The Nothing-to-see-here media continue to do a grand job. Chris Matthews:
We may never know if religion was a factor at Fort Hood.
That’s almost certainly true in your case, Chris.
As for yelling “Allahu akbar” as you open fire, Michael Tomasky, one of the American lefties on the Guardian’s payroll, explains it for us know-nothings:
The fact that Hassan reportedly shouted the above is meant, I suppose, to imply that he was an extremist fanatic.
I’m not sure that it does. My understanding is that it’s something Arab people often shout before doing something or other. It’s used in many different situations. It doesn’t mean the guy is an al-Qaida mole any more than my drinking a cup of tea would mean I was a tea partier.
Shouldn’t that be “teabagger,” as you chaps say? Still, it’s good to know if someone shows up shouting “Allahu akbar” it’s just a sign he’s about to “do something or other.” No need to dive under the table.
On the other hand, if you’re still invested in Major Hasan’s PPTSD (unique case of pre-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), you may prefer Kate McMillan:
“Allahu akbar.” It’s the new “cry for help”.
P.S. If in doubt, blame English Catholics:
Today is Guy Fawkes Day – the anniversary of a plot by a Catholic dissident to blow up the English Parliament then dominated by Protestants). If the shootings were motivated by some sense of grievance against US foreign/military policy, then the date is surely significant.
Surely.