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Home Front: Culture Wars
Savannah, Georgia CBS Affiliate Takes Political Correctness to Task in On-Air Editorial
2009-11-25
I've got my own opinions about Major Hasan, and they're not complimentary. He wore the same uniform I used to wear. He was an officer in the same Army I used to be in. He lifted his hand and swore to uphold the same Constitution. And he betrayed all of those things: the uniform, the Army and the Constitution.

Worse, this piece of meat was an officer. Now, I'll be the first to attest that it's not always easy being an officer. You have to adhere to standards even when you'd rather take a nap or get drunk. Officers have to provide the example for the men they lead, which means they've got to be true blue incorruptible. They provide the reference for both their enlisted personnel and for their NCOs. An officer might sometimes be just as stupid as anyone else, but he can never be venal, can never betray his men.

That's precisely what Major Hasan did. First he divorced himself from the national culture and from the organization. Then he betrayed the troops. If there's a God, and God dispenses justice, Major Hasan will burn in hell for that, in a fire made all the hotter by his venality.
BILL CATHCART: There are no words to ease the agony, outrage, and senseless loss caused by the vicious rampage of that American-born Army officer, whose devout Muslim beliefs degenerated from religious faith to politically based Islamic fanaticism. Leaving in its wake thirteen Fort Hood patriots dead, and many others wounded, the President was quick to caution about jumping to conclusions. Which is interesting, since he himself jumped to an erroneous one with that outstanding police officer. Tell you what, when Swedes begin mass murdering Americans, we'll wait. But given this taxpayer-educated ingrate's alleged repeated utterances and actions, the conclusion is clear: This demonic act was almost certainly a premeditated, treasonous act of terrorism - personal or otherwise - against his own nation and military, both of which he betrayed in pursuit of his radicalized views. And who's ultimately to blame?

We are. We've become so ridiculous with our political correctness. So afraid of offending, despite the truth. So overly tolerant and self-effacing, pandering and apologizing to be liked. Putting up with absurd challenges to our Constitution, laws, traditions and freedoms, that we've become a nation of enablers for those with evil intent. Case in point, failing to challenge or stop the open proselytizing, and statements against America's military mission by this officer, repeatedly uttered and witnessed. The Army should have booted him long ago, but can't be faulted; as we've all now become driven by fear to eggshell sensitivity. Devout Muslim beliefs can't be challenged. Yet the devoted Jewish and Christian faithful remain a continuing target of offensive actions, insults, mockery and marginalization.
I agree with all of the above except the culpability. In the end, no matter how easy it might or might not be, it is the responsibility of each of us not to commit murder and mayhem. Almost all of us manage that, all of the time. Major Hasan chose to commit M&M instead, so he and those who helped him are ultimately to blame, and no one else. The rest of us are guilty of not being quite wary enough, no more.
In more ways than all of this, we've reached the height of absurdity in America. It's past time to knock off the elitism, and level the tolerance playing field. We must, however, pause to note, with heartfelt thanks, the efforts of the Muslim faithful who unseen, help maintain the security of our great nation - both in the community, and through their courageous FBI work as interpreters, informants, and terror-cell infiltrators; working at great risk to prevent similar barbaric acts. That said, with Veterans Day upon us, amidst the pain of Fort Hood - regardless of origin, race or religion - this challenge to those in this magnificent nation who refuse to accept, adopt, and respect our traditions, laws and freedoms: Either gain English proficiency, fully assimilate, contribute positively, and be ever thankful for the incredible blessing it is to be here; or get the heck out.
Posted by:Fred

#3  Above typo "bonkers" = bankers. But also bonkers, as in f***ers screwing us and our children to the tune of a trillions in destroyed wealth.
Posted by: lex   2009-11-25 10:44  

#2  When I hear "we" I take his point to mean the collective culture, which is enabled by the willingness of good men and women to remain silent in the face of PC stupidity, or insanity.

There are several so to speak unpleasant truths which if uttered will cause swift and certain punishment-- in the workplace, in polite opinion circles, in the political arena-- in America today. One is the reality of a specifically islamist form of violent extremism. Another is the utter debacle that is our Mexican immigration policy. Another is the capture of our regulatory apparatus and executive branch by crony bonkers such as Goldman Sachs. And finally there's the train wreck represented by underfunded pensions and out of control entitlements.

All of these are destroying this country's ability to offer any kind of a secure economic future to anyone below the top income quintile (and many of those folks, too).

But discussing these honestly-- and calling out Tweedledum and Tweedledee on their respective failures to honestly address their own corruption and cowardice-- is taboo. Thus do great nations swiftly decline.
Posted by: lex   2009-11-25 10:41  

#1  I agree with all of the above except the culpability. In the end, no matter how easy it might or might not be, it is the responsibility of each of us not to commit murder and mayhem.

I think you might be reading this a little off kilter. I don't believe that Cathcart is saying that we are responsible for the murders, but rather, that we are responsible for creating an environment (acute PCitis) in which the attack could flourish.

Ultimately it is always the individuals responsibility. However, society can enable the behavior or actively try and constrain it before the fact.
Posted by: AlanC   2009-11-25 10:32  

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