This week's shooting deaths at Fort Hood (TX) reminded Americans that even our strongest warriors can be victimized too.
When a U.S. Army doctor decided to oppose deployment by using mass murder, he became the symbol of a war with little reason, senseless deaths and no real answers at achieving victory.
Nidal Malik Hasan was a distinguished Army officer. He was a competent, mental health doctor who administered care to his soldiers. However, he was also opposed to war and enlisted against his parents wishes.
What made a caregiver go off and merciless gun down 49 people; killing 12 of them? What made an American serving his country massacre his fellow officers and soldiers? What turned this "good American" into a homicidal traitor?
A few days ago, one of Hasan's relatives spoke to the media. They referred to Hasan as a "good American". Nevertheless, the massacre created a firestorm about the presence of "bad Americans" within our midst. It fueled spectulation about extremists possibly committing killings similar as this or even suicide or homicide attacks.
Nevertheless, the murders could've been much worse. The killer was stopped by a heroic, female soldier. She was slight in stature but had a lion's heart. She suffered a gunshot wound but injured Hasan before he shot more victims.
Hasan didn't die as earlier reported. His condition was serious, but stable. One wondered if the EMTs who gave him care knew he just shot 49 people prior.
Would this "good American" have been a "dead American"?
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