Ft. Hood

When you join the military, you know that there is always the possibility you will be killed in the line of duty. But, you expect that death to be at the hands of a foreign enemy. You don't expect to be killed by a comrade in arms, by a man wearing the same uniform as you.

If your mind harbors any inkling of that dark possibility - as you stand there swearing to support and defend the United States Constitution - you believe that it will be in a tragic case of accidental friendly fire.

The recent slaughter at Ft. Hood was not that. It was instead the shameful act of a fanatic, a coward, a terrorist and a disgrace to his uniform. Maj. Malik Nada Hasan opened fire on his fellow soldiers at Fort Hood, as well as on civilian workers, who were attempting to help the military carry out its goal of protecting the country.

Hasan may well face the death penalty for his shameful crimes. Or he may spend the rest of his life in federal prison, being housed and fed by the same Americans he attempted to kill. Either way, as long as he lives, may his name be treated with contempt whenever military personnel and veterans gather to celebrate Veteran's Day and to salute those who died honorably for their country, including those - military and civilian - who died on November 5. For Hasan committed one of the most shameful acts a soldier can commit; he fired on his fellow soldiers.

I'll reserve judgment for the moment on whether there are others - politicians and upper echelon military officers - whose names should be added to Hasan's, people who prized political correctness and diversity above the lives of our brave soldiers.