Political Hotsheet
November 10, 2009 3:29 PM

Obama: No Faith Justifies "Craven" Acts at Fort Hood

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President Obama spoke at a memorial service for the men and women killed at the shooting rampage at Fort Hood Army post, honoring the dead and predicting justice for the shooter responsible for their murder.

"It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy," Mr. Obama said. "But this much we do know – no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor. For what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice – in this world, and the next."

The president said the fact that the shooting took place on American soil "makes the tragedy even more painful and even more incomprehensible." He said those who were killed will endure "through the life of our nation."

"Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – that is their legacy," said the president.

Photos: Fort Hood Memorial Service

Mr. Obama spoke individually about those who were killed in the shootings, offering background information and details about their lives. When Staff Sergeant Amy Krueger's mother told Krueger she couldn't take Osama bin Laden on by herself, the president noted, "Amy replied: 'Watch me.'"

"Their lives speak to the strength, the dignity the decency of those who serve, and that's how they will be remembered," Mr. Obama said of the fallen.

CBSNews.com Special Report: Fort Hood Massacre

He went on to say "this generation has more than proved itself the equal of those who have come before," noting their service in a time of danger.

"We need not look to the past for greatness, because it is before our very eyes," he said.

The president said America's commitment to justice "is so enduring" that the shooter will be given due process, "just as surely as we will see that he pays for his crimes."

"We are a nation that guarantees the freedom to worship as one chooses," he said. "And instead of claiming God for our side, we remember Lincoln’s words, and always pray to be on the side of God."

"We say goodbye to those who now belong to eternity," concluded the president. "We press ahead in pursuit of the peace that guided their service. May God bless the memory of those that we have lost. And may God bless the United States of America."

Full Remarks: Obama at Fort Hood

More Coverage of the Tragedy at Fort Hood:

Nation Honors 13 Fort Hood Victims
FBI Searches for Missed Clues on Hasan
Hasan Warned Army about Muslim GI Morale
Senate Panel to Investigate Ft. Hood Massacre
Fort Hood Suspect Awake, Army Says
Counseling for Trauma, Grief at Ft. Hood
Ft. Hood Shooting: Composure Under Fire
List of Fort Hood Dead, Wounded
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by ToolMangler1 November 10, 2009 10:37 PM EST
I feel that the President misspoke, albeit out of compassion for the victims and family gathered there but nonetheless, misspoke. His comment
" no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor. For what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice" gives a false impression.

I understand the reason for the statement but disagree with the word "craven". Regardless of Hasans reasons his method speaks of immense courage and bravery. His efforts were for the wrong reasons (in humanity's eyes) but there was no cowardice involved. That is all I will say for now, much needs to be revealed yet.
Please know that I believe he should pay for his actions, probably with his life, but that is not for me to decide. I am however, curious how the true thinkers will receive my opinion. Lets see where this goes..
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by 50BMS13 November 11, 2009 5:24 AM EST
Of course it takes some guts to do a suicide mission. Call it bravery or guts whatever. But the thing that stands out and should be focused on isn't that. It should be the hatred. To fire on unarmed comrades and innocents is EXTREMELY hateful, even if a measure of guts was required to carry it out. Same goes for the 911 hi-jackers.
by Frances64 November 11, 2009 3:45 PM EST
His actions were certainly cowardly: evidence shows that he made no official effort to be moved to a different post or leave the military, despite his belief that he would be unable to deploy and fight people of muslim faith. If he were brave, he would have gone and done the mission anyhow, and if he truly believed that doing so was wrong, he would have found a way to leave the military. The people he shot at- despite being soldiers- were unarmed, trusted him, and were in a place where they are meant to feel safe. He also apparently believed that he would die in the attempt, and that he wouldn't have to endure being interrogated, and eventually executed (or live the rest of his life in jail in shame). How did he not act as a coward?
by starleo146 November 10, 2009 8:22 PM EST
It was a beautiful speech and I can imagine how hard it was for him. How sad a thing it was. My heart felt for every soldier at Fort Hood, Someone will be catching H--- for letting this guy escape the radar. Do we have a CIA that can do anything anymore, I believe Cheney got to destroy that as well, my trust and faith since Iraq has really been shaken.That is for another time God Bless the family of every one passed, and wounded in this horrible, horrible, instance. Thank you Mr. President you have a great heart, and I am thankful you take the commander-in-chief so seriously, it isn't just wars.A lot is weighing on you with the economy, no jobs, the Afghanistan situation.I do not blame you for taking your time on Afghanistan when you see those faces you saw today.
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by 50BMS13 November 10, 2009 10:07 PM EST
eloquent comment. As far as the CIA goes....Bush and Cheney were forging ahead with a stronger CIA and NSA. Guantanimo was set up for toughness. The Liberals and Obama pulled the plug on CIA and NSA ops. Shut Guantanimo. No wire tapping of muslim extremests....Bush and Cheney tried. You all voted Obama in and now everything including the CIA and NSA are a mess. It was your gracious president that weakened us. We are at war for goodness sakes.

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