Obama Calls for Further Review of Missed Warning Signs & Motives of Fort Hood Shooter
ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: From Asia, President Obama devotes his weekly address to the domestic tragedy at Fort Hood, calling for a complete investigation so that the “full story” of the gunman’s motives and possible missed “warning signs” in the system is told. “That investigation will look at the motives of the alleged gunman, including his views and contacts,” President Obama said alluding to Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, although not by name. “I am confident that justice will be done, and I will insist that the full story be told. That is paramount, and I won’t compromise that investigation today by discussing the details of this case.” The president also called for the “potential warning signs” that may have been known prior to the shootings. “We must uncover what steps – if any – could have been taken to avert this tragedy,” Obama said. “The purpose of this review is clear: We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that information.” If there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, Mr. Obama said there must be accountability. “Beyond that – and most importantly – we must quickly and thoroughly evaluate and address any flaws in the system, so that we can prevent a similar breach from happening again. Our government must be able to act swiftly and surely when it has threatening information. And our troops must have the security that they deserve.” The president said while “there should” be a congressional inquiry into this matter, he also cautioned against getting too politically entrenched in this investigation. “All of us should resist the temptation to turn this tragic event into the political theater that sometimes dominates the discussion here in Washington. The stakes are far too high.” Mr. Obama delayed his trip to Asia by one day in order to attend Tuesday’s memorial services at Fort Hood. On Wednesday the President spoke at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which he says in his weekly address took on “even greater poignancy and meaning because of the tragic events at Ford Hood.” -Sunlen Miller
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Two words Obama uttered demonstrate, without a doubt, his mindset on the Ft. Hood massacre.
“We must uncover what steps – IF ANY (emphasis mine) – could have been taken to avert this tragedy.”
IF ANY?
As if there is any question that action should have been taken.
Capitulating to the culture of political correctness perpetrated by Obama and Holder and their minions, the Army didn’t fail to recognize the signs that Hassan is a Muslim terrorist.
The Army ignored them.
There is a big difference.
And it had horrific consequences.
2013 can’t come fast enough, when we are no longer subject to the images of this President and his cold, smug, superior attitude.
Posted by: MustBeKidding | November 14, 2009, 6:59 am 6:59 am
An Islamic, jihadist terrorist infiltrated the U.S. military. Any attempt to present it as something other than what it clearly is, is treasonist and worthy of impeachment. Ooops, my bad. It’s Bush’s fault!
Posted by: s | November 14, 2009, 8:53 am 8:53 am
Wow, this guy is really dense……
Posted by: the_centrist | November 14, 2009, 10:45 am 10:45 am
Hasan was a muslim sympathizer. Our president is also a muslim sympathizer.
The defenders of political correctness do not want to categorize this event as an act of terrorism because by doing so, they are acknowleging that moderate, successful, mainstream American muslims are potential terrorists. It’s ok for the head of DHS to categorize Ron Paul supporters as potential terrorists but heaven forbit muslims get painted with the same brush.
Posted by: Linda | November 14, 2009, 10:51 am 10:51 am
I honest to God have to agree with the first 3 comments on here well said I would have said the same.well said thank you guys centrist,must be kidding and s .Its a shame we have this man in the oval office enough said.
Posted by: Joeray | November 14, 2009, 10:54 am 10:54 am
The “quick to judge the cop in Cambridge” Hussain Obama says we need to investigate Hasan’s motives. When the muslim nut-case started indisrimainately shooting U.S. soldiers while shouting “Allah u akbar” it’s pretty clear what his motive was – to stop the enemy “infidels” from waging war on islamic turf. Duuuh!!
Posted by: petestan | November 14, 2009, 10:56 am 10:56 am
Between “studies”, speeches, and foreign junkets, Emperor O’Babble is very busy isn’t he ?
Posted by: Ron | November 14, 2009, 10:58 am 10:58 am
Listen barack, there is nothing to study, everything is plain as day……. well, maybe not to you.
Here is a tip, know your enemy!!
Posted by: Reality2009 | November 14, 2009, 11:09 am 11:09 am
Linda – On that note, I am a terrorist because I support Ron Paul. Of course returning military are also under scrutiny from Napolitano’s gang too. I would recommend going after the financial suicide bombers like Goldman as opposed to a cave with some Muslime dude. Those $70,000 Hellfires would be better used on the financial thugs.
Posted by: Huh | November 14, 2009, 11:24 am 11:24 am
President Obama? Is there anything at all that your going to get accomplished during your only term that doesn’t make a majority of American’s “gasp” every morning?
Tina
Posted by: Tina | November 14, 2009, 11:27 am 11:27 am
Just for the record; Huh isn’t Huh?.
I’m not a Paulnut.
Posted by: Huh? | November 14, 2009, 11:38 am 11:38 am
“All of us should resist the temptation to turn this tragic event into the political theater that sometimes dominates the discussion here in Washington. The stakes are far too high.”
The gall of him saying that the day after him and Holder make the announcement about the 9/11 trials.
Posted by: Huh? | November 14, 2009, 11:47 am 11:47 am
These constant reports on Obama’s speeches are really boring and getting lame..
This president is nothing but a spew of same rhetoric babble and ABC’s constant drooling over these actionless speeches is pathetic
Posted by: abc is going down the tubes | November 14, 2009, 11:48 am 11:48 am
The Blamer-in-Chief say let the Blamer-in-Chief investigate whether the Blamer-in-Chief’s administration screwed up?
Sure sounds reasonable.
Posted by: TParty4USA | November 14, 2009, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
“I would recommend going after the financial suicide bombers like Goldman as opposed to a cave with some Muslime dude.”
Muslime? Why ridicule the religion instead of the dude?
Posted by: Good for the Goose | November 14, 2009, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm
The fear of reprisal and the ridiculous blinders put on everyone worried about being politically correct kept this terrorist in the military.
Not all Muslims are terrorists but most international terrorists are Muslim. It’s a fact, it’t the world we are living in. You can’t change a jihadists mind by hugging him or her. Learn it. Live it.
Posted by: Karat Top | November 14, 2009, 12:27 pm 12:27 pm
“The gall of him saying that the day after him and Holder make the announcement about the 9/11 trials.”
Huh? | Nov 14, 2009 11:47:47 AM
What? The announcement of the 9/11 trials was made on the traditional news blackhole (Friday) because the administration DOESN’T want to make them political theater. Trying the suspects in civilians courts is the least-bad of all the bad options to get us out of the Guantanamo Bay morass.
It is utterly absurd to compare an investigation into the Ft Hood shooting to the trial of terrorism suspects in civilian courts (as has been done successfully for terrorist suspects through the 90′s).
Posted by: jhw539 | November 14, 2009, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm
Perfect, just like Democrats. Lets study the issue, that was already investigated to figure out what was already known to understand what was understood. Then have a meeting, on the meeting about the meeting when the meeting will be held, and another meeting on when that meeting where it will be held, and another meeting on when it will take place! Then make policies and pass laws on a bill that was 1000 pages long and never read that is full of pork and pet projects to make a new branch of government that will need more people who need a paycheck and fed bennifiets that is funded by newly created and increased taxes on the people.
I once seen a bumper sticker that said, “Government, if it ain’t broke, fix it til it is!” So true nowadays.
Posted by: 1mana55 | November 14, 2009, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm
No don’t turn the Ft Hood terrorist attack into political theater.
But it’s OK to give the Bid Laden look-alike and other 9/11 terrorist a stage in New York City.
Posted by: larry | November 14, 2009, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
Is Obama delusional?
Does he believe this stuff or is he just trying to convince everyone to buy it?
Motives and possible missed warning signs? What?
I’d say Obama is in a full blown panic.
He knows this was a terrorist attack on his watch. And his new pc FBI blew it.
Posted by: hank | November 14, 2009, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
“…the administration DOESN’T want to make them political theater. ”
If in fact the administration doesn’t want these trials to be political theater, the decision to have them in federal court in New York is unimaginably stupid. Political theater is 100% guaranteed.
Hard to see how this decision advances the dubious cause of “getting us out of the morass of Guantanamo.” The choice was not between Guantanamo and New York; it was between a military commission (which could have been conducted almost anywhere) and the federal court system. The reasons for choosing the former are numeros and complelling; indeed, the guy who planned the attack on USS Cole (among others) will be tried before such commissions, which satsfy every requirement of US and international law.
This was a misguided, naive and entirely political decision.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | November 14, 2009, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
Let me guess what Obama’s response will be. All or some of the below:
-ban guns (even for military folks)
-eliminate “don’t ask don’t tell” and recruit more gays for the military
-ban certain guns (even for military)
-more diversity in the military (maybe more money for muslims, gays, women, foreigners, etc to join up)
-classes and diversity training instead of basic training in the military
-punish any perceived prejudgice, racism, or bad taste more than actual killings
-a more extreme hate speech bill that will apply to everyone- except a member of a minority faith, the enemy, members of the administration, or anyone of a non-white racial or ethnic identity or “straight” sexual orientation.
Posted by: Ed | November 14, 2009, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm
“…the administration DOESN’T want to make them political theater. ”
If in fact the administration doesn’t want these trials to be political theater, the decision to have them in federal court in New York is unimaginably stupid. Political theater is 100% guaranteed.
Hard to see how this decision advances the dubious cause of “getting us out of the morass of Guantanamo.”
Fascist Hyena | Nov 14, 2009 2:12:32 PM
New York has successfully prosecuted terrorists in their court system – there was no political theater or security problem. The terrorist attacks took place in New York, so it is an obvious choice of venue.
I think any reasonable person can understand how properly trying and sentencing the suspects at Guantanamo will allow us to shut it down.
If military commissions were the obvious choice, they WOULD HAVE BEEN DONE YEARS AGO. There is a reason they have been a failure.
Posted by: jhw539 | November 14, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
Obama seems to care more about the Muslim terrorists than the American people. Outrageous !!
Posted by: CW | November 14, 2009, 5:14 pm 5:14 pm
When Will Congress Stop This Idiot-In-Chief? ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !
Posted by: AmericanPatroit | November 14, 2009, 5:19 pm 5:19 pm
President Obama’s speech in Japan was outstanding.
Posted by: tierra | November 14, 2009, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
“Let me guess what Obama’s response will be. All or some of the below:
-ban guns (even for military folks)”
Ed | Nov 14, 2009 2:44:37 PM
And when you are wrong on every single point will you even notice or just bluster onto the next topic to rant about?
There is a reason Republicans are even less respected than Democrats and Congress as a whole now – a long proven track record or not only being utterly wrong, but seeming proud of it.
Posted by: jhw539 | November 14, 2009, 5:29 pm 5:29 pm
Tierra – Nope you got it all wrong. Theres a bunch of lazies in this group saying post this, post that, under their names. Like a sweetie, I type for them. Sorry if my space bends you out of shape. Have a nice day.
Posted by: AmericanPatroit | November 14, 2009, 5:32 pm 5:32 pm
Tierra – Nope you got it all wrong. Theres a bunch of lazies in this group saying post this, post that, under their names. Like a sweetie, I type for them. Sorry if my space bends you out of shape. Have a nice day.
______________________________________
Hahaha . . . didn’t bend me out of shape at all! I just caught you at it. You have a good day too – and listen to the President’s speech in Japan. It’s thorough and detailed on relationships in the region. Impressive. Seriously, give it a chance . .
Posted by: tierra | November 14, 2009, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm
The army has alot to answer for. They could have weeded this guy out. There were plenty of signs. They promoted him with no interview or security check. He was becoming more radicalized and nobody noticed. So yeah, it has to be looked into.
By the way, 9/11 Commission decided not to assign blame for the failures. But they sure should have. Bush & Co had info from Clinton and reports right under their noses which they blew off.
The investigation has to be carried out. For too long the army has manipulated, covered up, failed to provide proper equipment, failed to provide proper care to wounded personnel, etc, etc, etc, etc.
Posted by: ibivi | November 14, 2009, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
Huh? says “I am not a Paulnut”.
Too bad, you must have voted for people that are fiscally irresponsible.
Nice blog name though…
If you have issues with Ron Paul, put them out there so we can debate them instead of meaningless slander.
Posted by: Huh | November 14, 2009, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
By the way, 9/11 Commission decided not to assign blame for the failures. But they sure should have. Bush & Co had info from Clinton and reports right under their noses which they blew off.
Posted by: ibivi | Nov 14, 2009 5:42:29 PM
Somewhat related to this, there’s an interesting new book out called “The Ground Truth” by John Farmer,senior counsel to the 9/11 Commission, dean of the Rutgers School of Law and former attorney general of New Jersey. I haven’t read it yet but apparently Farmer offers proof offers further proof that Cheney lied about the events of 9/11. In addition, the FAA and NORAD altered critical documentary evidence to support the lies that Cheney told. There’s a review of the Book in the NYT sunday book review called “The lies they told.”
“Perhaps nothing perturbs Farmer more than the contention that high-ranking officials responded quickly and effectively to the revelation that Qaeda attacks were taking place. Nothing, Farmer indicates, could be further from the truth”
Farmer’s verdict: “History should record that whether through unprecedented administrative incompetence or orchestrated mendacity, the American people were misled about the nation’s response to the 9/11 attacks.”
Farmer explains that his hope is to lay some conspiracy theories to rest “by identifying and establishing the deception that actually did occur.”
Sounds very interesing.
Posted by: Scarletti | November 14, 2009, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm
This should have been avoided but due to the fact this guy was middle eastern decent no one could do anything because it would be called profiling??????? I believe the profiling issue should be looked at entirely. I dont want to cause problems for anyone but when anyone is acting oddly check it out! No you cant do that because the ACLU will be after you—Come on Demos get these things changed. Oh by the way the pres will put this off like any major decisions he hasnt made what a terrible decision maker!!!
Posted by: Hammer | November 14, 2009, 7:10 pm 7:10 pm
If you have issues with Ron Paul, put them out there so we can debate them instead of meaningless slander.
Posted by: Huh | Nov 14, 2009 6:32:09 PM
First, I’m not the slanderer, but I actually was just reading something about Ron Paul’s son, Rand and the possibility that DeMint might challenge McConnell as Senate Minority leader.
“…Bowling Green ophthalmologist Rand Paul declined to say if he would support McConnell for another term as Senate GOP leader if he is challenged by Sen. Jim DeMint, R-South Carolina.
“I like both of them, and I don’t know that I could make a judgment. I have to win the primary first,” Paul said in the interview. “So I don’t think I’d make a judgment on how I’d vote for a leader, but I think obviously Kentucky having a leader is good for Kentucky. “
In a statement Wednesday, [Trey] Grayson [in next year's Republican U.S. Senate primary] said Paul’s remarks are a sign that he is more beholden to his “Libertarian donor base” than to his constituents in Kentucky.”
So, Kos (yes Kos of Daily Kos) thinks this means there’s still signs of a deep split in the GOP as DeMint has backed Rubio in Florida, Hoffman in NY-23, Chuck DeVor in CA, Toomey in PA. What do you think?
Posted by: Scarletti | November 14, 2009, 7:20 pm 7:20 pm
If you have issues with Ron Paul…
Posted by: Huh | Nov 14, 2009 6:32:09 PM
Also, I saw an interesting idea regarding his bill that has 300-ish co-sponsors and counting, but not enough to pass, at The Hill. It waters down the bill, but such is life in DC (I say with a sigh as I’m advocate for robust health care reform)– basically Brent Budowsky suggests using the idea to do or begin with a complete audit of all bailout programs initiated by the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and other relevant agencies– and all-inclusive input-output audit from top to bottom. Politically the compromise could gain bipartisan support and unite legitimate conservative and progressive populists.
Posted by: Scarletti | November 14, 2009, 7:39 pm 7:39 pm
Scarletti – The more oversight the better. The Federal Reserve was one of chief architects of this financial collapse so they should receive considerable scrutiny. Obama pretty much put everyone that was responsible in the economic asset bubble’s buildup (Larry Summers, etc.) into his economic team so thinking that they will fix things is a pie-in-the-sky dream. This is particularly true since they are trying to do more of what led us to this economic mess, namely borrow and spend.
As far as Rand Paul goes: We need people like him because he is honorable. As far as supporting DeMint or McConnell: that is his business, and I have no real opinion on it. I would hope that he supports people that have integrity, and I am sure, judging by his father’s character, he will.
Posted by: Huh | November 14, 2009, 7:57 pm 7:57 pm
This administration is now defining Islamic terrorism as “adverse events”. Although terrorism will no longer be recognized, we will still continue to feed billions into Homeland Security… whose main objective subsequently will be to expand political correctness, protect illegals & non-citizens, and create departments within itself for legal aide, housing, etc. for said illegals…to enhance THEIR security!
Posted by: wavesofgrain9 | November 14, 2009, 8:40 pm 8:40 pm
Mr. Obama, Ft hood killings is not something to study,but to avoid in the future.
Posted by: Joe | November 14, 2009, 8:49 pm 8:49 pm
Ft. Hood terrorist attack should not be turned into political theater, but let’s go ahead and bring the top five terrorists from Guantanamo to New York for political theater. Obama is a unique brand of President, the most left wing and political president in the history of the US. The only reason to bring them to New York is to have a circus and to bring back water boarding, Cheney, etc. At the same time Eric Holder’s law firm will make a killing on the five trials and New York tax payers will pay for it.
Posted by: wizcat123 | November 14, 2009, 11:01 pm 11:01 pm
The thirteen soldiers massacred at Fort Hood represent the first terrorist attack in US soil since 9/11. Obama and his administration are trying to downplay the entire thing for political reasons. I am not a Bush fan, but let’s face it, for seven years the Bush administration kept us safe without a single terrorist attack, it only took Obama 10 months for the first terrorist attack to happen, of all places in one of our own military installations, amazing isn’t it? We are right back to the same mentality before 9/11. Democrats do not know how to fight terrorists.
Posted by: wizcat123 | November 14, 2009, 11:06 pm 11:06 pm
The thirteen soldiers massacred at Fort Hood represent the first terrorist attack in US soil since 9/11.
___________________________________
Not true – the anthrax attacks occurred after 9/11.
“We are right back to the same mentality before 9/11.”
———————————-
The mentality right before 9/11 was that Bush was on holiday in Texas for 3 weeks and arrived back in Washington just in time to get caught totally off guard by 9/11.
Posted by: tierra | November 15, 2009, 2:00 am 2:00 am
attack should not be turned into political theater,
Posted by: wizcat123
then tell republicans to shut up and not make it one
Posted by: YO | November 15, 2009, 3:16 am 3:16 am
Obama only wants this investigation held off, until he gets back from the trip so he can help direct the investigation towards the outcome he wants.
He is weak no matter how you view the FH tragedy. He is propaganda-in-Chief. It is time for him to blow out the bubble … bla bla bla.
He might try to downplay the tragedy. Yes, with the help of the Main Stream Media. YES, HE CAN!!!
I feel so sad for the family members of the dead soldiers. After he beat Hillary on the primary …
Posted by: talk from sf | November 15, 2009, 5:41 am 5:41 am
To AmericanPatroit:
Don’t ask “When will the Congress will stop this IDIOT-IN-CHIEF?” But ask when will THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA stops HELPING THE IDIOT! When will they ask him a tough question! I had a long lists of questions I wanted to ask during the campaign, but I had no chance to ask.
Without the help of the MSM, this PROPAGANDA-IN-CHIEF, FUNDRAISER-IN-CHIEF, CAMPAIGNER-IN-CHIEF, ORGANIZER-IN-CHIEF … how can he be our president?
He seemed scattered. He had no clue. He delay and delay and delay. No wonder he voted “O” most of the time when he was senator. No jounalists ever asked him a question regarding this, so strange! joke.
Posted by: talk from sf | November 15, 2009, 5:52 am 5:52 am
hmmm
Posted by: frankfort53 | November 15, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am
I feel so sad for the family members of the dead soldiers.
Posted by: talk from sf
what’s truly sad, is that everyone who seems ‘so concerned’ about Iraq & Afghanistan now from the ‘right’ , didn’t bother to open their collective mouths for 8 years to voice an opinion of dissent about the insane and criminal conduct and policies of Bush/Cheney
Posted by: Oh Yeah | November 15, 2009, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm