This is a letter worthy of passing on and begs discussion. It reveals what I was cautioning about the night of the Ft. Hood killings. This is just one letter from an American-Muslim affected by the act of a mentally unstable American that snapped. Because of his inexcusable actions, there is a generalization of hate and discrimination toward Americans of Muslim faith, and specifically toward the thousands of American Muslims who serve honorably in our armed forces. This woman’s letter to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation is testimony to that prejudice…
American Muslim U.S. Soldier
“…I wanted to let you know what life has been like for myself, being an American-Muslim military spouse, over the last few days here at (military installation withheld), since the Ft. Hood incident. When I first learned of this, I was sitting in the PX food court with my best friend whose immediate reaction was, “ No offense to you, but Muslims shouldn’t even be allowed in the U.S. Army”. Wow, this was from my best friend here! I have heard this and similar sentiments repeatedly from various “friends”, as well as people insisting it’s really a terror plot.
Since this happening, my Muslim husband, who is deployed to Afghanistan, has been put on duty to build a chapel on his base, as well as being told not to associate with the Afghan nationals that work there. I went shopping at the commissary and had people mumbling under their breath but loud enough to ensure that I could hear, things like, “get out of our country”, “go back to your country”, “ F-ing Muslims”, “G-Damn Muslims,” and several other expletives you can insert there.
Now people don’t just stare at you when they see you go by wearing hijab, they glare. Last time I checked, I was born in this country, this is my country, and my husband is serving it and continues to serve it despite the harassment and racism he encounters. He proudly serves despite the fact that our family pays a higher price for it than many others.” ~ (name withheld)
This demonstrates that there is such a profound lack of understanding about other faiths, and that the determination to declare the United States a Christian nation – to the exclusion of all others – creates the “us and them” mentality.
If you think I am being inflammatory and hyper-sensitive to the fallout of this bigotry, let me share this frightening call to discriminate and “purge” American Muslims from the U.S. military from the “c”hristian organization, American Family Association…[closed parentheses mine]
American Family Ass.
“It it is time, I suggest, to stop the practice of allowing Muslims ['c'hristians] to serve in the U.S. military. The reason is simple:the more devout a Muslim [Christian] is, the more of a threat he is to national security. Devout Muslims [Christians], who accept the teachings of the Prophet [JEEsus] as divinely inspired, believe it is their duty to kill [convert/save/excommunicate] infidels [heathens]. Yesterday’s massacre is living proof. And yesterday’s incident is not the first fragging incident involving a Muslim [Christian] taking out his fellow U.S. soldiers.
Of course, most U.S. Muslims [Christians] don’t shoot up their fellow soldiers. Fine. As soon as Muslims [Christians] give us a foolproof way to identify their jihadis [dominionists] from their moderates, we’ll go back to allowing them to serve. You tell us who the ones are that we have to worry about, prove you’re right, and Muslims [Christians] can once again serve. Until that day comes, we simply cannot afford the risk. You invent a jihadi [dominionist]-detector that works every time it’s used, and we’ll welcome you back with open arms.
This is not Islamophobia [Christianphobia], it is Islamo [Christofascism]-realism.
And don’t give us reassurances about the oaths that Muslim [Christian] soldiers take to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. In fact, the more devout a Muslim [Christian] is, the more likely he is to lie to you through his teeth, since lying to the infidel [heathen] to advance the cause of Islam [Christianity] is commended, not just permitted, in the Koran [Bible].
It’s time we all got over the nonsense that all cultures and religions are equally valid or worthy. They most certainly are not. While Christianity [Muslim] is a religion of peace, founded by the Prince of Peace [Prophet], Islam [Christianity] is a religion of war and violence, founded by a man who routinely chopped the heads off his enemies [numerous Old Testament blood-bathes insert here] , had sex with nine-year old girls, and made his wealth plundering merchant caravans. [King David & Co]
And just as Christians are taught to imitate the life of Christ, so Muslims are taught to imitate the Prophet in all things. Yesterday, Nidal Malik Hasan [dominionists] was simply being a good Muslim ['c'hristian].
The military is not about social engineering or diversity or multiculturalism or about proving what open-minded people we are. It’s about being ready to break things and kill people so that Americans [meaning Americans of ALL faiths!] can sleep securely in their beds at night. The mission is too important to be compromised by enlisting possible jihadi [dominionist] warriors and giving them the weapons and training to gun down our own soldiers and paying them all the while.
The barbarians [dominionists] are no longer at the gate. They’re inside the fort, and it’s time for the insanity to stop.” ~ American Family Association [Leah Burton]
t it is time, I suggest, to stop the practice of allowing Muslims to serve in the U.S. military. The reason is simple: the more devout a Muslim is, the more of a threat he is to national security. Devout Muslims, who accept the teachings of the Prophet as divinely inspired, believe it is their duty to kill infidels. Yesterday’s massacre is living proof. And yesterday’s incident is not the first fragging incident involving a Muslim taking out his fellow U.S. soldiers.Of course, most U.S. Muslims don’t shoot up their fellow soldiers. Fine. As soon as Muslims give us a foolproof way to identify their jihadis from their moderates, we’ll go back to allowing them to serve. You tell us who the ones are that we have to worry about, prove you’re right, and Muslims can once again serve. Until that day comes, we simply cannot afford the risk. You invent a jihadi-detector that works every time it’s used, and we’ll welcome you back with open arms.This is not Islamophobia, it is Islamo-realism.And don’t give us reassurances about the oaths that Muslim soldiers take to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Hasan took that oath, and it proved meaningless. In fact, the more devout a Muslim is, the more likely he is to lie to you through his teeth, since lying to the infidel to advance the cause of Islam is commended, not just permitted, in the Koran.It’s time we all got over the nonsense that all cultures and religions are equally valid or worthy. They most certainly are not. While Christianity is a religion of peace, founded by the Prince of Peace, Islam is a religion of war and violence, founded by a man who routinely chopped the heads off his enemies, had sex with nine-year old girls, and made his wealth plundering merchant caravans.And just as Christians are taught to imitate the life of Christ, so Muslims are taught to imitate the Prophet in all things. Yesterday, Nidal Malik Hasan was simply being a good Muslim.The military is not about social engineering or diversity or multiculturalism or about proving what open-minded people we are. It’s about being ready to break things and kill people so that Americans can sleep securely in their beds at night. The mission is too important to be compromised by enlisting possible jihadi warriors and giving them the weapons and training to gun down our own soldiers and paying them all the while.The barbarians are no longer at the gate. They’re inside the fort, and it’s time for the insanity to stop.Yes…there are indeed extremists…in every faith and on every continent.
Well…just how insane does this all sound? Extremely! But that is how extremism rings in my ears no matter which “side” of the world struggle for religious dominance.
How many of you are hearing a call for the purging of Texans after this incident occurred in Iraq by a white American male who also had a total mental meltdown back in May of THIS year?
Terrorist? No Murderer? Yes & the Family he left behind
BAGHDAD, May 13 (UPI) — Military officials Wednesday identified the four Army soldiers and one Navy commander killed in the shooting at a combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq.
Army Sgt. John M. Russell, 44, of Sherman, Texas, is in military police custody at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, charged with the five deaths and a count of aggravated assault, the Defense Department said. Russell allegedly used another soldier’s gun, commandeered a vehicle and drove to the clinic, where he opened fire.
Russell was referred to the clinic for counseling about a week before the shooting, the spokesman said, and Russell’s commander had confiscated his personal weapon.
Russell was completing his third tour in Iraq with a unit based at Camp Victory, part of the Victory Base Complex that also houses Camp Liberty, Perkins said.” ~ UPI.com May 13, 2009
Me either…in fact, I am known to read news and follow politics more than the average American, and I remember very little about this other than it being reported - and rightly so – as a sad tragedy for ALL concerned, assailant and victims.
Or this report about the 14…yes…FOURTEEN murders that took place at Fort Carson Colorado, some of which are attributed to these animals!
Terrorists? Hmm Cold Blooded Murderers? Definitely!
[...] investigators assumed the case was closed — until one of them, on a hunch, learned that the three soldiers were responsible for a string of violent crimes that year in the area surrounding Fort Carson.
On July 28th, Bastien and Bressler had fired three shots at a man walking to get gas for his truck, hitting him once in the shoulder. A week later, on August 4th, they executed Robert James, a fellow private from Fort Carson, as he begged for his life in a parking lot. On October 27th, Bressler ran over a 19-year-old nursing student in his Suzuki; Bastien then stabbed her six times with a combat knife. A drive-by shooting in which no one was hurt rounded out the charges. “Those are just the attacks we know about,” says Derek Graham, a homicide detective who served as a lead investigator on the case. “My gut feeling is that they were involved in more.” ~ Rolling Stone Political Article
Why wasn’t there an outrage by Joe Lieberman and his Fox/Rush/teabagger friends then? Well, for one thing it was on GW’s watch, and they were all white boys from Amurika. This type of call to racism against a faith is a recipe for despicable violence in the name of “JEEsus”.
Islam is a faith – NOT a race!
Scridb filter
I heard the founder of an Arab American military organization speak on a radio talk show today. He mentioned that Arab Americans have a very long history of serving in the U.S. military.
I was curious when I got home and found the following on the group's internet site. – "The first Arab American to die for America was Private Nathan Badeen during America's revolutionary war on May 23, 1776."
Private Badeen was from Syria. More information on him at:
http://www.apaam.org/NathanBadeen.htm
I doubt that the folks talking about 'purging American Muslims' has any clue of the history of Arab Americans in the U.S., let alone the U.S. military.
Your site is VERY enlightening and I have learned quite a bit reading your articles. Thank you.
I learn from all of you as well! Thank you for that link and that information. I was not aware of the sacrifice of Arab Americans going back to the birth of this country. Very informative.
*clap clap clap* I'll be forwarding this website and this entry, in particular, to some people I know. I GET it, why can't they?
I'm just as upset as the next guy, and when I heard it happened, the first thing I thought, my hand to God, was "Please let his name not be Muslim-sounding". Then, it was. The man had a meltdown coming, turned to his religion for whatever he needed, then snapped. Makes no difference what religion he was. It just sucks for all the people he killed and for all the people who were there, and for all the Muslims that will pay for his cowardliness, and apparent mental illness.
Well said! I discussed that same sentiment at the time the news broke. What does it say that we are more tolerant in this country of horrific crimes committed by those with direct ties to neo-nazism, KKK, anti-abortion fanatics, and the list goes on. When Timothy McVeigh murdered innocent lives in Oklahoma City…did we all race out to call for a crackdown on angry white men with crew cuts?? Nope…I don't think so…
Thank you for your comments..
Leah since this incident at Fort Hood I have been all over the internet posting what I think really happened and some people are not happy about it. I went through something similar to Dr. Hasan and it was at the hand of some really sick health care professionals. It was in part due to dominionist views. I believe the workplace bullying had more to do with the shootings than his religion. It causes, if done over a long period of time complex PTSD which can lead to psychosis. It certainly can splinter the personality. Dr. Marie France Hiragoyen one of the world authorities on bullying calls them "soul stalkers". Military mental health professionals would know about trauma and what it takes to break someone. That is why they consulted them to help with their torture techniques. It is also known that health care professionals do get PTSD from observing traumas and listening to a lot of horror stories contrary to what some are posting on the internet. He was known to be a very quiet and peaceful man and now he is being portrayed as a religous radical by some of the information coming out. I am not buying it. The FBI claims they were watching him, yet he continued to work for the military, strange.
We may never have the complete story…the whole story is tragic and I am disgusted with the media for over-sensationalizing and pouring fuel on a smoldering fire of anti-Muslim sentiment just waiting for permission to ignite. I think this is a multi-faceted complex issue that actually may reveal more about the lack of follow through on mental health issues in the military than anything conspiratorial.
It is more comforting for us to think that this is about "good vs evil" rather than to grapple with the extremely serious issue of PTSD and internal violence within our own military complex. Always easier to blame someone else and not have to take responsibility for our own shortcomings….
People said he said things that were alarming and a religous counselor said what he was saying made no sense to him one day. When I am alarmed that someone may be dangerous I call the police. If I think someone is mentally ill I call a mental health professional and report that I am worried about that person. I don't think we will ever know the real truth about this sad story. Most of these cases result in suicide which may have been the plan.
well said…
Ok one more thing
I just need to rant a little.
The news reports today that the shooter "warned" that adverse events could be avoided by discharging or otherwise not utilizing Muslim soldiers in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as he felt that too many Muslim soldiers were torn about fighting against their brethren. To that I say this: Their brethren are their fellow American soldiers. That trumps all religious connections, in my book, and in the military's book. The Army should have taken this sort of statement more seriously and realized that this shooter was losing his marbles THEN. His priorities changed. He began to sympathize with the enemy. I'm sure there's a diagnosis associated with that. I hate that he acted on that and took others' lives. I hope the military throws the book at him, but it looks like he's going to claim "insanity".
This was total projection on this man's part, saying that there was conflict among all the Muslim soldiers, who just happen to be American soldiers first. So, does that mean that if we ever were to go to war against, say, Ireland, that all the Irish descendants would be excused from fighting against their "brethren" overeas? If we were to go to war against a Jewish state, that all Jews would be excused? Puh-lease! They are AMERICANS first. I have to wonder why the media is putting this out there. All it does is serve to inflame the fringe and bolster their call to banish all Muslims from military service against Muslim-based societies. Freedom of Religion in this country is taking a hit. Now, trust me, I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who kill in the name of religion…and a lot of people forget how many were slaughtered at the hands of christians (conveniently). Today, it is by guns not lions. It has always happened, but it doesn't make it right. Why are we surprised?
If it turns out that he was acting on the direction of a terrorist group, I will probably have to rethink my whole position…..ON HIM, not the other Muslims in the military that are fighting for their and my freedom. The broad-brush approach that everyone is taking is just sickening. He's the monster, not them.
Thank you. *stepping off morning soapbox*
Spot on! This is not about having any sympathies with Hasan's actions and disrespecting the lives he took, and those he ruined. It is about not extrapolating from this a generalized blanket to hate or discriminate against honorable American Muslims. Thank you for your comment…
Leah – See the mediamatters link for Pat Robertson saying, among other ugly things, that 'Islam is not a religion…it's a violent political system bent on the overthrow of the governments of the world and world domination."
http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/200911090042
And xtian dominionists aren't?
Ripley – I think you wrote two excellent posts and I agree with much that you have to say. I just need to insert a couple of thoughts.
1) The US military is overrun by dominionist 'c'hristians – particularly the Air Force and Army. There is a major push to evangelize all personnel and if they can't convert you, you are at least expected to conform and cooperate. I can't say for certain, but I can easily suspect that Mr. Hasan was subjected to the same pressure. If he stood his ground regarding his personal beliefs, he would have suffered some consequences. Those consequences were bound to take a toll.
2) I have concerns about his poor performance evaluations and have to wonder why his career didn't play out differently in light of that. I can't imagine why he was placed in such a high stress environment with PTSD patients if his performance wasn't up to expectations.
3) Lastly, dominionists see 'c'hristianity and patriotism as going hand in hand. But if push came to shove, and they were forced to rank the two, they would say God first, America second. Why can't they see that a muslim might feel exactly the same? Especially after the info that came out about Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. Many experts believe that this shameful behavior was enough to drive some moderate muslims to the enemy camp. This may be one of those cases.
I'm not ready to judge Mr. Hasan just yet. He's awake now and I'm sure we'll get more info. But I sure am upset about the prejudice and hate that spills over from these tragedies.
Genio O said " I have concerns about his poor performance evaluations and have to wonder why his career didn't play out differently in light of that. I can't imagine why he was placed in such a high stress environment with PTSD patients if his performance wasn't up to expectations. "
Poor evalutations can be a sign of workplace bullying. For one thing people start to call in sick due to the effects the trauma has on their immune system. We have no information that Dr. Hasan was having health problems though. It can be simply for harrasment purposes and usually when it is done they have "counseling" sessions. Believe me being in a workplace bullying and bullying about religion situation causes people to have a hard time functioning. This is especially true in a situation where you are treated like they do not want you, but yet you are forced to stay. I have been in a situation like that myself. It causes PTSD. The poeple who practice this psychological terror know exactly what they are doing.
What a thoughtful and exciting analysis. I say "exciting" because it gives me hope to know that there are reasonable, rational people willing to confront the crazies whose religiosity outweighs their common sense.
I really appreciated your parenthetical comments. The comparison/contrast was delightful. How I wish those who re ranting on the right had your ability to see beyond their prejudices. If any of them get to your blog and have the courage and ability to read your presentation, perhaps he or she will pause and consider alternatives to the dogma they are being fed by irresponsible "leaders."
That these folks who call themselves "patriots" or "Christians," are so unable to see their resemblance to the very groups they deplore is unbelievable. They are truly the American Taliban wearing Jesus as badge of honor all the while shaming Him, their religion, and their country.
Thank you for voicing a truly honorable, rational and compassionate viewpoint. You speak, I believe, for the majority of intelligent, educated Americans. We do not want the wackos to represent our country, we do not want them hurting our fellow citizens.
It may not be much and it may not be enough, but I want to apologize to all Muslim-Americans for the shameful, irrational, hateful speech and conduct of the ignorant few.
As for the dominionists, I beg everyone to read Jeff Sharlet's book, The Family. It is a chilling tale of the hidden power in American politics. If you don't like what you are seeing as regards the hateful, divisive behavior of these anti-Muslim jerks, then please read this book. It will awaken you to which politicians (Jeff names them) who will use this misguided hatred to future their own power quest.
These white men say they follow the "real" rules of Jesus – rules that none of the "non-chosen" Christians know. They believe they are the elite followers of Jesus – above the law, above ethics, above the commandments of their "religion."
Now, tell me, how are they different from any religious radical? Yet, they will be amongst the first (and they have already introduced a bill to prevent Muslims from serving as interns in Congress!) to condemn those with different faiths or skin colors. Shameful.
Perhaps it is time we looked to our political and military leaders and expected them to abide by the law, rise to the ethical standards we expect, and stop acting like juveniles on their first alcohol binge. We need our military and political (and even religious leaders of all faiths) to condemn not only this one shooter, but all all the crazies who are too willing to mistreat and harm a whole segment of our population. Why aren't there more official voices coming forth to oppose the hate and to promote peace and understanding? Thank you for being one such voice and giving the rest of us a chance to voice our concerns.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. It is my fervent hope that you represent the majority view…even of those Americans who are not aware of the pitfalls of extreme evangelicalism – YET! It is a challenging project to present the dangers of Dominionism in such a way as to expose the seriousness of this cult. Comments like yours gives me renewed dedication and a comfort that this is becoming a national discussion.
Just a correction regarding Nathan Badeen (my relative), he was not Moslem, he was an Antiochian Orthodox Christian. Approximately 25% af Arabs are Christian. It is unfortunate that the so-called "real patriotic Americans" paint all Arabs with the brush of Islam and automatically paint all Arabs as terrorists. Arabs, both Christian and Moslem have served this country since its inception and continue to serve with distinction and yes PATRIOTISM.
I agree with you…and the same occurs where one brush is used to paint all Americans as Christian, and all Christians as the extreme evangelical faction. It is a shame that there is such an overpowering need to paint any group or culture with such broad strokes. Patriotism is NOT tied to whether one is a believer in one faith (or any for that matter).