Our loss

By World's Editorial Writers - 11/7/2009


The loss of brave men and women of the military on foreign soil is an accepted risk that Americans understand. That doesn't make the loss any less painful, merely understandable. The deaths and wounding of the soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, is shattering.

Although details remain sketchy, it is known that an Army major and psychiatrist went berserk Thursday afternoon killing 13 people, 12 soldiers, including one Oklahoman, and one civilian, and wounding at least 30. The suspect, Maj. Nidal Malki Hasan, also was wounded His rampage ended when he was shot four times by Officer Kimberly Munley of the Fort Hood Police Department.

Questions about this horrible event abound. How could such a thing happen? Was there a lack of security at Fort Hood? And how was a soldier who already was under suspicion allowed to carry firearms into the fort?

According to reports, Hasan was investigated six months ago because of Internet postings about suicide bombings and other threats, including posts that equated suicide bombers to soldiers who throw themselves on a grenade to save their comrades.

Hasan supposedly was in line to serve in either Iraq or Afghanistan. It seems logical that a person under suspicion for having sympathy toward the enemy would not be put in a position to aid the enemy. Why would a person who had such leanings be allowed to remain in the military?

The unanswered questions and slow reaction by the Army have led to rumors and speculation. It is understood that the military doesn't want to release any faulty information, but a quicker reaction might have headed off some of the speculation.

This is no time to overreact. Already there are calls to rid the military of all Muslims. That would be wrong, difficult and illegal. If the military starts rejecting recruits because of their religion, then where does that end? Many loyal Americans are followers of Islam. And many of those have fought and died for this country. One crazy man shouldn't be allowed to besmirch an entire religion.

Does this go deeper than one man who simply cracked? A thorough investigation should answer that.

Hasan survived his wounds. Maybe he will have some answers.

Answers, however, won't do much to soothe the pain of this loss.


_________________________________________________

Tulsa World Reader Comments
_________________________________________________

billy8, Sand Springs (11/7/2009 8:43:19 AM)
Religion: The bane of mankind

cobweb, (11/7/2009 6:44:26 AM)
I'd rather have gays in the military than angry Muslims.

J C OK, Tulsa County (11/7/2009 9:39:55 PM)
It is difficult for me to encourage Islamic radicals to join our Armed Services.



Email to a Friend
Main Menu