Ambush at Fort Hood

[TeamSelig]

I have a buddy at Fort Hood. Luckily, he is fine.

[Chip R]

Not opposed to the death penalty; but when I see "unique" situations like this, where the murderer seems to be on a suicide mission where he wants to be killed, and when he thinks he's going to receive some sort of reward in the after-life as a martyr, then I say "don't give him the satisfaction, and do the opposite." Postpone his "reward", and lock him up in a tiny cell, and let him live out the rest of his days in isolation to live with his actions.

Interesting thoughts, GAC. I've had similar thoughts about this and other crimes. Although our sense of justice may be quelled by execution, if that's what the criminal wants, execution would seem counterproductive.

[Dom Heffner]

Not opposed to the death penalty; but when I see "unique" situations like this, where the murderer seems to be on a suicide mission where he wants to be killed, and when he thinks he's going to receive some sort of reward in the after-life as a martyr, then I say "don't give him the satisfaction, and do the opposite." Postpone his "reward", and lock him up in a tiny cell, and let him live out the rest of his days in isolation to live with his actions.

Is receiving the death penalty years after the crime akin to dying during the mission?

I say equal punishment, regardless of what the defendant wants.

And how would you enforce such a thing? Proving intent is amongst the hardest things to do in a court of law.

[Dom Heffner]

I consider this terrorism, terrorism of the worst kind, from within. I find it slightly disturbing that the Army was unable to see the warning signs or just didn't react in the proper manner. I heard a report on NPR how Hasan gave a speech at Walter Reed about Muslims fighting Muslims over in the middle east. Warning bells should have gone off but they didn't. I guess it didn't matter that in WWI and WWII men in opposite fox holes were praying to the same God. Hopefully something positive comes from this tragedy.

The only person to blame is the guy who did this. That's it.

[dougdirt]

Just watching CNN unfortunately and they referred to Hasan multiple times as the alleged shooter. Did I miss something where this is in doubt or are they just flat out insane?

[redsfandan]

Did I miss something where this is in doubt or are they just flat out insane?

Neither. Everyone knows he acted alone now. But they'll keep saying "alleged" until he's convicted. I wouldn't read anything into the use of the word. Charges haven't even been filed yet. Doesn't really change the facts though.

[GIDP]

Just watching CNN unfortunately and they referred to Hasan multiple times as the alleged shooter. Did I miss something where this is in doubt or are they just flat out insane?

Probably because its america and they would be sued for slander or something if Hasan some how got off.

[reds1869]

Probably because its america and they would be sued for slander or something if Hasan some how got off.

Bingo.

[GAC]

Proving intent is amongst the hardest things to do in a court of law.

Maybe so; but it doesn't seem like it would be hard in this particular case. As each days passes, more and more evidence is coming out, and being discovered on this guy. IMHO, this could have been prevented.

And the more I see, and I think the majority of Americans feel the same, as far as what limited evidence has been publicly disclosed, I become more and more outraged that our government, our military, those in charge, ignored those "red flags" on this guy.

And how much MORE do they now know, that confirms those suspicions, and are they refusing to publicly acknowledge out of some obligation to prevent a public backlash, and because of some sense of political correctness?

That's all I will say, because it would then cross forum guidelines, and should be conducted over on the Peanut Gallery.

But I think his intent, as to why he committed this massacre, can be easily established. And who knows? Now that he is recovering, and able to speak, he may hang himself with his own words.

[RedsBaron]

Maybe so; but it doesn't seem like it would be hard in this particular case. As each days passes, more and more evidence is coming out, and being discovered on this guy. IMHO, this could have been prevented.

And the more I see, and I think the majority of Americans feel the same, as far as what limited evidence has been publicly disclosed, I become more and more outraged that our government, our military, those in charge, ignored those "red flags" on this guy.

And how much MORE do they now know, that confirms those suspicions, and are they refusing to publicly acknowledge out of some obligation to prevent a public backlash, and because of some sense of political correctness?

That's all I will say, because it would then cross forum guidelines, and should be conducted over on the Peanut Gallery.

But I think his intent, as to why he committed this massacre, can be easily established. And who knows? Now that he is recovering, and able to speak, he may hang himself with his own words.

Greg, I agree with you, but I too don't want to violate forum guidelines. I am ticked off that the "red flags" about this guy were apparently ignored.
Where I disagree with you is regarding punishment: if and when this guy is convicted, execute him.

[savafan]

Where I disagree with you is regarding punishment: if and when this guy is convicted, execute him.

And do it on television broadcast to the world

[bucksfan2]

Maybe so; but it doesn't seem like it would be hard in this particular case. As each days passes, more and more evidence is coming out, and being discovered on this guy. IMHO, this could have been prevented.

And the more I see, and I think the majority of Americans feel the same, as far as what limited evidence has been publicly disclosed, I become more and more outraged that our government, our military, those in charge, ignored those "red flags" on this guy.

And how much MORE do they now know, that confirms those suspicions, and are they refusing to publicly acknowledge out of some obligation to prevent a public backlash, and because of some sense of political correctness?

That's all I will say, because it would then cross forum guidelines, and should be conducted over on the Peanut Gallery.

But I think his intent, as to why he committed this massacre, can be easily established. And who knows? Now that he is recovering, and able to speak, he may hang himself with his own words.

Well said. I couldn't say it any better without crossing over the line.

[GAC]

Where I disagree with you is regarding punishment: if and when this guy is convicted, execute him.

Oh, I'm not going to lose any sleep if he is executed. But in this day and age, can you execute a man if he shown to be emotionally disturbed, deranged? And right now, that seems to be the defense offered for his actions... he was just crazy.

That previous "scenario" I posted was more of the vindictive "human" side of me speaking, wanting this guy to be kept alive to suffer.

Like a good western movie cliche.... "Oh he'll receive a fair trial. Then we'll hang him."

[RedsBaron]

Oh, I'm not going to lose any sleep if he is executed. But in this day and age, can you execute a man if he shown to be emotionally disturbed, deranged? And right now, that seems to be the defense offered for his actions... he was just crazy.

Perhaps he was "just crazy" or perhaps he was "just evil."
It is an interesting issue, and probably one we can't discuss here. If the terrorists on the 9/11 flights could somehow be resurrected to stand trial no doubt many, perhaps all, of them would offer an insanity plea.
Maybe I am just mean and vindictive, but I still vote for execution. Hitler was crazy, but he was also evil.

[GIDP]

Crazy people that kill someone doesnt make them any less of a killer. The crazy thing wont fly if they dig up enough dirt id imagine.