"The entire tone of the letter is offensive to me. The mistake was the wilful negligence of Hasan's superiors. Why emphasize army regulations regarding discrimination?"
So tell me- What exactly would you like the Commanding General to say to the personnel on his base about what he evidently sees as an immediate or potentially impending problem- ie.. the harrassment of a group of soldiers or dependents based on their religion? Surely you don't mean to imply that he should ignore that kind of potential for harrassment because a Muslim soldier committed a truly heinous act of murder do you? Certainly no one who reads a newspaper or the zillions of blogs out there could actually deny that the potential for that kind of harrassment has increased dramatically as a result of this action?
When you dissect LTG Hagenbeck's letter I just have to wonder: what part do you diagree with? 1st Paragraph?: "
let us remember why our forefathers came to build this great nation. They came to enjoy the blessings of liberty, as many of them were fleeing religious and ethnic persecution"
. Maybe you think that the 3rd paragraph is in error?:
"The Army places a high value on the rights of servicemembers to observe the tenets of their respective religions."
How about this sentence? :"
It is also manifested by fairness, justice and equity for all Soldiers, regardless of race, color, gender, religion or national origin"
- maybe that's an offensive sentiment? Or this one?:"
Discrimination or unfair treatment, based on the categories listed above, will not be tolerated
.
The Army clearly failed with Maj Hassan- as did the FBI and others, for which undoubtedly many in the Chain of Command will deservedly pay a steep penalty and for which the entire National Security Establishment will be reviewed; and hopefully someone will eventually put him to needle in a chamber somewhere. But to allow this to turn into some kind of a low grade pogrom or ignore retaliatory harrassment against the thousands of good soldiers on active duty who are Muslim would be to take an evil act and compound it and weaken the Army in the process. That is an offensive sentiment to me.
Finally- I'm certain that you aren't suggesting that LTG Hagenback, who commanded the 10th Mtn Div in Afghanistan
somehow doesn't understand the tragedy that enveloped THE ARMY to which he has given 42 years of his life at least as deeply as the parent of a 4th class cadet?
--------------------------------------------------------------
Letter from the Supe: Religious tolerance
Dear Members of the West Point Community:
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday week, let us remember why our forefathers came to build this great nation. They came to enjoy the blessings of liberty, as many of them were fleeing religious and ethnic persecution.
In the wake of the recent murders at Fort Hood, there has been much discussion in the media about religious diversity and tolerance. I am taking this opportunity to remind all military and civilian personnel in our community that West Point follows Department of the Army policy on Equal Opportunity published in Army Regulation 600-20, Army Command Policy.
The Army places a high value on the rights of servicemembers to observe the tenets of their respective religions.
Military discipline is founded upon self-discipline, respect for properly constituted authority and the embracing of the professional Army ethic with its supporting individual values. While military discipline is the result of effective training, it is affected by every facet of military life. It is manifested in individuals and units by teamwork, dedication, respect, steadfast loyalty and the swift execution of lawful orders. It is also manifested by fairness, justice and equity for all Soldiers, regardless of race, color, gender, religion or national origin. Additionally protected categories for civilians include age and disability.
Commanders and leaders will continue to maintain discipline in accordance with AR 600-20. Discrimination or unfair treatment, based on the categories listed above, will not be tolerated.
If individuals believe they are being persecuted, discriminated against or treated unfairly for any reason, they should attempt to resolve the problem at the lowest level possible, with assistance from another unit member or co-worker, their commander or supervisor, or another person in the chain of command.
Although processing complaints through appropriate command channels is preferred, other individuals and agencies are available to assist in resolving complaints, including the civilian Equal Employment Opportunity Office, the military Equal Opportunity Office, the Inspector General, any chaplain or the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. The Garrison EEO and military EO offices are co-located at Bldg. 667A, Ruger Road.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fort Hood community, the victims and their Families in the aftermath of what occurred there Nov. 5.
As we contemplate this horrific event, let us continue to maintain our military discipline and our respect for one another.
Lt. Gen. Buster Hagenbeck
Superintendent