The Conclusions We Jump To
November 6th, 2009 by jeffbrodyWarning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/psblogs/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821
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I happened to put in a call to an old acquaintance yesterday afternoon. He had left me a message asking for a reference for a job he is seeking.
I called, and we had a nice conversation, but then the subject turned to the news of the day, and the initial reports about the shooting at Fort Hood in Texas. Sounds like a terrorist attack, he said.
From what I had heard, it was a shooting on a secure Army base. While the shooting suspect had been named, and the name sounded Muslim, I did not assume that it was an act of terrorism. But my friend did. The fact that I now know the suspect is Muslim, and opposed our involvement in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, still does not lead me to conclude it was an act of terrorism. It sounds like the act of a really disturbed individual.
Just as I don’t conclude that the multiple murders in Cleveland were a function of suspect Anthony Sowell’s religion, I don’t conclude that the killings at Fort Hood are a function of Nidal Hasan’s religion. But apparently many people do … there were reports this morning of hate e-mails being delivered to mosques in different parts of the county.
What happened at Fort Hood is a tragedy. We shouldn’t be making it more of a tragedy by making assumptions with no basis in fact.
— Jeff
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
November 6th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Thank you, Jeff, for being another sane voice in the wilderness!
I was so appalled at an individual for jumping to what I consdered to be hate mongering conclusions to the extreme, that I unfriended that person on facebook after I couldn’t talk any sense into them. It made me angry that someone would use the Fort Hood tragedy to spit their own hate mongering against the Muslem faith.
I have absolutely no sympathy for this man. None, nada, zilch. But he did what he did because he was acting of his own evil volition. Not because he is Muslem.
Regards,
Kathryn Simpson
November 6th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
The only person who can speak to his motive in killing is the killer.
Maybe its human nature to want a ‘reason’ for the unthinkable…rational or not.
Sending hate mail is irrational…as was the killing and solves nothing.
Good points, Jeff.
Sharon O’Hara
November 7th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Those who are using the incident to justify irrational hatred are behaving foolishly, but acts of terrorism aren’t limited to religious motives, and clearly, not to Muslims.
November 7th, 2009 at 4:51 am
Just as I don’t conclude that the multiple murders in Cleveland were a function of suspect Anthony Sowell’s religion, I don’t conclude that the killings at Fort Hood are a function of Nidal Hasan’s religion Really? Really? You find the two situations comparable? Christian leaders issue Fatwas to go out and murder innocents with impunity? Christians dance in the streets at pictures of murdered muslims? You must feel smug with your superior view on humanity.
November 7th, 2009 at 5:09 am
Just as I don’t conclude that the multiple murders in Cleveland were a function of suspect Anthony Sowell’s religion, I don’t conclude that the killings at Fort Hood are a function of Nidal Hasan’s religion.
Really? Really? You find the two comprarable? Do you know Sowells religion? Does that religion sanction violent murder through Fatwas? Islam is a religion that murders non believers. It sanctions the murder of anyone a “rougue” Imam decides needs it. You must feel smug with yourself.
November 7th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Gordon:
Perhaps you are unaware that the vast majority of Muslims believe that Fatwas and terror killings are not what their religion means, nor what their religion supports. Are you trying to tell me that Christians have never murdered non-believers for their beliefs, in the name of civilization?
No, I don’t feel smug. I feel sad.
— Jeff
November 7th, 2009 at 8:01 am
The term Muslim refers to an adherent of the Islamic faith. Just as Christianity has many different ideologies and faith interpretations within its belief system, so does Islam. The vast majority of Islamic practitioners are just as transparent worldwide as those who practice Christianity. The press will no doubt focus on the fact that this man happened to be Muslim, and channeled the teachings of an extremely small fundamentalist minority Islamic sect, instead of attempting to report on his obvious insanity. Of what is known of this story at this point, it appears there were many signs that this man was mentally unbalanced and used, as an outlet and justification for his action, the radically fundamentalist heretical teachings of a marginal Islamic sect.
November 7th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I completely agree, thanks Jeff.
November 7th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Perhaps the problem comes with also in the voices that speak to this religious bigotry and what they say on other topics also . Obviously the Muslim religion has been intimidated and attacked from with in . A religion of Hope and Love , beautiful people and culture. Taken over in many regions by prejudice and hatred. reminds us somewhat of the Crusades , it appears that is how far back this cult’s think is.
Afghanistan just recently raised their age of marriage to 16 , you would think these folks would be more western then others , their laws sound scarey to me.
. The beautiful thing about this country , is you can have an African,Christian, A Jew, A Muslim, and others all sitting in a barbershop without once thinking it was OK to injure another , in fact politically may agree with each other. USA is still the best melting pot around .
We do not do what other countries restrict or do to their minorities and women. I would hope education, media , and support to these nations living in the past may help.
No one likes to be linked to evil. But it seems all of us are so good at it . But the further problem I see here are just some basic comments by political leaders, editorialist, and civic leaders regarding 71 in this state . No where did I see more concerns of a theocracy, comparisons to racism and every social ill based on wanting to keep marriage as it is basically in the rest of the country and world .
Not that religious voices were by any means limited to concise and rational views, or basic understanding of human dignity and respect.
But the stereotyping that appears to be done to Muslims because of a large cult that perpetuate murder and killing of women and children is condemned , while others support Boy Scout bashing, Evangelcial or catholic Bashing in our culture is rampant, say protests of the Salvation Army because they had the nerve to limit insurance benefits to married couples and not live together or gay couples.
I think the conversation has become so hypocritical from one side pointing out the injustice of one group , while joining in the piling on of another group or minority. We seem to pick our folks we will be fair and respectful of , and have no problem stereotyping someone Else.
November 7th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Dear Jeff,
A definition is in order: Terror n.
1. Intense, overpowering fear.
2. One that instills intense fear: a rabid dog that became the terror of the neighborhood.
3. The ability to instill intense fear: the terror of jackboots pounding down the street.
4. Violence committed or threatened by a group to intimidate or coerce a population, as for military or political purposes.
This Muslim clearly wreaked terror on the 13 people he killed and the 38 people he wounded, not to mention the many witnesses. To parse otherwise is ludicrous and only leads away from any heightened sense of caution we should have in our relationships.
Did he do it for military or political purposes? Who knows and who cares? He is a terrorist just based on his actions, irrespective of his motives!
Do his actions raise our suspicion of other Muslims living in the United States? Absolutely! Anyone who kills and commits mass murder and mayhem invoking the name of God brings our emotions to a fever pitch.
Anyone who shares the beliefs of a terrorist and sets their religious beliefs above the norms of society they live in become suspect, absent declarations to the contrary. When Arabs all around the Mid-East and Gulf danced in the streets following Sept 11, 2001 we learned a lot about how many Muslims across the globe felt about the murder of innocents.
I for one, will forever forward, look with highly suspicious eyes on trips my Muslim friends take back to Pakistan to “see family”.
Failing to assess the impact of extreme religions or extremely religious positions is irresponsible – to our families, to our nation and now even to our armed forces in the bosom of their home base.
May God bring comfort to the families of the dead, full healing to those wounded and swift justice to all responsible this type of heinous action.
November 7th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
We don’t condemn Christianity when a fundy shoots an abortion doctor. We single that person out as a crazy person.
November 7th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Well said, Mick and Dave.
Regards,
Kathryn Simpson
November 7th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Whatever this guy spouts for a motive or whatever the investigation findings are — this was ultimately the act of a crazy person.
Crazy people come in all shapes, sizes, colors and religions.
November 8th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I dunno, Jeff. I don’t know of any Christian leaders who publicly advocate killing other people in a fatwah. You might ask Salman Rushdie about that one. I also don’t know of any Christian leaders who advocate wiping another country off the map, such as Israel. I think yiu are doing youself and us a disservice by espousing the predictable liberal media schtick on this. This guy didn’t just ‘go crazy.’ He was driven by radical Islamic beliefs, which he frequently espoused to anyone who would listen.
But you can take comfort that our military leaders are right with you on this. They wouldn’t dare question this Dr. Major because it might be seen as harrassment and against ‘diversity.’ I’m all for islam being a ‘religion of peace’ but I sure would like to see some. Note that Mohammad was a warrior, not a peacemaker. For another take on this, see: http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/11/memo_to_abc_theres_a_reason_he.html
November 8th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Dave we don’t condemn Christianity when a abortion doctor kills an abortion doctor ? Are you really being objective here . Of course you hear discussion to the opposite . Especially in the rhetoric used . Check this papers blogs on abortiona nd 71 . Nasty comments . I quit blogging on the pages here because of the hatred . It be3came just a cess pool of perjoritives from both sides. I often hear words like hypocrite, hate , bigot . Are you telling me you don’t ?
You only noticed the comments directed about our President’s Church ? How about Romney’s , Palins ? They all got some nasty shots at their faiths , true some based just in political rhetoric that takes swings at anything. Almost all those digs at religion were politically motivated , and few defended all the faith . Thats my point , defend the Muslim religion , but attack another ?
What I don’t hear too often is people defending religious views unless that specific view appears to be linked to more of their political alliances. I think you proved that somewhat by your comment , you are unaware of the rhetoric that follows when an abortion doctor is killed and who is blamed for it ?
I have heard religion blamed for teen suicides when they are done by those with sexual orientations Not to mention what the religious right spews causes . You have not heard this ?
Fox News was blamed for reporting about Tiller as an advocate for late term abortions in his murder. Blogs all over blamed pro life Christians angry rhetoric , calling abortion murder thus causing the nut case to rationalize his murder of Tiller. Even a News agency which reported about Tiller under investigation for late term abortion practices was blamed for his murder. For actually reporting the news.
Pro life organizations were attacked for the rhetoric they use in supporting pro life messages . The blogs here on the Sun , check out the ones on 71 and abortion . The Sun allows the comments to be made , I quit using those blogs because of the break down of communication it promotes .
A person I have been blogging with for a couple years just wrote me he saw four conservative Christians mis treat a Jewish kid when he was a kid .
I was beat up by some black kids when I was a kid , hence using the same understanding this person I had conversed with is like me holding that view of blacks , It would be racist also if I held that belief.
Thats my point . Wonder if you see it
His views are typical in the blogs here , and have found them in other pockets . The media especially and academia. Thats been my experience in this state , and have read it also apparently found in other regions . We have a post Christian Culture taking roots , and in doing so I believe we are also having some acceptable negative views in certain circles.
He also used the example of people going to church more often is where racism is at its highest . I have seen statistics used for VD also of Christians because of their IGNORANCE about sex . How often have you Heard Muslims being ignorant about sex Dave ?
My belief is that this is a pretty good country, better then others . Especially for women , gays and all minorities. Sure plenty of no nos committed , but over all Jews are better off here , blacks are better off here , minorities and all of us I believe have a more tolerant and better chances at life here . Christianity use to play a major role in that , and it has in the principles of this country origins . To feel the need to dis credit that because of some reason i find bizarre , just as bizarre as mocking the Muslim Faith .
November 8th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
When I was a teenager, terrorism meant the use of violence to intimidate or coerce. Now it is not such a wide meaning. It is only used for political purposes. I think of a bank robber as a terrorist, because the people in the bank are in fear for their lives. I think of a kidnapper as a terrorist – same reason. In that vein, then the shooter at Ft Hood was a terrorist, probably not because of his Muslim leanings though. I believe this country was founded mainly on Freedom of Religion and we should continue to be free to practice whatever religion we believe. I may not agree with some (such as Wicca, etc) but that is the belief of others that I went into the Army to be part of the military machine that defends our rights. Let’s pray for the survivors at Ft Hood and for some sort of peace of mind for the families of the fallen and the families of the survivors (as well as the others who are now terrified their base isn’t safe).
ter⋅ror⋅ism /ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ter-uh-riz-uhm]
–noun 1. the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes.
2. the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism or terrorization.
3. a terroristic method of governing or of resisting a government.
———————————————————————-
ter·ror·ize (tr-rz)
tr.v. ter·ror·ized, ter·ror·iz·ing, ter·ror·iz·es
1. To fill or overpower with terror; terrify.
2. To coerce by intimidation or fear. See Synonyms at frighten.
——————————————————————————–
terror·i·zation (-r–zshn) n.
terror·izer n.
November 8th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
So your aquaintance was more perceptive than you and understood the situation more clearly. Whats your beef? If you read the Koran, you will find that killing infidels is an essential part of Islam. They have been doing it for centuries.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:16 am
here’s another little tidbit for you to consider: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010234082_apusforthoodmuslims.html
November 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Kumbaya there, buddy. Peace and all that:
http://www.thejidf.org/2009/11/video-muslim-at-islamic-community-of.html
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/fort-hood-shooter-contact-al-qaeda-terrorists-officials/story?id=9030873
November 9th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
All self-righteous rhetoric about stereotyping aside (we all jump to conclusions/do this), is it true that the killer shouted “Allahu Akhbar” (“God is great”) before beginning the rampage? Has any connection been made to his worship at a mosque led by a radical imam said to be a “spiritual adviser” to three of the 911 hijackers?
November 10th, 2009 at 11:14 am
cynic, did you ever study the Crusades? Christanity has a lot of blood on its hands as well. In fact, religion has historically and is still often used as a motivational tool for killing other humans.
November 10th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Gosh Craig,
I suppose you advocate allowing an entire division to be slaughtered to balance out the centuries old crimes our Western European ancestors committed. Or how ’bout something more current? I suppose you could justify torching Berlin now in retribution for the Holocoust?
This self-proclaimed, Muslim fanatic slaughtered innocent, unarmed soldiers using his religion as justification. No one, no one can justify his or her actions today based on what happened to our ancestors.
Get a grip on life. There are people both here in the USA and abroad who share this Muslim’s beliefs. They will kill us if they can. They do not care about dying at all.
Politically correct behavior will not protect us from religious lunacy.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:54 am
I totally agree that terrorist is basically a human being who is disturbed by something. Thus I think that if they are guided they might change. But it is a very risky thing to be done. For all those criminals there should be some motivational speeches on improving their lives and rendering a better one.