November 8, 2009

Fort Hood Massacre

Americans were shocked beyond measure last week when U.S. Army Major Nidal M. Hasan (39) -- at Fort Hood, Texas -- barged into the Soldier Readiness Processing Center at 1:30 p.m. and began firing two handguns randomly at people there.

Thirteen people were killed – 12 soldiers and one civilian – 30 others wounded.

Hasan was shot four times by a civilian police officer, Sgt.  Kimberly Munley (34) who responded to a 911 call.  She was wounded in both thighs and a wrist during the exchange.

Witnesses reported that Hasan – a psychiatrist medical officer – shouted “Allahu Akhbar” (God is great!) in Arabic as he emptied his pistols and reloaded six times.

As this is written, Hasan is on a ventilator in the Army hospital unable to speak.  Civilian victims were transported to hospitals nearby.

WHY  FORT  HOOD

Fort Hood, near Killeen, Texas, is a hundred miles south of Dallas-Fort Worth.  It opened in September 1942 as the nation geared up for World War II. It was named for General John Bell Hood of the Confederacy and it has been used continuously for armor training and preparing soldiers for combat missions.

The base is the largest active-duty military post in the United States – 340 square miles of training and Army support facilities.  It is home to 50,000 military personnel and 150,000 family members and support personnel.

It has been a major center for troops being deployed to, or returning from, service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

NOT  TERRORISM

Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, spokesman for Fort Hood, said evidence did not suggest the rampage had been an act of terrorism.

Fox News quoted a retired Army colonel, Terry Lee, as saying that Major Hasan – with whom he had worked – had voiced hope that President Barack Obama would pull American troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Also, Hasan had argued with military colleagues who supported the wars -- and had tried to prevent his own deployment.

ARABIC  DESCENT

Hasan, a second generation American of Arabic descent, was born in Virginia.  He is not married.  He occupied a home on the base and prepared his own meals.  He has never served overseas.

He declared “No Religious Preference” on his personnel records.

However, Hasan prayed every day at the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring -- according to an interview of his aunt Noel Hasan by the Washington Post.

She said her nephew had endured name-calling and harassment about his Muslim faith for years after the September11, 200l, terrorist attack on the Twin Trade Towers at New York City.

“I know what that was like.  Some people can take it and some cannot.  He had listened to all of that, and wanted out of the military.  However, they would not let him leave – even after he offered to repay for his medical training.”

Col.  George Wright, an Army spokesman, said he could not confirm that Hasan had requested a discharge.

WEAPON OF CHOICE

Since start of the wars in Iraq -- and spread of hostilities throughout the oil-rich Mideast -- the United States of America has been drawn ever closer to the disquiets of countries with ancient grudges and militant religions.

Terrorism is the weapon of choice to subdue and/or acquire neighbors who talk differently and worship God differently.  Petroleum lubricates differences.

The U.S. became a superpower through personal freedom, abundant natural resources, a melting-pot of newcomers, and a private-enterprise economy.

Jealous nations want the same things – but with the largest share for a chosen few.  It won’t happen without a common language and values.

Until world people have a common language and personal values, military forts will be necessary.

PARTING  SHOT

President Abraham Lincoln had it figured out:

“The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend.”

By Lindsey Wilger Williams, retired newspaper publisher and syndicated columnist