Could Hasan Get Away with Murder?

Political correctness has taken yet another turn for the bizarre as the dramatic tragedy at Ft. Hood continues to unfold. There has been great debate as to whether or not these murders could have been prevented if not for political correctness. Some of my favorite journalists have weighed in on the subject: Charles Krauthammer, Ann Coulter, and even one of my favorite action heroes, Chuck Norris. And I agree with each and every one of them. We have become so politically correct, and so afraid of speaking the truth for fear of insulting someone, or some group, that our security is at risk. I believe that our most recent American terrorist (alleged), Hasan, sent up enough red flags to have forewarned his neighbors, patients, fellow doctors and fellow officers to have smoked him out long, long ago. This tragedy truly could have been, and should have been, prevented.

Even worse, because post incident, politicians and prosecutors are afraid to call this terror attack a terror attack and hence, call a terrorist a terrorist, Hasan may actually get away with murder. If Major Hasan (I truly abhor even using the United States Army rank in his title) were called a terrorist, he would be tried as an enemy combatant and, if found guilty, chances are he would receive the appropriate sentence. However, it is clear that his criminal defense lawyers may use an insanity defense. Headlines, even in the Wall Street Journal, have already called him psychotic. And if he is deemed mentally ill, due to harassment and PTSD (PRE Traumatic Stress Syndrome) we may even see a not guilty verdict. With the trial in criminal court, it is a crap shoot. One thing is certain. He will not be convicted of terrorism. But as we all watch this fiasco, this miscarriage of justice, let's all be open minded and wait until all the evidence is in. Then let us all decide whether, based upon the evidence, he receives the appropriate sentence from criminal proceedings, and weigh the verdict and sentence against what may have been the result of a military tribunal for crimes of high terror. Perhaps the evidence in a criminal trial will exonerate him completely. You never can tell with eye witnesses.

Here's A Surprise

Bank of New York Mellon Corporation CEO Robert Kelly has reportedly declined an offer to become the next CEO of Bank of America when current CEO Ken Lewis retires. What a surprise! Imagine that! Two years ago, the CEO position at Bank of America was probably one of the most coveted in the industry. But now, who in their right mind would want the job? Since Bank of America was compelled to accept TARP funds it did not need, and then was strong-armed to complete a deal to purchase failing Merrill Lynch, it's stock price has plummeted as has it's reputation! Though analysts still believe in the strength of the institution, the board will be hard pressed to find a replacement for Lewis, who is expected to retire at years end.

Why? I could exhaust pages documenting how U.S. government regulation and policies meddling in the market makes this position undesirable. I could speak of how the close scrutiny of any actions by the banking industry's major players makes deal-making nearly impossible. But that is not my point.

The point is that Ken Lewis, who has built the strongest, most diversified financial institution in the nation, has been vilified by the government and the press. But the actions taken to punish Lewis have far greater implications. This is the first sign of what has been argued will be the negative consequences of government interference. The top talent in the banking industry, or any industry, will steer clear of any position in any institution beholden -whether by force or choice - to the Obama administration. The administration will keep pay from being competitive, keep decision makers under a microscope, and prevent them from making decisions that are good for the business because success and profit are considered evils by those in political power. This is how insidious socialism is. Those with political power will succeed in stifling competition in many ways. This is only the beginning.