Don’t be so quick to blame Muslim community

Editor, The Times:

A U.S. serviceman went berserk and killed at least a dozen fellow service members, and then was killed himself [“Shooting suspect faced deployment, wanted out,” page one, Nov. 6].

This unthinkable act wreaks havoc on the wounded, the families, co-workers, teachers, leaders and friends of the deceased, and those who, if they did not sustain physical wounds, still suffer every other type of war wound.

Our collective hearts are broken, just as they would be if one of our own family members burst into our home, and shot up all the cousins and grandparents.

At first reaction, some might want to place the blame right there, selecting the easy target on which to direct their outrage.

Since the man’s Arabic name suggests he is a Muslim, it’s possible that American Muslims may again become targets for those who rage against irrational acts, like this horrible mass killing.

As a Muslim, I sink in dismay to think of the burden we must bear when we are again asked to prove the negative — that we Americans and Islams do support such vile actions, instead we condemn them just like you do.

— Leslie Sinclair, Seattle