FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The suspect in the Fort Hood shootings - that left 13 dead and wounded 42 others - had asked the military to let Muslims claim conscientious objector status when it comes to going to war against other Muslims.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/11/art.hasan.jpg caption="Fort Hood shooting suspect Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan"]
The Washington Post first reported on a slide presentation Army Major Nidal Hasan, who is Muslim, made as a psychiatric resident at Walter Reed back in 2007.
It was supposed to be about a medical topic, but instead Hasan lectured about Islam, suicide bombers and threats the military could face from Muslims conflicted about fighting Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan:
"It's getting harder and harder for Muslims in the service to morally justify being in a military that seems constantly engaged against fellow Muslims."
Hasan was set to leave soon for Afghanistan, and a relative says he had asked not to be deployed.
But the Washington Post is now reporting that's not true - an Army official says Hasan never formally requested to leave the military as a conscientious objector or for any other reason.
Meanwhile there is no exact count of how many Muslims are in the U.S. military. The Pentagon lists about 3,500 Muslims out of 1.4 million service members. But officials say that number is probably low since disclosure is voluntary.
Nonetheless, this seems to be a real issue that might continue to present itself with U.S. troops still in Iraq; and potentially tens of thousands of additional troops being sent to Afghanistan.
Here’s my question to you: Should Muslim members of the U.S. military be forced to fight against other Muslims?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jay writes:
Yes. U.S. Muslim soldiers weren’t drafted; they signed up voluntarily to serve in the American Armed Forces. What if the U.S. has a spat with North Korea? Should Korean-American soldiers get a free pass? Of course not. If you’re not willing to do everything your boss orders you to do, then maybe the Army isn’t your best career choice. Suck it up, or don’t sign up.
Eric writes:
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.
Kyle from Irvine, California writes:
Yes, Jack. They took an oath to serve the U.S. and protect it against ALL enemies foreign and domestic. If U.S. Muslim troops have a problem with fighting their own, don't join the military!
Mark writes:
Muslim first, American second?
Judie from El Lago, Texas writes:
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?... Why not exclude Muslims from serving? Seems to me that would solve future situations that they feel are imposing on their religious rights.
Margaret writes:
We have a volunteer Army. What is the complaint about?
S.G. from Kingsland, Georgia writes:
Jack, I signed the same allegiance to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. The doctor is a traitor. He should be court-martialed, and if found guilty sentenced to death.
Judi writes:
If you are Muslim, shouldn't you ask yourself that question before you enlist?