th, 2007 5:27 am ET

So let's get this straight.

If we invade Iran then the Vatican gets nuked in retaliation? If N. Korea gets uppity we just nuke some Buddhist holy sites and call it a day.

Vote for Trancredo – or we'll burn your church down.

Rush Qandour/Joondalup.WA   August 5th, 2007 4:59 am ET

Fundamental Islam is against all Muslims and humanity at large . Islam has to deal with thier islamic problems with the help and understanding of the West;excluding Mr.Tancredo help.

Ebenezer Akrong (out of state)   August 5th, 2007 4:21 am ET

I support the congressman for his words. we in the western world or to precise Christians are being treghtened by muslims with their violence and thus we are being squeezed by our Govt. who do not or feels dont want conforntation with the Islamic countries but words like this will make even saudi arabia to think of the same pain that their religion and people are causing to them also. Thanks for your bold stand

SNABER Rockford,Il   August 5th, 2007 4:17 am ET

The first thing we should have done after 9/11 is make Iraq into a glass parking lot for the middle east…

mark   August 5th, 2007 4:03 am ET

What a great idea!

Todd, Kingsport, Tennessee   August 5th, 2007 3:43 am ET

Tom, Let's please just withdraw from the middle east. We can take large amounts of money and drop that instead. And, we'll just leave a note saying 'we're sorry, but please just leave us alone- we've got dinner plans this weekend'.

Mushtaq Ahmed   August 5th, 2007 3:40 am ET

Assalm ao Alykum
I am so glad that he made such a comment and the Great American Nation has express thier feelings and call him Insane and a great Nut Job and all other kind of titles after reading the comment from the people this Nation has made me more proud then ever thier comments and the reaction to this stupid shows the Greatness of this Nation and also shows to the world and to the people among them selves that our Politician do not represent our true feelings trust me people, We as an American Muslims will defend our Country as much as an any other country man and will sacrifice anything that this country will ask for it and they are so many of us against so little of Nut job Muslims who do not represent all Muslims in the world or this country's Muslims this is a promise from an Patriot MUSLIM American Soldier, May Allah bless this Country, and this Nation and protect us from all the enimies and our own Politicians.
SALAMS

Jim, Clarksburg, MD   August 5th, 2007 3:08 am ET

This comment just surpassed President Bush's "Bring It On" statement that invited terrorists to take their jihad vacations in luxurious Iraq. Its outrageous statements like these that is like candy to the criminally insane.

Michael, Nashville, TN   August 5th, 2007 2:38 am ET

This is the single most Hitler-like statement I have ever heard coming from Washington.

Even the Israelis, who have far worse problems than we do, wouldn't consider this option.

An American Citizen, CO   August 5th, 2007 2:37 am ET

Hey tom, congrats you just got the vote of every american citizen who did not graduate from junior high and those who have never traveled outside their small hometown of about 50 people. Take a vacation, go out and visit foreign lands and foreigners. have some soft tacos or a gyro. and take your meds because any more statements like that and its back to the looney bin.

vb, Des Moines, Iowa   August 5th, 2007 2:04 am ET

To all who consider Tancredo insane, stupid, criminal, etc.: If US would be attacked with nukes by Islamic terrorists, what the US should do?

Any intelligent suggestions? That is what Tancredo is asking.

Steve   August 5th, 2007 1:45 am ET

Deterrent?

That looks more like an incentive.

Chris Galipo   August 5th, 2007 12:57 am ET

Osama or Alqaida, a terrorist and a terrorist organisation, do not represent Islamic World.

Mr. Tancredo, unfortunately represent American people but hopefully not for long.

There are only a bunch of Islamic exteremist we are dealing with now. Comments like Mr. Tancredo's is only going to increase their numbers.

Nuts like him must never be allowed to come out of the case.

Gina, Chicago IL   August 5th, 2007 12:51 am ET

Impeach this Racist Moron. He's a good-for-nothing nincompoop!

Robert M. Reidy, Tillson, N.Y.   August 5th, 2007 12:45 am ET

Come on people – the winds of change are
finely blowing – Barrrock the vote !!!

Florian, Oklahoma City, OK   August 5th, 2007 12:20 am ET

Robert Mayer is dead on. It's about time we started rounding up the Islamo-terrorist here in the Homeland, too. If not re-education facilities, then pack them all back to where they came from. My next-door neighbor is from Pakastan, and not only do they take lousy care of their lawn, but anytime people aproach them they start right up talking about the 'Great Book'. Why do we let this garbage live among us. Round them all up now! Give them what they deserve!

Drew, Pittsburgh, PA   August 4th, 2007 11:53 pm ET

He is right on. It's about time someone said it.

Raisa, Toronto, Ontario   August 4th, 2007 11:25 pm ET

It seems they don't screen for bigotry before allowing someone to run for office in America.

Michael, Pittsburgh PA   August 4th, 2007 11:23 pm ET

Sad, irresponsible, pathetic, fascist,… all of the descriptions of this idiot that you guys posted are correct. But one thing that caught me off guard is that some people couldn't understand how this guy ever got elected in the first place.
Are you kidding me? Why would this surprise anyone?
We're living in a country whose leader ignores international laws, preemptively attacks another country, exploits all of our fears, attacks dissent as unpatriotic, illegally spies on us, and condones torture and other crimes against humanity.
After all of this our country re-elected him. I'm kind of surprised Tancredo isn't all of the sudden riding a huge wave of popularity.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   August 4th, 2007 11:21 pm ET

Comment 1001: While we're picking targets, don't forget Qom, the holy city in Iran, which we should've nuked after the hostages were freed. What's gonna happen if we do– get sued in the World Court? BFD!

Azam, Houston, TX.   August 4th, 2007 11:09 pm ET

Tom, as an American Muslim, I cant stand all those terrorists that killed innocent people here or anywhere. Your idea is Terrorism at its pure worst.
I am glad most people can see through your insanity.

mario, west chicago, IL   August 4th, 2007 10:58 pm ET

It sounded like a great deterrent. But I think the radical Islamists would use this as a tool to create more hatred towards USA. They do not care about other Muslims. They are only interest in the pursuit of their own agenda. Bombing Mecca and the likes would only incite a worldwide Muslim hatred towards America. And that’s what the terrorists want to accomplish. By bombing holy sites, we would help the terrorists meet their goals.

Besides we are not at war with Muslims. We are at war with radical Muslims who want to kill others in the name jihad. This is not a war against a country nor a religion. It is a war against a group of extremists.

I do like the concept of retaliation and deterrent. Perhaps we should consider nuking a whole city where we know the terrorists are hiding. This is where we should be daring. The collateral damage would be unfortunate. But it is similar to a Chemotherapy for cancer. It kills a lot of good cells along the few cancer cells, for the benefit of the greater whole. This is much like what we did in Japan. A lot of innocent people died…but we just have to believe that many more would have died had we not done so.

Joseph Andorfer   August 4th, 2007 10:41 pm ET

Uh…yeah. Great idea there, Tommy. Let's go ahead and bomb Mecca and Medina and get the greatest bloodbath in the history of the world rolling. Hang on kids, Armageddon here we come!

British Columbia, Canada   August 4th, 2007 10:29 pm ET

To Those who believe unabatted military power solves anything:

1. Iraq had nothing do do with 911 and yet you attacked and made the world more dangerous.

2. Mecca, a religious, cultural and historical site, has nothing to do with the proliferation of extremists.You need to look in the mirror and see a large part of the cause of what you are facing.

3. You have treated the Middle East like a chess board arming which ever side met your economic interests and screwed it up every time from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. You are the largest arms dealer in the world. Now you are arming Saudi Arabia and the Sunnis in Iraq who were the supporters of Saddam Hussein.

4. Your insistency on spreading democracy has given increased power to Hamas and Hezbollah. Your occupation has caused the lose of lives of so many innocent people, destroyed their homes and villages, and caused 2 million refugees and 2 million displaced people in their own country.

5. You profess to be Christians but I know what Christ would be saying and promoting.

6. You have built your economy on the backs of people all over the world creating untold misery.

7. A segnment of your population are among the most intolerant, hate filled
people of the world and for that I have great sympathy for the decent, thoughtful citizens in your midst.

You have greater chance of dieing from your crumbling infrastruture, your reliance on HMOs to determine life and death or by the cheap goods your corporations promote, make and purchase that threaten yourself and your children so Walmart can become your largest employer than you do from any terrorist attack. You have a mounting debt, your bankruptcy rate is staggering, you middle class is shrinking, you believe ill informed myths about other countries, cultures and religions. You can't even run a fair election where voters are confident their votes are being counted. Yet you believe you are the You are ruled by a dynasty of two families, and senators and representatives who have been reelected year after year. Yet you believe you are the greatest democracy in the world!!

Your system of government makes youvirtually powerless to get rid of an incompetent leader, every project you undertake is steeped in corruption, you can't solve your problems with health care, poverty, social security, the list goes on…and yet you criticize everyone else…you should build your fence and stay home and fix your own problems. I wonder how long you would last as your "prosperity" depends on others…who more and more distrust you and do not respect your leaders or your moral standing.
I know these comments are going to draw the usual wrath and bs…but quite frankly most of us don't really care what you think…

Peace…

KC, NY   August 4th, 2007 10:27 pm ET

"Since Tom Tancredo is the only one with any guts on this issue, which is the primary issue of our times, he gets my vote for president.
Posted By C Glenn : August 3, 2007 1:04 pm"

He's the only one who apparently actually understands who we're up against. It's obvious most commenters here have no clue, still wanting to play nice with radical jihadists who will smile at you while cutting your throat.

Bigots indeed. Wake up people and understand the enemy.

stan turecki, port richey fl   August 4th, 2007 10:25 pm ET

Does anyone not realize what is being proposed here is a war crime? Targeting religious sites is a direct violation of Part II of the Fourth Geneva Convention – international law that the United States is signatory to – and as such per Article 146 of the same ALSO a violation of the laws of the United States as well?

Why should we have any expectation of being able to live in a secure world free from terrorism when we propose a policy of committing war crimes?

Robert Mayer, Pearland, TX   August 4th, 2007 10:14 pm ET

This man is truly insane. Thankfully he hasn't a chance in hell of being elected.

Nirbija, NY NY   August 4th, 2007 9:54 pm ET

Mussolini incarnate is at least thinking in the right direction; but he should begin at home and shutter all mosques and gatherings of maniac mulsims in America.

And the valid excuse would be real simple as the one used to put the communists out of business: Insane islamists support a violent ideology (islam) that promotes attacks and threats on Americans and on America.

And we should have no problem leveling mosques and eliminating all signs and symbols of islams; just be sure to empty the mosques first. There doesn't need to be any attack upon the humans, just the islamic insanity; it needs to be eradicated because its lessons in vengeance and violence is further poison to weak/evil arab/muslim minds

Rachel Becknell, Troy Missouri   August 4th, 2007 9:53 pm ET

This policy would cause exactly what Tancredo is trying to deter. If we were to bomb Mecca and Medina we would have the ENTIRE Muslim world set against us. Those sites aren't just important to the Islamic fundamentalists… They're important to all Muslims.
But, what makes me so incredibly angry is that he would even consider bombing something like that! I'm angry about the lives that would be lost, but also about the culture that would be destroyed by this poorly thought policy.
An eye-for-an-eye only causes more damage and hatred.

samuel   August 4th, 2007 9:50 pm ET

US has been exploiting several countries for several years by playing political games and starting cold war. My friend who works in UAE has told me about the tension in the people when US got involved in gulf war. The question is – Why Muslims never attacked US,and not any other countries.
I see only 2 possibilities either its an inside job (BUSH might really be a good candidate for that) or there is some unknown issue with America and that country. I believe there has to be a reason they selected ONLY US to do holly war with as they say. Oh yes probably US has some of their religious stuff. Besides there is no guarantee that destroying the holy sites will make things better. It might become worst, probably this guy might be the first one to run off.

Bi   August 4th, 2007 9:42 pm ET

There was a time when I had a great respect for Bay Buchanan, but now that I see who she is backing, that respect is a thing of the past.

Richard Orlando, FL   August 4th, 2007 9:29 pm ET

What happened to human decency when someone is willing to stoop to the same level as the terrorists? Tancredo is exactly what we do not need from our elected officials. I cannot believe anyone would agree with this nonsense. We deserve leaders that will respect a person’s faith (uphold freedom of religion). Tancredo and his Republican followers should take the time to get educated about religions to avoid making the same mistakes history has already taught us. Bombing sovereign areas has not exactly helped achieve successful determents, and you do not have to look that far back to see proof.

Neal, Atlanta GA   August 4th, 2007 8:48 pm ET

Atleast Tancredo has a set of balls unlike Obama, Kerry, Kennedy, Edwards and Hillary (although she may have Bill's set in her purse). Muslim extremists don't care if we kill them, hell they kill themselves regularly. What do they care about most. Mecca and Medina. During the Cold War with the Soviet Union we has MAD:Mutually Assured Distruction. The Russians knew that if they attacked us with nukes, we would respond in kind and we would all die. Well, the radisal islamic fundamentalists need to understand that if they attack the U.S. again, especially if they use a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon, we will respond in kind and destroy what they cherish most, Mecca and Medina. If that's not politically correct. So be it.

Lain, Austin, TX   August 4th, 2007 8:20 pm ET

Let's see if I understand this. We deter people for whom martyrdom is a virtue by creating more martyrs. We deter people for whom destruction of Sunni-held holy sites is part of tactical and strategic military doctrine. And let's deter Bin Laden and company from attacking us by attacking a regime he has already targeted for destruction via drastic measures. Smart, real smart.

Mrs. America   August 4th, 2007 7:51 pm ET

My question: Why isn't he talking about what to do BEFORE we're attacked again? Another fine example of … logic? Right up there with "Saudi terrorists nail NY; let's get Iraq."

BTW, I think the kid that just got 110 years for rape and murder was a "Christian." Just in case the terrorists use Tancredo's logic, the churches better be shoring up. Who cares that it's just one guilty snot-nosed kid. Nail all of the Chritian places of worship; make sure they're full of an abundance of grannies–for effect. Yeah, right. Great logic, Tancredo.

And to the Muslims who are posting, thanks for doing so. I lived for several years in the Middle East and know that the terrorists don't represent you or your religion. People who think like Tancredo are bigots, and you can tell by the nearly 1000 posts here that most people are not bigots like Tancredo.

Tony, Enterprise, Alabama   August 4th, 2007 7:50 pm ET

I saw Bay Buchanan defending this man.

I wish Buchanan and Tancredo were in Germany. There, these two Neo-Cons (READ NEO-NAZIS) would be arrested and we would be spared their insanity.

Pixie, Murfreesboro, TN   August 4th, 2007 7:32 pm ET

What Tancredo is advocating is called "Terrorism", plain and simple. You would think as victims of a terrorist act, we Americans would be less inclined to use it as a weapon, but I guess since we no longer have the moral high ground to Al Queada it's all tit-for-tat now.

Carolina Dude   August 4th, 2007 7:31 pm ET

I wouldn't want this guy to pick up my garbage, much less be a member of Congress. (It's his 5th term, I am afraid.)

He is not a lawyer, but rather a TEACHER. I surely hope he is not teaching what he is preaching…

If this guy is a true example of a republican, I'd rather be Socialist.

What a total MORON. I imagine Colorado will re-examine their support for him, next congressional election.

I have Muslim friends, and they don't like BinLaden anymore than I do. Don't blame the Muslims, blame the BinLadens !!

sumah. fortmeyrs florida   August 4th, 2007 7:24 pm ET

I actually went to my country last year and proudly bragged about Ameraca and America's fair trade in everything, now thnx to Tancredo for making me look like a fool to my people…. thnx to CNN for helping me choose to vote……………. everyone out there should know that I my self as a muslim speak that there is many many muslim out there who loves American, I my self do too, but you should know its not the muslim to blame, its the person who you are inside that makes you bad or good……….. i love islam but i respect good people muslim or not….

Andres Guzman, Cooper CIty, FL   August 4th, 2007 7:21 pm ET

So let me get this straight. According to him, if we bomb sacred Muslim sites, the Islamic fundamentalists would say "Oh wow I didn't know you would retaliate. I give up because that sure taught me a lesson". Is this guy snorting cocaine? I'm pretty sure the Islamic fundamentalists would have one more reason to hate us. What a moron.

Zach, Tennessee   August 4th, 2007 7:20 pm ET

I do not know whether or not Tom Tancredo knows anything about politics. If a crazy catholic man or men were to attack the country would he bomb Rome? Does he not know that muslims number over a billion? If he were to attack holy sites, he would incite a real holy war. This war would have very little support because he would be attacking what is dear to a sizable part of the world. What he or any leader should do durning an attack, is attack the threat. For instance, when our enemy was in Afganastan we should have continued the attack in afganastan and not opened up a new front in Iraq. Just the same, if an attack were to come we should find the source and not blindly attack muslim holy sites like a bunch of Nazi punks. If this poor excuse of a presidental canadate wins, I only pray that he does not go through with his short sighted, poorly thoughtout plan.

Tom Quincy, Mass   August 4th, 2007 7:02 pm ET

As usual you liberals are hammering a statement from someone who is not for simply dropping bombs for the bleep of it, but if we are attacked AGAIN.

Read slower to understand his words.

Now that you can see this is a response to the next attack (sorry Alice and wonderland believers, there will be another one), if he is so wrong about what we should do, please enlighten us on what the right way to respond would be?

One of you pacifistic geniuses instead of saying wrong, wrong, wrong, must have a solution?

We wait for your guidance and more enlightened approach.

Mike, St. Louis, MO   August 4th, 2007 6:34 pm ET

His comments are dead-on. We listen to threats daily from Muslim extremists threating our way of life and it makes me sick. The US Government is so damn worried about fighting a 'politically correct' war so the world does not see us as 'barbaric' that it's preventing us from making any real progress. What a joke. Look at where it has gotten us in Iraq. Ask the US soldiers what they think about being politically correct vs winning a war any way possible. I'd like to know the opinions of those same people who say his comments are reprehensible if there own families were killed by these extremists. People need to realize that an attack is coming, it's only a question of when. There are already counter-measure plans drawn up also, but most people are either so arrogant or blind that they just don't see it coming.

Liz (Killeen, TX)   August 4th, 2007 6:28 pm ET

Sure…we can go ahead and bomb Mecca and Medina…but I'm sure that if we do that, we're looking at WW III. What people like him fail to realize that it is not a problem with Muslims, it is a problem with a radical religious faction of that religion. Not all Muslims are like this. If all of the Middle East were Catholics, would we set out to burn every Catholic church in the US or even destroy the Vatican? Would we blame the Pope for everything? Probably, but how could we if it's out of his own hands? It's not his doing, it's someone else's who uses religion as a means of causing and creating havoc.

Where is this guy's email…I want to tell him how stupid he is myself. This is such a childish and unprofessional decision…and to think…someone actually elected this guy into office? Next thing you know, these terrorist will think of innovative and never before thought of ways to get rid of what means the most to us. Yeah…real smart Tancredo…real smart…

XYZ   August 4th, 2007 6:26 pm ET

He's got an EMPTY brain! Waste of US taxpyers' money on this stupid guy!

Nik, Philadelphia, PA   August 4th, 2007 6:24 pm ET

You know how you stop terrorism on US soil? You stop letting people into this country. Of course that means the end of free trade and international commerce…

Mike, Dallas, Texas   August 4th, 2007 6:23 pm ET

If we were hit with nukes by terrorist where would we retaliate?

During the Cold War we had an answer. The Soviet Union.

But now it's like World Wide Guerilla Warfare. Some countries pose as friends during the day, and enemy at night.
Most of the foreign fighters are from Saudi Arabia.

Well if anything he has people thinking. How would the US respond?

Azmus   August 4th, 2007 6:22 pm ET

What a stupid man! Now i do belive that Bush is not an accident, because America full of such stupids, and americans are electing such stupids than how crazy they must be?. He is insane thinking that by evil deeds they can stop evil!
DEVIL: Ha, Ha, Ha!!! keep it coming, Dude!

Aziz, New Orleans Louisiana   August 4th, 2007 6:20 pm ET

From an American Muslim Thank you for all the comments that counter this rediculous ideology. It gives me hope to know that you all are not against us to this degree anyway…

Jack, Huntington, WV   August 4th, 2007 6:17 pm ET

To think that even threatening to attack the two most holiest sites of 1.5 billion people would deter ANYTHING is naive, ignorant, and just plain crazy. This man shouldn't work at McDonald's much less hold political office where he makes decisions that affect people. What a loser. He doesn't speak for any real American with brains.

Colin, New Jersey   August 4th, 2007 6:14 pm ET

Mmm, This guy is a complete and utter moron. That's all I have to say.

Ethan Russo, Vashon Island, WA   August 4th, 2007 6:12 pm ET

This warrants his instant impeachment or recall for his jingoist racist ignorant incitement to further bloodshed.

Sam Shakeel Dallas,Texas   August 4th, 2007 6:11 pm ET

This is same king of extremism's we talk about when people blow them self. Look like Tom Tancredo is no different than these people he wants to kill thousand of people just for the sake of bombing Muslims.I am glad he will not be elected President.

Tom Sutter, Sault Ste Marie, Michigan   August 4th, 2007 6:11 pm ET

This is truly an asinine idea. I don't think the word "deterrent" can be used to describe this action. A more appropriate term would be "provocation". What do you expect will happen by doing something as stupid as bombing Mecca or other important muslim holy sites? You'll be creating more terrorists and widening a conflict that does not have to be. The candidates need to remember that only a very, very small number of the world's 1.3 billion muslims want to do harm to the U.S. and the West. I think a better idea would be to find common ground with muslims and enlist them to help fight a minority of extremists.

Tancredo's suggestion is simply stupid and shameful and should not be considered to be serious. It is sheer lunacy.

Wake up America. Our country is burning and the arsonists are in charge of the fire department!

Richard Wright, Boston, MA   August 4th, 2007 6:10 pm ET

Tom Tancredo is perfectly correct. This would be the equivalent of the MAD policy (mutual assured destruction) that effectively kept the cold war from becoming hot.

Andi, AZ   August 4th, 2007 6:07 pm ET

"You can the world to pieces, but you can't it into peace,"

Michael Frante and Spearhead

Richard - Duluth, GA   August 4th, 2007 6:06 pm ET

Bay Buchanan is his Senior Advisor so this warped policy shouldn't surprise anyone. She's a bit coo-coo & he must have some Bush blood in is family. What a pair!

Jeff, Andrews, NC   August 4th, 2007 6:04 pm ET

People, please keep in mind that he's suggesting the THREAT of this as a DETERRENT to another terrorist attack. This is only snippet-quotes of what he said, my money is on him saying this about a NUCLEAR attack in the U.S., like he did in 2005. He wasn't suggesting this for just any terrorist attack. I will agree it is an extreme idea, and if it ever happened it would be the "point of no return" with the muslim world. For everyone that thinks he's a total idiot, what would your opinion be if a nuke went off in the U.S. killing possibility hundreds of thousands of people, or more? What would YOU do after that happened? I personally would be OK with nuking most of the middle east if this ever happened. And he said he's open to suggestions, so what would YOU do? Instead of calling him an idiot, why not propose solutions to a potential problem?

Siera, Arvada colorado   August 4th, 2007 6:04 pm ET

Finally somebody who wants to level the playing field.
Political correctness only serves to repress people, Mr. Tancredo seems to know fighting a war in PC terms is ideotic and foolish.
Do not forget, they atacked women and children and will again.

Khalid - Minneapolis, MN   August 4th, 2007 6:04 pm ET

I'll pretend for a few moments your comments are not a publicity stunt to get your name on the radar screen (Tanc-who?) and share a couple thoughts for the sake of discourse.

Congratulations sir, you have fallen into the precise trap that Al-Qaeda has set for you. Your proposed solution will not only fail, but have the exact opposite consequence it was intended for. This idea will not deter, but rather re-enforce the cause of Al-Qaeda. It will become a rallying cry for millions. If anything at all, it will cause the millions of peaceful, moderate Muslims in this world and in our country to unite against us. A terrorist group like Al-Qaeda is scary and should be eliminated, but hundreds of millions united against the U.S. is an unconscionable idea that I'd rather not think about. I can't help but to pity you, and truly do feel embarrassed for you – if only this wasn't a publicity stunt that is. Good day, sir.

John Toronto, Canada   August 4th, 2007 6:00 pm ET

Well, the muslim terrorists bombed innocent civilians on 9/11 for no reason. I don't see why anything would deter them.

Terry Reed, Mellingen Switzerland   August 4th, 2007 5:51 pm ET

Well, it seems there is really someone out there worse than Bush. This comment was pure suicide for his political career. This type of reaction would give a better cause for these terrorists. I really don't think this politician has a grasp on what a terrorist is. They are NOT real Muslims, they only use the name. With remarks like this, I am actually ashamed to be an American. Thanks!!!!

Jon Davidson   August 4th, 2007 5:49 pm ET

Here is a politician that does not understand the difference between a Muslim, a christian, a skin head, or a radical terrorist. These are the politicians that I fear the most. For they are the ones that feed terrorism. I hope all of you out there will read this, take heed, and vote accordingly. This man is insane to have these thoughts.

Teh pwnerer   August 4th, 2007 5:49 pm ET

Do you people understand what he's saying? You're acting as if he would bomb Mecca and Medina without prompt. He's saying that THREATENING to destroy those holy cities as a result of a NUCLEAR ATTACK would act as a deterrent… and it 100% would. Are you liberals really this stupid?

Brian, Sacramento, CA   August 4th, 2007 5:47 pm ET

Such an act would be absolutely guaranteed to turn all the Muslims in the world into the terrorists that Tancredo is convinced they already are.

Osama bin Laden's stated purpose with the 9/11 attacks was to provoke the US into a war in the Middle East that would turn moderate Muslims against us. Thanks to Bush's stupidity, the plan has succeeded beyond bin Laden's wildest dreams.

Now Tancredo wants to escalate. If we did this, then the entire world would unite to wipe us out, and WE WOULD DESERVE IT.

Thank the gods that Tancredo has zero chance of ever becoming President. But I fear that, deep down, Dick Cheney might agree with him.

Seth Hill   August 4th, 2007 5:45 pm ET

I agree with most people in this forum that Tancredo's proposal is absurd. However, I want people to propose an alternative which would protect us from Muslim extremists. Not negative whining like "this will earn us even more hatred," but a positive suggestion like "Do this, do that, etc." I wish I had some positive ideas.

sonya, fortmyers florida   August 4th, 2007 5:44 pm ET

is Tancredo seriously trying to start world war 3?

stephen chau, san diego, ca   August 4th, 2007 5:38 pm ET

everybody who agrees with this man fails to realize that mecca is in saudi arabia.
saudia arabia is an "ally" of the united states of america.
try thinking of more creative, less idiotic ideas than bombing some of the only support the united states has in the middle east.
-gotta love middle america

Bob Ladder, New York City   August 4th, 2007 5:37 pm ET

It seems candidates have the notion that whoever is more radical is going to get the votes. Let's elect the most extreme candidate!

Tom Jackson, Stamford, CT   August 4th, 2007 5:35 pm ET

The idea is obsurd and repugnant, plus it would never work. I think he's just saying this as a means to get moderate muslims to finally stand up and take back their religion. In his opinion, they would do this if they felt their religion was threatened by extremists. As a whole, muslims don't do enough to reign in terrorists and it ends up as a defacto means of supporting them.

john esley,atlanta,GA   August 4th, 2007 5:35 pm ET

Ignorant people like him will be the reason if we get hit again!!

Oryza, Chicago, IL   August 4th, 2007 5:32 pm ET

Aaaah, luckily Mr. Tancredo is not going to win the premier otherwise … can't imagine having a president who does not even know geography. Mecca and Medina are located in one of our allies'!

A more civilized, cultured and well-educated candidate, pleasssseee!

Willi M. Fort Mill SC   August 4th, 2007 5:28 pm ET

Miles, they hate us anyway, simply because we're Christians.
They will cut your Childrens Heads off if don't stop them now.

Alan, Omaha, NE   August 4th, 2007 5:26 pm ET

I'm a Democrat. I love this country and I support our military. On the face of it, Rep. Tancredo's suggestion may, in fact, be callously reprehensible but I don't find his suggested targets totally off bounds. Depending on the nature of a terrorist attack, say… a nuclear weapon, biological weapon or similar device, I would whole heartedly embrace an unfettered response regardless where either site is located. Thinking back to those gut wrenching events and my personal feelings on 9/11… I would have nuked both of those sites into permanent oblivion in a heartbeat. Islam must rein in and purge itself of their cancer or Islam must face the prospect of paying a very dear price for its failure to find, track down and neutralize those fanatics who threaten the lives of the innocents who die by their hands… just like the innocent who died for no rational reason on 9/11. Spain, England and the rest of the world can respond as they see fit; as for the USA, we must keep all options on the table and the prospect of retribution in their minds.

Mel, Ames IA   August 4th, 2007 5:25 pm ET

Looks like Ron Paul just got another few hundred votes for the Iowa Straw Poll.

Good going there Tank, keep tooting the neocon bullhorn.

Hillary C. Chappaqua, New York   August 4th, 2007 5:23 pm ET

Sharia law will prevail if I have anything do say about it.

mike carty cambridge ma   August 4th, 2007 5:21 pm ET

This is one of the most irresponsible and inflammatory statements that I have heard a politician make. That a public figure can make such a statement speaks to a level of ignorance that borders on recklessness and incitement that is unforgiveable and requires a statement of apology. I hope other public figures willl renounce this remark. THe revered and holy sites of a particular faith are not the property of the radical and fundamentalist fringes of that faith. Should we attack Jerusalem considered holy by 3 faiths? Holy sites are revered by moderates as well. TO attack a holy site is to attack the faith and play into the hands of the terrorists who will undoubetedly use this for anti western and antiamerican propaganda to inflame passions and accuse the west of a modern day crusade. Moreover, how does this solve anything?. We ought to be supporting moderates of islamic and other faiths and not undermining them with type of illconsidered rhetoric.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 5:17 pm ET

Finally we have a politician who understands what the terrorists have known for years… it's us or them.

Miles, New York City   August 4th, 2007 5:17 pm ET

Great Idea! Yeah, that's going to stop them from hating the USA!!!

USA   August 4th, 2007 5:16 pm ET

Oh you nutcase. You must be crazy. This is the House of God, Mecca, Kaaba. Don't even imagine in your dreams. You definitely need some help. This could be the end of the world if you ever imagine of doing evil such as these. Vehicles in America is running because of Saudi Arabia. Don't you want people in America to drive their cars instead ride on bicycles. huhhhhh. You know what 1.6 billions in the world are laughing at your comments.

Alicia, Silver Spring, Maryland   August 4th, 2007 5:12 pm ET

That's like someone saying we should bomb vatican city if attacks on abortion clinics continue. Perhaps Mr. Tancredo should take under consideration that the pilgramige to Mecca is all about being in harmony with the rest of humanity. Oh, and essentially everyone there is a civilian.

Glen Wertheimer   August 4th, 2007 5:11 pm ET

I think he is right. Bomb them where it hurts. That is what they are trying to do to us.

JIM, MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA   August 4th, 2007 5:11 pm ET

I agree with the Congressman.
If this is a contest of wills, perhaps we had better get with the program.

If those people can put a Fatwa on Salman Rushdie, they can put one on you and me, for speaking our minds in a free nation.

I think I will vote for Tancredo for President, since Lou Dobbs is not running.

Anne, Corpus Christi, TX   August 4th, 2007 5:10 pm ET

Since CNN saw fit to remove my comments, here they are again:

"Oh, *great* idea! Let's destroy a **religious** center to get back at the extremists' bombing of a **financial* center. I guess we Americans really do worship money. Let's polarize the all the moderate Muslims so that the ENTIRE Islamic world will hate us. What do you thing they would do then? What do you think would be THEIR next target? Can we think things through before we say stuff like this? There is no "one" deterrent to terrorism but destroying Mecca would be "one" catalyst for a new era of warfare. ESPECIALLY since many AMERICANS are Muslims! Are you going to destroy a place that is sacred to AMERICANS? Did you even consider the American Muslims before you said something like this? How are they supposed to feel?" In addition, Representative Tancredo, all of us born in the country are Americans, regardless of our religious beliefs (mine are Christian). Set religiosity aside, places like Mecca and Medina are historical landmarks. You shame those of us who would never dream of harming another religions' sacred sites. I am glad that I no longer live in Colorado. We love you anyway, Sir, even if you spout hatred.

Riaz, Jersey City, NJ   August 4th, 2007 5:09 pm ET

Assume, there is an Earthquake and Mecca destroyed, do you think, that is the end of terrorism? Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Pakistan are also fighting with these Terrorists. Whether there is Mecca or not, still 1+ billion people will be praying five times facing the direction of Mecca. You can flush Quran in the toilet or burn, but still Islam is the fastest growing religion and its not because of these terrorists. If there is another Columbine school or Virginia Tech happens in America, should we destroy their properties and execute their family members? Eye for eye am I right? On the contrary, what did Amish People do to their killer's family in PA? They brought tears in our eyes and opened our eyes in those difficult times!!! Peace!!!

Andy   August 4th, 2007 5:08 pm ET

If I knew someone down the street from me was going to attack a country I hated I might let it happen. I would think differently if it was clear to me that any attack would lead to my country being attacked as a result.

Mike, Myrtle Beach, SC   August 4th, 2007 5:04 pm ET

Why are so many people surprised by this? War is the only political platform the republicans have.

Willi M. Fort Mill SC   August 4th, 2007 5:04 pm ET

Islamic terrorists set the Standards on 9/11 Farrukh ,Sir

Oswald Klunk   August 4th, 2007 5:03 pm ET

He's absolutely correct. Western governments should have already quietly made it quite clear within diplomatic circles that any attack on high profile landmarks like the White House, the British Parliament, St Peter's, Versailles, etc will bring a swift response this time.

John Morten, St. Louis MO   August 4th, 2007 5:02 pm ET

Tancredo is insane. Genuinely certifiable. Anyone running against him in '08 should give serious thought to using his mental health as a campaign issue. And if treason is defined as "aid and comfort" we should probably consider bringing him up on those charges, since comments like these are perhaps a bigger propaganda bonanza for al-Qaeda, the Taliban, etc. than the Morgenthau Plan was for the Nazis.

sbt, Houston, Texas   August 4th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

I know it is a radical idea, but i have to agree with Tom Tancredo. To beat terrorism, we have to think like them AND retaliate like them – INDISCRIMINATELY. Eye for an eye. There are too many bleeding heart liberals in America – enough is enough.

Craig,London   August 4th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

How could this lunatic even stand for presedency,doesnt he know there are over a billion muslims. does he want a worl war?

Doug Horneman, Mesa, AZ   August 4th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

This worked against the Russians durring the Cold War why shouldn't it work against the terrorists. Such a counter strike might help to invalidate extreme forms of islam which hold that islam should be forced on the world with the sword and that the holy sites in Medina and Mecca can never be destroyed. Destroying those sites might cause them to rethink their position. Threatening to destroy those sites just might prevent them from attacking us in the first place. I think that Sen. Tancredo is the smartest person running for office on this issue because he understands how the enemy thinks. Those who criticise him are not only ignorant but are encouraging future attacks by making us appear weak.

Dems in '08, Frederick, MD   August 4th, 2007 4:57 pm ET

Absolutely unbelievable. You would think he is working with the Bush Administration. Thank both God and Allah he'll never get the nomination.

Robert, Key West, FL   August 4th, 2007 4:54 pm ET

Following this logic the US would bomb the Vatican if some wild Catholic group attacks the USA…

while it might, might be a good deterrent for some, some Islamic fundamentalists what about everyone else that is a good Muslim…i'm sure that would tick them off and they would want to attack the USA and with no other holy sites to lose what do we threaten them with next….carpet bombing their mosques with pig parts…?

this is some of the stupidest stuff i've heard someone say in a while…

alicho   August 4th, 2007 4:53 pm ET

Since Tancredo has no hope of becoming pres, he says things that will be attractive to whomever it is that he will go to work for after his political career hits the skids. This is shameless ALL AMERICAN politics at its worse. Mark my words, the moment he is out of office, which should bee soon, he'll go to work for some defense lobby group or something. Scum. To my Muslim brrothers and sisters: Don't worry, we had an insane inept and fundentalist president once, I doubt it will happen again for a while. But then again, this IS america, anything is possible!

Jordan, Austin, TX   August 4th, 2007 4:53 pm ET

Tom Tancredo is a certified nutcase. Hey, Tom, if we bomb Mecca, someone's weapons of mass destruction will be aimed at the U.S. and I'm not willing to take a bet on their accuracy.

Tell ya what, go over to Iraq on a visit and tell the natives that.

Okay people, why are you electing these reckless, idiotic, crazy politicians? Surely there have to be knowledgeable, intelligent, reasonable people out there who aren't wearing combovers or toupees.

suppose   August 4th, 2007 4:53 pm ET

What would you left wing socialists do to deter a terrorist nuclear attack, send an
urgent letter to the UN begging for help?

Tom, New York, NY   August 4th, 2007 4:50 pm ET

terrorist attacks happen only because of people like Tancredo

Israr London UK   August 4th, 2007 4:46 pm ET

The comments of the congressman, is a last
attempt from him to get some publicity from the media
& get some loony support among the right – wing.
Just another nazi + fascist soooooooooooooooo.

Farrukh, Woking, UK   August 4th, 2007 4:45 pm ET

Potentially replacing one foolish person in the Whitehouse with another, any wonder why the world no longer looks to the USA as setting 'standards'.

Frank Heffernan, Cape Coral, Fl.   August 4th, 2007 4:43 pm ET

This war now upon us is a relgious war. Throughout history Islam has warred against all not moslem. They continue this now, wherever there are significant numbers of moslems they do violence against; Christians,Jews,Hindus etc. We now face a generational religious war. It will get more and more bitter and brutal. One or the other will win. We indeed will someday destroy their religious sites, they would do the same to us if they could. God or Allah will prevail.

USA citizen (not proud to be) Mary HOPES   August 4th, 2007 4:43 pm ET

u bomb mecca and medina, that will mean u'r all dieing muslims won't leave u they'll kill you all, all around the universe there are more muslims then u….. than i think he should think again becasue his going to die soon if itz going on likt this his a right morran

J   August 4th, 2007 4:43 pm ET

WOW talk about IGNORANCE what a hateful man, so you are saying if the next terrorist attacks are donr by Jews you will bomb Jerusalem? and if its done by a christian? than what man resign you dont make sense

Jim, Baltimore, MD.   August 4th, 2007 4:42 pm ET

There are a few things I'd like to say about this. Fundamentally this guy is correct. The only thing that this religion understands is a strong hand. When Saddam was in power, he kept everyone under his control and his religous party was in the driver's seat. Its the same way in Iran and Syria. The U.S. came in and upset all of that. Now we have to stay and get things back in order. I don't agree with bombing Islamic holy sites, but the extremists need to see, in some way, we aren't going to stand for any of this nonsense. I see some comments on here about a few bad apples in the religion. But my question is.. The 'good' apples in this religion know who the bad ones are and do nothing about it. If they really wanted to move forward and have peace, they would have done something by now about all the upheaveal in their religion. Also, these radicals don't care about any of you. They'd rather see you dead just because you aren't part oftheir religion. I'm a live an let live kind of person, but if anybody has that kind of attitude toward another person, I'm guessing these people need to be taken care of in one way or another.

Patrick, ramona california   August 4th, 2007 4:40 pm ET

Stupidest idea EVER. If terrorists blew up Mt. Rushmore, do you think we would be scared. Hell no, we'd be pissed off. Same goes for them.

I know that Tancredo will NOT get my vote, and I'll inform everyone I know of this idiocy.

Ron Paul for President!

Walt Bailey   August 4th, 2007 4:39 pm ET

Tancredo's idea makes sense only if we're prepared to follow it up with a "final solution" type genocide campaign against arabs, persians and all other historically muslim ethnicities. Because if any significant muslim populations are left alive after we destroy muslim holy sites, they'll be after us until they kill us or die trying.

Bob, Delano, Minnesota   August 4th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

Yes – definitely – let "the games" begin! I am a Christian and a liberal and even I am fed up. Drop a nuke. As if those radical Muslims are playing nice & fair. Ha!

Ken, Charleston, SC   August 4th, 2007 4:36 pm ET

The better deterrent is to go ahead and queitly start burying small, tactical nukes in Damascas, Rhayd, and Terhan. It might just slip out as a 'rumor' that one move to toss NBC weapons on us, and somebody is going to pull the sting on those suitcase sized 'crowd pleasers'and most of Islam is going to have a 30,000 year half life before anyone can step on the 100 foot thick glass that used to be sand over there.

Kumar, Charlotte NC   August 4th, 2007 4:35 pm ET

Yes. I will vote for Tom. He has the correct solution. We need to teach the Islamic fundamentalists that we will no longer tolarate their crap.

Ailim, Buffalo, NY   August 4th, 2007 4:33 pm ET

Sounds like a witchhunt to me.
Racist and prejudice against a religion so they throw them all together and burn them. Haven't we learned anything from the inquisition?
We're supposed to be an enlightened people, not backyard hillbilly yokels.

Sam Columbus, Ohio   August 4th, 2007 4:32 pm ET

We will never win this war. I hate to say it but America has become complacent, the slow decent into irrelevancy has begun. We have not followed through on anything since Vietnam. Soldiers die fighting for what they believe in and the citizens back home tell them they died for a pointless war. The soldiers return home to find everyone against what they valiantly fought and just to feel normal, to feel like they belong they take up the fight against, what only months earlier, they would have died for. When will nationalism die? We claim to be christians but when American troops go to help nations that are opressed and try to liberate cultures that are on the brink of genocide we say "This is not our war, we have problems of our own." Whether we like it our not as the most powerful nation in the world we have a responsibility to our fellow man. At no point in history has a nation stood up for the plight of the citizens of other nations. The eye of liberty is going blind, and I can see myself as a child with so much faith and hope in The United States turn his back on me tears in his eyes. I hope that one day we will realize that we can not turn a blind eye toward atrocities in other nations, just because some American soldiers will die, believe me they will have died doing a nobler deed than you or I could ever hope to do. Yes, mistakes will be made and yes it will be a long road, but we must stick it out. If we continue on our current course of not following through because of support at home, we will no longer be relevant o nthe world stage.

Sink   August 4th, 2007 4:32 pm ET

The comment and concept of attacking a known place of worship and a place that is known to be Holy is just WRONG.

Queens, NY   August 4th, 2007 4:32 pm ET

Finally someone who says something right.
Why should we not threaten when we get threatened. why don't all of you liberal, tree huggers go spend some time over there and let us know how you feel when you get back.

Umar,New delhi,New Delhi   August 4th, 2007 4:30 pm ET

Isnt Mecca a holy site for christians as well because Prophet Abraham built it as a place of worship and that was way before Islam and Christinity. If such is the intelect of this man makes way for people to believe that USA is a unruly and religiously corrupt nation as they do not care for any religious site in the world. SO What will he Bomb next Jerusalem and kills all the Arabs and Israelies living in that region. Maybe we should tie this guy to a space shuttle and make him discuss his wise plans with the Aliens. The world is better off without this nut case.

Peter   August 4th, 2007 4:25 pm ET

The key detail many on the left are missing here is that Tancredo is not calling for using nuclear weapons upon the cities of Mecca and Medina, but he is calling for the consideration of that action if the radical Muslim right, *unchecked by the silent and essentially approving world Muslim majority*, nukes western cities or succeeds in mass murder.

The United States subjected the German culture to mass murder for their supporting a hate-based leader during WWII. The United States threatened the Soviet Union with the same actions for decades. Both of this action and threat of action had retaliatory foundations, not hate-based initiatives.

Those who find Tancredo's statement unreasonable are essentially refusing to admit to themselves that if prodded enough, the Western world might find itself in a scenario where it might have to wipe out much of the Islamic world in reaction to an unchecked radical attack. Such a terrible day would be only retaliatory, a detail that Osama bin Laden and friends really do not want the Islamic world to focus on.

To ignore this potential is to not be responsible.

Don Douglas, Centennial, CO   August 4th, 2007 4:21 pm ET

I proudly claim Tom Tancredo as my Representative from the 6th District of Colorado. Please note that Rep. Tancredo has always stated that an attack on Mecca would be considered if, and only if, an Islamic terrorist comitted an unthinkable act of a detonation a nuclear weapn against a US city. Then, and only then, the terrorists must think about the horror of losing their holy city in retaliation. However, we must show compassion and give the residents of Mecca 48 hours to clear out before a retalitory attack. We cannot keep letting these terrorists have the upper hand on everything. We MUST win this war.

John, Chicago, IL   August 4th, 2007 4:17 pm ET

It's a wonderful idea. But I think he should give some time frame like a week so that innocent people can move out of the site.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 4:13 pm ET

I agree with Tom, he has the guts to say what many people feel — if they are religious nuts in favor of destroying us in the name of Allah, then they should taste the same medicine.

josh   August 4th, 2007 4:10 pm ET

This is rather disturbing. The US Presidency is the most powerful position in the world. Mr Tancredo's disturbing comments about bombing Muslim holy sites is completely out of line, and certainly does not befit a future US President.

Clearly, Mr Tancredo is not fit for the Presidency as he has made it quite obvious that the first thing he'll do once in office would be to blow up Mecca and Medina, just to 'deter terrorists' and to show that 'America means business'.

The Middle East already has enough problems (Iraq and the Palestinian question, among many other things). We don't need to add Muslims angry at the US over blowing up Mecca and Medina to that list.

It doesn't matter if Mr Tancredo just said this to look like he has a tougher stance on terrorism – but the fact that he has openly threatened to attack a US ally clearly indicates that he is not a rational thinker, and essentially will not be a good leader of the free world (saying that he wouldn't be a good leader would be an understatement).

Jimmy, C.B. Iowa   August 4th, 2007 4:07 pm ET

What a retard. Screw him and all those who agree with him. Another reason why christians suck.

Dallas, Houston TX   August 4th, 2007 4:04 pm ET

This is the dumbest idea I've heard. These are holy cities that millions of Muslims visit every year. The majority of Muslims are good people. So why destroy something that is very sacred to them and take a "real good chance" of turning the good Muslims against us. We need all the help we can get in keeping the peace. This isn't a way of doing it.

Alan, Atlanta GA   August 4th, 2007 4:00 pm ET

Does he not see that bombing a holy muslim site will only cause them to bomb holy christian sites around the world? I love how were still right in the middle of the crusades, but instead of swords and sheilds we have guns, bombs and George W. Bush.

Mohammed Sheikh   August 4th, 2007 3:59 pm ET

Mr. Tom Tancredo, Impossible is the word for you because you failed to catch a little poor man called as "Mr. Osama Bin Laden" and proved yourself of being incapable forget about bombing the holy muslim sites its byond impossible,,,,,, It give a very clear picture that, America under their irresponsible and nonsense leadership cant achieve anything

Khader Mohiuddin, Denver, Colorado   August 4th, 2007 3:59 pm ET

I strongly condemn the disgusting comments made by TOM.

This clearly shows, extremists existing in every religions, which has no reflection or relations to any religion.

Every individual across the world with right frame of mind will condemn TOM for such comments.

There should be some federal law to discipline to punish individuals that promotes hatred between communities.

KEITH VANZANDT HUDSON MI.   August 4th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

ALL THE PACIFISTS IN THE U.S. BETTER GET THEIR COLLECTIVE HEADS OUT OF THE SAND. THIS T5ANCREDOS STATEMENT IS JUST PERFECT. THE ONLY WAY TO DETER THESE COWARDS FROM ANOTHER MORE SERIOUS ATTACK ON THE U.S. IS TO LET THEM KNOW THAT WE ATTACK A MOSLEM HOLY CITY AND DESTROY IT.FOR ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO WILL DECRY THE INNOCENT DEATHS FROM THIS THEN TOO DAMN BAD.

Skye26, California   August 4th, 2007 3:57 pm ET

"I guess bombing Mecca & Medina would be one way for us to turn all the Muslims in the world against us and turn this into a full fledged Crusade, though."

This is precisely what the politically correct liberals of the world would have you believe, and what will put the United States in the dismal cowering state that Europe is currently in with their hostile Islamic population. Europeans have been thoroughly intimidated into silence by the politically correct who castigate their press for using the word "Muslim" to describe suspects, label reasonable cautious actions "stereotyping," and by those who would refuse to use the word "terrorism" to define the acts of violence against innocent subway passengers, etc.
Jihad against the West has deep historical roots that go far beyond events of the 20th century, and to be ignorant of that fact is suicidal on the part of every American.

Listen to Ayaan Hirsi Ali on YouTube. Read "While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West from Within" by Bruce Bawer. In other words, wake up America.

Joe Gakenheimer   August 4th, 2007 3:55 pm ET

It makes sense coming out of the mouth of a high school student, but not out of a representative of our country. There are always options and each one should be considered depending on the circumstance. But threatening a potential attacker is not the way to soothe religious and cultural tensions, thus he is as crazy as a potential terrorist himself.

Boz, Beaverton, OR   August 4th, 2007 3:53 pm ET

Unbelievable. That might be the best idea I have ever heard. We can't even control Iraq, and he thinks America can control the rest of the middle east? Not to mention all the other Muslim-dominant countries. The political ramifications in the far east with Indonesia, and in Europe. After a 7 year search for a guy who's more dumb than our President, at least we know his thoughts now before we elect him. However, I remain with the fact that Bush is still the idiot in Washington. Even more so than his little pet, the Attorney General Berto.

Ameen Atlanta, GA   August 4th, 2007 3:51 pm ET

How did this retard ever get elected. How can someone even think of such nonsense. Who really is Tancredo trying to gain support from? Is there such a sentiment with among the U.S. population?

Well now that Tancredo cannot make illegal and legal immigrants scapegoats, as the immigration issue has been put away the strategy is to say outrageous things as such to garner some attention.

mike, dayton,ohio   August 4th, 2007 3:50 pm ET

Unfortunately, such statements these days no longer surprise me.

What is surprising is that a State Department under an increasingly psychotic administration wouldn’t have readily incorporated such wacko options into its already pathological “diplomacy” rather than finding it reprehensible.

The Bush administration’s longstanding contempt for the differing lives on this planet is the breeding ground for such destructive ideas.

M.I   August 4th, 2007 3:49 pm ET

Dirty minded Mr. Tom Tancredo can't think anything else to protect our country. In fact he is trying cheap shots to gain the votes of conservative voters. Different poles show he is not even close to other presidential cnadidates for 2008 US election. We as American already facing lot of hate and opposition all over the world because of our failure of foreign policies. Attacking any religious sites is not a viable option. From his statement it seems to that he is running out of options right at the start. If want to be the president of great nation he should remove crazy ideas and need to be open minded about other religions

Fred, Providence, RI   August 4th, 2007 3:47 pm ET

How would bombing holy sites possibly deter future attacks agains the US? Wouldn't it simply escalte tensions in a region already teeming with violence? Woult it not ensure an attack on "western" holy sites (Jerusalem, the Vatican, Fatima, etc.)? For once I would like to hear a politician suggest a way to defuse widespread hatred for America instead of insiting more hatred.

Cesar, El Paso, Tx.   August 4th, 2007 3:45 pm ET

Beware of stupid fanatics like this idiot. He probably used to get picked on as a kid.

Dan, Montreal, Quebec   August 4th, 2007 3:39 pm ET

I don't know what worse: that Tancredo made these comments, or that he ripped off the idea from Nelson DeMille's novel "Wild Fire".

Alex Reyes, San Luis Obispo, CA   August 4th, 2007 3:37 pm ET

You nailed it right on the kisser! That is the only language they understand.

Christopher Savoie, Winnipeg, Manitoba   August 4th, 2007 3:36 pm ET

This man disgusts me. The actions of few Muslims should not bring punishment to them all.
I don't believe in any higher power but at moments like this I wish I could find comfort knowing this man has an eternity of punishment awaiting his evil choice.

Stone   August 4th, 2007 3:32 pm ET

This comment is very disappointing, thank God majority of americans dont think like this man

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 3:31 pm ET

You go Sentor.
I agree. Great idea

Hasan, CA   August 4th, 2007 3:30 pm ET

You Americans sound like Nazi Germany now .

Alexander, Upper Marlboro, MD   August 4th, 2007 3:30 pm ET

M.T.

"It is considered a sin in the Koran to attack anybody just because you don’t like there religion."

Nonsense. Read 9.29 of your Quran. Read the various hadiths and Quranic versus that support attacking non-muslims. The word "innocent" does not mean the same thing to muslims as to non-muslims. Just saying something bad about Muhammad makes you guilty and could warrent your death. A woman not wearing the proper Islamic dress means they are an enemy of Islam. Also most of passages that talk of peace in the Quran relate only to muslims. It does not relate at all to non-muslims. People of the book (Jews and Christians) get better treatment then pegans but even they are put into a dhimmi status which means they have no rights and are treated as inferior humans. Remember Islam is not an individual faith but a community or collective. Nation states don't mean anything to a pious muslim. Islam is also a way of life and government.

Pious muslims must establish and fight (Jihad) to establish the will Allah (Islamic Law) on the whole world.

"Allah's Apostle said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and offer the prayers perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform a that, then they save their lives an property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah. (Sahih Bukhari, 1:2:24 [see also 4:52:196])"

Michael from Nashville, TN   August 4th, 2007 3:28 pm ET

There once was a man who advocated preemption in the name of national security.

His name was Hitler.

Don, Dallas TX   August 4th, 2007 3:27 pm ET

Its a great idea! Terrorist must understand that there will be consequences for their actions. The U.S is not able to pin point where each attack is based from. The only threat that covers all muslims is the threat to destroy Mecca.

Justin, Cleveland, Ohio   August 4th, 2007 3:23 pm ET

This is completely unacceptable coming from an American politician. His extremist views are completely against everything that America is about. Unfortunately, his views are accepted by those who are just as ignorant as he is. This is very sad.

Michael from Nashville, TN   August 4th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

Tancredo is talking about an act of violence that by comparison would make 9/11 look timid. Can't you see that we're becoming terrorists ourselves?! We're throwing away everything this country is supposed to stand for!!

People here are talking about bombing civilian targets are firing missiles at skyscrapers! This is madness! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!?!?!?!?!

Dean Marsdale   August 4th, 2007 3:17 pm ET

Civilized countries shouldn't destroy non-military targets in a "tit-for-tat" strategy. Our war strategy centers around the idea that extremism indescrimately destroys people and infrastructure in order to achieve its political aims. We don't follow that inverted thinking. As an example, when did Al Qaeda ever hold a trial for its militants who killed indescriminately? Such a trial would run counter to the "principal" Al Qaeda pushes. Tancredo probably isn't aware his thinking is right in line with the terrorists he wishes to thwart. All the same, quite visibly, Tancredo lacks the mental capacity to be President.

Richard, Las Vegas, NV   August 4th, 2007 3:17 pm ET

About time someone spoke up for America. This is a war of ideologies that will destroy our country and our way of life if left unchecked. I fully support the concept of leverage and deterence.

paul, phx az   August 4th, 2007 3:16 pm ET

at the very very least it is militarily out of proportion. medina and mecca would be closely followed by the vatican and all of israel.
this guy is clueless, lets hope we dont see him golfing with bush next week.

Steve, CT   August 4th, 2007 3:16 pm ET

Yes. Let's fight torture with torture. Terror with terror. Then call ourslves different. If you really believe in the American way of life, as I do, you have to stand by it even in the tough times.

Jeremy   August 4th, 2007 3:15 pm ET

Anyone in support of this idiot is an ignoramus hellbent on wanton warmongering recklessness! Real political "nuts" indeed. IGNORANT!

Brandon, Orlando, FL   August 4th, 2007 3:14 pm ET

They don't hate us because we're free; They hate us because we've been in the Middle East for the last fifty or so years meddling in their business, all to protect our oil interests. It doesn't take a genius to understand that our horrible– And most of the time non-existent– Foreign policy is at the root cause of this mess. If we weren't constantly inciting coups and bombing those we deem a threat to our oil interests, then we'd have very few of the problems we have today.

Anyway, I'm nothing but shocked and appalled that there are actually people who agree with this guy. Right now we're at 'war' (And I use that term loosely) with Islamic fundamentalists. Attack Mecca and/or Medina– Even as a retaliatory measure– And suddenly you'll find yourself at war with all of Islam.

The thing about Islamic fundamentalists is that they don't care who they hurt in their quest to kill the 'non-believers'. Any kind of attack aimed at Muslims as a whole would play right into the hands of the extremists. They'd never have to recruit again. Ever.

Thank you, Mr. Tancredo, for being played like a fiddle.

Mike from Nashville, TN   August 4th, 2007 3:14 pm ET

I honestly believe that the behind the scenes plans in Washington are far more evil than anything the terrorists could even imagine.

charles v gunawan   August 4th, 2007 3:12 pm ET

A classic case of a tadpole in a well.Is he for real?.

bai everett Wa   August 4th, 2007 3:11 pm ET

Republicans always accuse democrats of aiding terrorist because of the comments they make, but infact people like Ann coulter, Rush, Sean hannity, bill orielly, michael savage and this idiot are the ones who are really aiding the terrorist for making such folish cmoments.

Alex, Amsterdam   August 4th, 2007 3:09 pm ET

This article gave me a totally different view about Americans untill… I read the comments. Greets from the Netherlands.

Michael from Nashville, TN   August 4th, 2007 3:07 pm ET

There are many different ideas and philosophies within Islam as to when jihad is or isn't called for. However, there there is no disagreement on one thing: jihad is always called for when attacked!

Attack Mecca or Medina and watch all the currently peaceful Muslims in the world turn militant. Literally, EVERY MUSLIM ON EARTH WILL TURN ON US. Attack Mecca or Medina and watch ALL of our allies turn their backs on us. We will be alone, with a billion Muslims ready to kill us.

Hundreds of millions of Americans, including myself, will protest this and refuse to fight to defend this government if it follows this path.

I honestly believe it will destroy America.

M.T., Pensacola FL   August 4th, 2007 3:04 pm ET

Wow this guy wants to target the whole Muslim religion because of what a small group of extremist have done. If this is not discriminating at its finest then I don’t know what is. I can’t believe he actually thinks this will stop all the problems going on in today’s world. Presidential hopefully? I don’t think so; I think would rather vote Paris Hilton as President then this guy. Muslims believe in peace and have respect for others. The religion tells Muslims to respect everybody, which includes Muslims and Non-Muslims. Attacking innocent people is against the Muslim religion and no where in the Koran is attacking of innocent people justified. It is considered a sin in the Koran to attack anybody just because you don’t like there religion. People cannot discriminate against the whole group for what a small group of idiots have done. If this guy wants to attack a place where a lot of innocent people worship there religion; then what makes him better then any of those crazy radicals?

scott   August 4th, 2007 3:02 pm ET

Wow… he obviously thought this one through because we all know the fundamental Islamists are going to stop their terrorist attacks immediately after a threat like this… "Gee, they really mean business, let's stop the bombings and look for peaceful alternative solutions…" … the only morons who think like this and support this position are not really different from the terrorists themselves — they may not have started bombing yet (oops except for abortion clinics) but given the time and chance they would really really love to do so.

Alexander Smith, Asheville, NC   August 4th, 2007 3:02 pm ET

Without a doubt, Mr. Tancredo's comment is the epitomy of "the ugly American." To think that the government would even consider bombing a holy site, without respect to religion, is unthinkable. I have always believed that America is THE standard of decency, morality, freedom, and most of all – justice. To denegrate American ideology with ignorance will continue to erode the foundation this country has stood upon. We are better than this.

noble,karachi,pakistan   August 4th, 2007 3:01 pm ET

great idea tom……… if you do that more than 5000+ nuclear icbms coming at you from Pakistan……….

Dan in Phoenix AZ   August 4th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

This is such an insane comment to make.
This is totally a cowards point of view and so stupid. Don't you think if the US were to take this kind of a stance in dealing with such things that there would be retaliatory actions like bombings of holy sites throughout the middle east, not to mention the Vatican and various church bombings in the USA? What an idiotic thing to say. Where do we find these politicians? Literally scraping the bottom of the barrel. We're Americans for goodness sakes can't we come up with more responsible and respectable solutions? Not very diplomatic to say the least. I didn't think that the republican party had anything worse to offer than what he have now. Apparently that's not the case.

Bud Dailey,Shelton ,WA.   August 4th, 2007 2:57 pm ET

Tancredo makes sense. After all it is Saudi Arabia that has promoted and financed radical Islamic terrorism for the last fifty years. Wahhabism is dedicated to the eradication of all non-Islamic believers that wont convert to their form of insanity and that radical religious belief is endemic in the Saudi ruling elite.
A few cruise missles aimed at their proud new skyscrapers,and mecca would certainly temper their haterd for the rest of mankind and possibly force them to moderate their hateful religion,and join the 21st century.

CTurner, Durham, NC   August 4th, 2007 2:56 pm ET

Tancredo's only role in the 2008 election is to make the other Republicans look relatively sane by comparison. He's taken over the role from John McCain, who is now so broke and politically ruined that no one pays attention to his rants anymore. Tom, thanks for taking one for the team.

Lorene, Thornton CO   August 4th, 2007 2:51 pm ET

To even think of bombing these two sites is like revisting the Crusades, you cannot punish a whole religous group of people for just a few people causing problems. Not to mention the historical importance of these sites is critical. Whats the next step, Dome on the Rock. This man is just not playing with a full deck and needs to be sat at the right side of Jerry Falwell at the idiots table.

Jesse, Jacksonville , Florida   August 4th, 2007 2:51 pm ET

This guy is insane….

Rob, Aspen, CO   August 4th, 2007 2:50 pm ET

I have been saying this for a while, actually, and I believe there is a lot of simplistic misinterpretation. We avoided nuclear catastrophe in the cold war largely through the reality of mutually assured destruction. We are now faced with an enemy that is stateless, fanatical, and could possibly attain nuclear capability. A new doctrine of mutually assured destruction must be erected, and Islam is the one unifying element of the enemy we currently face.

Sean, Olongapo City, Philippines   August 4th, 2007 2:50 pm ET

Really now….Does anyone really think there is such thing as a 'moderate' muslim. Read the Koran word for word. Then, and only then, will you understand their intolerance for others (especially jews!). And yes, this guy is nuts….but just fed up with bending over backwards for a religion that is wholly intolerant of others. The topper is when muslims seek the protections of civilized western societies from their own backwards countries— then preach for the downfall of the west in their newly adopted countries! These guys are equally nuts!

David, Bowling Green, OH   August 4th, 2007 2:47 pm ET

This is the most irresponsible statement any American politician has issued for many years, many decades. I'm afraid some damage – just his saying these things – has already been done. This will confirm in the minds of those predisposed to believe that the US is anti-Muslim.

I'm also astounded at the ignorance of some of people here commenting. No Muslim would be deterred by destroying Mecca or Medina; on the other hand, violence would rise to a level not seen since WWII, and it would all be directed at us. What then: more nukes? Such idiocy.

alexander, Upper Marlboro, MD   August 4th, 2007 2:46 pm ET

Brett Lambert of Baltimore

They hate you because you are a non-muslim. The same reason why they hate Hinuds, Buddhist, Atheist, and amyone who does not follow the one true path.

"Alif Laam Raa. A book which we have revealed to you (Muhammad) so that you may lead the people from out of the darknesses into the light by their Lord's leave to the path of the All-Mighty, the Praiseworthy." [Qur'an 14:1]

Unless your are muslims your are an inferior human and must submit to the will of Allah. That is why they fight us, India, Thailand, Sudanese Africans and yes Jews in Israel.

Don't you guys get it…Its a religious war. It has always been a religious war. Like it or not.

Antonio, New York City   August 4th, 2007 2:45 pm ET

What an idiot. Just by saying such a rediculous statement he is going to stir up anti-American fervor in Muslim communities around the world. This is why we need to revamp our sorry education system – so fools like this don't ever rise to positions of power.

Moez Abdel-Gawad, Houston TX   August 4th, 2007 2:44 pm ET

I firmly believe this is not a deterrent. Muslims do not worship cities, be it Mecca or Madinah. We worship (hold as holy) Allah alone, and Allah is indestructible.

The suggestion is thus nothing but a clear expression of hatred (and ignorance, of the fact above). Someone (Tancredo) was sincere and honest enough, and had the guts, to express what he thinks and how he exactly feels towards Islam and Muslims.

Clarity of intentions, and clarity in expressing them, is nice and good.

arab ,,,in ny   August 4th, 2007 2:42 pm ET

bomb em all let god sort it out nuke em obama

Zuleyha, Old Westbury, NY   August 4th, 2007 2:41 pm ET

I couldn't help but laugh! To think how excited he must of been, assuming he found the perfect solution. WHAT AN IDIOT! Besdies laughing, these comments and ideas put worry in my heart. We Americans are the most hated people around the world. I would always say, "we're misunderstood." But, now I see what evil exists within our own beautiful country.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 2:40 pm ET

Yes we should bomb mecca , every chance we get that where all evil started anyway

Jamal, Texarkana, TX.   August 4th, 2007 2:40 pm ET

No wonder ‘War on terror’ is increasingly viewed as ‘War against Islam’.

Sabrina, Morristown, TN   August 4th, 2007 2:40 pm ET

It won't work. The terrorists aren't really "religious." They just use Allah and religion to suck other people into their cause.

Ali Raleigh NC   August 4th, 2007 2:39 pm ET

This "person" makes me sick!!! He is worse than the terrorists.

Michael from Nashville, TN   August 4th, 2007 2:38 pm ET

Tom Tancredo's idea of bombing Mecca is the most insane idea I have ever heard. I used to respect Tancredo for some of his conservative views, but this is just madness. I will do everything in my power to make sure he is never elected.

Destroying Mecca will create a global jihad on a scale that would simply be unimaginable. Imagine our current problems multiplied exponentially. It could possibly mean the end of the United States.

Don't give terrorist actions legitimacy!

I support Ron Paul.

alexander, Upper Marlboro, MD   August 4th, 2007 2:38 pm ET

Also there is a reason why people are worried about an Islamic nuclear weapon. If you are a true follower of Islam then when read a phrase like Quran 9.38.

"O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that, when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter." (Yusuf Ali)

What do you think it means to you? Remember these folks think this is the word and LAW of god!

dan boulder colorado   August 4th, 2007 2:37 pm ET

not all Muslims are terrorists thus they should not have to suffer the destruction of their national shrines for the deeds of a few

How would Mr. Tancredo handle the situation if he knew the terrorists intended to instigate a US attack on Mecca?

Outraged in Austin, TX   August 4th, 2007 2:36 pm ET

"Ding…ding…ding.

We have finally found someone who would be a worse President than Bush."

Hear hear! Tom Tancredo is a crazy person and it's about time other people are recognizing it. Of course he has no chance of winning the presidency, but he shouldn't be in Congress either!

Kevin, Los Angeles, CA   August 4th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

This is the most closed-minded and stupid option ever suggested. Or should I say re-suggested. How does this idiot continue to get public attention and support? How can he possibly get elected, even to the House? He's obviously trying to incite a World War.

Brett Lambert, Baltimore, MD   August 4th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

What kind of ridiculous crap is this? Islamic fundamentalists hate America because we support Israel. Bombing Mecca is not only completely un-American, it is the one thing that will completely solidify the resolve of those fundamentalists to cause America harm. Tancredo is free to have whatever opinion he wants and to share it, but I sincerely hope the voting public in his district banish him from public office.

JG, Seattle WA   August 4th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

I love Tancredo's comments. It's about time we stop worrying about being politically correct and kow-towing to Muslim sensitivities, or any other sensitivities.

Yes, we need to be compassionate, but we can't be weak.

If they want to continue to engage in attacks aimed at civilians in any country, then I have no problem with taking whatever measures are necessary to deter that action.

tina   August 4th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

Tancredo is right! these muslim radicals will not rest until they realize that their precious holy sites are in danger. The U.S. is our holy site and we cannot keep living in fear of being attacked. That is crazy! 1.2 Billion muslims should realize that they have to make those violent ones realize that the west is capable of doing such things and that the moderate muslims are also tired of them. This will not create a worldwide holy war because the west is capable and the fundamentalists are a minority whose powers does not match to Western powers.

Rob, Denver CO   August 4th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

As another ashamed Coloradan, and to answer the question of why this guy represents this state, I can only offer the explanation that Tancredo hails from the 6th District, which is a largely-rural-though-partially-suburban and very conservative area. In Colorado, most of the more educated population resides in Denver/Boulder, with the exception of some of the mountain resort areas. Note the correlation between the posts here that agree with Tancredo and numerous misspellings, grammatical errors, and generally adolescent reasoning.

Robert Jenkins San Diego,CA   August 4th, 2007 2:30 pm ET

The only place Tancredo gets it wrong is that he would wait for an attack on the USA before he’d attack Mecca. Uh, why wait??? I’m all for a PREEMPTIVE obliteration of Mecca. Just do it. Now. Seriously, nothing would put a bigger grin on my terrorist-despising face than to wake up one random day, turn on CNN, and see TOP STORY: MECCA FLATTENED. Just imagine the joy of seeing a giant black pane of sandy glass, stretching for miles, lying where Mecca used to be. I never liked the look that hideous giant black cube anyway, that pile of garbage that these insane radicals walk around in circles, for hours at a time, like zombies from Night of the Living Dead. Ahhh, I realize this is only a dream for now. But you just wait. Have 1 or 2 more WTC-type attacks in the country, and what you may think is a dream now will indeed make sense to all of us, including our President, regardless of political party. Just you wait.

Alexander, Upper Marlboro, MD   August 4th, 2007 2:29 pm ET

The Quran is filled with passages that talk about waging war against non-muslims. The most famous is 9.29:

"Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued." (YUSUF ALI Translation)

The other translations are the same. Some will say I am just cherry picking but not one of the major muslim groups on this planet disagrees what this means. It is the duty of all pious muslims to wage war (Jihad) against non-muslims until the submit and pay the jizya (if they are Jews and Christians). If they are not Jews and Christians kill them. Now not every muslim understands this phrase nor is every muslim really pious. The fact is the less pious a muslim is the less dangerous he is. The more pious the more dangerous he is to non-muslims.

Jamie B., St. Paul   August 4th, 2007 2:28 pm ET

It's been widely rumored for years that Bush has made this threat explicitly. Similar threats were made against Pakistan in order to secure cooperation in the Afghan War. And frankly, even if he hadn't made the threat explicit, I am quite certain that another major terror attack on US soil would bring our nuclear deterrent into play–what on earth could such forces be meant to deter if not a large-scale savage attack on our country. I for one have wondered ever since we took over Pakistani airbases to attack Afghanistan how long it would be before we used Afghan airbases to attack Pakistan.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 2:26 pm ET

Saudi Arabia isn't much of an ally. If all the truth came out, they would be seen for the hypocrites they really are. Tancredo is right on, and he has the right ideas on illegal immigration also. Too bad he does not have much chance at the nomination. This country needs more like him.

Michael Tweedy, Mesa, AZ   August 4th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

Why Not????? Are they willing to attack us? Yes. Hit them where it hurts. I am reminded of the 1969 bombing of Hanoi. If we had kept it up 1 more week, Hanoi would have capitulated. They use their religion as a tool against us, and everyday American boys are dying to stop them. I think you will find that a lot of Americans agree with Tancredo. Its a new world and we need to protect ourselves in ANY way we can.

kassem khalil, San Diego, CA   August 4th, 2007 2:21 pm ET

MR. Tancreso, show ignorence about islam. Islam is relation between the self( moslim beleiver) and his God, and this has nothing to do Mecca and Madena. He Should know that before the end of life ( day of jugments), God told the moslims that Macca will be destroyed and Isalm will stil excist for enternity.

John, Berkeley, CA   August 4th, 2007 2:20 pm ET

This man is a sick, twisted retard in a business suit. Lots of them. Idiots who never developed the ability to actually think about what they observe. I wouldn't be surprised if this idiot watches cartoons, or the adult equivalent. He's what the term "reactionary" best describes. The clown finds it impossible to figure out that bombing any religion's holy sites doesn't deter them, it makes them angrier. The idiot doesn't seem to realize that there are plenty of Muslims worldwide who would react. This jerk is a perfect example of the "feel-good", pain-oriented, simplistic approach to handling problems–he has no ability to think beyond one or two steps, no ability to extrapolate consequences.

Richard Gannon, Oakland, CA   August 4th, 2007 2:19 pm ET

Tancredo is right on target. We only invite attack when we do not retaliate. It encourages these Muslim maniacs when they get away with their missions of destruction without suffering any punishment. This administration has been inept at punishing these Muslim terrorists. We should have bombed Pakistan into a parking lot years ago for harboring this Bin Laden and his legions of brutality. Tancredo and Hunter are the only two candidates that have shown they have the courage to lead a nation.

Brook Gibbs, Fayetteville AR   August 4th, 2007 2:17 pm ET

Absolutely Crazy is exactly right! Someone remove him form office before we start the freakin' Apocolypse!

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 2:17 pm ET

Hit Mecca! this shows how desperate are some people to get elected Tincredo is just one of them

J.O. Watertown NY   August 4th, 2007 2:16 pm ET

i didnt think there could be anyone worse than bush…

good thing the GOP has no chance in 08 or we would be in some serious trouble!

Mike   August 4th, 2007 2:14 pm ET

How did he get elected in first place.

T.S., Stockton, CA   August 4th, 2007 2:12 pm ET

What an ignorant fool.

Anonymous, Los Angeles, CA   August 4th, 2007 2:11 pm ET

Hey Tom, you could drop a million nukes on mecca and medina. When the dust clears i will still go for hajj.

Ellton James, Cork Creek, NY   August 4th, 2007 2:08 pm ET

We should drop leaflets ant tell them that we are going to nuke the sites, Then nuke them.

The non crazies would leave …

After a couple of hundred years of having nothing to orbit around the whole religion would disappear. Nobody would miss it.

K. Hall, Des Moines, Iowa   August 4th, 2007 2:07 pm ET

Actually I think it is a good idea. If
THEY are willing to "blow America all to hell" (ally or no ally they are all
ARABS), then perhaps THEY will see that
WE mean business and not just playing around anymore. TOO many AMERICAN lives
have been lostto all of those JERKS! I say "hit them where it hurts"! And that
seems to be their "RADICAL RELIGIOUS" idea is to FORCE ALL OF THE WORLD TO BE
MUSLIM OR ELSE!

Martin, Tucson, AZ   August 4th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

Absolutely brilliant idea!! I think it's terrific that someone is FINALLY thinking outside the box of political correctness.

wethepeople   August 4th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

what a crazy loon.

Gomer Byle   August 4th, 2007 2:04 pm ET

Oh, stop whining. Bombing mecca and medina can't make muslims more angry at USA, they are already operating at full maximum hate. It can only make them fear us. Thats the point of a deterrent. Duh

Hal, Phoenix,az   August 4th, 2007 2:04 pm ET

Re Steve NY "As a Christian, Mr. Tancredo’s comments are absurd and disgraceful."

Actually as Christian statements they seem perfectly in keeping with the treatment meted out to those who make distinctions between whose side the "invisible men" are on.

Scott, Washington DC   August 4th, 2007 2:04 pm ET

Yeah, that sure worked on us. They bombed a major city and we didn't respond at all. Nope. No outrage at all. We pulled all our troops out of the middle east. Brilliant deterrant. Next thing you know, he'll suggest putting out a fire with gasoline.

cliff jones, honolulu hi   August 4th, 2007 2:03 pm ET

Alas, when they show their true selfs intentions.

Jon, Cleveland, OH   August 4th, 2007 2:02 pm ET

"Terrorists" would be thrilled if we bombed a holy site. It would almost instantly achieve their goal of rallying the entire Muslim world against us.

Marc W. Los Angeles CA   August 4th, 2007 2:01 pm ET

I am not a person that advocates war. But his idea has merit. We MUST find a way to deter another attack. Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.

Steve - Lowell, MA   August 4th, 2007 2:01 pm ET

I ABSOLUTELY agree with Rep. Tancredo's assertion that bombing Mecca and Medina would be an effective, acceptable deterrent towards Islamic Radicals and their twisted beliefs. I'd consider my political views to be that of a slightly left-leaning centrist (mainly due to my intolerance for religious fanatacism and the seemingly infinite number of contradictions inherent to it), but my rational side tells me that fighting fire with fire is the only way to stop these animals from causing further damage to our country. Thankfully, I'm honest enough with myself to admit that I could not care less about the plight and struggle of Muslims.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 2:01 pm ET

OK. Why don't you go ahead and do it????????? I think you imagine it's very easy.!!!

R.F., Austin, Texas   August 4th, 2007 1:59 pm ET

Small pockets of fanatical muslims use questionable interpretations of hadith to justify terrorism. Attack Mecca and unite the entire Muslim world against the attackers. No questionable interpretations. The Quran is clear.

Dex Alexandria, VA   August 4th, 2007 1:58 pm ET

Sorry everyone im not suprised at all. Little Tommy just said what many of them are thinking and saying to their buddies. He's a conservative. So is Bin Laden. This is a conservative mind set. The party of hate. I don't think the KKK is liberal. I guarantee they would agree with little Tommy. They are conservative. I don't think terrorist are liberal, they hate change. They are conservative. This is the mindset. If you don't believe watch the comments of those who consider themselves conservative. They will prove me right.

Bob, San Francisco, CA   August 4th, 2007 1:56 pm ET

Mecca and Medina are cities within Saudia Arabia, the same country of birth of 15 of the 19 9-11 hijackers. Ally or not where there's smoke there's fire. You can't solve a problem if you ignore the source of the problem.

Dave K, Fredericton, NB, Canada   August 4th, 2007 1:53 pm ET

Another case of lumping all Muslims as radicals.
I suppose that had he been around in the 70's and 80's, he would have advocated nuking Rome and the Vatican the next time the IRA blew up a shopping mall in England?

David H. Grisham   August 4th, 2007 1:51 pm ET

This is not a crazy idea. It would result in minimal loss of life if done with surgical strikes and it would have maximum deterrent effect. Since we value human life ( abortion notwithstanding) that is what they seek to hold hostage by their campaigns of terror, human lives. We should hold their holy sites hostage since that is what they value. Call it a jihadist version of Mutually Assured Destruction. It is MAD but not crazy.

Chris Phillips   August 4th, 2007 1:50 pm ET

Tancredo for President

Jordan Steckloff, Farmington Hills, Michigan   August 4th, 2007 1:49 pm ET

This is a bad idea, because it is such a strong message. Even if we were attacked again, striking suck holy sites would only further strengthen the Extremists' resolve against the USA, and perhaps spark a violent holy war. Therefore, bombing Mecca wouldn't be in our interests. therefore is it not a credible threat, and thus an ineffective deterrent.

Curt Revson, Iowa City, Iowa   August 4th, 2007 1:49 pm ET

Absolutely stupid and ridiculous – Tancredo needs to read Ron Paul's book "A Foreign Policy of Freedom"

nate   August 4th, 2007 1:49 pm ET

how did this guy become a congressman,? i've never heard something so outragious and ignorant. being a muslim i find it appauling, does'nt he realize if such thing would happend, it would only make things worse?? I would like too see the immediate removal of Tom Tancredo from office.

Brace, Houston Texas   August 4th, 2007 1:47 pm ET

Seems pretty practical to me. Surely if there's something to deter an extremist Muslim from launching another attack like 9/11, it is the bombing of their most revered sites? We have the bombs to do it without causing too many casualties. I say thumbs up to this idea. Hit them where it hurts and show them we mean business. They want to screw with us, they'll regret it.

Of course, this also means that if anyone wants to attack a Muslim holy site, they just have to stage an attack against the U.S. and make it look like extremist Muslims did it, forcing America's hand to do what they want (attack those sites). Gotta be sure about who did the attacking before we retaliate as such.

JENNIFER, HOESTON TEXAS   August 4th, 2007 1:44 pm ET

IM REALLY ASHAMED OF MY COUNTY FOR HAVING LUNATICS AS THIS FELLOW RUN FOR PRESIDENT!! TANCREDO YOU AINT GETTING MY VOTE!

John, Manchester, NH   August 4th, 2007 1:44 pm ET

Anyone who recklessly takes out innocent lives is an idiot and can only expect extreme payback. If this ever happened, our country (The U.S.A.) would be a much more dangerous place to live!

When will people learn it's safer to make friends instead of be the bully.

Kamal, Deer Park, New York   August 4th, 2007 1:43 pm ET

I am amazed Mr. Tancredo reached a point where he is a presidential candidate. What happened to America and its ideals and laws. This arrogant Tancredo should be booked to a mental institution as soon as possible. He needs to understand that muslims civilized humans and are also part of the American demography.

Straw Poll Voter   August 4th, 2007 1:41 pm ET

If I didn't share the planet with all the pro-nuclear warhawks on this board, I would hope they get their wish just so they could completely comprehend their own stupidity. But I do.

Thank God it's not up to them, or we would all be dying of radioactive fallout. Is that the fate you all want? Because that's what you're trying to push on everyone else.

If you want a fight so bad, put down your mouse, pick up a gun, and head on out to war. Go fight like a man. Or are you such cowards that you'll have someone else nuke the world on your behalf? You sound like cowards to me.

Tom, you're wrong, and the best deterrent is to get people like you out of office.

Proud Parent, USAF

Ailim, Buffalo, NY   August 4th, 2007 1:41 pm ET

We shouldn't be threatending to bomb anyone period. It's like playground banter with these people: My fortress is bigger than yours. I'm better than you. The people who run this country should be acting like adults not babies. And might I add: racist.

Elton James, Cork Creek, NY   August 4th, 2007 1:40 pm ET

I'm 100% liberal and I have never voted for a Republican in my life. Yet this idea is exactly right in my opinion. I don't respect religious garbage and I don't know why we have not already bombed those sites.

Ezra   August 4th, 2007 1:40 pm ET

I agree with Mr. Tancredo. There are no rules to war. Such a threat, if real, is a significant incentive for "moderate" (if such a thing exists) Muslims to place pressure on the extremists. That is where the battle lay.

Mark, Louisville Ky   August 4th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

Absolutely correct, radical muslims have made this world one giant killing field and it's to the point where we need to start taking drastic measures. When you're dealing with individuals who live in the sewer, sometimes you need to get into the gutter. At the same time, it's a double edged sword, because most muslims are decent people but they need to stand up and denounce these attacks! After all, it is not Christians or people of other faiths that are responsible for these deadly and horrible suicide attacks!!

For those who are quick to point out that the US is kiling people in the Iraq War, civilians do die during wars. Over 60 million people died during WW2 and a good share of those were civilians. Fighting tyranny is not easy, for anyone.

However we, as a country, do not engage in 'Total War' anymore, the US Military has gone to great lengths to insure that civilians are safe!

Manda, Southern NJ   August 4th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

I always thought he was crazy. Now he's given me proof.

Bill McGrath, Chandler, AZ   August 4th, 2007 1:29 pm ET

The height of insanity! What arrogance! Attack religious sites that are revered by a billion people because a small handful are extremists? Let's turn the rest of the Muslim world against us. Such a tactic would have exactly the opposite effect than that envisioned by Tancredo: we'd be giving the rest of the world another reason to hate us. Is this any different than Iran bombing the Vatican? Or Westminster Cathedral? Maybe it's time that Americans (I am one!) recognize that our foreign policies are fueling terrorism. Our invasion of Iraq has virtually guaranteed a long line of volunteers at the terrorist training camps. Every atrocity, no matter how infrequent, like the rape and burning of that Iraqi girl, lends credibility to the claims of the terrorist leaders. Our only hope to stem the rise of terrorism is to come to grips with its root causes, and take steps to alleviate the anger that drives it. Everything else just fuels the fires.

Alejandro, Brookfield, IL   August 4th, 2007 1:29 pm ET

These types of comments are reprehensible and shows an intolerance and inability to fully understand how the worl has changed. Attacking Holy sites will not deter anyone from committing terrorist attacks. If anything, it will create more violence. One Bush is enough.

Steven Chandler, Arizona   August 4th, 2007 1:28 pm ET

Finally …. someone in politics with some 'cajones'to tell it like it is. If we are attacked by any terrorist faction from any Muslim country, we should immediately destroy one of their sacred sites. Their hatred and their actions are fueled by religious fervor and fundamentalist religious zealots who will be stopped only when their own 'religions' are directly attacked. These vermin should be eliminated at their source. Kudos to Tom Tancredo.

Mary, Saline, Michigan   August 4th, 2007 1:26 pm ET

Chris, Knoxville

"Republican's are stupid".

How about "Republicans are stupid" – no apostrophe.

Who's the stupid one here?

Hamid, Cheyenne WY   August 4th, 2007 1:26 pm ET

As a Muslim and an American (born and raised) I am pleased to see so many of my fellow citizens as outraged as I am by Rep. Tancredo's statements. If anyone honestly believes that striking Mecca and Medina would any way deter these murderous lunatics from attacking America, consider Islam teaches that God the murder of one is the equivalent of murdering all of humanity such that deterrence from God is not enough. Instead, bombing the holy cities would do exactly what so many of you have pointed out–put the entire Islamic world of 1.2 billion believers at odds with the United States. While Representative Tancredo's visceral reaction might provoke some sympathy among the fringe elements in this county, no one should forget that hate begets only more hate.

Brian, DC   August 4th, 2007 1:25 pm ET

What.
An.
Idiot.

Makes me wanna hollah!

Steve, Overland Park, KS   August 4th, 2007 1:25 pm ET

Sounds like a good idea to me!

John Toronto, Canada   August 4th, 2007 1:22 pm ET

He's wrong about bombing holy sites, but he has started a useful discussion about what would be a deterrant for stopping terrorists? What threat exists that would stop a lunatic group of Muslims from getting and detonating a nuclear weapon in a western city?

Jonathan Smythe, Vail Colorado   August 4th, 2007 1:21 pm ET

You go go, Tom! But don't stop there. I'd be taking out full page ads in all the major newspapers in Syria, Iran and other terrorist supporting countries, and that ad would say, "Let your people know, the United States if America is here to be a peaceful international partner. However, any attack on the United States of America, its territories or its allies, will be dealt with a massive military response against Tehran and Damascus, regardless by whom the United States of America, its territories or its allies is attacked!"

Wow, Saint Louis, MO   August 4th, 2007 1:21 pm ET

We already know this guy is insane from the debates he has been in. What is more scary is reading the comments on this blog that agree with him. If you want to seal the downfall of the United Sates and its western alllies then go ahead and bomb Mecca. Let's see what happens.

AJ Strickland II Lincoln,Al.   August 4th, 2007 1:21 pm ET

I think most people miss the point here. Isn't the guy just saying no matter where you hide we will attack you. Who cares what or where the structure is. If a country wants to hide these cowards then certainly they are no ally to us.

John Toronto, Canada   August 4th, 2007 1:18 pm ET

Horrible idea. If we resort to bombing their holy sites, we have sunk to the level of the Muslims.

Benjamin Bloomington, IN   August 4th, 2007 1:18 pm ET

Is he insane? That would be like putting up an "open season" sign on schools, churches, and everyplace else that people gather. This would cause mass rioting across the globe.

Someone has to remain on the moral high ground…

He should stop reading out of the "Bush playbook" and start thinking with his head.

David, California   August 4th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

Fear in America has lead to such stupid statements! Call him what he is A Christian Terrorist!
How would destroying another religions holy sites stop terrorism? The majority of the people in Islam are NOT terrorist dispite what is seen on OUR media!
Americans need to wake up and educate themselves on other religions and cultures. Remember, Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and the US bombed the hell out of that country. What good did that do?
This Terrorist should be removed from politics!
By the way, where is Osama and his people…those are the ones we should really bomb!

AG, Baton Rouge LA   August 4th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

Sounds good but I'm not sure it would be very effective.
When dealing with someone who wants to blow themselves up It will likely be pretty hard to find something they care about.
Threatening to kick over it's water bowl won't deter a mad dog from attacking…

Abu Dawoud al Amriki   August 4th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Fisrt of all, as a Muslim, let's just say Mecca and Medina can be rebuilt. This will be the duty of everyone who worships the One and Only God. Thus in the end, Mr. Tancredo, you've accomplished nothing. Second, rather than deter any furture attacks, you've only increased them. This stupid idea of yours is really, in the end, a failure. Think you options through.

Tanweer ,Alberta ,Canada   August 4th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

It is easier to sit in a secure place and threaten the world ,i think it will not be easy to attack Mecca and i don't really think that senator has the balls to do that ,They went to spread democracy in Iraq and now after so long there emotions have cooled down,the only man who is still excited about it is Bush or his General who is paid to support the president ,I think before attacking Meccca americans should go in Iran cool the anger of iranians with their blood and weapons ,then attack on Syria and feel good about it ,then comes Pakistan ,after that if they have any more energy left to threaten they should threaten India and China for taking their jobs ,but i think by that time greedy ,ignorant and racist Americans will have a miilion U.S dollar to a euro and they would start killing their neigbours for cash and will not have the energy to threaten any one else , Probably a super power china will provide a better leadership to the world than mean and greedy Americans.

Randy, Pittsburgh PA   August 4th, 2007 1:15 pm ET

Funny things is i don't see a problem with that. they plays by a different set of rules. We need to level the playing field. If they attack my family, I say attack theirs. If they attack my friends, I say attack theirs. Then we would see how quick this stiops. Ever heard, fight fire with fire, an eye for an eye? Let the liberals defend their families with hugs and kisses.

joe, new york city   August 4th, 2007 1:14 pm ET

aboslute moron…just like bush and all republicans who are destroying this country

Alex Calderon, Miami, Florida, (USA)   August 4th, 2007 1:13 pm ET

I live in Tancredo's version of a Third World Country, Miami,Florida. Maybe he would like to bomb Miami right along with Mecca and Medina. This guy is an INSANE IDIOT.

Sam Dsouza Washington DC   August 4th, 2007 1:10 pm ET

What Mr.Tancredo has said is 100% right. If these islamic jihadists are all up for killing us anytime anywhere, then we should not spare them at all.

Phoenix,AZ   August 4th, 2007 1:10 pm ET

Tancredo is exactly the kind of neonazi we dont need in our country. Its people like him who harbour terrorism. Can someone tell me why killing millions of innocent people, by bombing two holy cities, who have no ties to Al Qaeda is not an act of terrorism. This guy is not only a moron but a second comming of Hitler and probably a buddy of Osama Bin Laden, since they preach the same messege of hate and biggotry.

Emeka Chukwu, Aba, Abia, Nigeria. 234-804190419   August 4th, 2007 1:07 pm ET

It is a shame that the Muslims have "cornered" people into thinking more of what not to do to Muslims.

They have stealthly planted fear in the minds of "Libral thinkers" of this world.

Accept it or not, If Muslim "Holy Sites" are attacked they will not be able to sustain a worldwide warfare.

Muslims make you fear what they dread, Besides chicken hearted people die many times before their death.

The earlier we stop "pleasing" muslims for fear of what we think they can do, the earlier we break free from their shadows of fear.

It is time to wake up.

Bombing Mecca with nukes during the hajj, will humble the fools that think that they are invincible.Besides force is the only thing Muslims understand.

Gondola, Gangees India   August 4th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

Too bad 2 Billion Muslims are on the wrong side of our secular state. I would not hesitate to bomb their holy sites if we are provoked again.

We have respected this religious gibberish entirely too much. We have paid for the most powerful military the world has ever seen, so they had better "prey" that we don't use it. Religious fascism/terrorism must end!

Chris, NY,NY   August 4th, 2007 1:02 pm ET

This is not a good idea and Tancredo shouldn't have said it. I don't believe that the terrorists would care one way or another if Mecca was bombed, they aren't true Muslims anyways.

That said, I have one interesting thing of note: Notice how many Western and American people are outspoken about Tancredo in this blog? Why don't we see the same backlash by Muslims when their fundamentalist leaders advocate nuking the west and suicide bombings? Food for thought…

Rishi, San Diego, California   August 4th, 2007 1:01 pm ET

That would single handedly incite World War III–not only would every country in support of the United States be at war with every islamic theocracy, but there would an implosion of violence within any country where muslims are citizens.

Stan   August 4th, 2007 1:00 pm ET

*******WAR IS NOT A SOLUTION******* Let's pray for a peaceful world

Mike, Albany NY   August 4th, 2007 12:59 pm ET

This guy certainly needs to learn a little about foreign policy. Why in God's name would you tip your hand as to what you would do in a hypothetical situation like that and encourage someone who has an axe to gring with the muslims to attack us in the hopes that we retaliate against Mecca? Meanwhile our country will suffer from even more big government Republicans and personal freedoms usurped in the name of security.

Anna, Minneapolis, Minnesota   August 4th, 2007 12:57 pm ET

Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam. Can we bomb them too?

James A. Wortham, Fort Worth, Texas   August 4th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

Im a democrat, Im a black man, I believe in the right to bear arms,Im a christian and I agree with him a 100%!

JSJ, San Jose, CA   August 4th, 2007 12:55 pm ET

this guy is a lunatic

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 12:51 pm ET

The most irresponsible and arrogant statement I have heard. For people who think this is a great idea, I would like to ask how is this moron's statement is any different than for example Iran saying it will bomb and destroy The Vatican City if attacked by The United States?
What Terrorist Tencredo is saying is exactly the same thing. Think about it.

KT, SF, CA   August 4th, 2007 12:49 pm ET

It's interesting that we are appalled when we see propaganda pieces (such as this one) from Islamic terrorist organizations. However, when it's a US Representative, we're not so quick to call for the man's head.

When does this all end? They hit us on 9/11, we go after Afganistan and Iraq. They hit us again, we go after Holy Sites?

Destroying Mecca and Medina will achieve nothing. Terrorists follow an ideal, not a man or object or place. This act will only embolden them to do something more unspeakable.

Craig, Swift Current, Saskatchewan   August 4th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

Wow, even Bush isn't that stupid.

Bossier City, Louisiana   August 4th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

This trial balloon by Tancredo may not be the optimum precision directed parry to the coming attack, but it is refreshing to hear that someone in Washington is searching for ways to liberate the strength of this nation from the Lilliputian bonds with which the liberals have strapped it down. The day is soon coming when the healthy people of America will have to rethink the blessings of the dominant mindset of effinism and weakness with which we have been so lovingly bludgeoned by the earthshoe elite. The questions come down to this: will we choose to live or die? Are we willing to do what it takes to live?

Catherine, Manchester, NH   August 4th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

I can't think of a better way to start WWIII…can you? Religion is at the core of someone's charecter, bombing Mecca will do exactly what fundamentalists want- unite the people of the Muslim religion. what they unite for will not be in the best interest of any American…or any civilization for that matter

i feel so diappointed as a human being that this came out of someone's mouth…we can strive for better.

Eric, East Longmeadow MA   August 4th, 2007 12:47 pm ET

Although seemingly a ludricrous suggestion, the point is accurate. In a culture that encourages martyrdom, the only thing fundamentalists value is their religion, and the only way to deter an attack is to threaten that which they hold sacred. Otherwise we can thwart them, but not deter them.

Sam, Portland, OR   August 4th, 2007 12:46 pm ET

That's like bombing the Vatican because some Catholic somewhere in the world killed a family member of yours. It's completely insane to think of bombing an ancient holy site, sacred to over a billion people because a few nutjobs attack our homeland. Muslims are not our enemy, its extremism like Tancredo and Osama Bin Laden thats the enemy.

John Oly Gainesville Florida   August 4th, 2007 12:35 pm ET

I agree and support Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo. This is deterrence and worked well during the cold war. The Muslim culture is at war with and wants to destroy Western Culture and values. This is a good defensive move to preserve our wellbeing and way of life. Protecting our own is the moral thing to do.

John, Miami, Florida   August 4th, 2007 12:34 pm ET

Does this guy has ANY Idea what he is saying?

What he is saying is going to create a war of the religions, He wants 2 billion Muslims as his enemy's ?

Virginian1   August 4th, 2007 12:28 pm ET

So typical of the GOPs, all guts, but no brain.

malik muhammad,chicago,ill.   August 4th, 2007 12:27 pm ET

attacking those sites would only make the war of "armageddon" that's being fought now more hotter if not bring it to it's final stage of all out war,and would be hastening the doom and fall of this mystery babylon america,so clearly he's the wrong devil for president.

Jay, California   August 4th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

This guy is a racist, idiot and should be banned from politics! He thinks all Muslims should suffer for a few crazy idiots that use Islam to make terror around the world! It's Nazi Germany all over again, only this time it's Muslims, not the Jews!

Gary, KC, MO   August 4th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

What I think he is unaware of is that this is a war on terorists, not Islam. Bombing Islamic holy sites would, as others have said, lead to a "crusade" type of war with fighting between religions. While the terrorists hide in Islam they are the lunatic fringe of it, just as the abortion clinic bombers are the lunaitc fringe of Christianity. There is no deterrent in making such idiotic statements, it only drives a further wedge between the normal (right thinking) members of all religions.

Brian,Newyork,Newyork   August 4th, 2007 12:24 pm ET

Tancredo is right , Even though his suggestion is a little Tame, America should have went in Hard at the very start of this conflict , its laughable that America has all these nuclear weapons it wont use, America's enemies now see America as a Tiger with no teeth.

hart opelousas,la   August 4th, 2007 12:24 pm ET

im all for it that's the best idea ive yet.hit them were it hurts.

stan, Tampa, Florida   August 4th, 2007 12:16 pm ET

is this guy stupid or what?

J, Dubuque, Iowa   August 4th, 2007 12:14 pm ET

Are psychotic urges all that drive Republicans anymore? Do they not realize that doing that would only cause more problems than they would solve?

Dan, Albuquerque, NM   August 4th, 2007 12:08 pm ET

The bombing of Muslim holy sites would not be a deterrent…It would motivate would-be terrorists. If they attack us and we attack Mecca & Medina in return, Bin Laden would have what he has always wanted…full-scale West vs. Islam jihad.

I assume Muslim media is all over this story and using it to fuel even more anti-US sentiment. Politicians should be forced to appear on that tv show, "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?" before they are allowed to serve. If they are not (smarter, that is), they are fired.

alien - Cairo   August 4th, 2007 11:50 am ET

To tancredo & his fans who think its a good idea.
1- Meccans & Medinites have not committed a crime against the US. So you are basically comitting a crime worse than the terrorists.
2- terrorists are outlaws & fanatics, the US government should not be the same.
3- It would seem you are equating terrorists with muslims, would it be ok then to kill any muslim walking in the street anywhere just because of his faith?

A guy before tried in many evil ways to destroy followers of a faith & failed, his name was Hitler, as repugnant & vile he was, so is tancredo & those who support his stupid idea.

Another thing for those bigoted supporters, since you belive its a good idea to nuke civilians who did nothing, except being muslim, how do you feel when an american is killed abroad because of his nationality? if you think you are right in your approach, then i guess you must believe that they are right too, its pathetic what you have come to.

Anonymous, Texas   August 4th, 2007 11:43 am ET

I think this shows the fundamental ignorance in holding a religion accountable for actions of a handful of lunatics.

David, Holland, MI   August 4th, 2007 11:36 am ET

Tancredo apparently thinks it's a good idea to punish all muslims for the extremists actions. He is willing to bomb centers of historic/religious/cultural significance because of a disruptive few. Just what we need: another person trying to continue the Bush Doctrine of American isolation.

Sylvia, Nashville, TN   August 4th, 2007 11:36 am ET

Go, Tom! That kind of plan has worked so well for Israel that everyone in the area now practically lives in an armed camp. Is that what you want for you children and grandchildren? Well, it's not what I want for mine. You idiot. It's people like you who have turned this country into a pariah among nations. As a country, we know almost nothing about mainstream Islam and its practitioners, and, so far, I haven't seen one administrative hand reaching across the bullets to try and understand and make friends with anyone but the most fundamentalist of all Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia. Now, you are even talking about fighting them, too! God, I'm glad you'll never be elected president.

notsocrazy in CA   August 4th, 2007 11:35 am ET

His comments are being taken out of context. Should he have used better restraint? Yes… However while I personally don't completly agree, with his point a view.

I think he has some valid point, most of the comments here on this board are missing the point and just goes to show how liberalism has certainly tainted this country.

We need a President that will fight back if we are attacked.
Oh… And know doubt about it, the bad guys will attack again. This time with a weapon alot worse than anything before. Lights out at that point. Then he can say I told you so, then we need to fight back 100 percent. It's coming down to us or them.

People were passive too, right before the bombing of Pear Harbor. Now that being said. Let's get the job done peacfully or nobody wins.

Rick Delaplaine, San Francisco, Ca.   August 4th, 2007 11:34 am ET

If a sitting president of the United States makes it public policy to destroy Mecca if Muslim terrorists successfully perform another attack of 9/11 scale, then, the Muslim terrorists would be the ones destroying Mecca. And, an added benefit would be this: the Saudis would finally be motivated to stop supporting fascist Islam, and to capture Osama Bin Laden. It's a fundamentally moral question: what's more holy? Protecting pile of stones? Or, protecting human lives?

R. Wheatley, Phoenix, Arizona   August 4th, 2007 11:31 am ET

As American citizens, we must not rule out any means of preventing further attacks on our homeland, including this one. Is any one of their holy sites more important than our World Trade Center? Is any pilgrimage location more important than our Nation's Capitol building is too us? Which of those sites is more sacred than the Pentagon, the center of the military that has fought to preserve freedom throughout the world?

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 11:27 am ET

and you expect your self to lead

Omar, New York, NY   August 4th, 2007 11:26 am ET

As a Muslim who attests to the sanctity of Mecca and Medina, I absolutely condemn Terrorism. With that said, I believe that Tancredo's remarks demonstrate how an increasing number of politicians ignore the hard-working and loyal Muslim-Americans like myself who do not espouse any extremism. Instead of dividing Americans by insinuating collective punishment, Tancredo should set forth plans to promote and galvanize activism amongst Muslim Americans who can assuredly play a vital role in combating domestic terrorism.

Tony Y Bronx,N.Y.   August 4th, 2007 11:26 am ET

Very stupid idea Tom!Don't mess with peoples religious beliefs!You might as well start WW3.You want to hurt them stop buying there oil,hurt them in there wallets!

Moiz, Simsbury, CT   August 4th, 2007 11:25 am ET

I guess what would happen to this great nation America if such candidate were to eventually become president (remember florida). I am really surprised that he is an elected representative. Imagine a situation if he becomes president of US and visits middle east for any business. That would be a fun visit wouldn't it be. I think there was even a miracle that he would have been nominated now even God Almight can't help him win a nomination.

Philip, Carbondale, KS   August 4th, 2007 11:25 am ET

I don't know what's more surprising: Tom Tancredo's racist comment, or the fact that so many people here are agreeing with him.
Our war is not with Islam. Though, Tancredo obviously wants to turn this into an all-out holy war.
You people make me sick.

Jennifer Y. Lee, Pittsburgh PA   August 4th, 2007 11:23 am ET

He's got my vote!

Joe Arab   August 4th, 2007 11:22 am ET

If America were to hit the holy sites, then it would fall on us, even moderae american muslims to take up arms. What every fundementalist in the world has said would be right: islam is under attack. And, here is something for you dummies who are for tancredo, we people in the middle east have a high tolerance for this sort of thing than you christian softies do. Believe me, no mall, no school, no street will EVER be safe in the States again. This country will bleed like it never did before.

Stanford Rogers Paris, France   August 4th, 2007 11:22 am ET

Please come to Mecca, and repeat your open-minded statement. I will pay for your travel fees.

guy baldovi   August 4th, 2007 11:18 am ET

but,but…who is going to give me gasoline to fill up my suv?.
what the hell! lets bomb the whole planet,that will teach them a good lesson.

Marshal,Kincaid,IL.   August 4th, 2007 11:18 am ET

These people(terrorist/Muslim fanatics) have no qualms what so ever about wreaking total destruction on us(Americans),be it women,children the elderly ,they don't care.So I am in complete agreement with Tancredo.It is time to stop worrying about being politically correct or offending someone ,this is self preservation for the people of the United States and we must do what ever is needed to survive!

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 11:15 am ET

wow, hmmmmmmmm instead of getting maybe 10000 to 50000 whachoe's against us hell lets try over a billion…. gotta love the S-T-U-P-I-D ppl. But, I guess special occasion it must be bring a retard to work day. no wait this is gov and serious MC'D will do

Shahruk: Sweden   August 4th, 2007 11:13 am ET

Its not his father land to do any thing .If he do he will face with US severe punishment.

Robert, Atlantic City, NJ   August 4th, 2007 11:06 am ET

In response one of the writer Andy –

In order to protect us from being nuked by Islamist Terrorists here are the following we need to take action on.

1. Increase the border secruity.
2. Inspect all cargos at all ports.
3. Inspect all vechicles entering from Canada and Mexico.
Because Canada seems the safe haven for Islamists because of their lax rules on Immigrations and tourist and student visas.
4. Gather information on the illegeal muslim immigrants. Because someone from inside must be feeding the terrorists outside.
5. Tighten the laws for religious freedoms in US, England and other western world.
6. Tighten the Asylum laws for immigrants from muslim nations.
in looking at the recent events in Engalnd and Fort Dix, NJ, it was planned out by muslim fanatics who either came as asylees.

Posted By Robert, Atlantic City, NJ : August 4, 2007 10:58 am

Doug, Albuquerque, NM   August 4th, 2007 11:06 am ET

The ultimate goal of the Islamists has no place for co-existance with other philosophies. In fact the liberal commentors here represent a way of life and thinking which is particularly repulsive to the Islamists. I don't know what turning Mecca into a glass lined hole would accomplish. I do know that the statement got the attention of those plotting against us. For the first time a meaningful negative consiquence to their actions has been presented.

Kevin Brown, Florida   August 4th, 2007 11:05 am ET

Mr. Tracredo's ideal is an option that must be considered. Given the right circumstances, it could be an appropriate response to an attack however, it would not be good deterrent as it would serve as common ground for Muslims everywhere . The best way to handle the threat is to let them kill themselves just as the "Blacks" in America are doing and the shiites and sunnis in Iraq.

Erkan Ashburn, virginia   August 4th, 2007 11:04 am ET

this guy is an idiot and he thinks that bombing the holy site of mecca will fix problems? who elected the degenerate moron. his ways of thinking reminds me of Bush and do we want another idiot in office to bring our country more suffering and pain? the US is now turning this into a war with muslims which is not fair because us muslims must visit mecca at least once in our lifetime to meet the 5 pilars of islam and if the US attacks mecca how much violence and terror will that cause?

Shelton   August 4th, 2007 11:04 am ET

This man is an idiot and those who think that same are idiots also. This is the same kind of thinking that is going to get us all killed. Bombing those Holy places will not deter anything, if anything, it will encourage. There has to be a time when you have to step back and look at things from a logical point of view and not do some showboating to keep from looking like a punk. Look at this fool we have now in office right now and his administration. A bunch of weakminded punks going around not completing or being honest about anything. We don't need another 4 years of this stupidity. You have to learn when to keep your mouth shut or think about the consequences of your before you spew them out of your mouth. The republicans seem to have a serious lacking of this skill.

Smarter Than You, Cityslicker, NJ   August 4th, 2007 11:03 am ET

Bomb Mekka or Madina, and the world will come to an end. Don't sleep on the 1.2 Billion Muslims in the world. People need to open their eyes to realize the reality of the situation.

DJ, Atlanta, GA   August 4th, 2007 11:00 am ET

How desperate are us politicians today to base their campaigns on topics like these. The rest of the world watches and laughs as we elect these idiots to represent our country. This guy should be banned from politics. He is a nut case.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 11:00 am ET

clearly it does not matter if you bomb them or not as the terrorists do no mind as they bomb them themselves.

JSmith, Kings Mountain NC   August 4th, 2007 11:00 am ET

That would make sense. I think it would show that we mean business. But on the other hand, some muslims are so crazy, you may have to blow them up right along with their holy sites. I believe all hell would break loose.

Ahmad Nasser, Novi, Michigan   August 4th, 2007 10:53 am ET

SHOCKING!!!!
IF ANYTHING, ATTACKING MUSLIM HOLY SITES WOULD MOBILIZE MILLIONS TO JOIN THE TERRORISTS.
THIS IS THE FUNDAMENTAL FLAW IN AMERICA'S FIGHT AGAINST EXTREMISTS. WE CONTINUE TO PUT ALL MUSLIMS IN ONE GROUP, INSTEAD OF ISOLATING THE EXTREMISTS FROM THE REST OF THE MUSLIMS.

Steve, Houston, TX   August 4th, 2007 10:51 am ET

Take the fight to the enemy!!!!
Never surrender!!!
Preemption is our only security!

What this guy says fits perfectly with the Bush doctrine. This is the type of policy we should look forward to if anyone takes Bush seriously.

Syed Hussain, san jose ca   August 4th, 2007 10:47 am ET

Tancredo: Threaten to bomb Muslim holy sites in retaliation
This jerk does not understand that one fourth population of the world are muslim.

Anonymous, Michigan   August 4th, 2007 10:46 am ET

Tom Tancredo is the biggest dumb I have seen. He cannot be a president who has no knowledge of other nations and religions.

Hey Tom – did you take world religion class in the College. I bet you didn't. If you did take – you are not going to make such a dump statement.

Saudi, Indonesia and some of the Arab countries will react badly. Therefore it is a bad idea.

Fire your advisor. Is that he/she or you came up with this idea. If you did make the statement yourself, quit from the Campaign. Amercians do not want to select you dude.

Your statements is pretty much like what Bush said on the 2000 campaign trail. He said he wanted to go after Saddam. He said so as to rally the American voters behind him. Him and Haliburton former CEO making big profits from the Haliburton's rebuilding Iraq contracts and Oil profts.

Steve, St. Louis   August 4th, 2007 10:45 am ET

Who are 'they'? Terrorists don't represent a 'they', but are misguided individuals and underground organizations. You can't attack 'them' by bombing a holy muslim site.

The only thing reassuring about all of this is that most of the comments on here recongize that this guy is a certifiable loon, just as dangerous as 'they' are.

Indyguy, Indianapolis, IN   August 4th, 2007 10:40 am ET

That's about the stupidest idea I've ever heard in my life. Muslims get riled up if a mosque gets bombed much less Mecca. People think they hate us now, there's no way to explain how extreme the global repercussions of doing this would be. This guy is LAST person we need to be commander in chief of our armed forces… What a moron!!!

Donny Marco   August 4th, 2007 10:39 am ET

I am changing my vote to this man Tancredo. I was going to vote for Obama, because he wants to invade Pakistan, which I think we definitely need to do, but Tancredo is even tougher than that.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 10:38 am ET

Oh really? bomb the muslim holy city? and what would that accomplish except kill millions of innocent people and bring us to WW3. The one thing commom with terrorist and republican Tancredo is that they both have radical ideas and think that they can and should kill anyone and everyone standing in their way of achieving power, with utter disregard for any innocent people. TANCREDO AND PEOPLE LIKE HIM ARE OUR OWN HOME GROW TERRORISTS.

brian, Charlotte,nc   August 4th, 2007 10:37 am ET

calm down people! like exxon would ever let this happen…

S.Ahmed . Cairo - Egypt   August 4th, 2007 10:36 am ET

He is either a stupid moron or a prejudist fanatic, or perhaps both.
It will not be a deterrent but an incentive for the terrorists like Bin Ladin, he will suddenly recruit millions, thanks to this sort of inconceivable idiocy, & he wants to run for president???

Paul. Chicago ILL.   August 4th, 2007 10:33 am ET

If Islamic fundamentalists had the means to nuke America, and for that matter the Vatican, they would. And without hesitation. Tancredo is 'thinking' like the enemy and that may be the a possible alternative to our current means of addressing Islamic fundamentalists. In other words, let Muslims control these fanantical goups. If all Muslims understand what is at stake, and what they could lose, maybe they will rise up and be a part of the 21st century. To date: Why have Muslims as a group took a stand against Islamic fundamentalists? Because every dead non-Muslim is a victory. And no, I am not a Bush supporter and I am not alligned with any political party. Lastly, I believe that invading Iraq was a total mistake.

Jay, Angola, Indiana   August 4th, 2007 10:33 am ET

Hello. Mr. Tancredo,
Your statement is very dangerous and thought provoking.
1. First of all have you travelled outside the United States. There is a growing sentiments against Americans all over the world. Because of our current administration's foreign policy, war in Iraq and Afganistan.

2. The war in IRAQ is unwanted. Bush-Cheney adminstration manipulated the pre-war intelligence to go to war in IRAQ. What is happening is there now is innocent people are caught in the middle of sectarian violence.

3. We need to get out of IRAQ and the middle-east. The longer we are there – more hatred towards Americans.

4. We need friends than enemies. By bombing Mecca would not acheive anything. Rather it would inflame more hatred towards Americans. We will be more vulnerable. American companies will lose billions of dollars in businesses as those countries will switch to other nations companies.

5. We will be the losers. Therefore the best option is watch your mouth think twice before speak.

6. What we need to do is continiue to work with allies such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, and Pakistan as to eradicate the radical Islamists and hunt down the Bin-laden and his deputies. If you bomb Mecca – all these allies will not work United States.

7. So before you speak – think twice.

-Independent Voter-
Jay

Adam, Madison, Wi   August 4th, 2007 10:32 am ET

This is insane. Could we play any more into the hands of the muslim extremists. This type of over-reaction is exactly what Bin Laden wanted and got (Iraq war) with 9/11. What could be a better recruiting tool for Al Qaeda to get the 99% of non-extremist muslims into wanting to attack us also. This type of Toby Keith "Boot in the Ass" bomb them all because they are all the same rhetoric is truely a short-cut to thinking.

NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST - Sonia Ramagem - Gaithersburg, MD   August 4th, 2007 10:32 am ET

Why should we be the only ones living in fear? The threat to bomb their holy sites IF they attack us is a marvellous deterrent! No matter they are in Saudi Arabia, an "ally" Wahabi country that funds most of the Muslim terrorists against us. With the threat, even moderate Muslims may wake up and do something to stop their brethen frome extremist actions. Ah, and don't forget to destroy Iran's nuclear program fast, lest they become
"outraged" on the attack against
"their" culture….

iih, Boston, MA   August 4th, 2007 10:31 am ET

Doesn't he realize that saying something like this would offend millions of Muslims in this country and elsewhere who are really not the enemy? This is absolutely ridiculous!

As a Muslim who lives and works in the US, and who fruitfully contributes to society and the scientific advancement of this country, to Tancredo I say: "So what next, should we start labeling American Muslims with arm bands so that the rest of us identify them?"

Are your ideas so weak that you can not defend them except with bombs? You are pathetic.

T. Jefferson   August 4th, 2007 10:29 am ET

If muslim extremeists attack the United States it will be because the muslim world failed to find and prevent the act. I do not see any of the muslim conservatives, if there are any, speaking out or actively trying to re-educate the terrorists. We have to motivate them to do so. One way to do that is to adopt a policy that will hit them where it hurts if they hit us first. I think Mecca is an excellent choice. They have nothing to loose unless we make it so. Perhaps the Muslim world needs to stop teaching their children that non-muslims deserve to die simply because they are infidels to them. Perhaps they should stop secretly funding the terrorists. Perhaps the muslim "culture" needs to actively create an environment of religious tolerance toward their fellow man, and leave the twelfth century behind.

Joe , new york ,ny   August 4th, 2007 10:29 am ET

Mr Tancredo
what about jerusalem ? it's holly to the muslims as well ! or are you scared that israel will kick your butt?
:)

Ari Weled, West Fargo, ND   August 4th, 2007 10:27 am ET

He is absolutely right, that is there language and its the only thing they will ever understand.

Cordell Corder   August 4th, 2007 10:27 am ET

Good for Tom Tanreco! He's got my vote.

Don, Hong Kong   August 4th, 2007 10:26 am ET

Right on Tom!

Hong Kong   August 4th, 2007 10:25 am ET

Sorry…but I'll have to edit my own comments…This man..is a PRIME example why America is…hmmm crumbling…and that is not the word I want to use. Does this man even know that the true war is not the "west" against "muslims" …but truly..muslim against muslim. There is a silent majority that is sitting back..and letting the raticals run the show…they don't approve of what these terrorists are doing in the name of "Islam" . So..just imagine for a minute if this guy things are bad now…when it's just a minority that is putting fear in the world..what would happen if that kind of act would turn the whole muslim world against the rest of the world.
I suggest people who are in power make educated comments..instead of ones that will insight anger and fear..and god knows what else. ( yes pun intended)

Michael Metelnick an Informed Canadian Living/working in Hong Kong

nEo, North Plainfield   August 4th, 2007 10:25 am ET

These are the words of the Representative from Colorado? Well the only lesson here is, watch out for Coloradans.

Sean, New Jersey   August 4th, 2007 10:24 am ET

So Mr. Tancredo would kill completely innocent, uninvolved people and enrage religious and scholarly people all over the world (not just Muslims) all for what? To "punish" some extremists?

Something smells like terrorism.

Rodney, NY NY   August 4th, 2007 10:19 am ET

Without a doubt hes right. It may be wrong, but hes right. Anyone saying hes not right is just a liar.

james benson Reno nevada   August 4th, 2007 10:17 am ET

He is 100% right! Good for him to tell the truth

Leslie Palmer, Nashua, NH   August 4th, 2007 10:14 am ET

It is so very horrific that this suggestion sounds fair to me. What a world we have created here. This may be too far from the realm but the phrase "fight fire with fire" does have a real appeal.

Mombo-Moe, Clarkston, GA   August 4th, 2007 10:14 am ET

Who is this "nucklehead"! From his comments/suggestions it seems to me that this Senator has become a terrorist. "Loose Lips Sink Ships"

Pabella, Manila   August 4th, 2007 10:14 am ET

About time a politician made sense. Fight terror with terror.

cameron layer, haiku, hawaii   August 4th, 2007 10:14 am ET

this called true deterence. yes, it is could be viewed as outrageous and provacative, but the rest of the muslim world might turn against their brethern if there is the threat of their holiest sites being harmed. an attack probably will not create an ecomnoic collaspe, but it will certainly make me want to hurt their psyche as much as possible, consequnces be damned

anon, anon   August 4th, 2007 10:10 am ET

Tom, Tom, Tom, why didn't you just stay on message with your one good stance.
Why help them create martyrs?

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 10:05 am ET

I do think,if there would be an atack on the US,the plan of "Tankredo" would be the best counteratack,and this,the Extremist, would fear.

Kas, London, England   August 4th, 2007 10:03 am ET

I don't know a great deal about Mr Tancredo but bombing a holy site no matter what religion doesn't punish Islamist terrorists, infact it gives them the ammunition to state that the west does indeed have double standards and is anti-islam. It is a sad state of affairs when the politics in America distill down to who is the toughest, strongest, gutsiest against the Islamists. Mr Tancredo would surely be better served spouting out some serious policies, but I guess that is the real issue

Andy in Colorado   August 4th, 2007 10:03 am ET

All these comments condemning Tancredo, yet not a single alternative idea. I get the feeling that all those who condemn him want to placate the Islamic fundamentalists by doing whatever they demand. But you forget that, unless you are a Muslim, you're an infidel and they want you dead. If the US leaves Arab lands, if we do everything the terrorists ask, they will still come after us because we are still infidel's and we deserve to die in their sick minds. Read the book "Londonistan".

While Tancredo's comments are a bit over the top for me, we better start thinking about what we will do if the terrorists nuke one of our cities. With the proliferation of nuclear technology, that is becoming a real possibility. What will you do? Run and hide? Negotiate with the terrorists? Become a Muslim so you can be safe?

BC in Houston, TX   August 4th, 2007 10:00 am ET

That is a mighty strong statement from someone running for a position that isn't supposed to take any hard-line positions on anything ever. I personally think that the threat of us attacking the capital of the group attacking us, Muslim extremists, is a viable alternative to getting blown up on a regular basis. Good for Rep. Tancredo for taking a stand that he believes in instead of being a flip-flopper like all the other candidates.

Lisa, Norfolk, VA   August 4th, 2007 10:00 am ET

Is he out of his mind? Why in the world would an educated man even say such a thing? Just because radicals are making it difficult for people to live and are killing innocent people every day, this man wants to kill more innocent people and start an even bigger war. Not only a war but a holy war? This man should not be in office! You don't attack a religion if you are going to attack, you attack the aggressors! What an Idiot. I hope he loses any power he might have, this is how Americans die, with stupid comments from people in office who have don't have to go to the front lines and defend comments like this when things do happen. We have men and women EVERYDAY defending this country and what we believe in. I am one of them! Don't put us in harms way, as a representative of the state, you should be ashamed of yourself!

Jason, FORT BRAGG, NC   August 4th, 2007 10:00 am ET

I believe he is absolutely right! If the radical Islamic groups want a war based on religion and attacking our way of life, the only deterrent may be to threaten what THEY hold dear. To top it off, I don't think WE should do, I think we should just let Israel off the leash. They have wanted to do it for decades.

Tony Alberta Canada   August 4th, 2007 9:57 am ET

"The problems of this world are so gigantic that some are paralized by their own uncertainty. Courage and wisdom are needed to reach out above this sense of helplessness. Desire for vengeance against deeds of hatred offers no solution . An eye for an eye makes the world blind. If we wish to choose another path, we will have to search for ways to break the spiral of animosity. To fight evil one must also recognize one's own responsibility. The values for which we stand must be expressed in a way we think of, and how we deal with, our fellow humans."
This quote is from the Christmas message 2001 of H M Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Tom Tancredo needs to realize that we are all in this together. It takes real courage to help pull the world forwards and not push it backwards. Politically, our "business as usual" approach to our current problems must change if we are to survive.

humanswellwisher   August 4th, 2007 9:55 am ET

It made me happy to see that majority of Americans who commented on this item are of sound thinking, about ten percent or even less have criminal mentality like Bush, Cheney, Tom etc. There will always be people in human society with criminal mentality, their purpose is only destruction. These type of criminals can be controlled through ballet, congratulation Americans.

A, Corpus Christi, Texas   August 4th, 2007 9:53 am ET

Oh *great* idea! Let's destroy a **religuous** center to get back at the extremists' bombing of a **financial** center. I guess we Americans really do worship money. Let's polarize all the moderate Muslims so that the ENTIRE Islamic world will hate us. What do you think they would do then? What do you think would be THEIR next target? Can we think through before we say stuff like this? There is no "one" deterrent to terrorism but destroying Mecca would be "one" catalyst for a new era of warfare. ESPECAILLY since many AMERICANS are Muslims! Are you going to destroy a place that is sacred to AMERICANS? Did you even consider the American Muslims before you said something like this? How are they supposed to feel?

Lawrence, New York, NY   August 4th, 2007 9:46 am ET

I couldn't agree more. This is utterly consistent with the principles of deterrence that were so utterly effective during the Cold War. It is equally consistent with the level-setting carried out by the US and Allies in WWII. Short of it, all that we are saying is "if you attack anywhere in the US, we will not attack the real sources (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc.) and we will not attack in such a way that hurts deeply. We will simply respond in some fashion so that you can then attack in any way you so choose over and over again without any fear that we will respond in kind and more." Let no one pretend that this is not the right path. Mecca and the filthy Saudi regime should be disconnected from their oil revenues and hurt deeply.

Matthew Combest - Atlanta, GA   August 4th, 2007 9:39 am ET

Are you serious? That's the most ridiculous comment I have ever heard come out of a republicans mouth – he is displaying the mentality of a 5 year old – all reason has left the GOP officially now..

Steve Roberts   August 4th, 2007 9:39 am ET

Tancredo's suggestion to bomb Mecca religious sites – IF the United States is attacked by Muslim fundamentalists –is absolutely brilliant.

We don't enjoy it, but it's an eye for an eye. When dealing with terrorists, who bomb and then hide rather than fight as an army, striking Mecca's sites is the closest thing we have to a fair response. Give people a day to clear out, then let 'er rip. It's better than bombing innocent peoples' homes.

J , Denver, CO   August 4th, 2007 9:37 am ET

God help us.

This post scares me 2 fold. Being from Colorado, I already knew Tancredo was supid. However, the Americans on here who agree (without considering the consequences) scares me far far worse. You would actually consider revenge? Look what happend last time we got revenge – we're stuck in Iraq! Cooler heads must prevail. For those people who agree with this nonsense – next time you attend Church or worship – ask God if He put us on this earth to destroy or to create. Those who agree should be ashamed.

Goat, Springfield, Ohio   August 4th, 2007 9:34 am ET

The screamingly obvious point that Tancredo and a number of commenters are missing here is that this is not a threat to these people. They're already blowing up mosques on their own! They would absolutely love it if we bombed mecca and medina, because it would "prove" that we are at war with Islam itself. This guy would start World War III!

kudos to tancreado for thinking out of the box, SLC UT   August 4th, 2007 9:32 am ET

I was offronted the first time I saw this comment. that would turn a good chunk of the world against us. then I started thinking. maybe the threat of loosing holy sites would convince those "moderate" members of the "religion of peace" to control its fringe.
but let's start with the Dome of the Rock!

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI Canada   August 4th, 2007 9:32 am ET

Tancredo' Comment:

"Better to say nothing than to open your mouth and confirm your idiocy to
the whole world."

This man is a War Monger and threat to the whole world. He should be barred from ever holding a political office in the US.

Jean Mair, Morris, Illinois   August 4th, 2007 9:30 am ET

The idea of "never" bombing "holy" Muslim sites is ridiculous! War in itself is WAR! NOTHING is sacred, nothing is safe. How many "churches" so you think were bombed in WW2? Does anyone honestly believe that the radical Muslims would NOT bomb a Catholic church or Jewish synagogue in a nano second? DUH to the American people for believing the ridiculous!! Radical Muslims would bomb ANY Christian/Jewish church/synagogue and be proud they did so regarless of who died. Have they not proved NO life is sacred? No child, no woman, no one, not even their own is safe from radicals! Time for America to "grow up" and face the REAL world and the REAL meaning of WAR!!

Adam, Toledo, OH   August 4th, 2007 9:29 am ET

Wow, I mean WOW. It is my opinion that our presence in the middle east is causing more people to take up arms against us. Bombing a holy site would not deter anyone, on the contrary it would begin a full out war and the US would definately see attacks on our soil. What would you do if an army invaded your country?

md s rahman,south ozone park, nyc,ny   August 4th, 2007 9:25 am ET

welcome to world war 3!!!

Dennis Fergujson, Beaufort, SC   August 4th, 2007 9:23 am ET

We should threaten the Saudi regime with physical retaliation if there is another attack on the US. This can be the best deterrent. With all OUR oil money they have the means, but still not the will, to settle things in the Middle East. But, you know, now they are Bush's "friends" so it won't happen until his term is up or he is impeached.

Sampson Kessler - Detroit, Michigan   August 4th, 2007 9:23 am ET

I cannot even begin to express the disgust I feel at this point. How repulsive! This man is simply a fascist. As is anyone who agrees that bombing a holy site is a legitimate thing to do. Doing such a thing would only infuriate Muslims and show how disrespectful the attacking party is. Any person of any faith should find this suggestion utterly disgusting.

Derek, Chicago, IL   August 4th, 2007 9:22 am ET

At last someone has great IDEA!!!

John Burrows, Boston   August 4th, 2007 9:22 am ET

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A US President that will be first to attack muslim holy sites as a deterrant will not only invite daily bombings to US interests worldwide, it would disrupt critical oil flow from the middle east WORLDWIDE, something that no US ally in Europe or anywhere else would accept. The result? A potential third world war. Even if terrorists initiated a large scale attack on US homeland, an irresponsible action like this would definately bring down the entire planet. Switch shoes for a minute, how would we react if the muslims were united and they were the superpower, abusing our resources and enforcing their cultural idealogy on us, and then when we cant take it no more and come up with a western form of resistance similar to al qaeda, we get labeled terrorists and their president bombs the white house and capitol hill. Think of that. Dont fight terrorism with bombs. Fight the foundation from which it stems its ideological energy. Bombing Mecca and Medina is definately NOT the way to go!!

Me in Saudi Arabia   August 4th, 2007 9:18 am ET

we will have a billions of Osama Bin Laden

LC, DK   August 4th, 2007 9:07 am ET

"As a Christian" this is reprehensible? Try "as a human being with more brain cells than fingers."

Nick, Falls Church, VA   August 4th, 2007 9:06 am ET

I think Tom has a point. These people don’t care about dieing. That is not a deterrent. We need to find a deterrent. Maybe destroying the one thing they care about will make them think twice. Why should we be the only ones that play by the rules or hold back because of political correctness while these people kill indiscriminately for

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 9:02 am ET

i think he is acrazy man

Will Chen, Dallas TX   August 4th, 2007 8:59 am ET

I agree this must be an option if Moslem governments make no effort to control this militant religion it will continue to have no regard for innocent human life. How can one stop a religion that preaches death as a path to paradise?

Sharon   August 4th, 2007 8:52 am ET

It's absolutely embarrassing to hear politicians talk like that. It is so shallow and has no essence whatsoever. What ever happened to diplomatic relationships? This to me is like going "an eye for an eye". What does that say about this country? Oh-let's bomb Mecca…… and this and that. It's "tit-for-tat". Such childish thoughts.

IS THIS ALL YOU CAN COME UP WITH??????

Jim, Waterville, Maine   August 4th, 2007 8:50 am ET

The suicide bombers do what they do because they want to be martyrs for Islam. Destroying the holy sites would martyr these sites, and bring down upon us the hatred of the vast majority of muslims who don't hate the U.S. already.

Bin Laden unleashed 9/11 in a bid to foment a war between the West and Islam. Bush and Cheney have done their very best to give Osama what he wants. Bombing Mecca and Medina would remove any doubt in the minds of muslims that the U.S. is in fact engaged in a war on their faith, not a war on terrorism.

This is what we get when people vote based on soundbites rather than analysis

Saudi Arabia   August 4th, 2007 8:46 am ET

It's like saying, if one stupid member of family commits a mistake then his entire family, his home, his neibourhood, his country should be wiped off. What happened or where are the intellectual people of USA gone? save USA and bring peace on earth. Peace is never achieved with war and history and current events are proof of it.

Steve Woods, Houston, Texas   August 4th, 2007 8:46 am ET

I couldn't agree with him more. He is absolutely correct, and I would hope that we would absolutely destroy the Islamic holy sites if there were an attack along the lines of a major nuclear detonation in this country by a terrorist organization. Remember, he's not talking about a response to a car bombing, he's talking about a nuclear weapon detonation in a U.S. city by a terrorist organization, or similar scale attack. What other course of action would there be? Economic sanctions? diplomacy? A couple of cruise missiles to the desert? Destroying the holy sites would be the only way to effectively respond to an attack on our country of this nature. And anyone who thinks otherwise isn't willing to face the truth.

H. D. Schmidt, Loma Linda, Ca., USA   August 4th, 2007 8:35 am ET

However, the better thing is for America to simply and plainly obey the orders in all things, given by the Founding Fathers at the very begginnig! America, with its ever more horrendous and inhumane war machinery, it is now the insult to God of all times and a stab through the very heart of Christianity. The more bellicose America gets, the more America douses the world with gasoline as it were, sort of arson like, where is little spark from the nowhere my light planet earth into the infermo of all times. This war is evil, so, a little more evil as Tancredo says, really does not matter. Any Democracy that claims such while acting like and Empire is like a car with handbrakes on. Even Dwight D. Eisenhower was in full agreement with this words said so long ago: "Overgrown military establishments are under any form of government inasuspicious to liberty and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to Republican liberty". By George Washington. These words will forever haunt America while it has decided the same road as previous Empires! Only worse in its materialistic pagan ambitions, while with no shame whatsover in demanding God to bless America. My personal opinion. If guns were the solution, planet earth, should by now, be heaven like! But it is evermore like hell! Yes, and while America's bridges are
falling down!

John X, Canada   August 4th, 2007 8:34 am ET

Is this guy totally insane? Blow up Muslim holy sites to show we mean business? America, get ahold of your people!!!!!!!

DJ, Dallas, TX   August 4th, 2007 8:32 am ET

He's got my vote!

Anonymous, Singapore   August 4th, 2007 8:15 am ET

That's probably one of the stupidest thing to do!

Bombin holy islamic sites are probably what these extremists are secretly wanting in the first place. They'd just use this as the Trump card for a whole new level of violence & terror.
Even passive muslims, who are just minding their own business would most certainly jump onto the bandwagon, itching for war then.

Rob Nolan, Washington, NJ   August 4th, 2007 8:13 am ET

Look what's happened to our country.
To our freedoms. We are now debating to abandon the principles for which we stand and countless have died to protect.
We are afraid of our own shadows.
Life will no longer be the same.
They have already won.

Robert, Chattanooga, Tennessee   August 4th, 2007 8:08 am ET

I agree…I'm not muslim and I could care less. If they attack our country, then in retaliation, we should launch a thermonuclear strike on Mecca and Medina and totally wipe those sites from the face of the earth…we should have let the Crusaders and the Knights Templars finish their work during the Crusades and totally wipe out all the muslims at that time and we wouldn't be having these problems now.

Wiz, Memphis, TN.   August 4th, 2007 8:08 am ET

WOW, don't know what to say about this guy! But…. ain't no one running yet I would vote for. The first one that looks like a Conservative Democrat gets my vote. I will never vote stright Republican or Democrat AGAIN!

Ron, Asheville, NC   August 4th, 2007 8:06 am ET

Is this man nuts? And, of course, he's a Republican. Why stop with Mecca, huh? Why not just nuke the whole region and be done with it, huh? It's this kind of insane thinking that makes me glad I'm a Democrat.

JW, Mad Heights, MI   August 4th, 2007 8:04 am ET

An interesting proposal, Tom.

Personally, I'm not one to throw the entire idea out right away. On the surface, it does seem completely insane, but, as mentioned by others, you are dealing with completely insane individuals (terrorists). Perhaps this type of insanity might work. If not directly on the terrorists, but on all the muslims who protect the terrorists or supply the terrorists or support the terrorist.

The bottom line is, as crazy as an idea as bombing Mecca is, I'm not seeing any alternate strategies presented to deter further terrorist attacks. Our intelligence organizations are doing a decnt job so far, but they can only keep up for so long. And I am appalled by the erosion of our civil liberties the Government uses in the fight. Don't they realize that the Constitution IS America?? And every right you weaken means the terrorists are winning by destroying America??

So, as for the nuke Mecca idea, I think it might have been done with a press campaign that information is coming out that the terrorists are collecting parts to make nukes, followed by a ground explosion of a nuke in Mecca, followed by further "investigation" that "proves" alQueda was using Mecca as a lab to make nukes and something went horribly wrong.

Mecca gets nuked and instead of us getting all the hatred, the Muslims finally turn against the terrorists.

You just gotta think these things through, people.

Forrest, Virginia   August 4th, 2007 8:03 am ET

Tancredo's comments are scary enough but what is worse as I've been reading through peoples' responses is there are a few others who agree with this type of insanity. Fortunately, Mr. Tancredo and those who agree with him are in the miniority.

Andrew Huffer, Virginia Beach, Virginia   August 4th, 2007 7:55 am ET

This is a perfect example of why the rest of the world hates the U.S. of A. Tancredo needs to hold his tongue, he just proved to me that he does not need to be president. Just the idea of something so cynical and not to mention coldblooded, amazes me. How can someone trying to run the US from the House possibly think this is a reasonable solution. If we damage mosques in battles the enemies we face there just use that as a rallying cry. Absolute lack of IQ on Mr. Tancredo's part. I don't think Bush would come up with something so pointless and potentially threatening to homeland security. As a US soldier myself, Cavalry Scout, this sort of thing is why I can't stand politicians. Pencil pushers who work 9-4 or so, think they can make claims to this and come up with, "amazing" ideas such as this one…us soldiers are the first one's to feel it in this day and age. Thanks Tancredo…you owe the world, the US, and the military who protects your bloodthirsty rear end, an apology. No better yet remove yourself from the '08 race…I personally don't want someone representing my country if his views are what he claims to say, rep. or dem. doesn't matter on this subject. You are held accountable for your words and actions…Good luck Tancredo, you'll need it from here on out.

Karan godwin-corey, falcon, colorado   August 4th, 2007 7:50 am ET

Amen, Tom. It's about time someone had the testicular fortitude to stand up and be willling to hit the radicals where it hurts. I would then bomb all of the major cities and not just "military" sites.

Thawfik   August 4th, 2007 7:49 am ET

A 100% certified nut

paul b, minneapolis, mn   August 4th, 2007 7:48 am ET

are you kidding?
instead of limiting the islamic enemies to fringe groups, this guy would legitimize armed conflict for the entire muslim world.
ignorant and INSANE!

drew,st. louis mo   August 4th, 2007 7:46 am ET

why wait? It's where we're headed anyway.

John, Woodside, NY   August 4th, 2007 7:44 am ET

He might sound extreme but if what he suggests works perhaps we should consider it? If the terrorists will stop at nothing, including killing childen in the name of Allah, then we should every option on the table to deter them.

Gene Nathanson   August 4th, 2007 7:40 am ET

I think Tom T's idea is not a bad idea. From reading other comments posted here, it looks like a lot of folks don't like this idea because it will get the Muslim extremists angry with us. Oh gee…..let's not defend ourselves or disprespect their religion because we sure don't want to offend a band of people who's way of life dates back to the stone age. George Carlin said it best – "Man-made religion is stupid". All this killing because these idiots really believe that something good will happen to them after they die. Maybe if they knew that after they blow themselves up, there is nothing waiting for them on "the other side" because, there is no other side. I think it's time to stand up to these Neanderthals and if it means fighting dirty, go for it. Why should we respect their religion and holy sites? Do they show the same respect to the holy sites of others? And for any of you who think Saudi Arabia is our ally, wake up! They are nothing more than a business partner with the US. They are no ally of ours. If the US gets attacked or nuked by Muslim extremists, I am hoping we have someone like Tom T. in charge and not a bunch of pacifist whiners who think turning the other cheek is the way to go.

Dave A., Springfield, NJ   August 4th, 2007 7:39 am ET

Not such a bad idea. Think about it. They attack the WTC because they believe we pray to our icons of capitalism. So we attack where they pray. Makes sense.

Astra, Concord, NH   August 4th, 2007 7:31 am ET

It is amazing how little some Americans know about Islam. It is also rather obvious that Tancredo has never truly experienced fundamentalism, in any of its religious flavors.
As a Muslim, I can tell you what this would cause- the middle-of-the-road Muslims and moderate Muslims (Yes! we do exist, and in numbers beyond what most Americans dream of) would turn against the US. Most would turn to non-violent measures to condemn the US action; but a good percentage would have proof that the fundamentalists were right, and that Islam was in terrible danger due to US foreign policy. They would join their more violent brethren in the only measures they knew made an impact- terrorism. Americans don't like to think about it, but there are a large number of American citizens that are Muslim. Can you imagine if suddenly a large percentage of them lost the sites we hold most holy? Talk about encouraging violence on US soil. Anyone who has truly experienced fundamentalism knows that most of the time you cannot turn someone who is so entrenched in their beliefs; their minds are already set. This goes for fundamentalist Christians, Jews, Muslims, whatever religion you examine.
Bombing Mecca and Medina will only cause your strongest allies to turn away from you, the moderate Muslims who call for calm, and only inflame the fundamentalists to more heinous acts. Doing so is as good as putting out a banner ad recruiting for jihad.

Tancredo is looking for the magic bullet to fix a complex and thorny issue, because the public is looking for one. It would be nice to think that such a solution exists. But religion is not dissuaded so simply. If you think that issues laced with such emotion can be resolved by one single action, then perhaps we should have bombed the IRA, or the West Bank by now.

Tomas   August 4th, 2007 7:27 am ET

Bombing Mecca and Medina would bring this world back into the medieval era. BTW, the arabs are not Japanese; no way in hell would the arabs bow down soo easily.

Vincent Ziccardi, San Antonio, TX   August 4th, 2007 7:23 am ET

Tancredo is a lonely voice of common sense in a storm of other-worldly nonsense! His critics would have called the planned atomic bombing of Japan "reprehensible" and "absolutely crazy" if Truman had discussed it before sending the bombers and then, after causing enough public outcry to stop the bombing, would have blamed Truman for causing the loss of 3 million more lives (American and Japanese)through a land invasion of Japan. America the compasionate! Grow up people, you don't win wars or defeat an enemy using rocks when he uses bombs.

noah tokyo jp   August 4th, 2007 7:23 am ET

MAD for people who could care less about killing us…my, my, my Mr. Tancredo I hope you had fun in Washington because your going back to whatever funny farm they found you in.

slinkybender, New York   August 4th, 2007 7:23 am ET

So when the Islamists come here with a nuclear device and set it off, what do we do?

And when they come a second and third time, with more bigger devices, what do we do?

And when there are millions of Americans dead, and the country has been turned into some super police state, what do we do?

jason, sapulpa ok   August 4th, 2007 7:07 am ET

Please vote. I read many of you will not give Mr. Tancredo your vote, thank goodness, but please regester and vote.I think it's great Mr. Tancredo has the freedom to speak his mind,and I think it's great we have a chance to influance politics.We need to do more, alot more, to get this country back on track. please regester and vote.please!

Anon, Kuwait city, kuwait   August 4th, 2007 7:02 am ET

To explain to everyone how important mecca is to the 1.5 billion muslims around the world.. Muslims pray 5 times a day, and to prey, it is a must to face Mecca whilstpreying. When every muslim is buried, they are buried with head facing Mecca.
If this bombing did happen, there will be no more moderate muslims anywhere, all will become "extremists".
Bombing their holiest sites is quite simply suicide, it will not stop terrorism, it will open the pandora's box. How will the US stop waves upon waves of millions of terrorists then?
This guy has lost his marbles completely, he's lost the plot! Quite simply, he's crazy.

Jeremy, Auckland, NZ   August 4th, 2007 7:01 am ET

I totally agree.

Don Mayer, Buffalo, NY   August 4th, 2007 6:57 am ET

One question Rep Tancredo…..
Are you insane?

mario germino, jeddah   August 4th, 2007 6:49 am ET

The most irresponsible statement of an official ever.

Tancredo deserves a good lesson on diplomacy.

He must have forgotten that the root cause of all these evil is not the Muslims.

It is the continued occupation of Israel of Palestinian lands, killing of its people and destruction of their homes.

Jack Holmes   August 4th, 2007 6:41 am ET

After reading through about a hundred of these comments, I am convinced that most of the authors could not or would not fight for their country under ANY circumstances…and if they did could not escape a wet paper bag. Jack

Jack English Bakersville, N.C.   August 4th, 2007 6:38 am ET

Bomb Mecca? An incendary comment that can only offer outrage to the Islamic community! This is dangerous and foolhardy rhetoric! It can only incite the moderate Muslims to feel threatened. This is truly scary rhetoric! Bay, stifle this talk before we're in the middle of the 3rd Crusade!

z, MI   August 4th, 2007 6:34 am ET

i offically have no idea what ideals and principles our government officials hold on to anymore. its like they run on their own constitution.
God help us.

Bill, Charleston SC   August 4th, 2007 6:33 am ET

It'd about damn time someone had the stones to say what I've felt since 9/11 without watering down their thoughts for fear of politcal fallout.
Tom Tancredo, you have my full support.

Blackwatch Studio, NewYork/London/Miami   August 4th, 2007 6:31 am ET

this is a very smart man.
And thanks to CNN for putting this on the front page

Sam   August 4th, 2007 6:25 am ET

This is going to start a war more like, muslims these days are so in their religion and If such thing happens then their will be a war.
Us muslims want peace not war and what Tom Tancredo has said is unthinkable and outrageous, If they attack the Mecca then USA will find them selves in a spot which they wish they were never in, After reading this I have been shocked.

Lee Churchill, San Mateo, CA   August 4th, 2007 6:19 am ET

Interesting "deterrent": threatening to spark an all out Jihad by bombing Muslim holy cities. Too bad Colorado couldn't deter him from becoming a Congressman.

Jeremiah Bemidji MN   August 4th, 2007 6:13 am ET

It seems that bombing things has served us well thus far. Hows about we just level everything down to powder, stick the stars and stripes on top of whatever remains, and declare ourselves the uncontested victor in the "War on Terror". Mecca hates freedom.

JOJO, Doha, State of Qatar   August 4th, 2007 6:05 am ET

Colorado Rep. Tom Tacredo's strategy of preventing attacks to his homeland is VERY, VERY ABSURD, CRAZY and RIDICULOUS!!
Instead of thinking how to get everyone from all sectors of religion on the table and discuss the ways and possibilities of defeating this terrorism.. he is complicating more the situation by involving innocent pilgrims of this holy sites.
I am a Catholic Christian and I abhor the treatment of people such as this threat coming from a too ambitious but little minded presidential nominee hopefull. I hope AMERICANS dump him to the trashcan…

A. A. Khalil   August 4th, 2007 5:43 am ET

As a resident of the Arab Penninsula and educated, in part, in the USA I would think that the leaders of terror will be extremely happy for Mr. Tancredo's comment.
You got their vote, Tom!
You should not be surprised if they send you a 24k miniature as your bomb hits the minaret, should you be pushed to do so in your future as US president.

Tom
Through history, Mecca was hit twice for a similar reason; a brawl between the good, the bad and the ugly.
Contrary to the infemous western, the good has always been a bystander.

Thanks for listenning tom!
signed:
A friend of Independance Inst. and an advocate to TAPOR.

B. Altermath, Berne, Switzerland   August 4th, 2007 5:36 am ET

With his horrid and violent threats, Rep. Tancredo greatly endangers our Christian "holy sites" – e.g. St. Peter's in the Vatican! Please, in the name of God's love and peace, stop this spiral of violence. Don't elect war-mongers and violent politicians!

TC chicago   August 4th, 2007 5:30 am ET

idiot!

Gerald Clare, San Luis Obispo California   August 4th, 2007 5:23 am ET

Crazy AND Stupid. If a small vicious sect of Roman Catholics were attacking us would anyone advocate threatening to bomb the Vatican as a tactic. I don't think so.

Equally stupid to threaten Mecca insulting and radicalizing a billion Muslims (and fifty million Americans).

matt, philly, PA   August 4th, 2007 5:22 am ET

wow, he just doesn't get it does he?

Jed Cruz   August 4th, 2007 5:22 am ET

How is he able to call himself a republican candidate for presidency for saying such nonsense??!! He obviously made this statement not using logic or a throught process of a formalized education. Furthermore, threatening to bomb a site of located in US ally's country prooves this candidate's lack of insight to foriegn policy. Anyway, I think what he's doing is appealing to his millions of pundits who are complete idiots and lack anything I just mentioned above. Unfortunately, there's too many people that are like that in this country. God save us if this man becomes president!

Travis, Austin, TX   August 4th, 2007 5:16 am ET

"

I think he was meaning to come across as figurative versus literal….. Of course liberals can not distinguish this. He should issue an apology for insulting the non radical non militant Muslim community.
Seriously, he was most likely wanting the American people to think what can we do to make these radicals think twice? I bet he issues apology or politically hes done."

-One day, conservatives will learn how to spell correctly. That day is not very soon.

There is NO excuse in the world that is good enough to rationalize "eye for an eye" punishment; there's a reason nearly the entire world has left Hammurabi by the wayside. It only serves to incite more violence and perpetuates the circle of hate. The only way to get the terrorists to stop is by not making their ideology appealing, and to do so through positive reinforcement, not negative. Learn some basic psychology and sociology, let alone political science.

David Rochlin, Ione, Washington State   August 4th, 2007 5:05 am ET

This actually proves that he was absolutely right to talk only about immigration to the exclusion of everything else. Too bad he didn't stick to his diet…

Ken Fredericton NB Canada   August 4th, 2007 4:52 am ET

Finally somebody with a little sense! Whether the bleeding hearts of the world believe it or not this is the way we have to start thinking. Sad but true……

Singapore   August 4th, 2007 4:35 am ET

what is this??…i mean..is he trying to fight against the terrorist or against religion?….this idea must be stopped..this decision would worsen the situation of terrorist……..what on earth is he thinking to do???? this is absolutely crazy and stupid…

Terry Mooney   August 4th, 2007 4:32 am ET

God, this country needs a man like this, it is too bad we'll never get one.

The Chief   August 4th, 2007 4:31 am ET

************
This is eqivalent to a Muslim country like Iran dropping a bomb on the Vatican. Forget the extremists of the world… do you think any moderately religious Christian would put up with an insult to their faith and just sit back and not defend themselves? So why would any Muslim react differently. I wish this guy had the IQ to realize that this is an excellent way to convert more moderates into extremists.

Shareen, Sweden   August 4th, 2007 4:22 am ET

One…how did this idiot make where he is today???

Two…WHAT??? ARE YOU NUTS???

Andria, Pennsylvania   August 4th, 2007 4:20 am ET

How complete uninformed and insensitive to reality are our government representatives? Who can possibly reason that killing innocent people and inciting hatred around the world will bring an END to war? Our we the victims or the monster in this battle against 'evil'?

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 3:57 am ET

Stupid idiot.

Pretentious racism at its finest.

John Cullen, San Diego,CA   August 4th, 2007 3:45 am ET

Well, he's a republican. What do you expect? The party of Tush, the most worthless fool in modern history. This guy is one of Tush's understudies.

Robert Jenkins San Diego,CA   August 4th, 2007 3:37 am ET

Crazy? Heck, he's the only guy making sense on this topic! Great idea Tom, sorry that you don't have a chance to ever be President, though. I've thought for years Mecca should be bombed to dust. Many people think this, but few have the guts to speak it.

Paul I, Beaverton, Oregon   August 4th, 2007 3:30 am ET

Most people are taking his comments out of context. I agree with him, we should retaliate against the terrorists, but not by bombing Saudi Arabia,and Waziristan, Pakistan instead, where Osama and his deputy are hiding.

Q, California   August 4th, 2007 3:27 am ET

I heard a song a while ago and it said, you can bomb the world into pieces but you can not bomb it into peace.

There are nut jobs like Tom Tancredo out there and in my opinion there is no diference between them and any other crazy person such as Osama who would like to use violence to solve a problem.

There are a billion muslims in the world and statements such as these hurt all of them just because a dumb congress man can not seem to understand the difference that not every muslim is named Osama and not every muslim believes what he believes.

Get your head out of your rear end Mr. Tancredo and if you really want to prevent problems in future then find solutions that do not involve labeling every muslim as a terrorist.

Tancredo_is_a_nutcase   August 4th, 2007 3:02 am ET

How did this bigot found a place in US Gov?

So, if they kill US citizens, we kill CITIZENS of ALL the country in the world because MECCA and MEDINA are the most diverse place on the planet!

This guy is sick and should be voted into a mental hospital!

Bill, New Providence, NJ   August 4th, 2007 2:56 am ET

Wow this guy is a complete and utter moron. He is no better than the terrorists themselves. Mecca and Medina hold no threat to the United States. Just because a few crazy people want to distort a religion is no reason to bomb their most holy and sacred site. If anything that would probably make them more angry and more likely to attack us. I hope the voters do the right thing and put this idiot out on the street where he belongs because he has no business in politics making stupid threats like that.

jason- gilbert, AZ   August 4th, 2007 2:53 am ET

I guarantee you that terrorist orgs. to include al qaeda would love nothing more than for us to do such a thing. recruitment would be off the charts for them.

Adam, Washington, DC   August 4th, 2007 2:53 am ET

Hooray! With that moronic statement, "presidential hopeful" Tom Tancredo becomes "presedential hopeless" Tom Tancredo. It usually takes those Republican candidates at least a dozen moronic statements to destroy their political careers… he should get some sort of prize for doing it with just one.

Jina, Jacksonville, Florida   August 4th, 2007 2:43 am ET

It's words like that that cause the bees nest to lash out at the poker! C'mon! I wouldn't touch Mecca FOR ANYTHING! It took one political/religious satire to make those of the Muslim faith extremely upset WORLD WIDE. Now he suggests blowing up their religious spot to keep an attack from occurring? By doing that he's ASKING for the attack! Tancredo should be forced to issue an apology for such horrible, distasteful remarks. I'm pretty sure he has already infuriated American Muslims.

Timothy, Singapore, Singapore   August 4th, 2007 2:38 am ET

No-one has gone more cuckoo in the GOP field as Rep. Tancredo.

It also shows how bad the GOP presidential field candidates are. If such a ignorant nut can even run and suggest such a move, what more can be said?

Faiza Mokhtar, Los Angeles, CA   August 4th, 2007 2:29 am ET

Yes, Tancredo b/c that's what going to make everything go away and have less terrorist *eye roll* Is he an idiot? Wait, he is. He is totally warped and sadly there are people out there who actually would agree with his assessment and that's just disgusting.

Apparently he missed that day in school about religious tolerance.

Elaine Suhre   August 4th, 2007 2:16 am ET

Just what we need, an escalation of what the Jihadists conceive of as a Holy War. I hope Mr. Tancredo's statement about bombing Mecca and Medina are not a sign of his inablility to compartmentalize and priortize just which group of people are threats to us. If I were Islamic, I would be highly insulted. Bombing the Islamic holy sites would be like the US bombing the Vatican because Pius XII possibly had a shadowy connection to Hilter.

Roy, Grand Rapids, MI   August 4th, 2007 2:13 am ET

Finally someone who's not worried about all this Politcally correct baloney. He's got my vote!

kag, Miami, FL   August 4th, 2007 2:06 am ET

If something like that were to happen, then quite literally, it would mean the end of the world…the end of life on earth as we know it.

Karman Khan   August 4th, 2007 2:04 am ET

Al qaeda would just LOVE for someone ranting fundamentalist like Tom Tancredo to actually make such an attack on Mecca and Madina happen. Every single male/female even those who have personally been victims of Al Qaeda in the Muslim world would embrace the Al Qaeda ideology that there the Amercia is at war with Islam and with their non-existent capability to hit back.. ANY means of revenge would be justified.
So Mr. Smart-a** Tancredo would not have deterred a terroist attack but spawned a million attacks. Let hope ppl like him only get elected to positions within the mental asylums where he belongs

aamir, london, uk   August 4th, 2007 2:03 am ET

I can't believe someone who says things like this got elected to office.

Mike, bkfld, Cal   August 4th, 2007 1:56 am ET

To Truly Frightened Muslim in CT:

As a moderate Muslim, I am curious how you critique our government and blame this administration, yet have no suggestions as to how you and your moderate friends can control your end of the problem. I am tired of the comment 'why do they hate us' You, my friend, should wonder why you have lost control of your countries and your religion. I rarely see moderate Muslims protesting in the street when innocent people are be-headed, tortured or executed. As an American, who has traveled extensively throughout the world, I see why America is disliked: We are proud, free and we do not tolerate oppression of any kind. It is easy for you, sir, to blame this Country for your shortcomings and to blame this administration. I find it ironic that you condemn what Tancredo said, yet you tolerate what the leaders in Iran and Syria say about Israel. It is always easy to criticize your failures on others. Take care of business at home, sir, before you pass judgement on this country.

leilani, louisville, ky.   August 4th, 2007 1:55 am ET

is he joking? bombing mecca? destroying innocence for the sake of power. disgusting. not every muslim studies terrorism. i was raised as one & know that we are suppose to practice peace. the word islam literally translates into "peace." stop blaming an entire group of people because of a small selfish bunch. i don't even believe these terrorists are true muslims, just some kind of twisted cult.

hello ww2 all over again. great job, mr. tancredo. i know i won't be voting for you.

Marilyn, Glenwood Springs, CO   August 4th, 2007 1:50 am ET

That is the most ridiculous comment I've ever heard. No wonder the rest of the world hates us – it's hot-headed, fundamentalist extremists like TANCREDO that fuel the negative sentiments against the USA. Bombing holy sites is the last thing that will "deter" the so-called terrorists from attacking us. If anything, that will simply fan the flames.

I'm ashamed of this guy – comments like that should get him ousted from public office. Those are hardly the view points of the constituency. What a piece of work this one is!

Jesse, Clearwater, FL   August 4th, 2007 1:49 am ET

This is sad, but it might be the only way to prevent ourselves from being attacked by radical muslims. I disagree with most of Tancredo's ideas, but he has a good point.

Karen, Avondale, PA   August 4th, 2007 1:48 am ET

Someone look this up for me. Wasn't it Pres. Bush who campaigned in California prior to his first election, making appeals to the illegal immigrants to be able to vote with some kind of ID card. Do you think his train of thought then fueled even more the frenzy to have them cross the boarder. They are breaking our foundations, and Health care institutions. They either get legal and support our country as I do, or they get out.

Mirza A, Lawrence, KS   August 4th, 2007 1:43 am ET

The fact that a group of people, who call themselves Muslims, commit crimes against humanity does not mean that all Muslims should be blamed or their holy sites destroyed. This would be like labeling all Christians as blood-thirsty or calling for the destruction of the Vatican since "Christian" Popes and monarchs ordered the killing of thousands upon thousands of non-Christians, women, and anyone who disagreed with the Church in Europe and the Americas. However, we all know that most Christians are peaceful and tolerant people.

There is a group of Muslims who also advocate peace and "love for all, hatred for none" (their website is http://www.alislam.org).

P.S. I challenge anyone who believes that "Islam teaches people to blow themselves up or kill innocent civilians and that they will get rewarded in Heaven with virgins for doing so," to find where these claims are stated in the Holy Quran (where all of our teaching comes from). If you cannot find such a teaching in the Holy Quran, then remember that you will be answerable to God for all the false claims you make.

Katrina, Missouri   August 4th, 2007 1:35 am ET

How can anyone dare to make a suggestion such as this one in public debate today. Yes, lets show the world that we care nothing about diplomacy and exasterbate an already volatile situation by bombing sites that the entire Islamic World (not just the extremists consider holy. I wonder what he would say as a Christian if someone intentionally bombed Bethlehem or Galalee….What an idiot. Hasn't he ever heard the saying that Violence only begets more Violence…Maybe some of the people in this country need to remember that….

Michael Donovan, MN   August 4th, 2007 1:31 am ET

RAZ, Richardson TX wrote: "Truly spoken like an American."
It would be very scary if all of us (Americans) spoke like that! So SHAME ON YOU!!!

Sickened by people's ignorance, NY   August 4th, 2007 1:24 am ET

To: Bernardho, New York

They are called Muslims not "Mahommedans" so before you post any comment go EDUCATE YOURSELF!!! and that is valid for everyone who NEVER got to know a Muslim on a personal level, NEVER visited the Middle East, and NEVER took time to ACTUALLY read the Koran and see what Islam is REALLY about!!!
Please… This world would be a better place if we would all take the time to EDUCATE OURSELVES!!!!!!!

ghazali   August 4th, 2007 1:23 am ET

I have seen this kind of attitude in the internet before,even worse. Well, will it serve the purpose? It will create more animosity, hatred and continuous cycle of violence and death. It will prove that the Bush's war is really another crusade. Cristian and muslim will be fighting for another 400 years, and the jews will be able finally to build their temple mount on the ruin of Al Agsa. It is easy to stop the war, get out of Iraq, Afghanistan and stop supporting Israel. Please, How strong can a man be? A mosquito could kill a king in a well fortified bunker. Human body is just a seat for the man's soul. Have you seen a dead body? It is just another fertilizer. Life is a gift, and we cherish and appreciate it. Let us live in hormany. But if Mecca is bombed then we will enter the unknown territory. Bless us all.

Bob, Pacific Grove, Ca   August 4th, 2007 1:19 am ET

Just another Republican extremist making an outrageous remark….Kind of reminds you of a young Hitler…..Looking at the comments on this blog, this guy definitely has a bright future in the GOP!!

name, nabeel   August 4th, 2007 1:18 am ET

I am a muslim .. dont even think of it. you can kill as many muslim as you people want any where in this world with out a reason but honestly when your turn comes just think that you deserve it for what you have done

Jennifer Cincinnati   August 4th, 2007 1:17 am ET

Idiodic. An eye for an eye makes everyone blind.

Bob, Pacific Grove, Ca   August 4th, 2007 1:14 am ET

LOL!! This just proves what everyone already knows: when it comes to new ideas the Republicans are a politically bankrupt party. Unbelievable!!

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 1:13 am ET

Actually this is exactly what bin Laden and company would love to see happen. You think bin Laden cares about Mecca? What Osama wants is a war between Muslims and the rest of the world. Bombing Mecca would give him the perfect recruiting tool. For every Muslim killed at Mecca bin Laden would get 10 new recruits for jihad.

Terrorists have no love of life… I wouldn't be surprised if bin Laden himself bombed Mecca and blamed it on the U.S.. That's how sick terrorists are.

Caryn Moyle, Pittsburgh PA   August 4th, 2007 1:13 am ET

Tom Tancredo needs to be told that hate does not defeat hate – it only aggravates it.

WOW people are stupid   August 4th, 2007 1:12 am ET

It is unbelievable that this guy is actually thinking of doing that. Oh yeah, since one terrorist attacks, lets retaliate on the whole religion. Haven't we learned people. No wonder he is low on the polls.

Douglas K, Phoenix, AZ   August 4th, 2007 1:06 am ET

I agree with Tom Tancredo 100%.

A. Reza   August 4th, 2007 1:04 am ET

Another idiot republican … Who are these guys ?

Sergei, Almaty, Kazakhstan   August 4th, 2007 1:00 am ET

I have never heard anything more stupid than that. Okay, well if you bomb Mecca, then YOU are the terrorist. And then Iran will show you, that they "mean business" as well.

Instead of stopping any kind of war or attacks, America (which advocates Christian religion and "peace and harmony") does everything in an opposite direction. If Bush attacked and colonized Iraq only for his own financial reasons, Mr. Tancredo wants to attack Mecca…just because he THINKS it would prevent war… What can I say? He has to be in the mental hospital, not in the politics

Dave   August 4th, 2007 12:53 am ET

As much amusement to kill innocent muslims bombing the holy sites would just enrage a large group of currently unaffiliated muslims. If we want to commit genocide the US constitution pretty much allows it. Lets not beat around the bush though if you want to kill muslims in "revenge killings" say it.

Greg, Charlotte, NC   August 4th, 2007 12:52 am ET

He cannot be serious. What a moron. That will only encourage insurgents more.

Sean Chin   August 4th, 2007 12:49 am ET

Just when I thought only common people are ignorant… now I know why Bush is the president in the first place….

Jerald Blankenship, Columbus, Ohio   August 4th, 2007 12:46 am ET

Why is everyone so up in arms over Tancredo's statement?

I am actually of the opinion that he is being a little too conservative; the war on terror could be ended rather quickly if we were to immediately atomize Medina, Mecca, Mashhad, Qom, and Jakarta.

After all, radiation a common, effective treatment for killing cancer.

Dan Silagi   August 4th, 2007 12:43 am ET

As the mosque in Jerusalem is almost as holy a site as the city of Mecca, maybe we should bomb Jerusalem too. Who cares if we kill thousands of innocent Jews? Tancredo doesn't seem to mind if we kill thousands of innocent Muslims who have nothing to do with terrorism.

If we're attacked again, we need to wipe out the terrorist training camps in Pakistan, and possibly the entire Iranian government, military, and infrastructure, if Iran is involved.

But bombing Mecca makes even less sense than bombing Dresden (not a military target) during WWII.

Tom Tancredo is an embarrassment to the USA, and to all real conservatives, myself included

RGKahn, N. Bergen, New Jersey   August 4th, 2007 12:42 am ET

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo’s campaign stood by his assertion that bombing holy Muslim sites would serve as a good “deterrent” to prevent Islamic fundamentalists from attacking the United States, his spokeswoman said Friday.

This shows that Representative Tancredo wants to bomb Mecca and/or Medina as a "deterrent" to an attack on the US not in reply to a nuclear attack on us. What this shows is that the Representative from Colorado is a schmuck.

Words fail me. We would have a war on the scale of both World Wars combined. There are over a One BILLION Muslims in the world. If 5 to 10% of them were radical, that would mean app 50-100 million would fall in that group. It boggles the mind.

Rich - Madison, WI   August 4th, 2007 12:38 am ET

I must say that I agree 100%. This is a war against ISLAM wether we want to believe it or not. Muslims will not stop short of global domination. Only the elimination of their backward religion can save the planet now.

Sal, LA CA   August 4th, 2007 12:33 am ET

Well, after the WTC and Pentagon were attacked, the US really backed off from the Middle East – withdrawing completely from the area and permanently shelving any plans of attacking Iraq and confronting Iran.

That is what happened, right?

But seriously, this guy is a tool – completely manipulated by his infantile emotions and unable to think more than fifteen minutes into the future.

Bechara, Houston, Texas   August 4th, 2007 12:31 am ET

What is remarkable about this is not Tom Tancredo's comments, but the comments of all the Do-Gooders posted here who are so bleeding sympathetic to the entire muslim world.

You try being a Christian in Iraq right now, or most middle eastern countries and you will know what it means to get the rough end of the pineapple, and there will be no bleeding Do-Gooders over there to cry about your loss of rights, freedom and life.

The Islamic agenda needs to be shut down, by all means including deterrance.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2007 12:30 am ET

Not to say this guy isn't an idiot but we had better figure out what our response will be when WMD equipped terrorists kill 80 thousand or more Americans in one attack and destroy our economy. I hope we don't lock up a couple hundred yahoos at Guantanamo and call it even.

Montreal Canada   August 4th, 2007 12:25 am ET

Dear Americans,

Why do you elect such stupid people to office? Remember, its YOU, the American people of America who voted for George W. Bush.

It’s YOU, the people of Colorado who voted for Tancredo. YOU, Americans put these mental cases into positions of authority, so stop complaining. It’s YOUR fault! Congratulations for being the laughing stock of the world.

Just an intelligent thought from an intelligent Canadian. Peace

Dave Park, New Brunswick, NJ   August 4th, 2007 12:23 am ET

This is just a horridly bad idea on so many levels.

Forget about the fact that the majority of Muslims in the world are actually quite peaceful and that such an act would anger the community, or the fact that those listed sites are in one of the few Middle Eastern countries allied with the US.

Such an idea wouldn't even prevent terrorist attacks from occuring. If anything, they'd lead to increased violence in retaliation.

And even then, such an act wouldn't even harm fundamentalist Islamic groups. These are organizations not run by religion, but by greed, power, and ambition. Very much similar to ultra-Christian groups in the US, these so-called religious fanatics gain power through the ignorance of the lower class in order to drive their own agendas. Destroying symbols of their beliefs will not phase the actual groups; rather, it will fuel even more violence.

This is a simple case of our policy-makers not knowing what is going on both around the world and within the country. Why can't we get someone at least with a few sane ideas in there?

Todd, Mesa, AZ   August 4th, 2007 12:19 am ET

This moron is our own version of Osama Bin Laden; a home grown terrorist all peace loving American should be ashamed of.

Tony, Traverse City Michigan   August 4th, 2007 12:15 am ET

That is the most rediculous thing I have ever heard. This man has said enough asinine comments to make an attack justified.

AB   August 4th, 2007 12:13 am ET

Bombing Mecca and Medina, sure that would sure as a deterrent – then would just hit back at more US targets and it would serve as a strong defensive for more muslims to wage Jihad on US soil.

Jimmy, Prattville, AL   August 4th, 2007 12:08 am ET

I'll say this much, if a terrorist attack on the grand scale of 9/11 took place in the U.S. again, it might not accomplish anything to bomb Mecca, but I'd agree that it sure would feel good.

Todd, Tempe, AZ   August 4th, 2007 12:08 am ET

This moron is our own home grown version of Osama Bin Laden. A home grown terrorist we should all be ashamed of. His statement is equivelent to Osama Bin Laden theatening to blow up Vatican City if United States were to attack Iran. Really, somebody tell me whats the difference?

The Mighty Greedo, St Paul, MN   August 4th, 2007 12:00 am ET

If I didn't see that this article came from CNN.com, I'd have assumed it was from The Onion.

Joe, Buffalo, NY   August 4th, 2007 12:00 am ET

I agree with him completely. In the aftermath of another attack on our soil, I would fully support such a retaliation.

D.B. NYC   August 3rd, 2007 11:57 pm ET

Um, not all Muslims are terrorists, but moves like this one, and even him saying them creates more terrorists. What a moron.

Posted By Lindsey, IA : August 3, 2007 1:24 pm

This is good. No they are not all muslims anymore than you and I and 300 million other Americans are not personally responsible for the strife in the middle east. Will that fact stop them from trying to kill us and our families? Stop thinking about this like you're dealing with an enemy that is playing by the same rules that we try to. That's why we have this problem.

Jerry, Mesquite, TX   August 3rd, 2007 11:55 pm ET

Mr. Tancredo is the only politician I've heard who has the guts to state such a necessary proposition. It's not reprehensible or crazy. The "kill everyone in the name of Allah" Muslims are the crazies. It is unlikely that anything else will deter the radical Muslim agenda to hit the west with a nuclear attack. I think the rest of the politicians aren't taking the Muslim threat seriously enough. It takes radical methods to deal with radical, brainwashed murderers.

Lu S. from Las Vegas NV   August 3rd, 2007 11:52 pm ET

This is my man and was long before he made these comments. They just enforce my respect for the guy. GO TANCREDO! AND PUT DUNCAN HUNTER ON THE TICKET AS VP! YOU GUYS WOULD BE UNTOUCHABLE.

Anonymous   August 3rd, 2007 11:41 pm ET

I can assure you that he has committed a political suicide by making these comments. In his desperation to win sympathies and votes of the american public, he has gone an extra mile to plant the seeds of hatred and anger. His strategy is going to backfire against him.

anonymous   August 3rd, 2007 11:37 pm ET

I think he was meaning to come across as figurative versus literal….. Of course liberals can not distinguish this. He should issue an apology for insulting the non radical non militant Muslim community.
Seriously, he was most likely wanting the American people to think what can we do to make these radicals think twice? I bet he issues apology or politically hes done.

Jason, Bellevue WA   August 3rd, 2007 11:37 pm ET

It is a good thing that morons like this won't be elected into office. No doubt it will be a democrat taking office in '08. This guy is a disgrace to our country; it is ignorant and arrogant remarks like his that make us such a hate-target around the world. America is all about freedom of religion and protection of human rights. For a senator to say such things is really shocking. I just hope that his views are not shared by any other of our country's leaders.

Paul Brugger, South Jordan, Utah   August 3rd, 2007 11:37 pm ET

Right On!!!!

Karen, Charleston South Carolina   August 3rd, 2007 11:35 pm ET

Being stupid is not a trait exclusive to the GOP. Based on his comments regarding Pakistan earlier in the week, Obama might just want to have the first bi-partisan ticket with Tancredo as his running mate. The Dumb and Dumber campaign.

Harry, Fairfax VA   August 3rd, 2007 11:32 pm ET

hahaha, I'm not sure who is the bigger idiot. Tom Tancredo or Toy Pearson, a DC judge who sued a dry cleaner for $65 million. What's wrong with America?

Anonymous   August 3rd, 2007 11:29 pm ET

is he asking for 50 more 9/11's?

Valdemar De Lima, Bronx, New York   August 3rd, 2007 11:26 pm ET

I think that he's very stupid and not capable of being a good president.

Truely frightened muslim, hartford, CT   August 3rd, 2007 11:24 pm ET

To begin with- I am a muslim and a moderate. This is my comment:

If the republican party keeps governing the US (i.e. another president of the kind of Mr. Bush) nobody knows what will happen to the world. Look at this other crazy maniac who is running for republican party nomination for president, and what he said again (threatening to destroy the holiest sites of muslims- of course he won't but this is just talk for local consumption meant to further accentuate hatred against muslims in an already emotionally combustible environment where everyone already discriminates against muslims everywhere). I am not sure what moderate muslim people like myself will understand or feel when they read such idiocies full of hatred and intolerance (i am not even speaking about the stupid, mentally-retarded, and criminal muslim extremists who are the cause of the insecurity in our respective coutries and who are waiting for a stupid comment from a high level official to further escalate their stupid, idiot, and criminal actions against peaceful societies- as if the world needs another religious crisis- truely foolish indeed).
Still layer-americans ask the question: why do they hate us? i lived enough to see that muslims don't hate americans; i personally don't hate americans (and i actually love america and american people because i had a chance to live in the US and know the american people that i consider my brothers and sisters), but it appears that America have a stupid kind of political breed that is truely going way out in labeling every muslim as a 'terrorist' until the prove of the contrary. I am totally disgusted. How can a politician have this whole idea of bombing innocent worshipers as a way to retaliate against 'ennemy combattant', knowing that the worshippers at the holy sites have nothing to do with politics? What he said is absolutely dangerous- a real bombing of the muslim sites will ignite a world war, and believe me America and the world will gain nothing from it except pain and casulties (is this the world that republican party is preparing us to live in?). Why this hatred? i just simply can't imagine someone thinking this way at this level of representation (i thought this kind of politicians existed only in 3rd world countries, but i think they are everywhere).

Please as Americans, save the world this kind of political crappies and new neonazis, and choose well when you vote for the next president (please vote for someone who will bring peace to the world, not war). This is probably the crappiest and most mentally retarded politician that your country had presented in years. I hope he does not win the nomination of republican party- i feel for CO people who have such kind of racist representative- a true pity indeed.

Nayyar Ahmad, Dodge City, KS   August 3rd, 2007 11:21 pm ET

For all of those who claim that Islam is a vile and intolerant religion, which promotes hate, I present a verse from the Holy Quran:

"Surely those who believed, and the Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians – whoso believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good deeds, on them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve." (5:70)

Who then, after reading this verse, promotes hate? We Muslims or those who want to wipe Islam off of the earth?

Steven NY, New York   August 3rd, 2007 11:20 pm ET

I LOVE this idea. I don't like the thought of actually bombing these locations, but one of the reasons the war on Islamic Jihadists (my words) is so difficult to wage is that they have no specific country. This give us a location to say "hurt us, we hurt you."

Mort Z, Fort Walton, FL   August 3rd, 2007 11:19 pm ET

Absolutely! Well why not? They are spying on US Citizens so which is more outrageous? Is "Shock and Awe" kinder and gentler than this?

Undoubtedly this is the correct answer, just as they assisted the Taliban in obliterated the largest Buddhist statues in the world just prior to 9/11.

Anonymous   August 3rd, 2007 11:17 pm ET

I applaud his bravery and common sense. ISLAM has been the enemy for 1000 years.

Sherri Mundy Independence, KY 41051   August 3rd, 2007 11:17 pm ET

What is so crazy about retaliating against terrorists, by hitting them the way they have, and continue to strive to do to us? The only point we've gotten across to these terrorists, is that we are playing a game of "you destroy, and we try to predict the next attack.' Attacks which obviously aren't hitting close to home! Something more has to be done. They target our national monuments, so should we.

Anonymous   August 3rd, 2007 11:16 pm ET

Great idea! Might deter these fanatics from attacking our "holy" sites…

Hate to think this way, but what other options are there with these irrational egoists?

Chad Taylor, New York, New York   August 3rd, 2007 11:15 pm ET

Tancredo is an idiot and his ignorance is dangerous. His idea of attacking Muslim holy sites when "Islamic extremists" attack the U.S. is tantamount to suggesting that when fundamentalist "Christian extremists" shoot abortion doctors, we should attack the Vatican. Terrorists break the commands and spirit of the Quran and are NOT representative of Islam, just like right-wing American Christians have nothing to do with hallowed Christian sites like St. Peter's, Canterbury, Santiago de Campostella and Bethlehem.

Not to mention the Geneva Convention. I\Of course, when were modern U.S. Republicans concerned with upholding the Geneva Convention?

Chris, Michigan   August 3rd, 2007 11:15 pm ET

Say and think what you want – you bleeding heart liberals. But fact is – the policy of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) prevented World War III with the Russians. Extremists only understand one thing – and I see nothing wrong with making them understand the meaning of MAD. If you take us out, you also kill yourself – plan and simple – and it needs no translation.

Daniel E.Levenson, Cambridge, MA   August 3rd, 2007 11:14 pm ET

Tancredo's statements reflect an appalling level of ignorance on matters of foreign policy and national security. He is of course allowed to say whatever he likes, but taunting our enemies with these kind of threats only serves to feed the extremist propaganda machine, and seems rather self-defeating given his stated goal of protecting the United States. Furthermore, the idea of destroying the holiest site of any religion in retaliation for the evil actions of a minority group within that religion seems sadly absurd.

Tim Howard; Houston, Texas   August 3rd, 2007 11:13 pm ET

Nice job; he's suggesting just one more terrorist attack and western civilization will fall. That should act as quite a deterrent….what an idiot.

Max Mickey, Santa Barbara , CA   August 3rd, 2007 11:13 pm ET

Our state department invites terrorist to strike us anywhere they want by protecting the targets the terrorists hold sacred. rediculous

Jake,New York, New York   August 3rd, 2007 11:13 pm ET

this is exactly the kind of person we don't need as president of the United States!

Anon   August 3rd, 2007 11:12 pm ET

This guy has same for brains as Bush.

John Jakobsen, Houston, TX   August 3rd, 2007 11:11 pm ET

I'm sure he was kidding.

Anonymous   August 3rd, 2007 11:10 pm ET

WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA! Just bomb Mecca and Medina and hope all the Muslims in the world will shut up. Ok now for those of us who live in REALITY, if a cartoon caricature of the prophet set such a global commotion and outcry then bombing the 2 holiest sites in all of Islam will effectively mark the end of the world….its just that brilliant of an idea! Way-to-go! you have successfully managed to be the dumbest politician of our times.

aazar, vancouver, bc   August 3rd, 2007 11:10 pm ET

well, americans think their lives are somewhat more holier than those who get killed everyday in Afghnaistan and Iraq. Nobody finds out which innocent person dies under the veil of a terrorist. A stupid man, incapable of uttering a single coherent sentence, runs this country, and then even bigger morons come forward to ignite more hate and aggression. I simply find it what makes american so child like idiots. Hate is embedded in us, I think, but making such irresponsible statements would only bring danger, even when it was not imminent. He needs to know what Mecca and Madina means to muslims, who are not part of terror. If they ever think of doing anything like this, america will be wiped out by those who were not terrorist before. If I had any doubt beofe that americans in general were morons, I have none now.

Sal Pietromonaco, Eugene, OR   August 3rd, 2007 11:09 pm ET

He demonstrated with such elan just how ignorant and uneducated some politicians can be. I guess he just got his 15 min. Say goodbye to Tancredo.

Ahmed Sallam, Galloway NJ   August 3rd, 2007 11:04 pm ET

first of all all this talk will creat hate towards america and serves only that purpose. this kind of comments will make those with sick and upside down minds do soething crazy. i am sure that this guy is an idiot and i guess he does not even know what he is talking about.
now as a muslim all i have to say to him is these holy sites you are talking about we do not protect them but god does that and read the history about many many kings and leaders of the past time tried to do what you suggest and they got destroyed. finally i pray for you that god forgive you and give you guidance to the right track.

RK, Montebello, CA   August 3rd, 2007 11:02 pm ET

spare me all the politically correct comments w/sensitivity towards Muslims…Muslims in Saudi Arabia would not think twice about bringing down the White House…Tancredo is making a great suggestion.

BevD,OKC,OK   August 3rd, 2007 11:01 pm ET

I will vote for this man if I have a chance. I am tired of trying to reason with insane terrorists who want to do nothing but kill Americans.
The terrorists and everybody else had better realize there is a growing majority of American people who are going to pick up a really big club someday..and it will swing a wide path.

David, New York, NY   August 3rd, 2007 11:01 pm ET

Finally, a politician we can vote for! Glad to see someone has taken off their rose-colored glasses and sees the world for what it is and not that fairy tale liberal perspective.

Siti, Singapore   August 3rd, 2007 11:01 pm ET

This guy I think goes to college but never graduate or worse maybe he just forged his certificates. GOD!!

If any voters vote for him, lets welcome world destruction.

Tau, Edwards AFB, CA   August 3rd, 2007 11:00 pm ET

Sadly, there are some people in the military (I'm a Muslim in the military by the way) who think the same way this crazy person does. These kind of guys don't realize the kinds of contributions and sacrifices Muslims make for this country.

Richard Perkins, Placentia california   August 3rd, 2007 10:59 pm ET

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo is absolutly correct!!! Are we supposed to just sit back and let extremist do whatever they please to Americans. I say NO!!! Smart bomb a couple of Muslim holy places and then let the extremists explain to the rest of the Muslim world how it came to that. It's time for the Muslims who say they are not w/terrosits to help out an put an end to religous insanity!!!!

Mike, Coarsegold, Cal   August 3rd, 2007 10:57 pm ET

Works for me.

Annie, South East Asia   August 3rd, 2007 10:57 pm ET

I am a Muslim and i must admit that i was quite perturbed by the comments made by that man. I have never approved of terrorism when it comes to killing innocent people for the sins of a few idiots. I am however sure, like many others who have echoed here rightly, that if you are to bomb Mecca and Medinah, the moderate Muslim in me will never accept that. And if Saudi government were to ask for help, trust me, the whole Muslim world will come to help as you did not bomb the Saudis … you bomb a MUSLIM's holy land, and that cannot be acceptable by any standards. I am not sure whether Tancredo KNOWS exactly how many Muslims there are in this world, but please tell him, more than 80% of Indonesia, 15% of China, 98% of Brunei, and many Asian countries, as well as people within Europe AND US, will not be pleased with him. If he has the 'guts' like what some of you are glorifying him with, that i guess what he DO NOT have is BRAINS … cos obviously his maths is terrible enough for him to forget that his words will affect manay innocent lives, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Such irresponsible words cause so much damage, and I fear that if this story goes around, the damage might have started already. I feel so sorry for AMericans to have such a leader. I thought Bush was a mistake, but this man is the cream of it all … sigh

pk, worcester ma   August 3rd, 2007 10:55 pm ET

Are you KIDDING me?!? I hope no one is taking this candidate seriously. Why can’t we look into the reasons why people would even consider an attack and what we can do as a society to prevent it from happening, rather than making bullying, negative threats?

Posted By Katie, Detroit, MI : August 3, 2007 12:57 pm

you MUST be a liberal. are YOU kidding? these fanatics don't sit down and talk with you, they are out for one thing…to make EVERYONE a muslim! if you don't believe or convert, they kill you! is that how YOU want to live? because it's sure not MY america.

Joel, Tallahasse, Florida   August 3rd, 2007 10:53 pm ET

1) Mecca and Medina are holy cities to more than 1 billion people.

2) He's proposing creating two nuclear fallout zones within one of our few Middle East allies.

3) Hitting Mecca and/or Medina doesn't actually impact anyone's ability to engage in terrorist activity.

4) I cannnot conceive of any one possible way to better galvanize multiple nations against the United States and make it impossible for our current allies to continue to do so.

Given these, it is hard to understand why Mr. Tancredo believes this even passes into the realm of plausibility. Just when I start to believe that we have plumbed the depths of foolishness, I am saddly surprised again. It is unfortunate that anyone gives Mr. Tancredo and his argument here even one iota of credibility, because neither deserves it.

Jillian, Portland ME   August 3rd, 2007 10:53 pm ET

Muslims are already attacking America because they see us as a country of sin and unholiness. If we attack their holy shrines, that will prevoke them to start a jihad with us, not scare them into stopping fighting.

Nathan, Canada   August 3rd, 2007 10:51 pm ET

After the "radical" Muslims explode a nuclear bomb in mainland USA it will be interesting to see how many of these comments about "crazy" will still be feeling the way they do. I am not in favor of bombing Mecca, but if a major "incident" happened in North America (such as a nuclear explosion set off by Islamists) I would be fully in favor of dropping a nice big fat bomb on Mecca. Saudis are our "allies" indeed… where almost ALL the 911 terrorists came from. Funny that!

RaShaun, Atlanta, Georgia   August 3rd, 2007 10:51 pm ET

It's stupid comments like these that are going to fuel world war 3. its innevitable and this stupid politician will probably regret he said that.

Kris, Chicago Illinois   August 3rd, 2007 10:50 pm ET

I'm moving to Canada if this guy gets elected. I won't let my family be hurt because of this stupid man who doesn't understand that not all Muslims are terrorists! How can he say something like that? Is this a joke, a ploy for media attention? Please god protect this country from people like him!

Josh Duluth, GA   August 3rd, 2007 10:46 pm ET

All I can say is WOW!! If our choices of President consist of Hilary or this guy, then I would rather amend the constitution to allow Bush to serve a third term. What's the point in electing another moron that will do just as bad.

val   August 3rd, 2007 10:43 pm ET

You go, girl!
That's like bombing the Vatican if Italy bugs you!
Just do it, and start WWII

Mr. Pink, Aston, PA   August 3rd, 2007 10:40 pm ET

Crazy as it sounds, if this is a deterrant, this is about the best idea I have heard in a long time. I would be sure that these extremist hear loud and clear that this could happen. I think some of you need to get your heads out of the clouds and get with it. IF we are attacked AGAIN, this should be considered. Some of us who don't have our priorities straight, need to grow a set. When someone in your family or someone close to you is killed in the next attack, maybe some of you will change your tune. Every time I see vidoes of the idiots praising 9/11, it infuriates me. If I found any of these wanted in a dark alley, I'd have a field day!!!!!!!!!!!

K Conifer Colorado   August 3rd, 2007 10:39 pm ET

Are you serious? What is this cowboy thinking…better yet when will he begin to think? Why don't we just drop the big bomb and kill everyone would everyone be happy then? Unbelieveable is the only word that comes to mind when I hear statement like these.

Dear A   August 3rd, 2007 10:37 pm ET

Tom, quit the race…trust me.

Ralph Smith   August 3rd, 2007 10:36 pm ET

Dont bomb just Mecca.
Bomb Jerusalem, Mecca and Medina.
Let's be fair.

Nola Ellington, Dry Prong, Louisiana   August 3rd, 2007 10:36 pm ET

Hey I like the way this man thinks!! We haven't been tough enough on them. I think we need to go ahead and tell them that's what we are going to do if the bombs don't stop in Iraq. Maybe we should give them 15 days to produce Osama or his body or we attack.

Joe, Boulder, CO   August 3rd, 2007 10:34 pm ET

The people on here saying Tancredo is crazy, that it would incite Muslims, etc.– they are *cowards*. I for one support the idea, hit 'em where it hurts! I'm ashamed of you wussies who call yourself "Americans".

reagan redding ca   August 3rd, 2007 10:32 pm ET

I think the real point this guy was trying to make was how do you deter people who are not afraid of killing themselves and taking you with them. If the only card in your hand is the religion card it's the one you will play out of neccesity.

Ryan, Dallas TX   August 3rd, 2007 10:32 pm ET

Great! Sounds like a plan!

Now all the moderate and nonpracticing Muslims will be pissed at us too! Cool!

John, Spring Lake, NJ   August 3rd, 2007 10:32 pm ET

Listen people,..this may seem a radical idea to you but just how do you think we detered the Soviets and Red Chinese from launching a first strike on Washington DC, New York and the major cities of Western Europe during the Cold War ? It was done through a policy know as MAD – Mutual Assured Destruction,….the Soviet knew that if they destroyed our cities and people with Nukes that we could and would do the same to them. Brinksmanship for sure, but did you notice that Washington, Moscow, Beijing, London,..ect are all still here.

All of you Democratic Liberals need to remember that a Democratic president,a very brave and good man, FDR, was able to recognise the real threat to our world and had the guts to use the horrible destructive power of nukes and thus end World War II.

The liberals and proponents of appeasement in this day and age are the people who are refered to in the quote,.."Those who do not learn from the mistakes of history are destined to repeat them" -Abraham Lincoln (also Winston Churchill)

The real question we face here is….will the logic of a gun to your head work with these terrorists who do not play by normal rules.

John Butterfield Torrance,CA   August 3rd, 2007 10:30 pm ET

Well Mr Tom Casey, I would have to agree with Mr Tancredo on this one and I am pretty sure most Americans would probably agree also.

Edward, Los Angeles, California   August 3rd, 2007 10:27 pm ET

Regardless, one must give him credit for exercising his First Amendment right without fear of repurcussion of being labeled a racist, bigot, being politically incorrect, etc., etc., etc.

John P. from Chicago, IL   August 3rd, 2007 10:27 pm ET

I can not believe people actually voted for this lunatic Tancredo. Shame on the people of Colorado.

Adnan Arif, Chicago, Illinois   August 3rd, 2007 10:22 pm ET

It is disgusting and outrageous that someone would suggest something like this.

As it is, the US govt does not realize that if you add more fuel to a fire, it only gets bigger. Violence always leads to more violence, not less.

You only have to see the history of the middle east in the last 50 yrs, specially after the end of the 2nd world war to realize why we are in this state and this ideological battle today. No one and no religion or country is free of blood on their hands, wether christian, muslim or jewish. And its not about religion, its about politics and land that keeps these wars perpetuating.

AS it is, these extremists who destroy the name of our religion Islam are a fringe minority compared to the millions of Muslims worldwide.

Beware if you try to catch a monster, you may end up becoming one in the process. This battle against terrorism, in the end, will not be one by guns and bombs and spilt blood; It will be one by a paradigm shift in cultural mentality that will take decades and an end to war-mongering and arms perpetuation

Dylan Frusciano, Louisville, CO   August 3rd, 2007 10:22 pm ET

I would definitely say punishing the other peaceful 99% of the Muslim population by bombing their holy sites is a solid move to win friends in the "war on terror". Living in Colorado, Tancredo has actually become a joke. I actually enjoy listening to him, as well as reading his comments, b/c it allows me to get a solid laugh out of my day once in a while.

Dylan Rivis   August 3rd, 2007 10:21 pm ET

Just proves that this is part a religious war anyway.How do crazies like this get into positions of influence. Drum him out now !!

Juan Martin, Allentown, PA   August 3rd, 2007 10:21 pm ET

Is people like this mentally retarded congressman that gives the USA a bad name, please do not reelect this guy for anything. How can you bomb a holy place, this is the kind of racial profiling that we do not need. Mr. Tancredo you are disgrace!

David, Lakewood CO   August 3rd, 2007 10:20 pm ET

Tancredo represents the district just south of where I live in Colorado. I can tell you for sure, he doesn't realize he's no different than the Taliban in Afghanistan. It's a shame this country has become what it is now.

Jack, Naperville,IL   August 3rd, 2007 10:20 pm ET

I absolutely agree with Tom Tancredo's remark. Muslims do not understand any other language. Infact this is what Mohammed would suggest

Brian Frederick, Rockville, MD   August 3rd, 2007 10:20 pm ET

I think this option is only a consideration if we truly believe in the premise that the religion of Islam is the enemy. That premise is what must be questioned and tested first, not the options that spring from it, should it be determined that it is true.

John L.A. Ca.   August 3rd, 2007 10:19 pm ET

Great idea Tom! Can't think of any other way to deter our enemies…right..just the quality we need in our next president…when in doubt bomb! Of course, then no matter what Muslim country who attacks us or tries to your plan will make ALL the Muslim followers hate us for bombing mecca, right, Tom? Hey, not to worry Tom, you didn't say it but I'm sure your bombs will be Atomic bombs…or, better yet hydrogen bombs as they do much more damage. A few of those big thermo nuclear suckers and every last mangy Muslim man, women, child, fetus or transexual will be history….just a clump of ashes. God bless you Tom,you really do mean business…you'd make a great president!

Good luck!

P.S. Are Rove and Cheny advising your campaign?

John Durston,Scottsdale, AZ   August 3rd, 2007 10:19 pm ET

Mr. Tancredo's suggestion is a step in the right direction but too laid back.
It means wait 'til we are hit-No –hit them first with Iran the first target
Why are we so so patient with terrorist
nations?

Mad as hell.   August 3rd, 2007 10:19 pm ET

It's no wonder how Bush came into office…you people are 100% unapologetic for being uneducated and ignorant. You wave it like a flag. After reading the vast majority of these posts, I have little faith in Americans doing anything worthwhile in the world. Will you idiots please realize that foreign relations is different than football? Conservatives…yeah right. Using fossil fuels like they're unlimited and disposing of human life in war like they don't matter. Hypocrasy…blatent, classical, american hypocrasy.

john smith   August 3rd, 2007 10:18 pm ET

And when you're done bombing Mecca and Medina, then what? They will have plenty of targets to retaliate against. A better idea would be to boycott buying Oil from them. That'd shut 'em up real quick.

tom,pompton,nj   August 3rd, 2007 10:18 pm ET

I had same thinking 6 years ago with a nuclear bomb when a million of them are there

Dave B, Norwood, PA   August 3rd, 2007 10:17 pm ET

Bomb them all, eye for and eye, no more of this petty crap. You strike the US first, we'll strike back in ten-fold. Unleash the gates of hell on all the middle east as far as I'm concerned.

Pixie, Murfreesboro, TN   August 3rd, 2007 10:15 pm ET

Um, let me just add that this guy and any one who supports an action like this is just bug.****.crazy.

That is all.

AC, New York, NY   August 3rd, 2007 10:15 pm ET

Just great! The Republicans have a crazy person trying to run for President. I think the Republicans should ask Tancredo to leave their party as quickly as possible.

Eduardo, Los Angeles, California   August 3rd, 2007 10:15 pm ET

Regardless, one must give him credit for exercising his First Amendment right without fear of the repercussion it would bring him by being labeled a racist, bigot, politically incorrect, etc., etc., etc.

Bill Johnson, Waldorf, MD   August 3rd, 2007 10:15 pm ET

I would actually be concerned about this policy if it was espoused by someone with a snowball's chance in hell of becoming President.

Even if bombing Muslim holy sites wasn't a violation of the law of armed conflict, it would be a singularly moronic idea.

The average eighth grader should be able to figure out that such a policy would overwhelmingly shift Middle Eastern sentiment against the U.S. for decades to come.

Byron Boone, Chicago, Il.   August 3rd, 2007 10:14 pm ET

Bravo. Finally someone with a spine who is not afraid that his comments might offend someone. If that is what it takes to deter these fanatics so be it.

Joe Edward, Red Bank, NJ   August 3rd, 2007 10:13 pm ET

Tom Tancredo is thinking outside the box. Maybe this is the guy we need to make the religious fascists understand that America is not to be messed with. A little bit of reverse psychology to make people think about the consequences of their actions. I like it. I like Tom.

Mark, Seatle, WA