Mourning Fort Hood

We should all take the time mourn for the losses that Fort Hood experienced last week and take a moment to reflect on what has led to the crisis. Our sympathies go out to those who lost loved ones and for all the wounded.

For now there are no certain answers about what caused Major Hasan to attack Fort Hood. Investigators have not released any answers to the question so many people want answered. Why did he do it? And don't expect any answers from Major Hasan until his trial.

Since no one knows the reasons for the attacks, people should not jump to conclusions. There have been preliminary reports that Major Hasan has had contact with clerics who are sympathetic with al-Qaeda, and that he had requested to be discharged for years because of religious persecution. So undoubtedly there is going to be a wave of anti-Islamic sentiment in the following weeks. Just remember that a small group cannot represent the beliefs of the whole. Most Muslims are not extremists, and will not go on a killing spree. Hopefully we have moved past these feelings, but I'm saying that just in case.

Until there are better reports or until Major Hasan comes out with his own explanation himself, try to keep an open mind about the different possibilities. Also think about what brought the Fort Hood shooting about and how we can prevent similar events from happening.