Fort Hood,Texas Shooting & Loneliness, Failed Immigration Ideals

by Mortal | November 7, 2009 at 12:59 pm

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The events related to the shootings in Killeen, Texas this week are getting the usual and bleak news coverage that a story of this magnitude indeed tends to receive. Such a major catastrophe is worthy of the amount of media coverage it has received, and it is all the more able to garner the nation's attention now that we have found out the shooter was a muslim. Was it terrorism, a man simply "flipping out", racism, retaliation, something else, or a combination of these? The people of America are eager for answers. The news media is eager for ratings. This likely story will be milked for all they can get from it, with political slants both right and left.

So, I'll leave those details to the other people and make some musings of my own. One thing that caught my attention from the start was a comment, from somewhere, in which a person spoke of how the man had apparently been interested in finding a wife. At 39 years old, middle eastern descent, and muslim, in a mostly-christian nation of mainly other racial, ethnic and non-muslim backgrounds, he was likely a man alone -- very alone. Yeah, he probably had been suffering severe lonliness, feeling "negative vibes"and hostility toward himself, and in fact, apparently, his automobile had recently been vandalized, as well. Did he deserve all that? Who knows? -- You know, ...who knows what his behavior and attitudes, etc. were prior to his rampage, at this point. Officially, it may be one thing, but unofficially -- while at the grocery, a restaurant, etc. -- we just don't know it all.

That Major Nidal Malik Hasan may have had some feelings of association and sympathy toward muslims seems both evident in what is being learned and also quite normally likely and understandable, as well. Yet, instead of finding his new assignment to be a tumultuous burden he could not bear, he could potentially have chosen to view it as an opportunity to do good. It could have been a chance to bridge a gap in perceptions and attitudes between many muslims and many non-muslims, between citizens of Islamic nations and those of the USA. We all know that could be a useful endeavor. The man was a psychiatrist, so he most likely would not be involved in much, if any, fighting, and honestly, who can say that all muslims are good muslims any more than all who profess Christ are living according to the teachings of christianity. So, I would guess that the man tended to be inwardly seething and favoring (-perhaps commonly listening to or seeing) some measure of radical Islamic influence. Hey, it's not that much different than what influences almost everyone in some way, whether black, white, muslim, hispanic, etc. as we interact in life and inevitably come face-to-face with those of various persuasions -- some quite strong. So, what makes the difference, here? Well, the shooter was either sympathetic and willing or too weak to resist the influence, and an urge to lash out at those perceived as tormentors, whether real or imagined, is something even grade-school children can understand. It is something we, as adults, have usually been taught to control or get past in some manner, like the christian view of forgiveness. Both martial artists and even some bullies can also understand that it is not in a person's best interest to be always cruising for a brawl.

Part of the problem, I believe, is that America's leaders have let their empathy overrule their wisdom in striving for so many years to forcibly change the face of America. What? Sure, they have for many years, without any real voting on the matter, forced open the doors of immigration, both legal and illegal (by turning a blind eye to the latter), to millions of foreigners from peoples and cultures vastly different from what had existed in the U.S., predominantly. They have done this without utilizing the "melting pot" of America and have even caused further problems by helping people to stay isolated in their own cultures, languages, clicks, groups and enclaves right here in a nation foreign to them. We can accept that people in a nation populated via immigrations will have some affinity for where, and whom, they came from. However, to survive as a nation, we need unity, and that is not promoted by filling the land with every different kind of people you can find, out of some perverted sense of fair play to every other nation and people. Sorry, but the U.S.A. simply cannot be everyone's daddy and mommy.

Finally, let's go back to something mentioned earlier, loneliness. -- America, by and large, has often treated it's single adults like trash and like people of no use to society. They are either compelled to get married or regarded as perverts or homosexuals. Those who marry earlier and have kids don't want someone single hanging around. They want to be with other couples,...and they don't want singles near their kids -- especially single men. Does constantly being perceived as something you are not...make you become what you don't want to be? Do people just give up trying, and what about if they are totally alone and assaulted by various types of adverse temptations, persuasions or beliefs? The shooter in this tragic event, while of course condemned for his terrible misdeeds, seems to also be a product of the tragic modern problem assaulting our nation and culture -- loneliness and isolation. There must be a solution, or more people will fall, inevitably. America must stop being a nation of "me" and "mine" and start looking out and reaching out to help others in our own cities, towns and neighborhoods. Our government spends billions of dollars, yearly, on non-citizens and people in numerous other countries. We need to start helping our own, wisely. The UN and all those nations that hate America can start spending more to take up the slack in foreign aid -- besides, they should. We don't own the world, and it isn't our responsibility. There is a christian teaching which says that if a man doesn't foremost provide for his own family, he is worse than in infidel. Well, America, we need to get busy, don't we, because we won't like it if we see our nation take a slide into the kind of realm so many all over this planet are trying to get out of.

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albertacowpoke

at 13:54 on November 7th, 2009

Thanks for this analysis. Your theory of isolation and loneliness makes sense. I noticed under the victims list there were some others in the field of psychiatry. Torment could have very well been a trigger.

The fact that he got so many rounds off in a short period, would also indicate to me that he might have planned this.

Without talking to him, if he comes out of the coma, we will never know anything for sure and it will be pure speculation.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Roy C

at 14:26 on November 7th, 2009

Sorry, I have yet to meet a doctor that didn't have a line of women ready to date him. If he had trouble finding a woman, nearly all men do. But what if his beliefs alienated modern women?

a211423

at 14:29 on November 7th, 2009

Thank you for your sensitive overview of lonliness in America.

Does constantly being perceived as something you are not...make you become what you don't want to be? Do people just give up trying.

Having been gang stalked and harrassed for nine years, I have some experience with this, but I can tell you it never once crossed my mind to "be" what I have been accused of both covertly and overtly. Does this make me different than most? I don't know, but I can speculate that a person with a weaker constitution would definitely find it next to impossible considering the stress levels.

I have one additional observation after listening to some accounts of the tragedy. Military people are expected to take orders without question and never show weakness or question where or when they are deployed or sent for service. A denial to go would be perceived as un-American and not fulfilling their duty. As many as 15% of those with PTSD do not seek help because of the stigma of being labeled weak or afraid. How many of those 15% are deployed for successive tours of duty to combat zones? What happens to them in the field when they have to make choices about using a weapon, and would a fellow military person want their life to depend on an ill person making the wrong deicison.

Perhaps a more compassionate view to the stresses of military service need to be instilled. In a volunteer army, allow people to participate in the selections of their duty. Or at least create an atmosphere of support to those who speak out about where they are going or their suitability for service based on their psychological condition.

albertacowpoke

at 15:08 on November 7th, 2009

While I agree with you in principal a211423, the military is an extension of foreign policy and will train and assign people as they require them. I always considered enrolling in the military as a sort of paying for an insurance policy. You may go a long time without being deployed and get paid for it. For a psychiatrist probably well into the 6 figure range.

You don't enroll in the military because you think you may get to sit on your butt in the good ole USA, especially in the US military.

I think all that enlist know that they may be called upon to serve in either Afghanistan or Iraq, in fact the likelihood is quite high.

Having said that there is a screening process, at least in Canada, prior to deployment. One of the Lieutenant-Colonels this officer worked with, made allegations that this officer made comments against both these wars and his hesitancy to be involved in a war against Muslims. There were also comments that he may have been harassed. This should have raised alarm bells and triggers that should have been acted upon. If that is the case, the system failed to recognize it and act on it.

What did his bad performance Officer Evaluation Report contain? Who saw it and who did something about it?

If the information that has been alleged is reality, this could have been prevented.

Rory Cripps

at 15:26 on November 7th, 2009

Mortal: From my American perspective, I think that this is a thoughtful, and heartfelt opinion story! You've said many things that needed to be said here! Thank you!

a211423

at 16:08 on November 7th, 2009

cowpoke

I agree there were signs that he had some misgivings about service, and perhaps because he was an officer and a psychiatrist these were things that were not taken seriously by his superiors. Also, its possible he did not seek out help he needed. It's not unusual for doctors to believe they can treat themselves. It might be that he failed himself, and the system failed as him as well.

He was at Walter Reed for six years, but the reports say he had a poor evaluation. Why would they keep someone there for six years if they felt he was an under performer?

albertacowpoke

at 16:57 on November 7th, 2009

I am not sure how the US Army handles it. In Canada an Officer underperforming would be placed on a Report of Shortcomings. This is a formal six month probation period. The Officer would be counseled, at least monthly in writing and verbally. This formal report in Canada is forwarded to National Defence Headquarters. At the end of the six months period recommendations are made as to the officer's disposal by his Commanding Officer. The recommendation would be either, release, retention or an additional period of probation.

If the shortcoming involves substance abuse, the officer will also be required to partake in an addiction clinic.

I would think that a similar system is in place for the US Army.

Barry Artiste

at 16:54 on November 7th, 2009

Good post and good perspectives

sara star

at 17:16 on November 7th, 2009

Chances are he was using prescription drugs. Often times, it is drug related, but hardly talked about.

albertacowpoke

at 17:37 on November 7th, 2009

That.s true Sara, nothing can be ruled out. That may be part of his low performance report.

Blue Crush

at 17:50 on November 7th, 2009

Hardly talked about, so true. We don't want to offend big pharma, do we?

As a psychiatrist, he had access to all kinds of powerful psychiatric drugs, and he was anxious about being sent overseas. Could have been popping anti-depressants like candy.

What are the usual side effects?

How many psychiatrists self medicate?

Blue Crush

at 17:56 on November 7th, 2009

One of those links needs a login, so I've copied part of it:

"Nearly half of all surveyed psychiatrists suffering from depression say that they would rather treat themselves than risk a record of mental illness on their health insurance, and an even higher percentage say they would treat a depressed friend or relative."

Whenever there's a mass shooting, aren't these drugs eventually linked to it?

Roy C

at 17:41 on November 7th, 2009

Yes, let's blame anything but Islamic teachings or his interpretation of them.

There is no evidence of drug use.

He was teaching the Koran during lectures.

Fort Hood shooter taught Koran when he was supposed to be giving a medical lecture
Here is yet another indication that the Fort Hood massacre was a jihad carried out by Nidal Hasan. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was supposed to give a "grand round" -- a medical lecture. Instead, he treated medical personnel to a dawah session, trying to frighten them into Islam with threats of hell. Another Muslim stood up and challenged him about his characterization of the Koran -- a fact that is making the rounds today as evidence of Hasan's "extremism." He was twisting and hijacking the Koran, you see, and it was the same sort of misunderstanding of Islam that led him to massacre so many infidels at Fort Hood, you see.

Well, that would be just great if he were, because it would indicate that the vast majority of peaceful Muslims don't agree with Nidal Hasan's apparent understanding of Islam. So let's look at the Koran and see what it actually says, as compared to what Hasan said it says.

"Officials Begin Putting Shooting Pieces Together," by Tom Gjelten, Daniel Zwerdling and Steve Inskeep for NPR, November 6 (thanks to all who sent this in):

They have grand rounds, right? They, you know, dozens of medical staff come into an auditorium, and somebody stands at the podium at the front and gives a lecture about some academic issue, you know, what drugs to prescribe for what condition. But instead of that, he - Hasan apparently gave a long lecture on the Koran and talked about how if you don't believe, you are condemned to hell. Your head is cut off. You're set on fire. Burning oil is burned down your throat.
And I said to the psychiatrist, but this co[u]ld be a very interesting informational session, right? Where he's educating everybody about the Koran. He said but what disturbed everybody was that Hasan seemed to believe these things. And actually, a Muslim in the audience, a psychiatrist, raised his hand and said, excuse me. But I'm a Muslim and I do not believe these things in the Koran, and then I don't believe what you say the Koran says. And then Hasan didn't say, well, I'm just giving you one point of view. He basically just stared the guy down.

According to this, Hasan made four assertions about the Koran:
1. "If you don't believe, you are condemned to hell";
2. If you don't believe, "your head is cut off";
3. If you don't believe, "you're set on fire";
4. If you don't believe, "burning oil is burned down your throat."

Then a Muslim in the audience confronted Hasan: " I don't believe what you say the Koran says."

Well, what the Koran says is a matter for objective verification. Just open the book and read it. Does it say what Hasan said it says, or does it not?

albertacowpoke

at 17:53 on November 7th, 2009

Roy, notwithstanding your comments, the question still remains, if this was common knowledge why didn.t the army act? It seems absurd to me that nothing was done, when in all likelihood this massacre could have been prevented.

I also don.t think anyone is blaming it on anything. People are speculating and debating at what may have caused this. I think Mortal came up with an excellent analysis. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

Something went terribly wrong here and there could be many factors merging to cause the final act. We also don't know if prescription drugs were involved so to draw a conclusion that they weren't is premature. He certainly had access to them and could have treated himself.

QueensHart

at 19:15 on November 7th, 2009

http://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/lone-acts-of-islamic-terrorism-in-the-u-s-are-still-jihad/

why didn't the army act? I wonder if it is because we do not have enough men to serve in all the places we are! They are making them go over there too many times. The army is still Government . There is new info coming out now that does not look good.

Roy C

at 18:01 on November 7th, 2009

ACP, this is the third incident, counting John Mohammed and the guy in Iraq, of Muslim serviceman going over to the other side and killing when they get there.

Yes, it is painful for us to have to admit that Islam is even more dysfunctional than traditional, institutional Christianity, but that is the case.

The man was a fanatic and he has a lot of other fanatics that agree with him. So, it is not entirely personal. Three thousand people died in New York because of a plot successfully carried out by a dozen such people.

Communism killed a hundred million people who were basically innocent. Communism is a mental disorder, if you wish. So are a lot of religions, perhaps not in their founders' intentions, but, yes, in their followers' take on how to be a good...... !

albertacowpoke

at 18:08 on November 7th, 2009

Roy my question was three times now, Why didn't the Army Act?

Did Walter Reed Medical Center pass on their problem?

Roy C

at 20:12 on November 7th, 2009

Because they are taken by political correctness and didn't want to be "anti-Muslim" or admit that one of the psychiatrists, of all people, could be a whackjob.

Yes, they passed on the problem. Too much trouble. Look what happens here when we say something outside the bounds of PC.

Rory Cripps

at 10:45 on November 8th, 2009

Roy: I think that you're on to something here. Another thing that may have come into play in the Army's decision to not scrutinize the Major is his ability to speak certain middle eastern languages.

QueensHart

at 18:02 on November 7th, 2009

I completely agree with this:

Our government spends billions of dollars, yearly, on non-citizens and people in numerous other countries. We need to start helping our own, wisely. The UN and all those nations that hate America can start spending more to take up the slack in foreign aid -- besides, they should. We don't own the world, and it isn't our responsibility. There is a christian teaching which says that if a man doesn't foremost provide for his own family, he is worse than in infidel. Well, America, we need to get busy, don't we, because we won't like it if we see our nation take a slide into the kind of realm so many all over this planet are trying to get out of.

People who run away from their world are looking for "hollywood" and relief. When they find out they cannot enmesh here they displace their rage onto their field of vision (so to speak).

We need to stop bringing in more people if their values and beliefs are such that they think we are devils and heathens for they will never be happy. It is that simple I cannot believe we allow so many foreigners to set up their places where they teach their hate filled rhetoric. People are tip toeing around being nice like damned children afraid they will be left out of some peer group.

We talked to some students who said they believe they are practically coming to heaven here and when they realize they can barely make it from check to check they are pissed off.

rng

at 18:18 on November 7th, 2009

I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery. And she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone. And it gave his awards - Purple Heart, Bronze Star; showed that he died in Iraq; gave his date of birth, date of death. He was twenty years old. And then at the very top of the headstone, it didn't have a Christian cross. It didn't have a Star of David. It had a crescent and a star of the Islamic faith. And his name was Karim Rashad Sultan Kahn. And he was an American. He was born in New Jersey, he was fourteen years old at the time of 9/11 and he waited until he could go serve his country and he gave his life. - COLIN POWELL

There are somewhat more than 3 cases of that sacrifice for this country

QueensHart

at 08:57 on November 8th, 2009

Think about the pain of the families in Texas tonite. It will become known what the real reason was .

cjniya (not verified)

at 18:20 on November 7th, 2009

The States again has been rocked by the terrible attack. If the September 11th terrorist is kind of waves that push the whole country, even the whole world to the top---- you know how it feels on the top of the wave if you are the green hand of surfing. Without any preparation, all the people in America and all over the world have to face the terrorist. And the wave also destroyed Iraq and other Mideast countries as the ocean waves swash the shell. And now, it is the terrorist attack in the military camp. Altogether three crimes and that lead us to believe that this attack---- or call it killing would be better, the killing among the brothers you stay with all the time---- is planned. It is said that the killers are also the army men, they are sending to Iraq in short time and this attack could be regarded as kind of struggle for this transformation. When I heard this news, I just thought that would be another September 11th terrorist attack. But now as the investigation going on, the killers’ statues had been discovered and I think it could not be sorted as a terrorist attack. It should be regarded as an anti-terrorist affair. Instead of wearing the rubber wristbands and taking part in the anti-terrorist or anti-war march, they used their guns to make their statement clearly. They just used the wrong way to express their right thought. They might hate wars like us, they might want to resist to the transformation, if they just use the involent way to achieve their aim, they could be the heroes in this anti-war world. But they chosed killing to express themselves. In some means, they just destroyed their faith by those gunshots. If the American army do not need to be stationed in Iraq or any countries abroad, this affair would not happen. Only if America did not start the war, those meaningless killing would not happen.

QueensHart

at 18:49 on November 7th, 2009

Nope. They want to conquer the world . You are silly in believing this. Do some research.

badexperiment.com (not verified)

at 18:56 on November 7th, 2009

I honestly wonder if he was targeted with gangstalking and the other psychological and directed energy weapons attacks that go along with it. Isolation is one of the key motives of these atacks, creating a tremendous potential for destabilization. I am certain most other victims of gang stalking are probably wondering the same thing. All the signs are there. Military psychology is where this all started. Being a Muslim in the Army, I can honestly see hi being targeted because of the bias and prejudice that is most likely magnified all the more in a military setting.

QueensHart

at 19:16 on November 7th, 2009

If they did I hope the truth does come out. I doubt we could find out. It seems to me they needed him.

sandymlj (not verified)

at 06:03 on November 8th, 2009

as a non north american, as a person who has been in the middle east since the start of the iraq war, i can tell you, having dealt with many americans over here, sorry to tell you all, the image that comes across of you is a very uncaring group of people, IF YOU ARE NOT AMERICAN YOU ARE NOTHING, i am from australia,, i am an executive nurse, and americans have to once and for all understand you do not like other people, you are very happy to sit back and be jolly and merry and pretend to be the all giving nation but your not, you are suspicious, no one can make a joke of the americans only americans can, no one can do anything an american does not like because if you do, they will quickly tell you, WE DONT LIKE IT, your a nation of intolerant people, why cant you all see that, why not do some critical analysis here because if you dont, your nation is going to have many more of these incidents, people feel angry at america ,,,,, both in and out of america, and i am sure my words here will be taken to be american bashing,, but good god cant you see past things and say ,,, gee we have a problem, and Mr President should be first in the process of saying how do we fix this problem

Mortal

at 13:29 on November 9th, 2009

Wow, lots of feedback, and thanks for the many positive comments. I'd also like to commend you all for being so civilized in your postings in dealing with a touchy subject. There have been many, many excellent points made thus far! I enjoyed reading them, and it all adds great perspective to these things. This two-way media street is much better than the old, you-hear-one-side-and-that-settles-it kind of take on events.

There are a few more thoughts after some of this. If the man intended to do a lone act of radical muslim "jihad", it would indeed seem to be more likely successful, even on a military base, in a situation with mostly unarmed victims than in the face of many highly armed and battle-hardened troops of various nations and also the Afgan troops & police. Also, could the Army have refused to deal with the man's situation & problems sooner simply due to political correctness & "cultural diversity" reasons? Again, our leaders have pushed "diversity" & political correctness down the throats of Americans for years with absolutely no referendums or voting, as if they decide our future because they know what's best for us and we don't. It's like we have no say about getting to keep our culture & people without having to take in everyone & everything from everywhere, regardless of what anyone thinks about it.

Here's a thought: let us keep our culture, have some time to actually learn to live together better, and everyone else can stay in their own place & keep their culture (like they get to do, anyway). If they want to mimic America in some way and have a similar society, the world can help them where they are. After all, things are really going global these days, anyway, and why let America be accused of yet another dastardly deed -- brain drain, draining away the best & brightest of every nation? Since online distance education is so popular now, too, why not let foreign students, for the most part, study that way, as we promote greater education abroad to help them and make it fewer people to worry about as potential terrorists in the USA on out-of-date VISAs. Consider the numbers of people who could get degrees via distance learning compared to actually coming to America in person -- the difference in costs would allow for a MUCH larger number of persons being trained. Also, it would not be so prejudicial like the way the wealthy & affluent foreigners are favored by the current situation. Education for their masses will raise their societies to new levels if they want to aim for what America's got, right? Otherwise, anyone can watch the weather and see that when too vastly different types of weather systems collide -- like cold dry air & warm, moist air -- you can get some pretty rough storms. -- Same with peoples & cultures.

America is weary of policing the world. This is a burden hefted onto us against our will due to our "superpower" status, the previous "cold war", and the fact that almost nobody else was willing to do so. We got attacked multiple times, in our country, by terrorists prior to taking the fight overseas, and even then, the good ole USA was left to do most of the work, offer most of the people into harms way and bear most of the costs & deaths. The "PC", and perhaps cowardliness, of much of the world (mainly the politicians, & as it may seem to many Americans) can tend to make some people feel like others should not have much say in things. The USA can indeed seem arrogant & oppressive at times. Maybe it's like a child with alcoholic, doping parents who loses his/her childhood while having to raise siblings because mom & dad are too messed up to do so. That can be embittering, especially if people then start badgering the adolescent for not doing a good enough job of it all.

The U.S. can seem intolerant, but we are also constantly embattled and forced to fight other people's wars, either by them or by our own political leaders and for whatever reasons, whether sound or unsound. It has gone on for many years. America, again, cannot be everyone's mommy or daddy, but we are unable to stand by & see the world self-destruct, as that affects us, too. We also care, and give & give & give,...yet are hated. We need to care for our own, better, even if that means withdrawing somewhat from the world. If all hate us, why let ourselves be ruined for them? Why not care -- at least enough -- for our own needs as a nation? The history of Islam is one of conquest -- vast conquest & violence. It happens with lots of religions, and people often find it easier to move other's to action by tying things in to a religious affiliation or motivation...to serve themselves even if contrary to that religion.....in my opinion. Still, the broken state of American society needs to be addressed. Many don't grow up in loving, stable, two-parent homes with the caring support of close-by relatives & life-long friends as life seemed to provide many years ago. Then, there are the many additional, negative influences creeping in. It is all overwhelming and too taxing for a people with now so little psycholigical support to maintain a healthy mindset. It must change, and we must see this problem as detrimental and one of national security -- perhaps even global importance, too (without seeming arrogant), as what happens to the USA affects the world as well as our own future generations.