Re: Chaplain James Yee
Reader comment on item: Pentagon Jihadis

Submitted by Jerrold Terdiman MD (United States), Feb 28, 2006 at 16:37

I understand the danger posed by militant Islamists who are disloyal to the U.S. and manage to infiltrate sentsitive positions in the government, armed forces, and prisions. However, it must not be assumed that all personel who are Muslim are to be viewed with suspicion.

Great care must be taken that due process be followed. There must be real evidence inorder to persue investigations. All candidates for sensitive positions should be screened and cleared by security and intelligence agencies before being appointed. Many persons who are not Muslim can pose a threat.

In the case of Chaplain Yee who had a exemplary record of service in the military, there was no legitamate case against him. As I'm sure you are since aware, all charges were dismissed. However, the damage to his reputation, career and his family was very great. Even though profiling may be more efficient, it is not consistent with American values.

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