Fort Hood

1. What are your thoughts, feelings, etc, as you read these articles?
After reading this article, I can't help but feel very sad for everyone involved. In the past I have researched details about the massacres that occured at Columbine, Virginia Tech and The Texas Clock Tower. I am shocked to see we have yet to learn. Violence will never be a smart solution to any problem.

2. What role do you think terrorism played in this massacre, if any? Why? Do you think that there was an terrorist organization behind the shooting?
It is so hard to say if this was an act based on race, religion or just plain insanity. I visited a memorial museum recently about the acts of terrorism that took place on 9/11 and sadly I must admit learning about that tragic day forever placed a biased opinion in my mind about people who share the same "muslim" look.

3. What role did racism or religious persecution play in this incident? Why?
If this man were of a different race, white for instance, he would instantly be placed in the psycho category. However, since he was muslim he was instantly judged based on what his own personal beliefs may or may not be.

4. Do you think a lot of Muslim Americans have the same feelings as this man? Why or why not?
Some probably do, but definitely not all. I think there are a lot of innocent Muslim Americans who just long for peace and the right to be able to walk into an airport without instantly being judged.

5. What do you think the military could have done to prevent this from happening? Why do you believe this? Were there signs that this man had the potential to do something like this? What were they?
In this particular situation I am not so sure there is much the military could have done to prevent this shooting rampage. He was a quiet man who was professionally trained to keep people from snapping and doing exactly what he did.

6. Talk about the leadership of Kimberly Munley (the woman who stopped the shooter). What did she do? How would you have reacted in the same situation?
Kimberly began shooting at the man who snapped because after witnessing what he had already done she knew someone needed to take control. She was shot 3 times in the process but eventually was able wound the shooter enough to end his rampage. I think I can safely say I would have never been able to step up and do the same. Knowing my life was on the line would be too much to have to handle.

7. What does this incident say about race relations in America? Specifically with Arab-Americans and Muslims? Is there a reason that Muslims and people from the Arab world feel a certain way about America?
I don't believe our country will ever view Arab-Americans and muslims the same since the attacks on the world trade center in 2001. Unfortunately that day a picture was painted that anyone of that certain descent was dangerous to our society. This triggered an incredible hate war and because of all the innocent people who were killed in search of the man who planned 9/11 I'm sure most Muslims and Arab people share a hate and sense of danger for Americans as many of us do for them.