Religious Screenings?

Major Nidal Malik Hasan opened fire at Fort Hood near Killeen, Texas nearly three weeks ago. After the event, 13 were dead and 30 were injured. Major Hasan was shot but is still alive.

Many have been speculating about how to prevent this from happening again. Some are looking at the fact that Major Hasan was a psychiatrist and the stress exerted on him by helping people caused him to snap. Others are looking at his religious affiliations. These thought processes have led to possible adjustments in armed forces recruitment.

Religious screenings have come up as a possible adjustment. These screenings would be in breach of communitarian ideals. One would have to sacrifice privacy and possibly social well being if one were forced to come forward with their religious beliefs. However, these screenings make sense from a utilitarian standpoint. Few can deny some connection with certain extremist religions and acts of terrorism. If screening lowered possible terrorist outbreaks, then the community might be a little more at ease.

I believe we should look at this from a utilitarian standpoint. The government is meant to work for the community, therefore the community should be put first.