Ongoing war
When Major Nidal Hasan opened fire at a Fort Hood medical facility it was a shocking example of a domestic terrorist attack. And it was one that should and could have been prevented if not for our government's proclivity for political correctness. It would also be a great help if our not-ready-for-prime-time CinC didn't continue to pretend that homegrown terrorism can't happen. The White House should wake up. This kind of action must be treated as an extension of an ongoing war.
Barbara J. Gove, Boxford
No freedom to kill
Hasan attended a Mosque with two of the 9/11 terrorists. Many Muslim Web sites have spoken out against Americans and want Muslims to attack Americans without justification or cause. Hasan was proven repeatedly to be involved in this cyber related religious propaganda. He should have long ago been discharged from the U. S. military and never issued a permit or license to have any weapons as a civilian. Contrary to many peoples beliefs, there is no proven by evidence God, prophet, or messiah of any religion. It does not physically exist beyond thoughts or ideas and concepts. If Hasan was insane and negatively influenced as I'm sure he was, then he should not be serving in our military which is organized primarily to protect and defend our prosperous nation. We may have freedom of religion, we don't have freedom of killing for religion, that's for sure.
David H. Yaghmoorian, Lawrence
Needed help
Maj. Hasan should have been relieved of his duties after making anti-American and pro-Muslim remarks. He was a sick man and needed help. It is sad nobody could see what was coming, and that tragedy in Texas could have been avoided.
Viola Haynes, Methuen
The price of freedom
Sadly, in open societies with freedom of travel and individual rights, there is a price to bear. The best way to prevent such deplorable actions is to identify the reasons for a potential threat. Remedy it through counseling, security measures or confinement. Clearly, Maj. Hasan fell through the holes of intervention at all levels.
David Bozek, North Andover
Human nature
You might just as well ask: Is it possible to prevent human beings from killing one another?
Warren F. Kelley, North Andover
Poll results
Yes46.55 percent
No 53.45 percent
174 votes counted
