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All the members of the military are volunteers. They certainly know what to expect when they join. If they don't want to go into battle, no matter with whom, they should be given a dishonorable discharge. This is what should have happened in 2007 in this matter.

Jack,

Unfortunately when you sign up, you don't get to choose who you may have to fight. It's different from the days of the draft when you had no choice but to go into the military. With an all volunteer military, you may choose to join, but not whom you will fight once you join. Could you imagine the chaos if the military could choose who to fight based upon religion? In WWII there would have been nobody to fight the Germans and Italians in Europe if Catholics and Protestants could choose who to fight.

Yes, Moslems who voluntarily enlist should be required to fight other Moslems. We don't let anyone else duck out of their military commitment on the basis of religion (other than draftees who are conscientious objectors to killing *anyone*).

If you're Moslem and reading this, ask yourself if non-Moslems are human in the eyes of your God?

If your answer is 'no', then frankly, you're part of the problem. Is it the first line, or the first paragraph of the Koran, that asserts the Moslem God is the same as the God of Abraham?

If your answer is yes, then it is equally evil to kill anyone, Moslem or not, and you have to make a decision if you are willing to kill people on behalf of your country or not, before deciding to enlist. Because in the military there is always the potential that killing someone will become part of your job. You need to decide on that point before you sign up.

I think there's also an issue for doctors in the military, who pledge to 'do no harm', yet may find themselves under fire in a combat area. Not sure what the military does to address that contradiction...

Jack, the answer is a resounding YES. You are either an American fighting man/woman or you are a civilian. Religion, political views, sexual orientation, and anything else that conflicts with your duty to the country, must be put aside or you need to be a civilian and leave the military. Duty, honor, commitment, and your warrior brothers/sisters are what counts, not religion.

And then Christians would object to fighting other Christians, and pretty soon, you have no military at all. The oaths of Enlistment and Office clearly state all enemies foreign and domestic. If a person has any objections, they should not sign up.

Jack I am politically incorrect but they should not even be allowed to serve in the US military. They hate us and see what happend. 13 service men were killed by a muslim. The sad thing is not in combat but on our own soil. It is time to be a tough country again. I am a former Marine and in my opinion the military has become a totally liberalized club.

Well, hell yes! What kind of question is that? A US soldier more loyal to followers of his religion, wherever in the world they may live, than to his own country or countrymen who are in the armed services fighting along with him? What kind of military would that be? Maybe because of that issue Muslims should not be allowed to serve?....maybe that question should be asked of any soldier before signing up, and definately before any deployment to fight. This is a strange question, and it leads right to the question of citizenship – should people who are more loyal to followers of their religion, anywhere in the world they may be, than to their own country be allowed to remain, or become, a citizen of this country? T Roosevelt quote comes to mind:

".... But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American... There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Sure. It is no different from forcing American Lutherans to fight German Lutherans in WWII.

If they can't stand to fight for this Country, then send them over there to live. We don't need them.
The civil war was fought with Americans against Americans.
I say don't force them to fight for this Country, but leave immediatly and go live with your muslin counterparts.

Jack - I will remind you that our military is an all-volunteer service. Anyone who volunteers to serve, does so knowing that they may be involved in actual combat operations. And anyone who has listened to any news broadcasts for the last eight years would realize that US forces would, sooner or later, become involved in combat operations against individuals claiming to "fight in the name of Islam." When citizens sign-up to serve, they don't have the option of choosing whom they will, or will not, fight against. Soldiers take an oath to defend the Constitution against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic.

When we had a draft, there was a reason to have a catagory for those who could not kill for moral, ethical, and religious reasons. Today, with the voluntary army, if someone chooses to enlist in the military, they are obligated to serve whenever and wherever they are needed. If they can't do this, they don't belong in the military.

If the answer is no, then how can you force Catholics to fight Catholics, or Protestants to fight Protestants?

Wars between countries know no religion.
Wars between religions know no countries.

The U.S. must decide who it is fighting: Muslims or Afghans. It cannot fight both.

Nobody forced them to join our all volunteer military and we have been involved in Muslim countries for almost a decade. Our military members have fought their co-religionists in every war we have ever fought so why should Muslims get special consideration?

no one in the US military is being forced to fight anyone, because no one forced them to sign up for the miltiary.

No one in the military today was forced to re-up, or to enlist, or to use military scholarships to pay for college, or go to the academies or any other route into the military.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CONSCIENCIOUS OBJECTOR IN AN ALL VOLUNTEER MILITARY!!!!!

Religion cannot be a factor in determining who serves in the armed services against whatever foe. Apparently Germany had many Christians during WWII – It would have been disastrous if American Christians had been released from service.

We ask Christians to fight other Christians. When they take an oath to protect this nation from all threats, foreign and domestic, there is no qualification for religion or ethnicity. They are American's betrothed to the cause of defending America. What kind of precendent would it set to? First we are not fighting Muslims or Islam, we are fighting Terrorists. The fact that this idiot could not distinguish between the two shows he was unfit for service.

Why then should Christians be forced to fight other Christians? Or Jews other Jews. Or ......

They take an oath to defend America, if they can't live up to it don't join. This fellow was just useing the system to pay for his schooling. He should be tried and hung.

What is the difference during WW2 when Germans fought against Germans, and Japanese fought against their home land. Some American are so redneck and can't believe that people do not always fit the stereotype painted by bigots. Many Muslims fear for the safety of their family members living in the U.S. because of statements such as these written on blogs. If we'd better educated our children in the U.S. maybe we would have a better understanding of the world. Foreign fundamentalist are no difference than these mental deranged fundamentalist of the U.S. who spread false statements
The answer to your question is if they sign up to fight for the U.S. lets believe they are no different than the Germans that escaped to fight against Hitler and what he was doing to their people/homeland...

Today's military is all-volunteer, meaning that everyone who joins does so willingly and contractually agrees to kill whoever the military tells them to kill, in exchange for a paycheck and in order to make war profiteers and chicken-hawk politicians richer. Anyone whose conscience can justify killing those who are racially, religiously or ethnically different from them because they were "just following orders" should not be surprised when they are instructed to kill those who are racially, religiously and/or ethnically like them. If you believe that slaughtering people you don't know in order to enrich other people you don't know is wrong, then don't enlist. If you think it's okay, then do as you're told and stop whining!

Susan
Tuscaloosa AL

Jack
Muslims kill Muslims everyday in vast numbers for centuries. Muslims kill Muslims with gas , mass executions and indiscriminate bombing of women and children . Therefore Muslims killing Muslims is not an issue. Clearly more of a lame excuse. One does not join the Military to plant flowers and promotion of brotherly love. The Peace Corp is assingned this task
Since we have a volunteer Army one would assume all the training is for a purpose. Duh......
It would appear the only problem here is did the United States Military address this aspect of the Military clearly at the time of induction.
Beyond induction I believe the charge would be treason against the United States (although I'm not a Attorney)
Like many similar issues (immigration) you must first ignore several laws of the United States before posing the new queery.
General George Washington had soldiers excuted at a firing Squad for similarl lapse of duty.We've lost our way .
Happy Veterans Day to all who served our Nation Proudly Maybe we should have another day commerating those who did not

I can't believe the question. When you sign , up swear an oath. You either keep that oath or be dismissed from the militray,prosecuted or whatever is deemed the correct action.You cannot pick and choose who to fight or not fight,period.
When you join you know you may have to fight an enemy be they Christian, Muslim , Aetheist, Jewish, Hindu, etc. But you volunteer and therefore know ahead of time. Once you join you have no choice, nor should you.

Jack:

They are US Soldiers. They need to do what ever their assignment and superior officer directs them to do. And if they are muslim and they are directed to fight other muslims. Then that is what they must do. What if we get into a conflict with North Korea? Will we consider giving people that immegrated to the US that were from North Korea. Having US citizenship now who are in the armed forces immunity from fighting North Koreans today? No!! It is what they signed up for. If muslims don't want to fight other muslims, they need to think twice before making a committment to be in the US Armed Forces.

Ron K. Temecula, Ca

In the case of Maor Hasad this is a moot pointm since under the Geneva Convention he would not be allowed to carry a weapon.

In principle, though, it should make no difference what religion the combatants adhere to. Christians have been killing other Christians for centuries. So much for :" thou shalt not kill"

Let's see; seems they've been knocking each other off since Mohammed died & his heirs all wanted to be the top guy. So what's the problem now? No booty & no religious ideology for starters no doubt.

To enlist in the military is to take a solemn oath to defend our nation and its constitution. If there are any questions as to where one's loyalty is, one should not be allowed to volunteer or serve.

If they are in the American military you're damned right. If we went to war with Mexico or Portugal would all the Catholics be excused from fighting them? Some Muslims in their own countries are fighting against each other There were American Muslims killed in the twin towers on 9/11. We need more patriotism taught in our boot camps, starting with united we stand divided we fall.

There is no draft. Everybody volunteered to be in the military. The answer is obvious.

Jack, While it's an interesting notion and may seem fairly mundane at first, that might lead others, like Chrtistinas and Jews, and white people and black people do not want to go to war against the same. This is actually one time where the slippery slope arguement, isnt' so slippery.

Jack, we have an all volunteer military now so no man or woman can be forced to fight against anyone they would choose not to fight. If there is one you would not want to fight then you have only not to volunteer for the military.

If you choose to join the military and you take the oath then you are obligated to follow lawful orders and fight any enemy of this nation as ordered.

So if a group of Radical Catholics objecting to our abortion policy declare war on the United States and begin blwing up abortion clinics all over the country, would you expect all the Catholics in the service to claim CO status jsut because they have religion in common? When they elected to join the armed forces they took an oath saying they are not black, white, brown, catholic, hindu, athiest, muslim or wicka, they said they are Americans and they pledge years of service to America's cause they will serve at the behest oof the Federal Government.
Sorry I'm not buying what this lunatic is selling. It's UnAmerican.

Yes–the oath is the support and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign or domestic. Religion is not the issue.

Jack, this is like asking should US soldiers of a Christian belief be asked to fight other Christians...excuse me but I seem to recall that Timothy McVeigh was Christian...your military is sworn to defend the United States of America from hostile forces; both foreign and domestic...it does not provide an escape clause for your personal religious beliefs (although those are protected by the Constitution). I'm sure the lawyers for Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan will have all kinds of excuses for why he did this, none of which will matter to the families of those slain nor the walking wounded. Too bad, he survived.

Muslimscan join our military,so, they have an obligtion and are commited to follow orders and carry out the mission.If anyone rebels they can be court marshalled as a traitor and/or other crimes Gene

This is pathetic. Now I know what excuse I am going to use when they institute the draft again: I will convert to Islam. Then I can't be sent to a Mid-East battlefield. I guess I should practice my "Allah Al Akbar" now just in case.

Muslem First
American Second????!

YES. The same way that many born in Japan helped us fight Japan. The same way that many from Italy helped fight in WWII. If you are NOT an American first, than leave the country and move to where your Religion is centralized.

Jack, they signed up for this. The majority of these people willingly joined the military knowing what they would have to eventually go up against. It was their decision in the first place, and of course they should do their duty to protect our country regardless of who or what the enemy is.

Jack, I hope oyu allow me to post this ressponse to one of your commentors here...

Dea in Fayetteville... I conscienciously object to servign in an army that wants to go to war with an innocent country [Iraq after 9/11], but I do not conscienciously object to going to war witha country that deserves that war [Japan after the bombing of Pearl harbor].

Apparenlty there is sucha thing as a consciencious objector in an all volunteer army.

This is a different time. We are in a war with the Islamic states. Their only goal is to conquer the entire world with their religious beliefs. Any questions? It took Europe almost 200 years to throw out the Muslim hoards in the past and they vowed to return. History is now repeating itself.

Anyone who enlists in the military is sworn to support, defend and protect the United States of America-NOT muslims!

Has anyone considered radical muslims infiltrating the military ?
There are just questions and information that will never be made public.

Why not exclude muslims from serving...seems to me that would solve future situations that they feel are imposing on their religious rights.

Judie/ElLago

Of course ALL members of our United States' military must be ready, able and willing to serve and fight against ANY enemy. Muslims (or any other religious group) should not wear our uniform if they can't honor their pledge to serve the United States. They should also get the hell out of America.

This should not even be a question. Do Christians and Jews decide who they fight against? If you volunteer for the service, then you are volunteering to fight and defend the nation regardless of your enemies' faith.

Americans should leave the middle east, and let the Muslims kill eachother!!!

I dont think its right for people in the army to choose who to fight, as far as you are a soldier you just have to obey command from your leaders. You fight any body regardless of the faith. Christians can not say we can not fight Christians and otherwise.
For this case of Fort Hood I don't think its right time to discuss these things since its just like we are jumping into conclusion about the reasons for the shooting, lets wait till we get the results of the case.
Did we real get the result of the Commission that investigated about the 911 till now? Did we get the reason for the attack, who did it and why they did it or we just still speculating/guessing the reasons?

More muslims are killed by militant jihadist muslims than by any other force on Earth. Like all fundamentalists, Hasan's notion was specious and naive.

If we let Muslims not fight against other Muslins then next christians wont want to fight christians. If you volunteer to join the service you give up the choice who you will and wont fight against.

Sure Jack! When I was in back in the mid 1990s, political correcteness was in full bloom. Might have to change that part in the oath about "against ALL enemies..." Why don't you go suggest this to the pentagon.

Stupid question Jack!!!!!! i don't see any christain or atheist among the taliban war machine who are killing muslim in Afghanistan and iraq in an alarming rate.Stupid,Stupid,Stupid,Stupid,Stupid,Stupid question.
Do their neighbors handcuff them to enlist in the military?

Would African Americans in the military go to Africa to fight people that look like them? Yes they would. If Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan wanted to get out of the Military, the only thing he should have done was to say that he was Gay.

Those who believe in Islam, should be aware, that when they enlist in the US military they swear to defend this country against ALL enemies no matter what. If they put their religious beliefs above their country then they should not join the military and if they are already in they should get out and pursue another vocation.

Jack, if they signed up to serve in the United States military, then yes they should have to go where duty calls. They are supposed to be defending America at all cost. The oath that is taken says to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America.

No, no exceptions, you take the oath and and sign a contract, Should catholics be exempt to fight other catholics or christians exempt from fight christians ?? of course not.... the brass is too soft in enforcing rules on muslims.....but they are bad guys these days,,,they should be on the radar ! Beware

Jack if the members of the military that are also members of the Muslim faith feel that one of the groups of a free society that they had free will to become a member of is more or less important than the other they also have a choice to remove them selves from the one they consider a problem. My problem is they feel strong enough to live off the tax payers so they can get there education or have a life style after retirement then they should be removed from the ranks and all titles and benefits removed, as well they should be required to reimburse the tax payers for all benefits received (ie) education, loans, grants, and if not a natural born citizen then removed from the country and sent back to there birth place. As a free citizen we all have the choice to serve our nation in the military or not but we do not always get to pick who we are at war with as far as I can see we did not through the first punch here they did and we are not at war with the Muslim faith we are at war with several factions of radicals

Perry Jones Council Bluffs Ia

It is beyond comprehension how someone can claim to be a contientiuos objector when they volunteered for service. You know the deal going in. Carry out your commitment to serve your country or it is treason. It's just that simple.

Jack...There is no draft now, these people join on their own..they are not forced into it, so, don't they know before hand who they will be fighting against? DUH!!!!!!
If they don't want to fight their "own" people..then stay out of the military!

We're not fighting Muslims, we are fighting terrorists. All of us Christians, Muslims, Jews, heterosexuals, homosexuals, Americans, UK, Arab, Afican etc.....all have the responsibility to stand up and fight the extremists and the terrorists.

Jack, it shouldn't be limited to religious beliefs but include all personal beliefs. I personally do not want to see any person who objects to fighting for any reason serving in the military.

Yes. If American Muslims are absolved from combat against others of their faith then that would be official recognition that this is a holy war against Islam. It is not. It is a war against extremists who happen to be terribly misguided Muslims. Their supposed faith is not the issue and therefore is not a basis for conscientious objection.

In the past the United States military has not fought wars against religious institutions, but purely military and political institutions. The wars in Iraq and Afghan present us with an entirely new problem where we are fighting institutions that integrates the world's largest religion with military regimes.

How many dedicated Catholics in US military service would agree to participate in an attack on Vatican City's military and capture the Pope for war crimes? How many American Jews would want to participate in an invasion and occupation of Jerusalem?

We're fighting new and unconventional wars that are going to require us to re-evaluate our goals and what we ask our volunteer service force what they can endure.

Its very simple. it is a volunteer army ,no one is twisting your arm to serveIf fighting americas enemies bother your conscience.

Jack,

If soldiers are allowed to pick and choose which enemy they wish to defend their country against, anarchy will soon reign supreme.

The US has a 100% volunteer army. Those who don`t want to fight should simply not volunteer. Enlisting, going through the training and becoming battle ready and then objecting to which enemy to fight is ludicrous. Only in America!!

Being an american muslim, I do not see a problem in fighting anyone, who wants to harm my country. If someone breaks into my house, I would not ask him his religion.

Jack,

The first commandment states: ‘Thou shalt not kill’. In theory no true Christian should be fighting in the armed forces. In reality, our brave armed forces are necessary to keep religious extremists under control. Religion should be kept personal when representing your country. Your country comes first.

Sorry Jack, I am confused. First, Major Hasan is a physician, and would not serve the military in a combat position. Second, why did Major Hasan join the military if he feels that fighting other Muslims is wrong. Finally, why was Major Hasan not working in the State Department, where he could serve at a diplomatic post, preaching to other Muslims that Muslims Killing Muslims is wrong. By the way, did Major Hasan kill or wound any Muslims? I think he only shot the enemy!

This is preposterous. If you don't want to be put in the position to kill someone who shares your religion then you shouldn't be in the military in the first place. And here's a news flash. I do not consider the people we are fighting to be Muslims. They are radicals who have distorted the Muslim religion. Most Muslim Americans can make this distinction. Apparently, Hasan was too stupid to do the same.

Robert
Greensboro, NC

Jack, no one should be required to fight against anyone that they do not wish to fight, as a primary precept. There are always many other options for military service.

This question begs another equal and similar question: Should Christians be forced to fight against other Christians? Whatever the answer is to that, it should be exactly the same as regarding Muslims or Budists or whatever.

We do tend to forget to go back to the basic ideas of a democracy with a Constitution.. or our common sense.. when charging off to pass judgement on larger questions. THAT is exactly what gets and keeps America in a quandry.. and hot water.

Good show,
Bud

Major Hassan volunteered to join the military, he knew the terms and conditions of his committment and swore an oath. Anyone not prepared to uphold that committment doesn't belong in the military.

I come from a military family with a broth that just recently returned from his second tour in Iraq. Nothing ticks me off more than these people that join the armed force to go through school or because they like the signing bonus and then don't like the terms they signed on for. It insults the men and women that serve honorable everyday and give their lives for our freedom. When you take that oath you agree to defend this country and obey your commander and chief. Without political opinion. That is how our military has been the strongest in the world for over 200 hundred years!

Hi Jack,

i am very surprised when u ask such a question because the war is not about protecting ur religion but it is about defending ur country as far as i know. Therefore, whether they are muslims or any other religion they have to fight for their country they like it or not.

Thank you,

Among your most rediculous questions – the oath he VOLUNTARILY took was to support and defend the Consitution of the United Staes of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic......I think the guy is basically a coward who went radical jihadist because he couldn't find a woman who would marry him and be a "good muslim wife". Being a conscientious objector historically has not gotten people out of the Army – it got them assigned as medics or other positions that did not have to carry a weapon and engage the enemy – if they want out, sure, why not – just make them pay the bill for the training costs incurred.

Jack. What kind of question is that? Especially on a day like today.
And the answer is yes, you did sign on the line.

Drew in Fairfax, VA
Cpl USMC
SF

This is stupid. If you signed up for the military, you knew what you were getting into. Hell, we first invaded Iraq the first time twenty years ago! So the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan shouldn't come as a big surprise. Your right to choose who to fight is forfeitted the second you take the oath. Any honest adult knows that.

On top of it, this guy was a major and a psychiatrist!! How much combat was he really going to see? He had no problem killing his fellow American soilders. He just wanted the excuse...

If you are an American and you join the United States Military. You are and should be a soldier, marine, airman or naval person first. If you are a religious fanatic and it is more important to be a muslim, christian, wiccan, pagan, jew, satanist or any other religious sheeple first. Then don't join the military or if you do, be prepared to keep your priorities straight which is to protect and serve your country.

Jack: Don't forget that the Afghanistan Army are Muslims fighting against the Al Qaida and the Talibans, who are TERRORISTS AND HIGHJACKED MUSLIM RELIGION.

Ed from Pittsburg, CA

They joined the United States Military, not the worlds military. They should fight other Muslims if those Muslims have been seen as a threat. Their religion doesn't stop them from defending what is they believe in & since they signed up for the military they believe in the United States if America.

When many of those claiming they should not fight other Muslims originally joined the USA military, they knew we were going to war against those responsible for the 9/11 tragedy. If they do not believe they should fight then give them a dishonorable discharge and release them from their duties. Because until Osama bin Laden is captured and tried for his actions, I believe this war will and should continue on.

remember jack ,, all military forces is voluntary only , no one is forced into this service and it is enlistee choice
thanx

No one is forced to fight in our military - it is an all volunteer force. Furthermore, anyone claiming religion as a reason to fight on any side has some seriously deranged views of their respective faith. There is not one religion which preaches killing people. If they believe otherwise, their views are plain wrong. If everyone actually followed their religious views, the world would peaceful.

No one should be forced to fight anyone. Sending our troops four or five times to fight should be outlawed unless they volunteer and not releasing troops after they served their time is just plain wrong. No one should be forced to fight and no one should fight. Leave the world alone and maybe they'll do the same for us.

Jack, issues like religion have to be handled sensibly. The truth is that some muslims would object to fighting against other muslims and we have to be careful how to handle these situations.

Just because we have a volunteer army doesn't mean you can quit at the drop of a hat. So if a soldier has objections to fighting for a reason such as religion, we should listen and avoid potential conflicts that can lead an individual to react as the guy in Fort Hood did.

Well I don't think this is a question that is really worth anything. Our military fighting force is propped up by men and women who join voluntarily, not by a draft lottery. If a Muslim does not want to fight in a Muslim dominant country then he or she can take the proper course of action to opt out. I too remember taking the oath and I don't remember hearing anything about religious preferences.

How many Japanese American, German American, and Italian American died for this country in WW2? The problem comes when Irish or Jewish Americans send money and Lobby for their second country ,if you live here and are born here you fight in this Army only,

Jack, the real problem, of course, is that humans should not be forced to fight other humans! “All forms of violence, especially war, are totally unacceptable as means to settle disputes between and among nations, groups and persons.” ~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama

I am a proud muslim in the us army I served in Iraq for 2 tours , it's so sad that you ask this equation because a nut case like Maj. Hassan .
He is just a sick and mental person , as americans we need to but this behind us and move forward because the enemy still out their and laughing at us now.
and olease dont speak for muslim soldier we can speak for are selves
We dont need oraliy to make designee for us.

Country first, everything else after. Nobody forced him to join the army, he did so knowing that one day he may have to kill those who share his views. If fighting wasn't something he wanted to do, he shouldn't have joined the military.

Jack, they should not be forced to fight other Muslims. The United States has allowed for Quakers and Seventh Day Adventists to serve in noncombative positions. In Girouard v. United States, the Supreme Court decided that defending the nation against enemies does not always require the carrying a rifle. There have been plenty of brave men and women who served and gave their lives without shooting a gun. All religions should have the same right.

I'm still trying to get over the image of the shooter in traditional dress on an American army base. And he wondered why he was being harrassed by fellow soldiers? Well duh? Apparently he thinks Americans have short memories.

Jack,

Muslims are already fighting other Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and elsewhere so clearly the issue is not nationality but ideology.

Vince Jordan

Didn't the Army pay for this guy's education, thereby allowing him
the opportunity to become an Officer. He chose to enlist, he
chose his profession, and he took advantage of every opportunity
the Army offered him. It makes me sick that he didn't want to
fight other muslims, but apparently would fight people of religions
other than his own. This is cop-out stuff. All military people are
forced to fight anybody threatening America. If Muslims don't want
to fight Muslims, then don't enlist. Or, if Christians don't want to
fight Christian, can they opt out?? What a mess. This guy is
pure terrorist, using the Muslim religion as an excuse and he
gets no sympathy from me. Thank you.

Well, white people have been forced to fight white people (WWII)... blacks have been forced to fight blacks (Somalia, Grenada)... Asians to fight Asians (Vietnam), etc., etc. Unless the United States specifically goes to war to destroy a faith, US soldiers will and should be obliged to fight. My only fear is that there are those who feel that the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are in fact wars of religion. We can only hope this is not so. Separation of church and state is more important in the conduct of war than anywhere else.

They took the oath to defend the country. Therefore they should fight their muslim brothers. Of course, I wouldn't hold my breathe. The best thing to do is discharge them from military service to prevent another terrorist attack on a military base by a muslim.

As an ex-Marine Vietnam combat veteran I would be remiss as a human being to condone taking another's life. It took me 20 years staring at the bottom of a bottle to accept that I had a choice whenever I pulled that trigger.

And whether you are Christian, Jew, Muslum, Buddist, or what ever, killing another human being should never be a first or last resort. If indeed you are one of the faithful, there is no God who asks that you take anothers life. It is a ludicrus paradox.

Just think Jack, if we were to put our religions first, like many only claim to do, there would never be cause or reason to go to war. So to answer your question, no, no human should be forced or condone fighting another human being.

I think its a Conflict of Interest. because when push comes to shove will they fight for their country or their religion? so i believe that is to protect our soldiers and well as Muslim troops from getting in the cross fire when it's Religious War that we are in to begin with...it has been from the days of Abraham.

Jack,

The question should be, How much longer do we have to put up with muslims intimidating American citizens? How much longer are groups like the ACLU and CAIR going to allow normal American citizens become sitting ducks to these idiot radicals like Hassan? What in the world is going on to allow something like this bloodbath to happen.

All Muslims in America should decide whether they are Americans first, and Muslims second, or Muslims first, and Americans second. It is hypocritical to leave an oppressive Muslim country, move to free America, enjoy its benefits, then condemn the U.S. while remaining within the country to enjoy its benefits.
The peace loving Muslims in America are that way mainly because they but they put their Oath to the Constitution above religious affiliation (as ALL people must).
As others have already put it so well, he volunteered to join the army, and that army has never used religion as its basis for picking its battles. If we start allowing people to select their battles, we might as well even tell them to pick their targets during battles. His objections are without basis

Jack,
As a Muslim and as an Afghan American all of our troops should do as the job requires them to do. Major Hassan was a coward and did what he did because he did not want to go to a war zone. Every educated Muslim in the world knows that the fight in Afghanistan and Iraq is not about religion, but about power and money right now. The suicide bombers are killing all Muslims women and kids, not soldiers.

If Muslim soldiers are allowed not to fight against other muslims then most of the Military personnel will convert to Islam immediately to avoid going to Iraq and Afghanistan. The problem here is not the religion but a twisted ideology of a few that practice radicalised version of Islam.

I became a Canadian in 2006 after immigrating from Pakistan in 2002. I will fight and die for Canada in Afghanistan, Iraq ... etc. but I dont know if I am willing to fight against Pakistan yet ..

Yes, they should be expected to do their jobs no matter who is making the threat to Americans. Do you think the Muslim terrorist involved in 9/11 cared if there were any Muslims in the Towers, Pentagon, or those planes?

Eric R.
Towson, MD

I agree that soldiers are soldiers and religion should be irrelevant However, I think that you need to ask the more basic question - is this truly a just war, or is there religious prejudice involved. From what I can see, many people want to fight against Islam, not just terrorism - unfortunately, many of these people are in the military. If we were truly fighting enemies of this country, few, if any, Muslim soldiers would have a problem. When our fight tends more toward fighting the Muslim philosophy, then we should really question whether we should be fighting at all.

Jim, Craig, CO

The way that I see it, is that if you joinrd the military and raised your right hand and said “I will obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me” . Then YES you should have to fight a Muslim if you’re a Muslim.

If you don't want to fight, why are you in the military in the first place?? But then again, this situation actually puts into perspective as to where Americans (all Americans, that is) places their allegiance with. Our own patriotism is diminishing and we are acting like brats and using our own bill of rights as an excuse to be exempted from our responsibilities to our own country. The same country whose greatness was propped and solidified by patriotism in the first place. Disturbing and deplorable.

I believe the real question is whether you are an American first or a Muslim first. Kennedy once said that people are more concerned with their rights than their obligations. Well voluntering to join the military bonds you to one of the greatest obligations a person can have, serving your country. And the only way one can do this well is if they believe that they are an American, loyal and true, before anything else. That is what every vet who leaves his family to go to war believes, that is what every soldier who fights in a war that he may not completely agree with believes and that is what a Muslim who decides to take the oath should believe. If they don't why join?

Why ask this question? The oath each soldiers take say it all! We in the military are group of special individual that wear's the same uniform, fighting for one nation, one flag and one mission! We are soldiers that follow orders and get the job done. War does not discriminate. Soldiers signed the dotted line... volunteered to fight... The military does not force soldiers to fight but we fight because we volunteered to fight, to obey orders and fulfill our obligations.

BORING!! Whine, Whine, Whine: This "person" is not a man, he is a coward, and a traitor, not only to this country but to his fellow soldiers. A complete waste of time to keep him alive, for what? a trial? Can see it coming now, he is a Muslum & was crazy, so lets just put him in prison! BS!!!!

If Muslims get special treatment, where will it end? Before you know it, atheists won't have to fight against atheists, men won't have to fight against men, humans won't have to fight against humans...

Piscataway, NJ

Everyone in the military is obligated to follow orders. If you get orders to fight, you fight. Had he been drafted, I "might" understand. With that, I feel the uniform is for the service. If you don't like, leave.

For Army: Hire soldiers not muslims, christians, jews..............
For Recruits: Be soldier not muslim, christian, jew hindu, sikh other

Jack,

This is a war against terrorist and extremists using a perverted version of Islam as an excuse to act on selfish ideologies. In WW2 there were Japanese and German American Soldiers who fought and died for this country and today their are Muslim Americans who have given the same sacrifice. If their is anyone who questions think back to 3000 of our fellow Americans who were murdered and think about the innocents being killed by suicide bombers over in the Middle East.

Religion is a gateway psychosis. Those afflicted should not be allowed to carry guns or hold public office.

All people in the US military need to serve the United States or leave the military. During World War II many people of German decent served the United States by fighting in Europe and perhaps killing fellow germans fighting for the Nazi Government. The people may have faced some challenges, but their choice wast o be Americans first and roots to Germany below that commitment. This just seems a little similar to me. Hasan can not just let the United States military pay for his education and then not be willing to repay that investment with his service to our country.

Your religious beliefs should have no bearing on defending our country or any country for that matter. In every war there are always going to be differences in religious beliefs. The only reason why this question has any merit is because in the Muslim Gospel, the Koran Surah 9:111, it commands Muslims to kill any non-believers or non-Muslims. In my opinion if you take the oath of the U.S. Military, your religious beliefs shouldn’t matter nor should the religious beliefs of your enemy matter. In all of Americas wars of past, religious affiliation of our enemies has had no bearing, so why now should it matter?

This Guy is a nut and to bad he did not die for all the Good U. S Troops he killed and today is a dark day for theUnited Ststes Empire!

John Ca.

Jack, the answer is a resounding YES. What do they think is happening in the Middle East? It is Muslim's against Muslim's. It's the extremists that we are fighting, they are the ones who are killing innocents (other Muslim's) to get control. My family, being of German decent, American's for over 150 years, fought both in WWI and WWII. A war is not against a people or religion, it is against extremism. Once people put it that into perspective, that they are trying to keep those like the Taliban and Al Qaeda out of power, letting other Muslim's live the free life that all people should be allowed, then they will understand. Major Nidal Hasan was a fool, he should have reflected on the caring and innocent Muslim's and fought for them, instead he sided with the extremists.

If a member of the armed services says he cannot carry out his mission as directed by his superiors due to religeous or moral considerations he should be placed in a non combat position or released from service with none of the benefits accorded to veterans.

No Jack, they shouldn't. A person's religion can be their biggest emotional weakness. If they do join, they should be told to give their opinions, before they go to war. Everyone has their own rights.

Jack,
Why not. Muslims kill other Muslims all over the world. What about the Sunni's killing Shiites, 10 year Iran-Iraq war, Taliban and Al Queda killing their own people with suicide bombs? I did two tours in Afghanistan and most of the deaths and injuries I witnessed were innocent civilians blown up by IED's and suicide bombings.

The last time I looked we had an all volunteer Army. All Enlistees take
an oath to serve, protect and defend against all enemies both foreign
and domestic. If an American Muslim has a problem with the requirements then don't enlist. Being in the Military and serving your
Country is not easy. All of us who are Veterans at one time had to make
moral judgements. Most of us stayed true to our oath. Hasan is plainly
a coward period. There was no moral dilemma that made him shoot
innocent Soldiers. Extremist Muslims are cowards, no different than
the I.R.A or any other band of Cowards who hide behind Religion.

Your question implies that it is easier for a Christian or a Jew to kill a Muslim than it is for a Muslim to do so. I hope that is not true. I hope is is morally repugnant for people of ANY faith to kill any other human being, regardless of faith tradition, without "just cause."

Those who enter the military, regardless of their faith tradition, place the question of "just cause" to their Commander in Chief. IF they can no longer do so, they ought not to be compelled to serve.

Asking individuals to fight against whom they perceive is "their own kind" could pose as very dangerous. We do not ask other minority groups to fight against their own. They are also at greater risk for 'friendly fire' than other military members

No, they should be granted co status if they request it. If hasan were granted co status the 13 soldiers at ft. hood would not be dead today.

Muslims seem to have religion and country confused. If their religion is so important that they can't be part of the military in the USA , which by the way is voluntary, because they might have to be deployed to fight Islamic terrorist they should move to a Islamic country.

There are so many Hassans even outside the military that would not hesitate to harm this country. The earlier we realize that the better. Islam is a violent religion. You don't have to believe me but I can tell you that we have not seen the last of this kind of incident.

The alleged injunction in the Koran against Muslims killing Muslims allegedly invoked by Major Hasan is absurd on its face. The two foreign adventures in which this country presently finds itself preoccupied – Iraq and Afghanistan – involve ongoing, intractable bloodbaths waged by Shias, Sunis, Kurds, Taliban, Al Queda, etc. The last time I checked all of these groups professed to be devout Muslims. A number of the lunatics who belong to the Islamic fundamentalist groups seem to have no qualms whatsoever about exterminating innocent, fellow , non-combatant Muslims in suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism.

There's an army for people who only want to kill non-muslims. Its called Al-Quida

People living in the US confusion with this simple issue occurs only because, of our professed predisposition to judge others differently than ourselves.

Are you or anyone you know, willing to join the NYPD, the NY Army or any other military forces, mobilized to fight and defeat people living in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, for reasons we have concocted to fit our hidden agenda?

This very hypotethical question may never come about, but is the real, life and death question we impose arrogantly on others from Iraq, Palestine, Pakistan or anywhere else, assuming the high pay and living standard will erase most individual background.

.

I posted this comment earlier:

November 11th, 2009 5:17 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

As long as there is no draft, it is an individual's choice to join the military. If they think being forced to fight other Muslims is unacceptable, then they should not join. They should be asked that question when they sign up. As for the Muslims already in the services, I have no answer.

I have an answer now. I would say this to Muslims in the services who now have developed qualms about having to kill other Muslims:

You knew when you signed up (voluntarily) that you might be called upon to fight in Islamic countries. If you now place your religion above your duty to serve as you promised, you should be willing to face whatever consequences your refusal to fight other Muslims might bring. The idea is clearly ridiculous. You can't pick and choose your enemies when you're a soldier. What kind of army would that be?

jack the only answer here is yes when you sign up for our army you know who we are fighting,and there are muslims everyday killing muslims over seas so he can not use that as an excuse,if you ask me a say he is a terriorist!

During World War Two, American GIs of the Christian faith fought and killed Christian combatants from Germany and Italy. So I don't see it as much as an issue of faith rather is it justified. The reasons for fighting the Nazis seem quite legitimate; the liberation of Europe, stopping the Axis before they ended up here and stopping widescale ethnic cleansing being the most obvious. But the reasons we are in Iraq and Afghanistan are murky at best. Why didn't we go the Afghanistan first instead of Iraq? We have wasted eight years that could have been spent building some social and economic infrastructure in Afghanistan, something the Afghan people would have probably fought to keep without our occupation. Then there were the lies about weapons of mass distruction and other sordid tales that got us into Iraq. Regardless of one's faith, I don't feel the U.S. has the moral or political justification to send anybody, Muslim or not, to fight in that part of the world.

I don't recall Christians being exempted from fighting in World War I because they shouldn't have to fight German Christians.

They non-citizens should not be allowed to serve, many latinos and other none Americans are also serving to get citizenship. Since it is voluntary, any recruit claiming CO status should be immediately given a general or dishonorable discharge depending on their compliance since the youth don't always read small print, are prone to changing commitments and must be allowed to freely express it so they don't endanger their peers.

Hey Jack,
Muslim kill other muslims al the time.. Like suicide bombers that have no probslem killing muslim women and childrem
If it's ok with them it should be ok for our military.
If not ok, them chiristian soldiers can refuse to kill other christians.
Maybe they will have to ask an enemy's religion before pulling the trigger.

Should U.S. military Christians be forced to fight other Christians – dont Muslims kill other Muslims everyday thru there bombings. I think it is time to ask if Muslims really belong in a free society? This PC correctiness is going to doom us all.

Total Nonsence.
Its about time we all stoped apologizing for this ideology.
Kick them out of your armed services and consider making a parking lot out of the middle east.
That will solve all problems.

Muslims in the military are citizens of the US. Therefore, they are required to fight other Muslims if they choose to join the military. No other race or religious group gets to pick and choose who they will or will not fight!

Yes, muslims, should get an "out". Right "out" of the military! A recent study showed that over 90% of muslims in America harbor anti-American sentiments. Right out of the military and right out of this country! muslims=terrorists.

Everyone in the service should fight wherever me are fighting or they should get out of the service. We are going to be fightin Musslem for a long time. They anyone does not like this they sould not get into the service

So many young people join the military just for college scholarships, just as it appears this man did. He had no problem taking enough money from the government to get through college and medical school, but when the time came to repay it he tried to find every excuse in the book not to fulfill his obligations. Unfortunately it seems he was unbalanced to begin with and this sent him over the edge, but there are many MANY others in similar situations that never thought when they signed on for college money that they would ever have to actually earn it by being deployed to a war zone. They tell someone they're gay, they claim to be injured, they claim to suddenly have become "conscientious objectors". They are nothing but leeches.

I say absolutely give them a pass, and while you are at it, give them a Pass Go card as they are returned to their Muslim homelands. You can not have it both ways, especially when you volunteered. Stay and fight, or catch the next flight, very simple.

I'm a Muslim and I think that it is ludicrous that someone who CHOOSES to join the army should get to pick and choose who they fight. A soldiers loyalty is to the country he serves, not his personal faith. I am also a Pakistani and even as we speak our soldiers our fighting our own people in the Waziristan – Muslims who have terrorized other Muslims. Why should this be any different?

Radical Islamists have absolutely no place in our military. Nothing good can come of their presence as they constitute an obvious security threat as we continue our struggle agains Islamofascist terrorism worldwide.

America First, religion second. If they don't like it I'm sure there are plenty of Muslim countries that would be more than happy to accept them.

Dear Jack, There are so many angles on your question...

Will we give a pass to Christians and Jews? Will muslims or jews or christians decide not to go so that the number of Muslim Christian or jew lives will not be lost, nevermind for reasons of principle but, for reasons of safeguarding that demographic's population? And one that will sound offensive, btu makes perfect sense... insincere declarations of consciencious objection? Like the guy who claims sickness but really just doesn't want to go to war that day.

In listening to this man's atorney, it seems he wants his day in court and we shoudl give him the best representation possible that way he can't claim unfairness or bias, and when his strongest case is presented it loses fairly. That way we cna avoid the muslim version of the Watts Riots. But I digress.

Yes, once you are enlisted as a volunteer you are required to follow the rules. If you don't agree with the policy of the government or war, then don't join the army. It's as simple as that.

In this all volunteer military you fight the enemy in front of you regardless of who it is. Muslins shouldnt go into the military if they have a problem with that because we might be fighting muslin countries for a long time. During world war 11 a lot of American japanese lost their live and fought valiantly for America in the war against Japan.

Lets get the fact clear the U.S. is not at war with Muslims therefore Muslims should not feel as if they are been asked to fight against they fellow Muslims. Furthermore, when Muslim extremist strap themselves with bombs and kill fellow Muslims who are they finding with? Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is an extremist and a coward his action should not reflect the majority of Muslims.

Hail Jack,
There's no "Forced" in an all volunteer military. Conscience objector is from an era when we had the draft.
The question is unconstitutional, we have separation of church and state, the military is part of the "State" last time I checked.
We fight for freedom for all; not religious freaks!

Neil
Boston, Ma

change the swearing in process. Ask all inducties to state that they will fight for the united states no matter what their beliefs are or whatever their cultral exposure was owen scott georgia

Should Christians be allowed an out if the fight is against other Christians? Should Jews be allowed an out if the fight is against Israel? Should Hindus be allowed an out if against other Hindus? All you have to do is substitute a different religion in place of "Muslim" to see how ridiculous that opinion is. Our soldiers are volunteers...if they don't want to fight against whomever they are ordered to fight...they shouldn't have volunteered in the first place. Their first loyaltly should be to the country they live in and serve.

I couldn't agree more with Charles from Lansing. They sign up voluntarily. If they can't do what is asked of them for whatever reason, they should be dishonorably discharged. In my mind it is not about fighting Muslims. I have no issue with Muslims. It is about fighting terrorists and what happened on 9/11.

I thought this war wasn't about religion Jack? Seems to me that there are those in this country who go to great lengths to make it a war on whatever is convenient at the time to further their own political agendas. Heck, for a while there I was even beginning to believe that this was a war on Terrorism, not "Islamic Fascists." Guess the powers that be are fickle you-know-what's aren't they?

And to answer your question, yes he should fight; he enlisted voluntarily and if his duty is a soldier is something that conflicts with his faith, he needs to be discharged dishonorably. Nothing less would suffice for anyone else, so why should Muslims get special treatment?

If thedo not want to defend this country against other muslims or any other group on nationality they should be deported to one of those countries.

Suppose American Christians had refused to fight the so-called Nazi "Christians". Where would we all be today?

If you are in the u.s. military you took an oath to fight and protect your country. if you do not want to fight Muslims get out.

The military has the capacity to accept conscientous objectors. It happened in Viet Nam and the CO's still served in noncombatant roles such as medic.

Hasan knows the answer to that. His plea of insanity, temporary or otherwise, is not a reason but an excuse for killing people. For me, he is an enemy infiltrator bringing the war on US soil.

It's not enough that he'd be tried as a common criminal. He should be stripped of his citizenship and be tried as a war criminal.

yes they should be force to fight other muslims because they in the army no excueses

I agree that people should be held to their military commitments. However ,in this case, for the safety of everyone else, muslims should be allowed out (I actually wouldn't mind seeing them all thrown out). Do our soldiers now have to worry not just about fire from the enemy, but from fellow soldiers who happen to be muslim.

This guy took over one half million dollars in training to become a doctor and psychiatrist in exchange for serving in the military. Therefore, he should have served. Whatever his private feeling were, he knew what he was joing when he signed up. I am reminded of the fellow some tiime back who refused to go to war because he thought he could get a good education in the military, but never wanted to fight. I think the military has spent too much time luring high school grads into the service by promising them free higher educaton and travel adventures. When you join, you join to serve and to fight. You do not get to pick and choose what combatant you're willing to go up against.

If islam is truley just a peaceful religion then why are so many muslims terroists, I say YES, let all the muslims out of the U.S. military and then get all the muslims out of this country, We let the mainstream media keep sweeping under the rug what these muslim, islamic extremists real agenda is ( bringing down america)

The military should not excuse anyone from combat. However this incident has set the good Muslims back a great deal. I find it more difficult to trust a Muslim now.

That is a shame because there are good ones. The problem is we cannot tell the difference until it is too late.

When you sign up VOLUNTARILY, you agree to defend the nation against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic. You can't 'pick and choose' what enemies you're willing to fight against based on their religion.

Jack,

Simply put, YES. We are U.S Soldiers, we fight whom so ever the enemy is, whether they are christian, jewish, muslim, or just plain out of they're rabib minds (pun intended). Besides muslims kill muslims everyday. So, does they're religion really matter ?

No, Muslims fight Muslims all the time...