The Fort Hood, TX., shooting spree yesterday by Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is disturbing. He had duties as a psychiatrist to help treat soldiers returning from combat with P.T.S.D. and it’s being reported that he shouted “Allahu Akhbar” (phrase meaning “Allah is great” in Arabic) as he opened fire on returning soldiers assembled from combat duties in the middle east.
The commander-in-chief was being constantly briefed on the shooting situation and stated “Let’s not jump to any conclusions” during publicized remarks in the wake of the shooting. This from the same person who said a couple months ago that police in MA., were “stupid” for arresting a Black college professor – who was a personal friend – and was thought to be breaking into a home?! The contradiction is disturbing.
And instead of a somber commander-in-chief offering expressions of sympathy and compassion to the Veteran’s and their families, the President maintains his previously scheduled meeting and makes inappropriate and light-hearted remarks at the Tribal Nations Conference. Backslapping and providing “shout-out’s” to attendees. A full three minutes into the speech the President finally spoke of the shooting – one of the worst killing’s in military base history! They should have cancelled the meeting realizing a disconnect between the horrific killing played out at home and the light hearted banter coming from President – the Frater Infinitas (“brothers forever”) disconnect is disturbing.
But I digress.
In a few short days another Veteran’s Day will be celebrated. It’s about honoring military veterans. There will be parades large and small celebrating those who stepped forward to serve our nation. I can’t forgive Hasan for the betrayal and I’m not going to allow a psychologically disturbed individual cast a shadow on remembering them either. I have a lot of respect for our soldiers and appreciate the service you do for this country.
Photo courtesy of itmon.
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This shooting rocks me to the core! Can you say Terrorist?! Thanks for the post!
im struggling for words… such a tragedy.
thank you mac. and thank you to all of our military and their loved ones.
[…] Veterans Day we still feel the shock of the 13 who were killed and the 43 injured on the base of Fort Hood just 6 days […]
[…] Veterans Day we still feel the shock of the 13 who were killed and the 43 injured on the base of Fort Hood just 6 days […]
I still feel the shock, and as a veteran myself, I know what it’s like to be in the military and often without your family. The military members stationed with you become your family and this man committed treason!