This evening, I had a discussion leading to the recent event at Fort Hood involving Major Hasan. I can't help but try to decipher his sentiment. I think what most people are choosing to ignore, is the LACK of religious freedom that men of our military face. Stepping outside of our American nationalistic box, it is complex, yet not difficult, to understand the suffocation Hasan must have felt. I want to reiterate this point, especially to those I spent time with earlier, as to not be so nationalistic and parochial and thus midjudge his actions as being "anti-american." http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/why-mrff.html (WATCH)
It is no shocker that the words which emerged from his mouth were religious in context prior to releasing fire. I do not think this makes one "anti-american"--for obvious reasons. And this is the kind of information that DOESN'T reach the news--again for obvious reasons.
"Major Hasan also told family members that he had experienced anti-Muslim harassment in the Army and had tried for several years to be discharged. But the Army, which had paid for his education and was in great need of psychiatrists, refused, family members said.
“Just recently, we received phone calls from the family, saying that Nidal was unhappy because he had big problems at work,” said Mohammed Mohammed, a cousin of Major Hasan’s from Ramallah on the West Bank. "
Shilpa, this is tariq. Being Muslim, i have faced religious animosity in all directions of my life. you cannot give a man, like Hasan, any respect. For if he did stand for even a small amount, he would not have dedicated his entire life serving the men and country who caus him discomfort, especially considering he is supporting a war on the men of his own religious background. this is not what i consider a man. I am not saying that the thousands of militia men with religious differences should not support our country. I am saying that an individual should stand for what they believe in. Otherwise, these the are the results. I see your point, and I saw it yesterday.
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