Please read the following article from Time Magazine http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1938415,00.html
Some things to consider:
1. What does it mean to be a Muslim in the U.S.? The article suggests that some of the values of Islam are incompatible with being an American and upholding the Constitution. Is that indeed true and if so should Muslims be questioned more than other religions if they want to work in the military or other branches of the government? (Just for the record I find this idea completely anathema to all our American ideals.)
2. What is your response to this tragedy? We studied another article in class http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2009/sep/29/gun-violence-death-us in which Jenny Price states that in a country with 283 million fire arms it is hypocritical to be shocked by these mass killings. Do we need more gun control? Is it realistic to think it might pass through Congress despite the power of the NRA (National Rifle Association)?
Are we victims of powerful interest groups as much as we are of mass killers?
3. The article suggests that perhaps the tragedy occured because our military resources are overstretched due to our trying to fight the wars in Iraq qnd Afghanistan simultaneously. Do you agree and if so what is the solution?
4. I certainly appreciated all the posts that reaffirmed our need to uphold our civil liberties in general and the 4th Amendment in particular. How can we properly balance our need for security in the face of increasingly common acts of terrorism and our desire to hold on to our civil liberties?
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1.Muslims should not be questioned more than other religions. However if they want to work in the military or other branches of the government it would cause tension and maybe some awkwardness among the work force. The situation with Muslims kind of reminds me of the United States treatment of the Japanese after the Pearl Harbor attack.
ReplyDelete2. My response to this tragedy is that the war in Iraq must be an experience worse than death, since that mental doctor would rather die than go off to war. I’m sure he must have seen serious cases of injury, where a soldier’s leg needs to be amputated or a soldier suffering trauma. Just like previous gun violence such as in Virginia Tech, the gun man wants media attention and wants others around him to die along with him so he doesn’t suffer alone.
So obviously we need more gun control, and must take action against powerful groups such as the NRA (National Rifle Association) to prevent mass killings in the United States.
3. I don’t believe the tragedy occurred because our military resources are overstretched, instead, I think it’s because people realize war doesn’t bring glory, fame, or pride, when they have to kill or be killed.
4. Honestly, right now, I don’t know how we can properly balance our need for security and hold on to our civil liberties.
1. Are some values of Islam incompatible with being an American and upholding the Constitution? YES.
ReplyDeleteAre all Muslims terrorists, dangerous, or even immoral? Obviously no, most of them are no different from us, I am sure most Muslims want freedom, just laws, and peace, like anyone else.
But that is not the point. The VALUES of Islam are rather different. For example, the Quran EXPLICITlY states that all homosexuals, girls who have sex before marriage, and apostates (people who stopped being Muslim) must be STONED to death. It encourages Muslims to fight and kill "infidels" in a few places. The American Constitution gives EQUALITY to all and gives people FREEDOM of religion, a clear and obvious contradiction to the Quran.
Now, most Muslims are rational people, who understand this is unjust behaviour, so they disregard these commands from their God, and are decent members of society.
However, some Muslims, many because they want to be true to the radical ideas clearly written in their "holy" book, others because of personal problems and the lack of will to resolve them, decide to make themselves martyrs by blowing themselves up with innocent civilians, or in this case on fellow soldiers. And in the case of the Fort Hood shootings I cannot say which of the two it was, apparently even his own family cant decide.
Should Muslims be questioned more then people of other religions for military etc? NO.
The U.S. Constitution gives freedom of religion, and therefore questioning them more simply because of their religion would be going against it. Secondly, all religions are blind faith in things which have no evidence, and therefore, if Muslims are to be questioned more than people of other religions, it would be hypocrisy, (one can argue that the Muslim religion is more violent and immoral than others, yet the Bible also commands stoning gays, disobedient teenagers, and people who do not worship God on the sabbath).
Religion has been a justification for violent conflict and crime for millenia, and although it is not the only or even the main reason, I do not see why we should defend these irrational beliefs. It is all right to criticize someone's political party or someone's baseball team, the time should come for it to be acceptable to criticize other religions. Although religion has brought on some good, even Nidal Hasan's help at homeless shelters, it is sad that many find it the only motivation for doing good things, and unfortunately people who created the "holy writings" of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism millenia ago still decide what is good and what is bad, for too many people.
2. While I do think there should be some control on who can buy firearms (for example felons or mentally ill people should not be able to procur them), I do not think it is the main issue here at all. Firearms, for one, are just as protected by the Constitution which most Americans hold as nearly sacred, as the freedom of speech, religion, etc. I do not think we should lose this freedom entirely because some sick worthless beings decide to misuse them.
3. I do not think this is because the U.S. military is overstretched, this incident (Fort Hood), might have just come as a suprise for which the Americans were not prepared, that is a terrorist within the U.S. military itself.
However, this incident may lead to negative changes nationwide, such as support for the Patriot Act and less privacy for all Americans.
Stan
Sorry for the numerous grammatical errors and typos above, I was rushing somewhat.
ReplyDeleteThe article specifically points out Islamists as if they are the only people susceptible to committing terrorism. Hasan’s reasons for committing such a crime are probably more psychological than religious. And even if his religion did contribute to his reasons, Islam is not the only religion capable of doing this. He could have been a Christian or a Buddhist, and spurred by the violence going on around him or by the loneliness he’s experiencing.
ReplyDeleteIt’s true that it’s harder to prevent terrorism carried out by one single person. But when it’s just conducted by one person, the impact is also a lot less deadly. It’s impossible to prevent terrorist attacks by individuals, just like how it’s impossible to prevent robberies and murders completely. Just the word “terrorism” tends to grab people’s attention more, because now it becomes an international threat, and terrorist tend to go to extreme ends. But a serial killer or psycho can be just as dangerous. Why do people get more frightened by terrorism than everyday crimes?
1. I'm sure that there are probably some ideals of Islam that differ from the US constitution. But then again, there are bound to be some ideas in several religions that differ from the constitution. Muslim's shouldn't be questioned any more than atheists or peoples of other religions because they're not any more guilty than those people of other religions who commit these acts. In fact, one typical strategy used by terrorists is to recruit someone to carry out tasks that does not fit the standard profile of a terrorist, like a white christian man. Profiling Muslims won't help much. Out of the over 1 billion people who are Muslim, only a small portion of them are indeed terrorists.
ReplyDelete2. I would say that we do need more gun control. Until the numbers and the people who live here can honestly show me they are responsible with a gun, I say we need more gun control. Secondly, I'd say we are victims of special interests more than mass murderers. Big Business and companies like the NRA control this country because they lobby the people we elect to align with their own views and as a result, many efforts to change policies like unrestricted gun purchasing are often defeated. Money does corrupt and the way I see it, the problem is much worse here (just look at the health care system). Real reform will only be possible when we get tough on the businesses and stop accepting lobbying. Passing gun control is possible in congress, but not at all likely.
3. I don't think supplies was an issue at all in this tragedy. It looked like something that happened because we didn't prepare for it properly. If we did, Hasan would have come across a red light when trying to be promoted.
4. Finding proper balance between these two things is never easy. On one hand, not focusing enough on security can lead to terrible disasters and lack of effort in fighting the threat, but too much focus can go so far as to violate the rights of individuals. For this incident, the best thing to do would be to flash a red light at the confirmation of something really amiss and provide some psychological help. I'm sure that if Hasan got proper psychological treatment or had not been promoted, this incident could have been averted.
DEREK Y
ReplyDelete1. I think it is ridiculous to say that a Muslim is incompatible with following the Constitution. It is unfair that Muslims are discriminated in the U.S under the assumption that they are terrorists. The terrorists make up such an extremely small portion of the Muslims. We are just too quick to label. It would be unconstitutional to question Muslims more when they want to join the army, but however I believe a background check should be done for everyone, not just the Muslims. This can find other problems aside from terrorism that would make someone unfit to serve.
2. There should definitely be stricter gun laws. Distributing weapons is a serious matter, and we should know who is responsible enough to have it. Honestly, how much do you really need a gun to live in modern day society? Guns are meant to hurt people so it is no surprise if people are found using them this way. Also many accidents occur with gun use, and often guns are stolen and put into the wrong hands. Making stricter laws to provide the responsible with guns would be the best choice.
3. I do not believe that the tragedy occurred because our military was over stretched. I think becoming an officer and experiencing so many deaths can drive one insane. I believe it was the mental instability of the individual, not our widespread army.
4. I do not have an answer to this question. If there was a simple answer it would already have been done. Sometimes our Constitution puts us in an awkward position.
1. To be a Muslim person in this country is to face unnecessary discrimination from ignorant people. In a country 8 years after 9/11, the attitudes toward followers of Islam, from what I see, have turned for the worse. The actions of a minority group of Islamic radicals do not constitute what the extremely vast majority of Muslim people. I cringe when the label of "terrorist" is placed on Muslim people because of the actions of certain minority groups. I only hope that the actions of Nidal Hasan do not exacerbate the situation. Muslims should not be questioned if they want to work in the military because a person's religious is not a very good indication of a person's character. To do so would display a blantant form of discrimination to a genuinely innocuous group of people.
ReplyDelete2. My response to this tragedy is censure to the shooter. The shooter committed these despicable actions because he felt the U.S. was against Muslims. The U.S. is not against Muslims; it is against a group of terrorists that just happen to claim that they believe in the Islamic creed and have greatly misinterpreted the Q'uran. Hasan's actions do little to bolster public opinion about Muslims. Gun control is absolutely necessary because it seems that the only people who feel the need to use their rights to bear arms are those who intend on inflicting harm on honors. Guns have no place in society. In my opinion, the shootings that occur almost every year will bear significance in the mind of voters. It is my hope that one day, American voters will elect a government that will realize the harmful effects of guns.
3. The answer to the question of why this tragedy occured is simple: this man is a delusional psychopath. People like this should be kept from society. As an American, I do not like that America is at war in 2 places (one of which is unnecessary). However, I am optimistic about the future. There is a time table for withdrawal of troops in Iraq, why would Hasan be angry? If this situation occured during the Bush administration, Hasan's actions could be unjustifiably understandable.
4. There is no threat to our civil liberties. When have any of us had to deal with the government manifesting itself in our lives. The government may be listening to our phone calls, but we may never notice. To me, the this question is unneccessary. I will have this opinion until the government makes its presence known in my life. The security precautions in this nation have been successful in foiling other "9/11" plots. I am 100% sure that if a 9/11 were to happen again, ALL of us would gladly consent to having the "invasive" security precautions that many people complain about. This issue is simply much ado about NOTHING. The balance between national security and civil liberties is perfect as is.
-RC
I don't think that Muslims should be treated any differently than another religious group. It's just unfortunate that we link terrorism to Muslims now. Everyone has different beliefs and I'm sure not all Muslims feel that their mission is to do something terrorist-related.
ReplyDeleteI think we do need more gun control in our country because it's so easy to obtain a gun, even minors get them somehow. Although we have the right to bear arms, I don't think that it's completely necessary, even if people say it's for self defense. Having a gun is dangerous and can cause many problems. The government should really do something about this issue because it endangers many people's lives.
I don't agree because it's something that just happened. It's not like we know exactly when terrorists will strike, especially within the United States.
At times like these when our country is at war, I don't think the government is capable of maintaining this balance. Even if we feel like our rights are being violated, the government just feels as if it's doing its duty to protect the country.
This is going to be short because I am almost out of computer time:
ReplyDeleteThere definitely should not be any type of discrimination against Muslims in America yet there inevitably will be for a while, until years after the end of the war. The first question asks what does it mean to be a Muslim in the US. Well, what did it mean to be an African American in the US of a hundred years ago? Yes, I know the circumstances are different but its just to show how unnecessary and ridiculous this discrimination will be viewed as years from now. You want me to think of a better example? Fine. How about discrimination against the Japanese during World War II? That wasn't so long ago; do we know for sure that our current situation won't evolve like it did back then?
And I do believe that gun control should be enforced. This is simply because we wouldn't want another Virginia Tech and such tragedies to happen. But there is a problem: It is hard to restrict gun control in an armed force such as the army. I don't know for sure what the rules are for carrying weaponry on base but I'm sure it is quite different from civilian gun law.
I can't support the claim that we are being spread too thin without the comfort of statistical data but we're talking about someone who hadn't even left yet! This war was completely internal, although I wouldn't go as far as to call Hasan a psychopath.
Finally there is a fine balance between civil liberties and governmental interference's good and bad sector. While it's always beneficial to revise that line for our own betterment, it's usually unwise to do so rashly during times of crisis...
Forrest Pd 2
To be a Muslim is to be scrutinized by fellow Americans during these times. Although every situation has its differences this is the same as racism, sexism, etc. The discrimination that follows, after strong, impacts from a few people, is usually draining - physically and mentally. I feel that these people, this culture should not be put under the microscope to search for "malignant" cells. There will be false alarms that may arise or they are benign and won't affect and cause harm. We cannot penalize the entire culture and people for the actions of the few. We cannot take one person and use him/her as a template for others because everyone is different in many ways.
ReplyDeleteI feel that this tragedy is going to increase hostility towards Muslims whether or not they are in the military or live ordinary lives. It's going to be harder for people to understand and keep an open mind towards their views and beliefs since people will already have a mindset that is seeped into them with stereotypes. I feel that gun control should increase and become stricter because it's not difficult to obtain guns even with the current qualifications and procedures.
Even though I feel that military forces are overworked and such I also think that communication on our part is also faulty. It's hard to understand and try to compromise if we cannot comprehend what people are saying. There has to be a better understanding of other cultures and their languages in the U.S. so we could try and lessen the hostility towards people we cannot understand (and possibly fear).
-JR
Terrorists are becoming increasingly difficult to identify. With the majority of leads pursued by the CIA becomign dead ends, it is evident that terrorists can not be generalized into any specific group. It is that proceonception of a targetable enemy with certain cahracteristics that makes terrorisms so difficult to combat. Just by targetting a specific group (profiling), we are leaving other doors for terrorists to walk through.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, because of the difficulty to catch lone wolfs, as the article mentioned i have no real suggestions to increase our safety except tighter gun control. However, that may not eb the answer either since Canadians also have many guns, yet their country is safer than ours in terms of violence (gun violence).
The article also suggests that our presence in other countries may have decreased our ability to regulate our own country. To a certain extent, yes it is true. We are using numerous resources overseas but just having less troops overseas and more at home may not have done much to prevent the event since it is not common for us to have soldiers walking around with guns.
J.l.
I don’t know what it means to be a Muslim. I mean they are people just like you and me and I don’t feel they should be treated differently. Just because a couple of Muslim followers committed a heinous crime against the American public, it doesn’t mean we should take it out on every Muslim person we see, because the majority of Muslims may even be against these crimes. “One bad apple” shouldn’t be the cause for everyone else’s suffering.
ReplyDeleteI think that Americans are paranoid, and I can see why; 3000 citizens lost their lives for no reason in 9/11 but at the same time we shouldn’t think that every Muslim person we see has ties to Al-Qaeda. We shouldn’t single them out, because if you think about it a terrorist can come in any shape and form. There are even some Americans that are terrorists: because of their radical views, they feel they can end the lives of others, like for instance the teen masterminds of the horrible Columbine shooting.
I think the military should do a full background check before they permit people into the armed forces, because anyone could plan a sabotage attack, like Fort Hood. The fact that the man who committed this crime was Muslim just hypes the American public more into believing that “we can’t trust Muslims; this guy was a soldier that attacked his own.” But the reality is that anyone could do it, and part of this is the loose gun control laws that America has. Perhaps if it were harder for people to own guns, there would be fewer crimes, and fewer deaths.
Muslims aren’t any different than the rest of us, we either chose to follow a religion or not. Just because a few Muslims act a certain way doesn’t mean that the millions who currently make a living in the United States will suddenly turn and kill everyone running down the street shouting “For Allah.” Just how there is discrimination in the military towards gays, there will be more discrimination towards Muslims just because of who they are. A person’s religion should in no way affect their chances with getting a job in the military or any other branches of government.
ReplyDeleteThe Iraq war is just awful. Some things happen in war that can really hurt the mind, like post traumatic stress syndrome. Even that doctor, would rather work over here, rather than head out to the field. Giving media attention to the shooters only puts more stress to the National Rifle Association. Something must be done about guns in the United States.
Tenemaza
In this new digital age it is becoming increasingly harder to contain what information is being set out into the world and into the computer screens of the citizens. Though as this is not completely a terrible occurrence, the events that are told in the article are a prime example of point of views and beliefs taken to an extreme.
ReplyDeleteI whole-heartedly believe that a belief should be upheld and defended regardless of whether they are based on religious or secular ideals. However, there are those who take defending their beliefs to a new level making them radicals and labeling those who follow their general beliefs as potential extremists. So this constant fear of everyone coupled with the contradicting need to have everyone be equal results in incidents such as Fort Hood.
The point is that Hasan was not treated as an equal he was treated as a Muslim in the army and thus given privileges that wouldn't normally be given to him. I feel that if people were not to afraid of how he might react and pay attention to how he was reacting this could have been avoided.
The idea that Muslim people should be more thoroughly questioned than other people if they want to join the army is ridiculous. Just because there happened to be some terrorists within a group does not mean that the whole group should be viewed as possible terrorists. It's wrong to judge people based on other people's actions, because not everyone holds same beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThere should definitely be a stricter gun control. People say that guns are needed to protect themselves, but if guns were harder to get, there shouldn't be any concerns of some random psychos going around shooting people with guns. However, I don't think that the Congress will do anything about it anytime soon. People have been wanting stricter gun control since a long time ago, and there obviously have been many unfortunate incidents where students got their hands on them and caused deaths of many innocent people. But the Congress haven't really done anything so far, so I don't think they'll do anything anytime soon.
AJ pd 2
ReplyDeleteA hundred years ago, African Americans were discriminated against by all other Americans. Today, Muslims are taking their place in a sense; people discriminate against them more than any other society. And we know for a fact that the treatment that African Americans received was not fair, so that means what Muslims are getting is also not fair or justified.
Regarding gun control, even if we do enforce stricter rules on having guns, how are we to stop someone from going crazy? Only a ban on guns could stop this, but doing that would be crazy.
Yes, our forces are spread out far beyond the comfort level, but what can we do. The answer is never simple. I think that if we could get more countries to help it would be so much easier.
I think governmental interference and civil liberties are fairly balanced right now. Doing anything more could upset the balance and result in more harm than good. It’s unwise to do anything drastic in such critical times.
Being a Muslim, I know that Islam is compatible with the American constitution. Islam promotes harmony between all people, justice for all, and equality for all. These ideas are also the main points mentioned in the American constitution. Since 9/11, Muslims have been discriminated against. Just because one unfortunate even occurred like this on 9/11 doesn't mean all Muslims are like that. In fact, the majority if Muslims aren't. Even before 9/11, Muslims lived in America for many years without causing a problem and they continue to live in peace. Any Muslim living in the United States is problem fearful all the time of being called a terrorist because many of those accused were innocent. Many Muslims are questioned if they have a long beard or if they wear a veil which I don't think is really fair because the U.S. government should not suspect the religion of Islam, it should hate the actions of extremists who don't know their limits and who don't know the true meaning or understand the depth of the beauty of the words in the Qur'an. I don't think Muslims should be questioned more than people of other religions because it means that Muslims are labeled as terrorists and that they are not treated as equals of other Americans which contradicts what is written in the constitution.
ReplyDeletei'm not a muslim and i don't know much about it, but i know it can be hard. ever since 9/11, people tend to judge you more harssly if you were southern asian looking or wears head scarfs. islam and americans have different values about their own lifes, but legeally, muslim people are still people and should be treat the same as any other americans.
ReplyDeletethere is a storybehind every face, but if we cry over all person who dies in this world, we will never stop crying. it happened and it was a tragedy, but there are worst things happenbing in the world right now as well. i beleive people should have the right to own guns, but there should be more control over this trade. a gun control law will never pass through congress.
i agree and i don't think there is a solution. war makes the world go around and around.
there is a thin line between our need for secruity and our desire to hold on out our freedom. i don't believe there is a middle, you have to give one up, and i think it is our need for security that makes us so attackable by terroist.
To question Muslims just because a minority, and an extreme minoruty at that, of them are extremists who are linked to terrorist activities is ridiculous. In the Late twentieth century there were many terrorist attacks that were linked to both the Black Power movement as well as the Student groups who were against the Vietnam War. In a sense, Hassan's actions are no different from the reactions of the rest of the country during the Vietnam war, nor is the setting any different. Mr. Sweiven spoke of a member of the US Army who did something similar in Fort Hood in protest of the Vietnam War. These occurances are analagous; the only differencces are the backgrounds of the men and the war the US was involved with at the time. After the "original" Fort Hood incident, special attention was not given to those who were of the same background as the White Male who committed the act. There are those who believe that the ideals of Islam conflict with the ideals of the Constitution, however they would be mistaken. The Qu'ran preaches the respect of all religions; just as the First Amendment essentially states. This is just one similarity, and there are others. If the backgrounds of terrorists were to be discriminated against in questioning, I'm almost certain that the most of the country would be placed under such special circumstances.
ReplyDelete-- Sarah Aly; Period 8
Andres Paz pd 2
ReplyDeleteTo be a Muslim person in this country means that you are bound to discrimination from ignorant people because of what happened on 9/11. After 9/11, the perception of muslims in the U.S has changed, they are often seen as people who cannot be trusted. I do not think it is fair that many years after 9/11, Muslims are still being discriminated against, I believe that Nidal Hasan should be allowed to work in the military, he is not much different then the other people who join the military. I think that the gun policy should be made a lot stricter because the world is a safer place without firearms. Many shootings occur every year and that is because guns end up in the wrong hands of people who just want to cause harm.
The tragedy occured because we were not well prepared for it. It's also possible that that one person was not mentally stable and he was a threat to himself and others. To me, this 4th question is unnecessary because i do not believe that there is much threat to our civil liberties.
Andrew Ma Period 2
ReplyDelete1. To be a muslim in the U.S is extremely difficult. You already have some prejudice against you because of how you look. However, it is not impossible to be muslim and survive in the U.S. Just like how the japanese survived during WWII when they were imprisoned in camps in order to "contain" them, muslims can also survive this time of quick allegations and suspicion.
2. I believe that we should have strict gun rules, stricter then the rules that regulate illegal drug and human trafficking. Guns are more deadly then, say LSD or Meth. The NRA is an association that I think has way too much power and influence and should be regulated by the federal government rather then the states.
3. No, I believe this would have happened anyway because of the tension and lack of self discipline many soldiers have. Because they are faced with death every day and because they might never come back home again, their thinking may be impaired and they might be more likely to commit brash acts.
-ANDREW MA
1) I am not american so i don't know in concrete terms what it is to be a muslim in US in 2009. However , last week i watched a commentary about safety in NYC 8 years after 9/11 and it was said that the NYPD goes systematically in muslim neighborhoods of new -york to search people because they are convinced if a potential attack is preparing it's sure that it 's there, so almost everyday common people just because they are muslim have to accept to be searched , some of them said they get rid of that situation and have the feeling to be accused of being potential terrorist just because of their religion. This tv commentary is a good way to know more about american muslims and how difficult for them it's to live in US because of the suspicion created towards muslim just after 9/11. In my view , there's no incompatibilty between being an american citizen and muslim at the same time because being a good citizen is to respect the rules of your country it has never to see with your religion, religion belongs to the private sphere. In France , the secretary of state for sports Rama yade is a black young woman and she's muslim but the fact of being muslim doesn't prevent her from being the favourite personnality of French in Politics. I would say that i agree with what Nushra says most of people have a distorted and fake vision of Islam spread by Islamist (a religion of death, cruelty towards Women etc...) and which have nothing to see with what Islam is really . Choose to question only muslims everytime they want to work in a branches of the Government would be unfair would create a feeling of racism and would stess the discrimination lived by many muslim in the country. so as many of you wrote it would be better to question everyone to be sure to don't have any mentally -deranged person among the candidates .
ReplyDelete2) the tragedy is définitely a good way for american people to understand that they need more gun control , have a gun in US seems to be so easy that anyone can owns one , people must understand that a gun is not toy so they have to pay attention to what kind of people they deliver a license for having a gun . Most of the time in the similar catastrophes that US lived the killer was a disturbed person and i think it was also the case in fort Hood, i don't find normal that disturbed people own arms so easily this is really, really something america must work on.
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ReplyDelete1. I think to be a muslim in certain part of the US is very difficult due to the biased ideas and views some Americans have. However, in NYC we see muslims everyday and to me it is never a difficulty in public with any muslims. However, we need to understand we can not prejudice the muslims like the japanese in WII.
ReplyDelete2. I believe we need a better gun law. It is so easy to obtain guns in US. However, i think guns should be resticted. Some people argue we have the rights to bear arm but they do not consider the fact that innocent people die everyday because of the abuse of gun.
3. I do not take a side on this issue because i think to me it is still unclear that what are we truly defending ourselves against.
4. Patriot Act, is it right for this rule to exist? I do not know, maybe it is for the greater goods but if the government cann't think of a better way to secure then i have no solution.
Being a Muslim in the U.S. is quite similar to being a Japanese American during WWII. Although I am not a Muslim myself, I can definitely attempt to put myself in his shoes. Knowing that Muslims are the leaders of terrorism, in general, Muslims are sitting on pins and needles. The only difference from now and then is that Muslims are not evacuated into concentration camps or reserved places.
ReplyDeleteThe article suggests that perhaps the tragedy occured because our military resources are overstretched due to our trying to fight the wars in Iraq qnd Afghanistan simultaneously. Do you agree and if so what is the solution
ReplyDeleteI feel that fighting one war stretches our resources in means of counseling and medical care for our brave men and women. But honestly fighting two wars simultaneously is ridiculous. We fail to realize how much these people risk their lives and sacrifice for our name sake. With A double war, that entails twice the number of troops being asked to leave the safety of their homes and their family to go to a foreign country at the chance that they’ll never make it home or may not even mentally be there. We can only imagine what it is like for us to be on the front lines in Bagdad for example, but these people feel the heat of the bombs, the guns ring interrupt their sleep, and the stench of death is all around them. Imaging going to sleep knowing that those we would call our roommates, died right in front of you, the constant worry that it could have been you, or rather what if it is me next. All this anxiety and fear takes a toll on the body, physically and mentally. Human have the capacity for only so much loss anxiety, and pain before we go into a virtual shock. The only option to relieve some of these emotions if for our soldiers to go through counseling and therapy, for someone to listen to their problems and take the time to sort out this mess as they try to adjust to becoming a civilian again as they are expected to. But as these soldiers are pouring out their experiences and emotions, the doctors must listen to all these horror stories hours upon hours, day after day, week after week. But because there are two wars going on, this means twice the soldiers, twice the patient load. Who are assigned to those doctors to make sure that they themselves are being taken care of and aren’t going crazy wrecked with the emotions and empathy for these soldiers. No One, this is why I believe personally that the fort hood massacre occurred. These doctors have no one who they can talk to, they keep everything in till they in turn explode in a fury of rage and pent up anger and confusion. As two wars occur, they chances for our soldiers to be deployed is increased, they chances of them coming back with awful stories and memories are doubled, so yes, two wars may be a little more that anyone can handle essentially stretching every and any resource to its ends.
Ever since 9/11, Muslims in the USA must be resilient to the racial slurs and stereotypes that they are subject to almost everyday. Many people are misinformed about the religion and therefore they believe that all Muslims act like Nidal Malik Hasan. In my opinion, it's hard to say that Americans aren't right when they believe that Muslims are "out to get them" because most terrorist attacks come from people who study Islam. It's extremely sad that so many people died because of one person who needed help himself.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is true that screening of Muslims over any other religions is going against our US Constitution, it's shown through many different situations that majority of the time, they have been involved in the terrorist attacks. While it is important to remain a country with freedom of expression, it is even more important for the government to protect its people from harm.
Honestly, I think that even if we had more gun control, people would still find a way to break the law and get guns for themselves. Also, it is not realistic to think that this might pass through Congress because many people come back to this conclusion almost after every mass killing and it is evident that they've gone nowhere with it.
I do not agree that the tragedy happened because military resources are used to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan at the same time. In fact, if this were the case, then when we weren't at war, we should have been able to prevent all of the mass killings from happening, which is a very naive thought.
In order to preserve our rights to the fourth amendment as well as protect ourselves and the citizens of the USA, we need to screen everyone that comes into the USA a little more thoroughly. Also, those in the armed forces should be screened daily with their phone calls, emails, etc.
Call me a pessimist, but I really don't think there is anything we can really do to prevent things like this from ever happening. No matter what laws, regulations, and or guidelines we set up, those who choose to do these horrible things will find their way around it and adapt to the changes.
period 1
ReplyDeletems. Aucoin
I think issues like these definitely make Muslims living in the USA cautious. They have to think twice before doing anything, even if it is something extremely simple because they are being judged differently. Every little thing they do can be held against them anytime. For example, in the pictures of Nidal Hassan’s house, they are repeatedly showing pictures of his prayer rugs and Koran. This can be found in a regular Muslim’s house whether or not the person is religious. Why is the religion Islam being compared to the American and upholding constitution as incompatible. There probably are few incompatibilities about Islam and the constitution. But the overall view does not bring a clash between these things. Islam is against terrorism and against the killing of innocence as much as the Americans. I don’t see a reason why Islam and the constitution are associated in this case. Nidal is most likely to have physiological issues anyway. Why should they be asked more questions? Anyone can do what Nidal did, because I think he was mentally disturbed. By asking them more questions and showing no trust, they will worsen the situation. It will make them feel discriminated from the beginning, and ruin their intentions even if they were good in the beginning. Aren’t we all equal in America? I think this is just a form of discrimination against religion, which is not what America is about.
I think Nidal committed this crime, because he was mentally disturbed. He was a loner and who knows what he was going through. Why did he kill his fellow Americans? I am thinking that he was unsatisfied with his life, or he was struggling through something. Maybe he was overwhelmed, or discriminated by the people around him, so he decided to take revenge and kill himself as well. I think it will be too ignorant of me, to decide on one thing for his motivation of mass killing. We definitely need more control because cases similar to this are happening too often. I agree with Jenny Price that a country with 283 million fire arms it is hypocritical to be shocked by these mass killings. If we have the courage to make so many guns and allow so many people to posses one, we should be ready for the consequences. Yes guns are made for defense, but the ultimate purpose is to kill. They must go in the right hands, or else innocent lives will be lost not only because of terrorism but our carelessness as well. I think we are more of a victim of interest groups than we are of mass killing because in my opinion these people become killers because of such interest groups. Why else will someone want to die and just kill more people along? They must have some inner motivation which is caused by distressed and unsatisfactory. We have to look for the root problem before blaming anyone.
Yes, I agree, we are doing too many things at once. After all, these soldiers are also humans. We are pressuring them so much. They have all been reacting just in different ways. Some are suffering alone, and some like to express it to others. I think the military has too big of a responsibility and maybe we should make up our mind and stop pressuring our military so much. It is hard to come up with solution. I mean it is easy to say stop the war, the killings and bring back our troops. But these things are way more complicated than that. However, I am going to say, that maybe we should worry more about our people and our country, than spending all our money and military efforts in foreign country to kill people. It’s about time, we take a stand.
It is hard to do both at the same time. However, we can give up few of our civil liberties to ensure our security. Many of the things the government is doing today are invading our civil liberties, but it’s necessary for our safety.
SY Period 2
ReplyDeleteMuslims are usually discriminated against, similar to the crisis in WW2 with the Japanese Americans. They shouldnt be, but they are. I have a temple next to my church, and one day CBS, NBC, 7 witness new, etc comes to that temple and makes this huge commotion. Apparently, a high priest in that temple was caught having some kind of relationship and communication with a terrorist. It is a bit uncomfortable to know that we are at war at Afghanistan and this "new form of terrorism" mentioned in the article should get some people thinking. If that Muslim who worked across the street was making bombs with house hold chemicals and no one knew until he used them, thats a bit terrifying. The fact that America is always vulnerable to attack is alarming but that does not justify that we should go around and attack every Muslim and accuse his relationship with the behind-the-scenes plans to attack America.
Gun control is a big factor but i wouldn't say that it is the primary reason why we're being attacked. The fact that we're at war is causing the violence. Sure, guns kill and threaten the security of the citizens, but so do smoking and drinking and all bunch of hazardous substances that we don't consider. If gun control increased, it would be beneficial because less people can get a hold on guns but it wouldn't dramatically affect the violence and deaths.
Depleting our natural resources to me is a big thing because if we have to focus on more than one thing, obviously we cannot pay attention to just one thing. You have people on one side who demands gay and lesbian rights, another about health care, and another about the war. While the economy of the US is still pretty terrible, we're depleting the natural resources and not focusing on one thing, a pretty bad idea.
Threatening our civil liberties will always occur, especially during war time. You have people surveilling much of the activities of everyone and looking up suspicious people. We're always going to be deprived of the full civil liberity but theres a fine line between taking some away for the whollistic view of protection and abuse or removal of complete liberty. As long as the line isnt crossed, it's reasonable to do so for the overall protection and security
1. From the point of view of a white male, I do think that being Muslim bears a huge weight in how other Americans see you. Although I'm not completely ignorant in that I know that not all Muslims are terrorists, I would feel uneasy with Muslims in office. This feeling is in part because of the 9/11 attacks, and also in part of how my family brought me up. While I was taught by my peers and teachers to embrace diversity, the older members of my family hold very anti-Islam views, which led me to not discriminate, yet hold more allegiance to Whites. Although I have no problem with having the Muslims I am friends with in office, being that I know these people were born in America, I think I would be slightly fearful of having a Muslim be elected now.
ReplyDelete2. I feel that times have changed, and the 2nd amendment has no further depth. In a society where it's only becoming easier and easier to die, we also have more and more ways of protecting ourselves. There are alarm systems in homes. We have police (whom, aside from hunters, should be the only ones with guns at their disposals).
3. I strongly doubt there was any correlation. I would have to read further on this topic.
4. The strip search of Ms. Redding was completely unnessecary, being that it was for a pill. I think the most that should go on are frisks that do not involve the removal of any clothes, metal detectors, and bag checks. Really, the only things we need to look out for are weapons. It would be easy to feel a weapon during a frisk, and anything well concealed could be spotted by an efficient metal detector. The bag checks would be very useful in finding anything else. In this way, nobody is harmed, and no one can have anything to harm anyone else.
To be muslim in America today, is to be Japanese in America during WWII. Its a real tough time for them because they are seeing more and more of their ideals being disregarded, and they are struggling to gain back credibilty in America. On the other hand, more and more of them are being found associated with grouos who commit such terrible crimes towards mankind. It's hard for us to trust when we don't know whih side they are on. However, I do not find that to be a good enough reason for the army officials to question them joining the army more than anyone else. We can still have another ford hood incident caused by any other person not properly screened. People took things for granted prior to this incident and that is exactly why it happened.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think that if people would do their jobs, everyone would have still been alive. If a special interest was taken in to the soliders who need that special interest, others wouldnt have been cheated of life, but as with anything, the consequence has to happen for them to learn, right?
I think the idea of a special religion is completely ridiculous. America was built on immigration and the integration of many many foreign ideas, and that includes religion. I have heard of many claims that we celebrate our diversity in this country but through out the United States history, Americans have show remorseless discrimination against other ethnicities: The abuse of Africans and Asians, the imprisonation of the Japanese during WWII, etc. Nowadays, people discriminate against Muslims. We've all heard of stories of "random" police searches, especially in airports, that target Muslims in particular. In addition, some people look at Muslims with a sense of unease.
ReplyDeleteWe need to understand that being Muslim is an idea, on the same level as Christianity. If Christianity can have such a diverse followers, followers in almost every single continent. In a sense, anybody could be Muslim, your neighbors, your co-workers, etc.
For example, there was a time, when there were less critiques of Christian faith, when devout Christians followed completely on what their priests told them to do. Priests say, you do. If one would recreate the same scenario in a different time period, like 10 years ago. If priests can "interpret" God's word to, say, blow up the world trade center, some devout Christian may do it, believing he would receive the grace of God when he ascends to the Heavens.
It's late, I'm done with this
-Barry
The world was shocked recently to see Major Nidal Hassan, our own soldier, murder innocent Americans. The Fort Hood massacre, without doubt, is an abhorrent result of Hassan's mental tension. Is it okay to say that the "war against terrorism" is actually a war against Islam itself? If Americans are in fact okay with the religion, why then did Obama have to consistently claim that he was, in fact, a baptized Christian? What, then, of the Islamic extremists who have actually upheld this violent act and taken pride in Hassan's actions? Do they have a right to think this way against the U.S.?
ReplyDeleteAfter giving it some thought, it occurred to me that perhaps the war against terrorism isn't in fact a war against terrorism, but rather, against the pride in terrorism. As previous posters have mentioned, most terrorists are not Muslim, and most Muslims, would not feel the need to commit these heinous acts. A popular saying is that "a terrorist can actually be a freedom fighter." Yes, Osama bin Laden and radical extremists conspired to cause 9/11, but what about the thousands of innocents that Americans have killed in the Middle East? Aren't we terrorists to them the way they are to us? Indeed, Americans are ones to win wars, jumping in at critical points are acting as heroes to the world. It was a matter of pride: how could the powerful America do nothing after 9/11? It still is a matter of pride, for pulling the troops back is a sign of defeat. But is pride really more important than innocent human lives?
The reporter asserted that "Even as the President weighs how to fight the wars he inherited, he and the entire U.S. security apparatus will have to figure out how you fight a war against an enemy you can't recognize, much less understand. In that sense, the war on terrorism has left the battlefield and moved to the realm of the mind." Indeed, no matter how long we stay in Afghanistan or how many troops we deploy, terrorism stems from an idea, a way of thinking, that can never be defeated. If Hassan, our own soldier, resorted to commit such an act, how then can we possibly defeat terrorism? I do support gun control, but don't think that anything will happen soon because of the NRA.
--Manjinder
Average American's thoughts: "Muslim in US = Muslim in US. Nothin' wrong with that."
ReplyDeleteAverage War-Praising, Overly Paranoid American's thoughts: "Muslim in US = Osama bin Laden's 3rd cousin. KILL HIM!!!"
HOWEVER, I don't think the latter's opinion is completely unjustified. After the recent attack, it shows that all those people who are like "Oh, please. All that terrorist stuff is in Iraq. 9/11 was a one-time shot. Not like it could ever happen here." are not entirely correct. As much as I don't want to sound like a jerk, I wouldn't mind a little more interrogation for those of that religion who wish to join the army (within reason, of course. >_>). It would certainly make me feel just a bit more at ease. Obviously, there would be people that would respond with "NO! Now you're just being prejudice. Muslims would never do that!" But isn't that what people said before Nidal Hasan boiled over? It's just that with other terrorists doing stuff for the sake of their religion and beliefs, the last thing we need to see happen is other people follow in their footsteps for the sake of their religion as well.
Profiling a Muslim as a terrorist is such a backwards way of thinking, and would just be repeating our past mistakes. This stereotype has come about for obvious reasons and the fact that the terrorists who have harmed us were Muslims, does not justify the public’s generalizations. NOT all people of Islam are terrorists, in fact if you want to talk numbers they make up a small portion of the Muslim people. For these reasons I can empathize with American Muslims who have to face these stereotypes in their daily lives. It has gotten to the point that people’s hatred has influenced Muslim Americans to turn on their religion and people. In one particular special on TV I saw a man who is a Muslim American describe feelings of animosity towards his own people. He even goes so far as t hide the fact that he is Muslim. When the public’s judgments are getting in the way of people being able to live a fulfilled life of happiness, we know we have a serious problem. Therefore the obvious answer to the questions is that we should in no way question one group of people more than any other. To work in the military everyone should go through a series of background checks and other necessary evaluations, race, religion, gender, aside.
ReplyDeleteCrisula pd 1
Many people in the United States face discrimination. However, to be a Muslim in the US means to face barriers and racial profiling; it means to be highly discriminated against for one’s ethnicity. Racist Americans will judge a Muslim by what others have done before to the US, and not who the person really is. We should not be more cautious around a specific group of people just because a small minority in said group did something to harm us. If Muslims want to work for our military or government, they should be allowed to. They could also serve for intelligence purposes, translating and decoding their native languages.
ReplyDeleteThis tragedy is very uncalled for. Everyone has a right to live their own lives without interference from others. We shouldn’t be judged or criticized by stereotypes, especially not the ones that we mostly untrue in the first place.
Other countries have more guns than us, yet they don’t have a higher murder rate. We don’t need more gun control—we just need better trust and mannerisms.
Regarding Iraq and Afghanistan, we really shouldn’t be fighting two wars at the same time. With attentions being spread out over two different areas, there aren’t enough people to fight the wars. We really have no right and no purpose to remain in Iraq; Afghanistan needs to be our main focus.
I think that being a Muslim in the United State is much more difficult than being any other ethnicity here. Because of what happened in 9-11, many people assume that all Muslims are terrorists or have some sort of hidden agenda. However, that's not the case. What one person does should not characterize a whole group of people. In another article that I read, in the New York Times, it said that Major Nidal Hassan was constantly discriminated against for being a Muslim. He was afraid of being deployed. He didn't want to face discrimination of being a Muslim and he didn't want to fight other Muslims. I don't know why he did what he did, but perhaps it wasn't entirely his fault.
ReplyDeleteAlina Zeng, Period 1
I think a Muslim in the U.S is someone that people fears. Because we have all heard about islamic laws: women have no rights, people can be stoned to death for absurd reasons.But, I agree with Cirsula when she says that only a small portion of them are terrorists. Not all of them.The trauma caused by September 11 has made people become paranoiac.When they see a Muslim in the streets they think of terrorism, bombs, guns , blood.But not all Muslims are terrorists. Most of them are people like us who want all that terrorism to stop.Muslims in the U.S wish they could have some civil rights in their country too.
ReplyDeleteBut,we know that even if the society tries to integrate Muslim populations, their religion is compatible with the American Constitution.For instance, in Muslim traditions peolpe have no individual liberty .They only have to follow tyrannical laws.
As for the tragedy I think it is not only a result of terrorism but also because anybody can have guns as Jenny Price said in her article.I think someone as sensitive as Hanson should not have guns. Guns are not toys so the army should pay more attention.
We are not sure that Hanson was influenced by terrorist people, but killing so many people to fight the wars in Iraq and in Afghanistan is senseless.You can't use violent methods to stop violence. Instead of bringing peace this tragedy gets people more and more prejudiced about Muslims.I personlly think that it is time for the wars in Iraq and in Afghanstan to stop. They have lasted enough. The politicians should find a quick solution.Too many people have already been killed.
People want to feel safe and so to assure them, the authorities fight against terrorism.Every Muslim is seen as a potential terrorist so they can be searched anytime and anywhere.Therefore, because of their origin ,Muslims have less rights than other people.
Sophie
ReplyDeleteI don't remember who has said it but yes, definitely the tragedy of September 11th had been the start of fear, discrimination but above all paranoia as Nisha said, towards Muslim. Indeed, just see a Muslim and the feeling of the possible terrorist appears. That's a pity but understanding...But it has been for many years now, it's time to change our mind, we can't live in such an apprehesion all our life anylonger.
So why have they to be more suspected than other ones just because of their religious belonging? Ideas already made about them and labels of "terrorist" must be tear up!
Moreover, a big step has been made for Black people for example during the 60's, in order to be recognize as the equal of White people. Even if there still are some efforts to make, but things have been done. Doedoepinkpillow said that if a Muslim wants to integrate one of the military branches, there will be tension! The worst thing is that he's right! But precisely, it's time to accept but above all to recognize that the terrorists are just a tiny part of Muslims, so that every one of them doesn't hide of course a terrorist.
What's more, why the USA have to be the only country which need guns to secure its population. The danger is everywhere, not only in the USA, but I can't figure out that having more guns than it's already the case there is the solution to protect themselves. For me, guns are synonymous of violence or death. So how can it be an object of safety?
First of all I totally agree with Iris when she says that this article points out Islamists as if they were the only one able to do such a thing.
ReplyDeleteI would say that the USA are focusing on them since 9/11 and what happened on this date had they made pay more attention.
But I thing they don't need to generalize and become obssessed by this.
There is no need to label Islamists, it happened once because of some of them but it doesn't mean that every islamist is going to do this.
Since this event everybody is watched , and people a becoming paranoid ,if you are seeking for something in your pocket or you receive a postal packet the police will open it and see if it's not dangerous or also if your name is from arabic origin they rapidly ask you if you have a link with islamist.
For example my namle is AMINA i'm not arabic but this missunderstanding could happen to me.
Indeed they disseminate the AMERICAN DREAM and much of liberties are allowed but I think that the fact that violence increase is because there are too much liberties.
The liberty to own a gun I found this totally useless I know it had been voted since the independence war but I think after this it should have been eliminated because to many people use this pretext to own a gun.
They have created the police to save people and protect them so let it make his job.
Moreover til now i have still not understand why the war in Iraq is going on.
The USA suspects Iraq to have nuclear but I think it is more about the fact that the USA want to profit from the Iraq ressources and that Iraq disagrees.
I think that the USA is the first world power and they use this to influence other contries that why some countries revolt themselves.
I recognize that causing bomb attacks is not the best way to prove their annoyance.
I think that they should end this war and see what each of them could go towards making each to grow rich with treaties for example.
Finally I think that the civil liberties should be change according to the changess of the nation for example each 50 years because the rights wich have been voted for centuries ago some of them are not so longer applicable nowdays.
As the others French people who posted a comment in the blog I can’t say what is the muslim’s situation in the U.S.A because I dont’live there and moreover I’m not a muslim.
ReplyDeleteSo I think that I have to follow what I can see in the media and in the newspapers but also I have to listen what people say to understand what can be the muslim’s way of life in the U.S.A nowadays.
If I follow what I can see and listen, it seems not really pleasant to be a muslim today (and not only in the U.S.A).
Some people can think that it’s normal because of the terrorism and the fact that in most cases the terrorism is associated with muslims. When you watch the news on T.V
and when they speak about terrorists or about presumed terrorists they always put the photo of a man who seems to be a muslim to show his face to the world. But why? If they were looking for someone and they wanted people's help I would interstand but they have already arrested the man... So... I think that if in the U.S.A today to be a muslim signifies to be someone that people fears (as Nisha said) it is not only because of the tragedy of the Twin Towers but in my opinion, above all because media and authorities try (and succeed) in put a perfect Photofit picture of the terrorist in our mind.
So nowadays a Muslim is instantaneously associated with a terrorist in people's mind (in the U.S.A but in Europe too) for example because of the terrorist attack in Madrid in 2004.
So, some people wants to stir the hatred of muslims and of the foreigners in general.
Now, people like you and me, live like plague victims because of their religion : it is not fair! All the muslims are not terrorits!
Those who want to die for Islam,like the soldier of the article are a minority (who causes a lot of damages, I agree...) but we have to notice this point.
I have a lot of ideas to defend but I don't want to be too long... But I think that terrorism is first of all, a way (it's not the best way I think) for some people living in the countries of the South, to say "STOP to the Imperialism of the U.S.A or Europe" because they always tried to lay down their power to the countries of the South. They want their liberty and the War in Irak and Iran, on my view, reinforces the hatred for the Occident.
To conclude (even if I have not really finished... :D ) guns are not the true problem. The actual problem is the relationships between the North and the South which are still based on conflicts for self-management.
So, forbid to muslims to become a soldier will not fix the real problem.
Joanna xxx
As Joanna said, I don't really know how it is to be a Muslim in the USA but I can guess that these people are going through a difficult era. We can't link this situation with what is Muslims' daily life in France. Actually, it is more and more said that the USA are being too harsh with this religious minority. Indeed, they tend to justify racial-profiling (as if being a Muslim was written on one's face) because of fighting terrorism. Being a Muslim doesn't necessary has to determine yourself as an American as both can coexist. Does only religion define oneself?
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I don't see why being a Muslim should be a motif to be more questioned or more suspected to commit anything related to terrorism ! Or worse, that this condition should determine one's being hired for a job or not in the government ! I definitely think that one's religious can go with country's ideals. I also thought over the reasons why Hasan acted this way : as someone said before me, it seems to me that it was mostly about psychologic issues and loneliness, and just because of being Muslim, they blame on this, they go crazy on suspecting everyone that is Muslim. It's like they acted so with people because of their skin color, or the way they are dressed, or their political opinions, or maybe, why not, their sexual tendency. It's absurd!
Plus, I must confess that I don't always understand the American society : I have the impression that they're always seeking to blame on someone, it may be a religious minority as in this case, whereas the problem may be deeper than just races and religions. It's about how they apprehend the Other, the differences, the multiculturalism in a globalized world. Instead of putting étiquettes on people, they should reconsider the way they treat others. I don't want to do politics or to argue with anyone, it's not my point, really, but I just can tolerate that people's religion may be a skill or not ! Working at the government requires other things than that ! What about people uniqueness and BRAIN ?
To answer Mrs Owen's question, Muslims should definitely not be more questioned because of what they believe in. And I'm sure that some amendments prohibit such discriminations!
christine y
ReplyDelete1) everyone has their own reasons as to why they pick that specific religon. Muslims should not be questioned any more than other people and their religon because even the most similar religons have their own differences. Just because Muslim people might have stranger rituals or beliefs, it doesn't make them more likely to be questioned. everyone is different and has a different religon. the us is only thinking of this because of what has happened in the past (9/11).
2)we definetely need more gun control. as years go by, more and more people are deciding to get guns. today, there are so many ways to get guns and sometimes it is even illegal and kind of an backdoor deal. because of the 283 millions arms in our nation, it only shows how "armored" we are and how unsafe it can be for people. security should be increased for the requirements for getting a gun. its a necessity if we want to prevent things like the 9/11 tradegy and the fort hood tradegy.
i think that what he did was just an overreaction. he was probably just stressed out. i feel very sad for the those who have fallen.
3)i also think that the u.s is spending too much time in the war against iraq than with the problems we have here. it only makes for a more loose government and society which will bring only more chaos, not peace.
4) we should have monthly searchs on random days to ensure that they dont have any information that may be detrimental to us. we should also havemore patrol around the buildings to have secure and tight buildings.
To be Muslim in the U.S. is to be a terrorist in the views of many, but they are really peaceful followers of God. Muslims shouldn’t be questioned more than others if they work with the military or other branches of the government. The terrorist groups don’t represent Muslims as a whole, just a very small fraction. The only reason is the fear that they might betray America. This fear is similar to the fear of Japanese in WWII.
ReplyDeleteThe tragedy came by chance; there was no way to stop this. People everywhere have mental break downs, but unfortunately this guy was equipped with guns. I agree that we need more gun control to prevent firearm crimes. Even one kill means there was someone that bypassed the law. Perhaps it’s possible to pass laws on gun control despite NRA since people are dying by guns everywhere and owners should be in better check. We are victims to powerful interest groups since the gun laws benefit power groups as the sellers of the guns.
I don’t agree that the tragedy occurred because our military resources are overstretched due to our trying to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan simultaneously. We faced many wars, and the stretch of resources was never a reason for this kind of chaos. The solution is better checks on the soldiers.
We can add some temporary restrictions during the war against terrorism. In any war, American restricted certain rights of citizens, so gun restrictions can take affect. We can’t hold on civil liberties if they can kill us. To balance this will be believe in the good of the American people.
-Kazi
Ever since the start of the War on Terrorism, Islam has become synonymous with terrorism. It is present in our media, for example, during the interview of a Muslim statesmen, Glenn Beck asked the statesmen if he was a terrorist because of his Muslim ties. Furthermore, it would appear that being a Muslim is political suicide. President Obama was heavily criticized for his fleeting Muslim connections.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that the radical Islamics, which not only includes Jihadists but also ultra-religious Muslims, are the representatives for Islam.
In my experience, to be a Muslim in USA means to be a Muslim while following the laws of America. Some of the traditions i follow are different from my peers but that is not unusual in itself. Fortunately, i am surrounded by a diverse group of people, so the fact that i am Muslim never bothered them. However this cannot be said for everyone. Bigotry towards Muslims are not uncommon in the public.
What i firmly believe is that the religious traditions of people should have absolutely no effect on the laws they must follow. I must abide by American laws to the same degree a Christian or an Atheist must obey the law.
The values of Islam are not very common with American values but thats not to say they are incompatible. American values lie heavily on personal freedom whereas Islamic values lie on a persons devotion and submission to God. But in the end, it is illogical to compares the values of America and Islam since American value relies on historical progress whereas Islamic values are derived from the Koran. I feel that there is nothing in the Constitution that is in direct conflict with Islamic values.
In regard to Muslims being in the army, I feel they shouldn't be profiled when applying for the army. However i think it would be a very bad idea to sign up for the army if you are a Muslim because fighting against people of your culture and traditions would cause serious mental stress. Furthermore, it would make other soldiers uneasy, which seems unfair but it is a fact of life.
This is a current matter of identical search. This incident really shows how beliefs can be close to fananatism. And fanatism leads to chaos. acts happen every days but people systematically get horrified when it comes to terrorism. On this point I agree with Amina, it is now an obsession due to the entering in a new era in which ways of thinking change, even when it comes to war. American, who are more specifically involved in the sruggle against terrorism, are facing a subtle system in which the enemy is not known.How can you fight this way? As Alina Zeng added, 9-11 incited people to think that being Muslim means being terrorist and have a "hidden agenda". I think that the expression is well chosen for this gives us the feeling that an entire myth is buit from Muslim identity. Furthermore, this involves every one in a kind of manicheism because of which every one is getting paranoid. But minorities always had trouble to assimilate especially when religious conceptions were so different that it created mutual suspicions.
ReplyDeleteHowever, what are we supposed to follow? Our principles? or our need to protect our civility? The first suggestion would compell us to remember that Muslims too are human beings. Subsequently they deserve to be treated as human beings. Indeed, predjudices easily destroy the social pattern. In this case it is although difficult to point out that a religion does not define an identity because it becomes a way to find an identity. And because of this, judging a terrorist induces a new notion for it means that you have to judge someone who acted as his beliefs led him to act. Therefore, is it truly useful to punish such people if you remember that the aim of punishment is to allow people to come back to reason? Such beliefs are so strong that it seems to be an indelible mark on one's mind. That's why checking the overwhelming phenomenon of terrorism is a modern and difficult matter to solve.
Moreover, I do understant the growing people's fears. Protect one's civily means being safe, wherever one goes. how is it be possible if the danger can be integrated in the civil entity itself? But it is a dilemma for protect one's civility here means not totally allowing Muslims to have one, as if every Muslim were a potential threat for the community.
Cade D.
ReplyDeletein my mind to be a muslim in america is to pretty much be any minority in america, there will be ups and downs, but it just so happens the typical terrorist in everyone's mind is muslim, so through the ignorance of others muslims will get treated worse. to be any immigrant in america is to be a mixture of american and your own native country. so it would destroy me on the inside if i had to wage a war against my brothers.
i agree that our army is too overstretched, and this is because we are in everyone's bussiness. also at this point i do not a see a clear solution for this because we are so deep into everyone's bussiness and we've messed many of them up really badly we cant just abandon them.
on the issue of civil liberties vs personal safety, i dont think it would be much of an issue in the near future because as the article is stating the new wave of terrorism is the lone wolf with no direct ties to a terrorist organization, so therefore you can voilate my civil liberties all you want but chances are you're not going to find a thing since everything is happening in the mind.
1. Muslims, just like any group coming to American soil that is different from the white-anglosaxxon-protestant type already established here must understand that certain americans are ignorant and that they will have already pre-concieved notions about you based on your race and background. But the America we love is the one that is tolerant and welcoming of other languages and cultures and races, and therefore it would be completely contradictory to American principles to treet middle-easterns any different than any other group.
ReplyDelete2. When I first heard about the Fort Hod massacre on the news, I was immeadiately reminded of the Virginia Tech shooting that took place three years ago. I recalled the feelings I experienced when that took place: fear upon the realization that something like this could happen anywhere, and there wasn't too much you could do about it, and anger upon the realization of how easy it was for the shooter to obtain the gun he used in the massacre. Interestingly enough, I found my reaction this time to a lot milder than that one. I suppose that I've gotten use to the fact that any maniac can buy a gun and go around shooting people for no reason, and perhaps even accepted it.
3. It is true. American troops are posted in over 135 countries world-wide, including germany. The fact is, much of this is absolutely unneccessary, a waste of money, and an endangerment to the civilians at home.
4. Striking a balance between security and privacy is a very difficult job indeed. The only way you can do so is to only go as far as the American public wants you to. I belive the public needs to have the final word on how much privacy they are willing to give up for safety.
En réponse à la première question, je pense qu'il y a plusieurs problèmes à dégager de l'article (je tiens a dire que je me suis arretée à la fin de la partie "A Wole New War").
ReplyDeleteFirst, I think it exists a problem of tolerance and knowledge about foreign's culture, particularly about islam. In history, we are studying the relationships between the Est and the West. Our searches shows that, since the Middle Ages, the Est think he is greater than the West ; because of that, the Est counsider that islam is archaic, that muslims are all dangerous barbarian. I think the Est was afraid by the difference between both civilasition, and I think this problem persists until today.
Il est vrai qu'en Orient, il existe des Etats dont les lois viennent directemment de la religion musulmane. Cependant, cela ne revient pas à dire que tous les musulmans sont des nationalistes qui ne peuvent s'adapter à la démocratie et qui ont des idées extremistes. Je pense que c'est la que réside principalement le problème.
Je pense que notre vision des choses, quelque soit l'endroit du monde, est flouté et faussé par de vieux préjugés, et que c'est une encore une autre forme de racisme et une source de discrimination envers les étrangers.
According with Amina and Iris have said, I think the article focuses too much on muslims. But if the reporter sais such things, I think he is not the only to have this way of mind, event if it is a revolting kind of paranoia.
A sentence has particularly draw my attention, when the reporter says that "people born and raised here will not reject the gift we share".
Je trouve que cette phrase est très subjective, car implicitement cela signifie les américains accordent une faveur aux étrangers en les accueillant sur leur territoire, que ces derniers leur doivent une reconnaissance à toute épreuve. Cependant, ce que l'article ne mentionne pas, c'est qu'aussi accueillante soit cette patrie, et on a pu le voir avec l'article concernant Henri Louis Gates, elle reste cependant relativement raciste. Certes, ce n'est pas un motif pour mener des actions terroristes ; mais je trouve que cet article est trop manichéen car il donne une vision fermée des choses : les Etats-Unis sont les "gentils" et les musulmans sont les "méchants".
To end whit it, I think that to be a Muslim in the U.S. is such a difficult thing, according to the event of 09/11. I understand people are afraid, but I don't think that is a good reason to generalize that Muslim = Dangerous terrorits.
Muslims, just like any other group not white, Christian, and "patriotic" must suffer from the ignorance and prejudices of society. Because of what happened eight years ago and and resulting wars, Muslims have been painted in a negative light by the media. People easily swayed by this may react negatively to a Muslim. Under all codes of civil behavior, the most important thing must be morality and ethicality. If the ideals of Islam and the Constitution are in conflict, then there is a big problem. Any government employee, especially one employed by armed forces, must have thorough background and psychological screening.
ReplyDeleteI think that this shooting could have been avoided if someone had just had a serious talk with the shooter. It reminds me of Columbine because both involve distressed people grabbing guns and opening fire. If someone had just talked to Hasan, the shooter, and told him to calm down and give him moral support, this incident could have been avoided. Today politicians talk about gun control and work to ban guns that have certain features mainly just to garner support from voters. If people feel they need to have a gun in order to feel safe or powerful, then there may be something wrong with society. However, if guns are to be issued, the person receiving the firearm has to be put through thorough questioning and psychological review. If Congress is to ban guns, they must have the support of the court as well as the president in order to pass such a bill. If they do not have the court's support, then the court will deem the bill unconstitutional.
One small attack does not mean that there is a complete war on the home front. This is just an isolated incident in which a mentally unstable person got a hold of a weapon.
People give up some of their natural rights to governments in order to secure others. The current system has not bothered me or anyone I know so far, so it seems to be working quite well.
Tout comme Johanna et Melanee,je n'ai pas d'idée précise sur ce que c'est que d'être musulman aux Etats-Unis. Toutefois, l'actualité montre que comme le judaïsme, l'islam est une religion très controversée qui provoquent des remous aussi bien aux Etats-Unis qu'ailleurs. Probablement à cause de ses caractéristiques et essentiellement du djihad que certains définissent comme étant la "guerre sainte" (d'ailleurs comment peut-on penser à associer ces deux termes? Comment une guerre peut-elle être qualifiée de sainte?) et d'autres comme étant un combat religieux pour une noble cause. Je déplore néanmoins l'utilisation de la religion à des fins politiques... Cependant, la religion à laquelle on appartient ne doit pas selon moi servir à définir qui l'on est: l'identité de quelqu'un ne s'établit pas ou plutôt ne doit pas s'établir en regardant de quelle confession il ou elle est! D'ailleurs, les papiers d'IDENTITE ne contiennent pas ces informations...
ReplyDeleteDe plus, prendre quelqu'un en grippe parce qu'il est musulman ou autre,c'est nier la mais aussi sa liberté de religion. On doit tout de même constater que c'est un phénomène de plus en plus fréquent: une simple tenue, un simple nom à consonance arabe et vous êtes "fichés", "terroriste, ne passe pas la frontière".
On ne peut pourtant pas en vouloir aux autorités qui font tant bien que mal leur travail. Les images de juifs ou musulmans terrorites sont celles que véhiculent les médias.
Aussi, cet article pose le problème de la mauvaise utilisation des NTIC qui prônent en ligne à travers des commentaires (assez tendancieux!) ou des vidéos, le terrorisme.On assiste parfois à une véritable apologie du terrorisme, à l'exposé des recettes pour devenir un bon terroriste: l emaniement des armes, les "trucs" pour devenir un spécialiste. Certains diront :"si tu as la volonté tu peux ne pas te laisser influencer" mais c'est un peu facile selon moi de juger ainsi...Certains se laissent influencer par les modes en tout genre, d'autres tombent dans l'engrenage du terrorisme...Même si la dangerosité n'est pas la même.
D'autre part, la définiton du terrorisme pose un problème comme le signale l'article: où commence-t-il? Jusqu'où va-t-il? Il y a toutefois une utilisation abusive du mot terrorisme...on dit parfois "je suis terrorisée par une abeille"...
Néanmoins, il faut constater que le terrorisme a encore de beaux jours devant lui...D'ailleurs, le budget le plus important est accordé à l'armée pour faire la guerre (ce qu'il désigne sous l'appellation "maintenir la sécurité du pays")...Il n'y a qu'à voir le budget 2009 aux Etats-Unis...Davina
Jennifer R. - prd. 8
ReplyDelete1. What does it mean to be a Muslim in the U.S.?
To be a Muslim in the U.S. is hard. The strict rules that come with the religion definitely conflict with American culture.
The article suggests that some of the values of Islam are incompatible with being an American and upholding the Constitution. Is that indeed true and if so should Muslims be questioned more than other religions if they want to work in the military or other branches of the government? (Just for the record I find this idea completely anathema to all our American ideals.)
Questioning Muslims more than questioning other religions is just going to be another racial flaw in our government. I don't believe that being muslim proves that one person is a threat to the United States. If anything the religions in the United States, like christianity and catholicism has much more powerful and has more power to be influential.
2. What is your response to this tragedy? We studied another article in class http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2009/sep/29/gun-violence-death-us in which Jenny Price states that in a country with 283 million fire arms it is hypocritical to be shocked by these mass killings. Do we need more gun control?
I don't think we need more gun control but what we need is a change in societal dynamics. Watching Bowling for Columbine, my class and I have discovered that in Canada, where most residents carry firearms in their own homes, have annual gun deaths that cannot be even compared to America because it is so significantly low. So why are gun deaths so prevalent in America when we have more gun control? I believe it is the way our country thinks, the way that our citizens believe that every second imposes a danger in their lives.
Is it realistic to think it might pass through Congress despite the power of the NRA (National Rifle Association)?
The NRA is a powerful organization that has its influence on american politics. Too pass a law with more gun control in Congress would be very difficult.
Are we victims of powerful interest groups as much as we are of mass killers?
Yes we are. An example is 9/11. We were targeted by the Taliban.
3. The article suggests that perhaps the tragedy occured because our military resources are overstretched due to our trying to fight the wars in Iraq qnd Afghanistan simultaneously. Do you agree and if so what is the solution?
Yes, I find this very true. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not our wars to fight but America insisted on going for it. I believe that if we were not in this war right now we can focus more on the fiscal problems of our nation today. A solution to the war is just not fighting the war. But it seems that America is always inevitably involved in international conflicts.
4. I certainly appreciated all the posts that reaffirmed our need to uphold our civil liberties in general and the 4th Amendment in particular. How can we properly balance our need for security in the face of increasingly common acts of terrorism and our desire to hold on to our civil liberties?
One way we can properly balance our need for security is just by making the public more aware of the present situations at hand. Many states in our nation have people that don't understand the full impact of terrorism like New Yorkers have on 9/11. A more knowledgable country will make a more smarter country. What our country needs to do now is not become powerful but smarter for the wellbeing of its citizens.
Amie - Ms.Aucoin (pd.8)
ReplyDeleteBeing a muslim in the United States may be uncomfortable at times. That is a fact. It's something that's unavoidable however, due to incidents like 9/11. Terrorist attacks do not make this fact right but it's something that should be taken into account. When I say this, I mean that there are reasons why muslims are scrutinized more than others. Officials are trying to do their job and being religious is part of the terrorist job description. As for guns, there are so many tragedies because of fallible security. Gun safety will never be achieved because there will always be people who want to carry a gun and will do so legally or illegally. I think that gun laws should be stricter but I also believe that this is something that is nearly impossible to achieve. If you take into consideration how the U.S. government is run, the NRA plays such a big part in it. It is hard to get support to pass these laws when so many people are against doing just that. Maybe there will be one day when democracy is able to fix their errors and really look into the things at the root of the problem.
1. it is unfair that muslims are treated differently but it definitely shouldn't be taken for granted. during world war two all japanese people were sent to concentration camps and were held under scrutiny. the fact that muslims are questioned is a great thing. it is also a great aspect that muslims have the chance to join the army because they aren't being locked out just for racial issues.
ReplyDelete2. Gun control is definitely necessary by all means. many deaths happen because of shoot outs or gun related issues. there should be a law like that of new york that eliminates gun use in public areas and gives criminals a set time in prison so that people won't use guns as much. its impossible for this law or any law close to come through because there are so many people against it. it's almost impossible to stop any selling of guns but it can help to try and control the problem.
3. American troops are held all over the world and it seems very unfortunate that theyre held in so many places. Unforuneately i believe that this is aiding in the procrastination of the other important war going on in middle east. we should devote more time to try and finish what we have started as soon as possible rather than take our time and wait for things to ride out.
4. this isn't an easy decision. in the end it will be up to the majority of the people to decide because they will the ones most affected by this. if they feel pressured then America should go ahead and fulfill the peoples needs. afterall, it is a democracy not a country run by one person.