On the other hand, if his conscious motive was to kill — knowing he too would be killed, and he will be soon enough — to stop his personal participation in further Iraqi or Afghani bloodshed: well, I’m sorry, but imho THAT IS AN HONORABLE MOTIVE. And this is an honorable act.

I don’t really think any motive for murder is honorable, no matter who’s doing it.

(Aside: I just remembered that I was also thinking of writing Soldiers tear tourniquets, bandages from female soldiers’ uniforms, but I didn’t think the joke could hold up for a whole article (not that The Onion lets that stop them…)).

” Being Careful
Great piece, Chris. Yet too careful.

I won’t be. We don’t know Hasan’s motive, ‘though I hope we can hear the reasons from Hasan himself. (“Lone gunmen” tend not to last too long in the state of Texas.)

Perhaps his motive was as mad and greedy and perverted and selfish — the only terms possible in the context of current American “values” — as it is being portrayed.

On the other hand, if his conscious motive was to kill — knowing he too would be killed, and he will be soon enough — to stop his personal participation in further Iraqi or Afghani bloodshed: well, I’m sorry, but imho THAT IS AN HONORABLE MOTIVE. And this is an honorable act.

Of course, it all depends on whose ox is being gored, doesn’t it?

Let’s say:

A Major in the Revolutionary Guard of Iran — in a self-immolating protest against the evil of the Iranian regime — takes down a dozen or so Revolutionary Guard soldiers: how would that be played here?

Military officials wish injured soldiers had waited until after deployment to get shot. “It’s not like anyone would have noticed. Now we have this PR nightmare on our hands.”

Muslim leaders wish shooter had converted. “I apologize in advance to the Catholic League, but Jesus fucking Christ, this makes things difficult for us. Oh, and now they’re reporting that he shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ before he snapped. That’s great. Really fucking great.”

Army psychiatrist blasts army mental health program.

So basically, I’m even more insensitive than you thought.