It's been nearly three years, and Nidal Hasan, who is accused of murdering 13 military members and wounding 32 others, has not even went to trial yet.
Shortly after the attack, Barack Obama said to the nation, "Let's not jump to conclusions." About a year later, the killings would be labeled by the Obama administration as "workplace violence."
Hasan's trial has been on hold while the military courts decide whether Hasan, who is a Muslim, should be allowed to have a beard while in the courtroom.
Amazingly, Hasan didn't have a beard when he joined the military or the day the crimes were committed. He now decided to grow a beard before the trial so witnesses would not be able to identify him so easily and for religious purposes.
A previous judge, (Col. Gregory Gross) issued an order to forcibly shave him, but surprisingly that judge has been removed from the case.
Hasan is still receiving his full military pay and benefits while in prison, even though Army regulations prohibit beards. Hasan argues it would be a sin for him to shave it off because of his religious beliefs.
You won't hear much from the major news networks about this radical Islamist, but you will probably hear a lot about Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, who is accused of killing 19 Afghans. He served four tours in combat and has already been the subject of a pretrial hearing by the U.S. military. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
After nearly three years of delays since the Fort Hood massacre, I think it is way past time to proceed with the Nidal Hasan trial.
The families of the deceased service members have waited long enough for justice.
Bill Brantner
Williamsburg
