Sadness

I'd like to write something light-hearted, even funny, today. It might even be what we need. But I can't. You see, I know what it is like to be in the military. I know what a military base is like. There is no other place where you can feel as safe, as secure, as a military installation. Access is controlled, weapons are only in the hands of those maintaining the security of the base. And my time in the military was at a time when we weren't worried about terrorism. Security is even higher now.

But you cannot defend against craziness. Reportedly this major, a military psychiatrist, was harboring deep anger and mental conflict. Reportedly, there were earlier signs of this but they were overlooked. There will be inquiries, and finger-pointing, and all that 20/20 hindsight that goes with these things. Nothing will come of that. Except maybe more rational people will be inconvenienced by alleged "safeguards" implemented to prevent future incidents.

They will be of no real utility.

I do not directly blame this man's religion. I do wonder about the military's illogical handling of him if the reports of his past behavior and allegedly expressed feelings are true. But I understand the military's unwillingness to admit to error in personnel matters.

My heart goes out to the victims and to their families.

Please give to service related charities.

Please thank a serviceman when you run across one.

Please seek counseling if your anger and frustration grows to a point where it consumes more than 10 minutes of your waking hours.