“What I want to know is, why didn’t that Ft. Hood psychologist diagnose himself with PTSD?”
I replied, “Because he wasn’t suffering from it.”
The thing that struck me about my companion’s question was his automatic assumption that it was PTSD, that no other diagnosis was possible. He was visibly distressed when I proposed jihadism, or at least religious fanaticism, as an alternative, and quickly changed the subject. How is it possible to have a polite conversation with a whacko like me who doesn’t understand that Hasan was a victim, too?
For a better diagnosis, see James Taranto in the Wall Street Journal.
Taranto also clears up the question of terrorism:
In fact, this was not a terrorist attack. By definition, terrorism targets noncombatants. When an irregular force like al Qaeda attacks a military target, such as the bombing of the USS Cole, that is more accurately termed guerrilla warfare.
The real question here is not whether the attack was terrorism but whether it was an act of war as opposed to personal aggression. ABC News reports that “U.S. intelligence agencies were aware months ago” that the suspect “was attempting to make contact with people associated with al Qaeda,” which if true certainly bolsters the case for the affirmative.
When a soldier attacks members of his own force in an act of war, it seems to us the most apt term is treason.
Yes indeed, and when he stands for court-martial, I hope Hasan is tried for treason, and if convicted (as he should be, if he actually was the shooter), he should hung or shot.
Plus, Iowahawk has the latest headlines, plus the finest in news photography. The evidence is indisputable, man!
My favorite is this from ESPN: “Sports psychologists: strain of being a Redskins fan in Cowboy country may have led to breakdown for former DC resident.”
Oh, I deeply sympathize. Perfectly understandable. I, a non-sports-fan, am currently living in Green Bay Packer territory. Jihadis have nothing on these people. The pressure is intense, and if it weren’t temporary, there is no doubt in my mind that sooner or later, I’d go crazy with a cheese grater.