Sunday Up-Date: More Government, Some Backlash

Is a little common sense really too much to ask? Economics, rightly practiced, does not require a lot beyond common sense: leave commerce alone. Foreign policy is also probably not all that tough either: talk softly, etc. Physical security of the population, within the limits of constitutionally protections, should not be so difficult either. A few days ago, a major in the U.S. Army, an avowed islamist, went on a shooting spree at Ft. Hood, Texas and killed or wounded dozens of people, mostly his fellow service members. His history, views, and associates were known to army authorities. In spite of that knowledge, he remained in his post as a psychiatrist at the Army Hospital. In that capacity, he could have been a useful asset to enemy intelligence. In addition to that, he had made comments regarding his approval of suicide bombing and other terrorist activity in defence of islam. Army security must certainly have had a file on him. Next time maybe political correctness won't prevent preemptive action. (Incidental, Major Hasan was given a small roll in the transition of President Obama into office.) (See: PC Sickness killed Our Soldiers, World Net Daily, 11/08/09)

Besides showing an extreme lack of sense for not acting sooner to get an obviously mentally disturbed individual out of the armed service, it is an insult to the patriotic and law abiding Muslims who live in all the communities of this country. It is as if the government authorities are saying: "This behavior is allowable because he is a Muslim and it is not out of the ordinary for Muslims." More to the point, I have heard, even in my small circle of sensible acquaintances, calls for such things as Japanese style internment camps for Muslims, at least for more visible ones. This would be a travesty of justice and a poor example coming from the land of the free. I have often seen government officials, driven by the public under the influence of mob mentality, adopt policies that punish the innocent in the name of security. That certainly happens everyday around the globe. I do not like seeing it done here in big things or small.