Don't downplay redical threat

Terrorist attack

Have I missed something? Are you kidding? Given the history of Muslim attacks worldwide on Americans, what conclusions could a sane American reach about Major Nidal Malik Hasan's actions other than that a radical Muslim was seeking martyrdom by killing innocent Americans.

The reluctance of the media to confront the greatest threat facing America is contributing to the violence we face from these radicals.

Forget political correctness, identify radicals for what they are and take the necessary action to protect Americans at home and abroad.

If you need suggestions on the actions we should take to correct this problem, I have a few that are guaranteed to work.

"America's war on terrorism did not begin in September 2001. It began in November 1979.

That was shortly after Ayatollah Khomeini seized power in Iran, riding the slogan "Death to America" -- and sure enough, the attacks on Americans soon began. In November 1979, a militant Islamic mob took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, the Iranian capital, and held 52 Americans hostage for the next 444 days.

In all, 800 persons lost their lives in the course of attacks by militant Islam on Americans before September 2001 -- more than killed by any other enemy since the Vietnam War.

The total now? Muslims have killed 3,308 people in America in 65 terror attacks.

KENNETH R. COOK
Fort Royal Avenue
Charleston

'A taker among givers'

The Nov. 7 article titled "Suspect was a study in contradiction" advised readers not to jump to conclusions. The news media seems to be tripping over itself to avoid condemning with anger the Army major who killed innocents wantonly and willfully.

Contradictions yes, but not in the sense reported. He is a taker among givers.

He took 10 years of training -- four for medical school and the rest for psychiatric training. In return he agreed to serve in the military with the gallant givers. He is a coward in all senses of the word.

This coward, like most physicians, probably took the Hippocratic oath. It states in part, "I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my abilities and my judgment and never do harm to anyone. I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan."

He decided loyalty to his nation of birth, his brave armed services colleagues and his oath as a physician were worth nothing compared to his Islamic religious fervor.

So this coward failed as a doctor, failed as a soldier, failed as a citizen and failed as a human being.

No one can keep track of all terrorist activity around the world. However, a few years ago National Geographic published a map showing all the last decade's terrorist attacks with indications as to who did the killing.

Over 90 percent were attributed to one or another Muslim group. The leaders of this religion seem unwilling or unable to curb the killing of innocents in the name of their God.

I regret that he lived. Our nation will try its best to heal his body and if he survives will enter the long and costly effort to try him, making sure no prejudice enters the deliberations, while providing legal representation that will use every device to delay a verdict and a sentence.

The editorial in the same issue along with President Obama also cautioned us not to jump to conclusions.

I plead guilty to drawing conclusions, but I don't think I have jumped to most of them.

E. DAVID GRIFFIN
M.D., FAAP (Retired)
Greensward Road
Kiawah Island