Lack of tolerance is root of many problems

Maj. Nidal M. Hasan who shot and killed his fellow soldiers last week lived in a run down apartment block where he was known as No. 9 - the number of his unit. The Washington Post wrote:

"During his nearly four-month stay in apartment No. 9, Hasan made few friends. Most other tenants didn't know his name, referring to him as "Number Nine."

They said he often left his one-bedroom apartment at 5 or 6 in the morning, dressed in his uniform. Hasan usually did not return home until 6 or 7 in the evening, sometimes dressed in traditional Muslim clothes and carrying a Koran.

Some nights as he came home, neighbors would be gathered around a picnic table in the courtyard drinking beer. As he climbed the steps to his apartment, they would snicker at him ..."

If Hasan hadn't been marginalised by his society this terrible event would probably not have happened.

What has stood out to me reading some of the coverage is the description of Hasan being 'a devout muslim'. Like that's supposed to say something about him. It's so insidious it makes me angry. The journos are insinuating something but trying to make it seem like they aren't.

The papers are feeding the flames.

It was bound to happen, it's what they excel at, but unfortunately, it'll detract from the real issues at hand - the mental health of soldiers and military culture.