Call it What it is: TERRORISM

After the tragic attacks on our military and civilian personnel at Fort Hood Texas, any sane, thinking person would see the event as it is: an act of terrorism. Yet, this administration wants people to be “Patient” in making judgments. I agree that the investigation needs to be done correctly, carefully and that’s where patience is needed. Failing to call an event what it is exemplifies weakness on the part of leadership. The pattern of indecision frequented by the current administration does nothing but show America as an unknowing weak target.

Since this incident, at least one Jihadist website praised the Fort Hood shooter claiming that he, “put terror and chaos in the ranks of the enemy.” Indecision on the part of this administration attempting to be politically correct only opens the door to more events like this.

Since the attacks in 2001, Law Enforcement and First Responders sought training to recognize what terrorism is. As a nation, we were careful to avoid racial profiling, yet at the same time recognize terrorism. Mohamad Ibrahim Shnewer, Serdar Tatar and three other Muslims were convicted of plotting a terrorist attack against our military at Fort Dix. What makes this different? Were they only called terrorists because they DIDN’T get the chance to kill someone? When Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad shot two people at the Army Recruiting Center in Arkansas, Muhammad was called a “terrorist” by the Joint Terrorism Task Force. In that incident he DID kill someone. So tell me: Why is the Fort Hood shooting not identified as it is?

The administration’s blatant fear of using the word “Terror” is obviously a bad case of political correctness. It was apparent that Nadal Malik Hassan had problems during his military service in Maryland. Yet, rather than do the hard work and address the concerns, he was promoted and transferred. It’s common knowledge that the Army had a shortage of Majors. Promoting him might have boosted his feelings about himself right? I don’t care how he felt about himself, he didn’t have a love, honor and respect for our nation and our military. Moving the problem into someone else’s back yard is what happens when people in positions of leadership can’t lead. Granted, there were errors made along the way, and those that failed to act will be held accountable. This incident can not be hidden. Even so, there’s no excuse to pretend this incident is not terrorism – it is.

Hassan had an anti-American agenda, planned this attack and carried it out. To his surprise when he wakes up, he’ll still be alive. When he began his attack, he yelled, “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great.) This is in accordance with radical Islamic tradition. These are the last words spoken before becoming a martyr through Jihad.

In my book, “Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System” I made a point to describe the transparency between criminal and terrorist events. I described the many different definitions resulting from disagreement of what terrorism is. Given that I believe that terrorism is a criminal action, I write my own definition in the book:

“Any act which induces pain, fear or death upon innocent citizens, a particular culture, religion or representatives of authority, or to wage destruction affecting economic commerce to support an agenda.”

The Fort Hood attack falls under this definition. Given that, regardless of the administration’s ability to step up and call it what it is, let me do it for them. The Fort Hood incident was a terror attack by a lone wolf terrorist.

About the Author: Anthony M. Davis is the Founder of the Homeland Security Group and author of the bestselling book, “Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System.”