Emotions are running high with so many Ws'ers loved ones being involved in the forces, and with the constant fear of terrorist attacks, and the varied opinions about war in general.
I am appalled that this man was not relieved of his duties when his political/ extreme religious views were so well known to those around him especially since he apparently asked to be excused, so I think blame lies with more than
just the perp.
Although he is entirely responsible for choosing to kill innocent victims.
According to a doco I recently saw, the army has softened their requirements for enlisting due to low recruit numbers. Even hard-core gang members can now join....They are getting desperate, which could explain why he wasn't not let go.
I see that WS members related to soldiers are highly offended that there are insinuations that they are racist or bigoted...and they are unfair assumptions for posters to make. Those opinions should be respected. But the alternative opinions should also be respected....lets just try to be gentle with each other.
Regarless of our opinions on war, I think we are all terribly upset by todays events.
Truth is, more people have died in combat, and post-combat than in 9/11. It seems sensless to me, but I respect that others feel differently.
PTSD is a HUGE problem and needs to be addressed and treated appropriately. You cannot live in a war state, and then suddenly switch back to a normal life....you just can't.
The perp allegedly suffered alot of hate and bigotry which is unacceptable and I hope it didn't go unpunished.
However it does NOT give him the right to murder them and anyone else in his path. If he was so desperate to get out he could have just gone AWOL, so there is more to this than just fear of deployment.
I respect those that put their life on the line to protect their country, and pray that they return to their families in tact physically and emotionally. It would be even better if they weren't sent out in harms way the first place.
I have seen men who are terrified of an upcoming deployment- they want out, and are guilted into staying like they are somehow letting down their country if they don't. This needs to stop.
Another Aussie poster discussed the thwarted terrorrist attack on the Holsworthy base here. These men involved are SCARY. When they walked out of court recently they stated that their arrests would only incite a more extreme approach in future.... And they said this openly to the media!!
The hatred they (terrorists, not musims/islamics) have for westeners is extreme, and I found myself wondering why they are here if they feel that way. The only answer is that they want us living in fear of what they
might do.
I refuse to live in fear though, because that means they are succeeding in their agenda.
raying: Prayers to everyone involved in todays tragedy, and all the others in combat and those who are awaiting the return of their families at war.
JMO
~Sorry for the long post~
