DISQUS

jgilliam · 2 years ago

Comments are working again. Sorry about that, folks!

Joel Chaban · 2 years ago

Please lift the ban and support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act which will allow gays to volunteer to join the military.

Dan Noel · 2 years ago

Ironically, heterosexual rape of female U.S. soldiers is common in war zones, but this is not of much concern to the top brass and their civilian overseers. Why are homosexuals singled out? Go figure...no wonder war costs so much money and is so hard to win.

Lawrence Rinaldi · 2 years ago

feared

Donna · 2 years ago

I am a hetersexual because I was born that way and I truly believe that gay too, were also born that way. We didn't make that choice when we were conceived,or as we came into puberty,it is our bilogical makeup since conception. I only wish the rest of the world would stop being ignorant, and wake up to the truth of life, that has been around since the beginning of time. Gay people have been scrutinize, for such along time, that they kept it a secret, rather then being judged so harshly.It is just so sad, for they are just like anyone else wanting to fit into society, in all walks of life as a friend,co-worker,college,son,daughter,mother father and so much more.
The human race will need to accept everyone from all sex,colour and race,to truly exist in harmony on this very small planet,called Earth. Through elimanating hatred,judgment and wars, I believe that love & peace will follow.

D. Creech · 2 years ago

The Iraq war is a War for Profit... not a war to win and leave. The new US embassy and military bases prove it. Since having an Arabic speaking soldier is an asset it may sabotage the odds. Why doesn't anyone speak about motives for the war... could it possibly be the "forcing" of the Production Security Agreements (PSA's)?

Gilbert Woolley · 2 years ago

Sorry, didn't read the press cutting before I responded (previoud posting
Since that language is Arabic this is tripple stupid. After over four years in Iraq only a few Americans have bothered to learn Arabic. No wonder we mess up relations with Iraquis. The pejudices of intolerant people are evidently more important than success.

Rev. Gina · 2 years ago

This is an extremely difficult position for me. I TOTALLY respect your desire and will to fight but I respect YOUR life soooo much that I find it very hard to want to sign anything that would send yet another person [of whatever color, race, religion, or sexual orientation] to war.
I dream of a day in which all U.S. soldiers say they are gay to END this war.
YES, of course that isn't ethical but neither is the present situation. It is just a thought, not something I can actually condone.
Either way, I Hope you can Honor my predicament.
THANKS & BLESSINGS,
Rev. Gina

Rosalie Gottlieb · 2 years ago

Excellent and this ban against gays and lesbians shoud be stopped.

Lawrence Rinaldi · 2 years ago

The Boethian Sacred Band was composed of homosexuals and were fear in the Ancient World of the Greeks or Hellenes. They were a small band who were known to fight to the death.

Thomas Klocke · 2 years ago

Lift the ban on gays in the military. It is so simple and makes so much sense.

Butch · 2 years ago

I have a Bronze Star, 5 Combat Air Metals and I'm gay. I proudly served our Country with distinction. Its time to join all the rest of the countries of the world and stop this ridiculous policy. It is time that we have a Military NOT an arm of the religious 'right'.

Gilbert K Woolley · 2 years ago

I am not gay. Suggest that in this casd you alo stress the stupidity of losing a service man who
wpeaks a foreign language. If that laguagr were Arabic this would be tripple stupid. After over four years in Iraq only a few Americans have bothered to learn Arabic. No wonder we mess up
relations with Iraquis.

D · 2 years ago

Excuse me? I am confused, I do not support the war in Iraq. Why would I want more soldiers? I wish gays would count their blessings and NOT wish to join the military. Hmm one tune is, support our troops, bring them home. Another tune is, support gay rights send them to the military!? I think they should all stay the heck away from the military!!!

Max Givon · 2 years ago

Please change a policy rooted in ignorance.

busterkikki · 2 years ago

You hate gays. They are effeminate and creepy. One afternoon in an ambush you are seriously wounded. A Corpsman finds you and despite shot and shell he cleans your wound, eases your pain and tells you he is going to get another corpsman to help get you out. You give him a funny look. "Are you gay?" he asks the Corpsman. The latter says, "I am not required to answer that, but if it affects you, yes I am gay: Would you, the wounded man who has been given life by a gay corpsman tell him not to bother to return? I think not.

linda de Nazelle · 2 years ago

How can Americans put so much energy into such small and intolerant issues, with all the serious problems (many caused by us) in the world?

Kevhoffer · 2 years ago

Interesting. What if it turned out most of the soldiers in service were gay and this idiot general Bush found (since all the other generals disagreed with this war) who happens to be a fairly nutty guy, kicks out all the gay soldiers forcing us to withdraw entirely from the occupation in Iraq? Wouldn't that be a hoot? Oh wait, I forgot, Bush would fire that general because his allegiance to the profit whore defense industry comes before his allegiance to the fascist-religious leaders of "Christianity" of the far right. (I use quotes for Christianity because Jesus would start and perpetuate NO war or occupation no matter HOW much money it would make his friends.)

Gay men are fine. Hetero men are fine. Even the homo-phobic men are fine (although deeply disturbed about their own sexuality which has been proven time and time again). Everyone is fine, if we just left each other alone and stopped fighting about EVERYthing.

walt hrozenchik · 2 years ago

Veterans are just as stupid as the public at large when it comes to sexual matters. Sick ,sick, sick. This wasn't such an issue in my war 4years USN, Korea

Kay · 2 years ago

Greenwald is doing an excelent job. Congrads dude. a documentary which I would like to recomend is "Why we fight" by U. Jarecki. Puts a lot of things into perspective, the murder of JFK is one of them.

Peace.

Tom M. · 2 years ago

Dear oh dear. Deirdrick's comments are a direct result of the intentional, enforced ignorance on this and many other issues that the rulers of our country have used so effectively to divide and conquer. Deirdrick, please dig a bit deeper into the realities of sexual identity, educate yourself rather than looking for ways to confirm your bigotry.

At least watch the last segment again, the part that lists all the countries who integrate gays into their armed forces, and see if some questions don't come up for you?

Good luck on joining a bigger world.

Linda Synnott · 2 years ago

As Barry Goldwater so eloquently said, "You don't have to be straight to shoot straight." Amen.

Anna G. Neal · 2 years ago

In this day and age, when anything goes, morality being at the top of America's agenda, I fail to see why people who do not fit the "GREAT WHITE FATHERS" sterotype, religious image is not worthy to be treated like every other citizen in this country. Tell these hyprocrits to "buzz off."

Mr. Aegard · 2 years ago

Wow Deirdrick, you seem like a really fair guy. I'd hate to see the unfair guy in your community. Could that guy's name possibly be Hitler? Really, it's time to wake up and join the 21st century. Who cares what orientation someone is? If they are willing to fight for their country, then why would they be denied this opportunity? Yeah, because when bullets are flying over soldier's heads, the first thought they have is "Geez, that guy is kinda cute." Being Canadian, it completely amazes me how the United States has become a "church" state over these last few years. The current administration has got to go...no country likes/admires your current government. And when you have no friends (I'm sorry, but Haliburton doesn't count...:), you're going to create a lot of animosity towards yourself. Don't worry though, our current government here in Canada has become a Bush lap-dog, so I'm sure people are going to start hating us soon (such as our removal of humanitarian funding from democratically-elected governments). Keep up the great work, BraveNewWorld films....we love ya.

justin purchin · 2 years ago

thanks for making and please distribute it well to counter the stupid prejudices of most men. The politicians and military who
practice their fears and hate have to be taught that all men and women have the same spiritual value endowed by God.
I am a straight former Marine who served in the Korean war and had no idea who was gay or otherwise.

justin purchin · 2 years ago

thanks for making and please distribute it well to counter the stupid prejudices of most men. The politicians and military who
practice their fears and hate have to be taught that all men and women have the same spiritual value endowed by God.
I am a straight former Marine who served in the Korean war and had no idea who was gay or otherwise.

Fred Kraft · 2 years ago

Thank you BraveNewWorld for trying to create mutual understanding amoung all people. Eventually some of those that carry hate and ignorance will someday be enlightened.

Dan Mortenson · 2 years ago

Rev. Gina said:

"I dream of a day in which all U.S. soldiers say they are gay to END this war.
YES, of course that isn't ethical but neither is the present situation. It is just a thought, not something I can actually condone.
Either way, I Hope you can Honor my predicament.
THANKS & BLESSINGS, Rev. Gina"

Reverend Giva -- part of adulthood, in the world we've inherited, is admitting that one cannot always tell the truth to everyone. I used to have hard standards in this regard, but my own listing of who deserves the truth, and who will only use it against me, has gone through massive adjustment over the years.

In your example, I'd look at the lies the administration tells us every day, and the lies the military tells us and our soldiers; and ask if the onus to be truthful should fall only on one party in the conversation. Our preference for true statements is being used against us, and against the world. Sad but true: those in power deserve to be lied to.

As for the war ending if all soldiers claimed they were gay, it wouldn't happen -- because the DADT policy would blow away so fast in the desert wind-

This reminds me of another plan I once thought would work -- that laid out in Lysistrada, in which all the women refuse sexual favors until the men stop fighting wars. This plan WOULD actually work -- if women could take the sudden excalation of rapes, beatings, and murders. If anything could mend that flaw in the plan, I'd be for it.

Dan Tucker · 2 years ago

I served 10 years in the U.S. Navy and I'm a hetersexual. However, I've now been an electrical engineer for 20 years in the DoD industry, developing and making their weapons and communication systems. All of my employers openly hire and utilize gay people wherever they are needed, in all fields. I prefer to hire women, gays and lesbians because they always work harder and feel they have something to prove. I agree with the Navy's of the world, bias over sexual preferences is no substitute for work ethics, efforts and results. You could actually hire on to Blackwater or Haliburtin for at least $30,000/month... Why settle for pennies working for a military that doesn't want you?

Michael · 2 years ago

I've actually had straight people tell me that gays are totally accepted here in the U.S. and we have nothing left to complain about. I tell them there's a difference between being accepted and just being tolerated, and what toleration we enjoy, we had to fight for. I would like to direct those people to the above comments by the poster Deirdrick. He is only the tip of the iceberg and I hope he realizes that all his clever(he thinks) rationalizations only undermine his own argument. He only proves that gays have a long way to go to overcome prejudice and ignorance in America.

I get tired of hearing about freedom in America; it's issues like homosexuality that put American's beliefs in freedom to the test. Alot of other minorities also still have a long way to go, of course people like Deirdrick wouldn't know because he's never had to walk a day in our shoes.

Deirdrick says we want people to feel sorry for us; I don't want your sympathy, I just want the same rights that everyone else has in this so-called free country. I want you to learn how to live and let live, and leave me the hell alone.

If we had true separation of church and state in this country our problems would be greatly diminished. Most of the founding fathers understood this, but two hundred years later, most Americans still can't get it through their thick heads.

Don't get me wrong, I love America, but it has a long way to go to fulfill it's promises, with so many hypocrites around.

Dan Mortenson · 2 years ago

Deirdrick:

You are the one who is confused. Gay men do not act "like females." They act like gay men. Your analogy to aliens is lamentable on two counts. If friendly aliens came to Earth, and didn't make life hard for us, why on Earth should we NOT accept them as neighbors and co-workers? If you believe in god, do you think god didn't create the aliens, that they aren't his children/sheep?

The second way your analogy is flawed is that even you would have to admit that extraterrestrial aliens couldn't help being what (-ever) they are. And yet your intolerance would still extend to them. But you insist that gays are gays because girls rejected them at a formative moment.

Not. Gays are gays. Your attitude is the one the military uses to frighten straight soldiers (who largely think like you do, that gay is a choice), that they could (but for the grace of macho) be gay themselves. It's a straw fear: straights are straights.

Get it straight (sic). Straights CAN'T think gay, and gays CAN'T think "straight". Though nothing could stop either from trying, it will only confuse the issue further for them. So yes, SOME who think they are gay may be confused straights, but also vice versa. The lack of accurate and unbiased information on gender preference (and yes, from a young age) in this country makes that confusion more likely.

Ask yourself: what would Jesus do, if a gay man put a hand on his thigh? If you think Jesus would choose to change the man's self-concept, as a way of "curing" him of his "defect", then you won't have a problem with having your own personality "adjusted," when your own misapprehensions, confusions, and habits become inconvenient to the mainstream.

Jeffrey McMeans · 2 years ago

We are so behind the times. By the way; they are changing and we need anyone, no matter what their sexual orientation, to be able to serve in the US military. We are short of translators and we are going to dump this guy because he is gay? That is so wrong. By the way, when I was in the military, 1961-1963, there were people drummed out of the service for being homosexual. See the times have change, but the military hasn't.

shelley · 2 years ago

I believe this is just as much about religion as the military. Both need a swift kick in the ass. Their combined narrow and intolerant views are weaving the handbasket for the world to go to hell in. Goddess help us.

William G. Webster, Sr. · 2 years ago

Let gay people serve in the military just as others do.

Christine Ziegler · 2 years ago

Why should one's sexual preference be an issue?

We should be grateful for each and every solider --Gay, Straight, or Bisexual-- who is willing to fight for this country in an illegal and unpopular war!

Mary Jo Bumpus · 2 years ago

What happen to love one another. We should love all our soldiers no matter of their sexual preference. They are willing to fight and possibly get killed to save us. Please give them a break. I am a Senior Citizen and I love them all as if they were my own sons and daughters fighting to protect us all. Please love and honor them ALL for fighting for us. Thank you.

holly gagnon · 2 years ago

Willing, speaks Arabic, seems like a no brainer.
Oh, but we are talking Washington.

Emyre B. Robinson · 2 years ago

I believe it is time for this country to join the many other industrialized countnries of the world and allow gays and lesbians to join our armed forces openly. These Christians in word only are such hypocrits.

Sunny · 2 years ago

As I listened to interview with Stephen Benjamin on NPR today I can't say I was shocked by the injustice, but I am always amazed and outraged by the continuous prejudism existing in our society still today. We dare to call ourselves "modern" and claim to be of the "free world", and speak about America's great respect for equality! Shame on our leaders! Shame on our hypocritical society!

We talk and write about how we respect equality for our diverse nation. Perhaps this is referring to diversity in what we eat, which cars we drive, the span of our ages, but it certainly not in the areas that make us each uniques individuals. Certainly this does not mean we celebrate diversity in the color of our skin, the accents of our speach, which gender we happen to be born, or what our sexual preferences are!

Personally, just because I am heterosexual does not mean that I am greater than all the homosexuals, lesbians, and bi-sexuals in this world. How narcissitic to think that because a person may marry, or engage in a sexual relationship with the opposite sex that you are the "elite," and have the right to fight for our country!

It is difficult for me to comprehend that in the 21st Century, American's continue to force certain populations into oppression. If this isn't evidence that those in power continue to be the Caucasian males in our society we should just place a big "I" on our foreheads to indicate the depth of our ignorance!

I wonder why so many in positions of leadership get up on platforms and talk-the-talk of equality & fairness, yet they continue to walk a path that falls short of respecting equality, knowing they are leading others by their examples in their continued display of discrimination.

I sometimes wonder if I really am living in just another form of the Dark Ages instead of in the 21st Century.

Jan Asch · 2 years ago

I don't think it's an accident that we have less and less soldiers with good language skills in Iraq. It's so much easier to kill when you can objectify and demonize a people. When you don't know the language you tend to be more fearful. When you don't understand what is happening you shoot first and ask questions later. Isn't destabilization what we're really after here? If Iraq gets fixed then we won't need Halliburton Blackwater and the like anymore, and how much lost revenue would that mean to the war profiteers and their stockholders? Get it. Everything is upside down. Iraq is democratic now and they want us OUT. But you see, instability is more profitable than peace, so we're staying. Gay or Straight do you really want to "fight" in an illegal war? This administration will likely be tried for war crimes some day. Be glad they won't let you be part of this insanity. Wouldn't you rather find a way to use your Arabic to help people rather than help kill people?

It's sad that you got fired from the Navy for being gay. I'm against that policy. But I kind of resent how it was presented here. It's like, wait a second, I'm supposed to use my outrage over some stupid military policy (one of so many)? Sorry, I think we should all really be outraged about THIS WAR, goddammit. Fix the military later. Thousands of innocent people are dying for NOTHING.

Elaine Elmer · 2 years ago

My fervent deep hope is that stupidity like this fueled by distortion of Truth in the name of "God" will soon end, as the wraps fall from our blind eyes. The indoctrinations go very deep in our cultures and do incaluable damage.

david newton · 2 years ago

lack of liguistic skills in the native tongue of the country you are occupying is a recipe for all-out failure. casting off this crucial asset for the reasons indicated contributes to the immense shortfall in the strategies of reconciliation for everyone involved in this ongoing human atrocity in iraq and afganistan.

Lee · 2 years ago

Wake up America, this is the 21st Century. We know better that all people are created equal regardless of their religion, race, and their sexual preference. Get real- these people make excellent Americans willing to fight & die for their Country - America-land of the free & the brave.

Andy Allison · 2 years ago

The fact that this type of petition is even needed sickens me. What are people so afraid of? Why is it that about 50% of the people in this country seem to be proud of their aggressive ignorance and put so much time & energy into issues like this one. I really have no pride in being American. The rest of the world looks at us as uneducated, spoiled, demanding, lazy, fat, ultra-conservatist, and dangerous. Why don't we focus on fixing that? Because of backwards & irresponsable legislation like this takes up way too much of our time.

If we want this policy to be repealed I'll tell you the quickest way to do it...

As a group, gays & lesbians should collectively REFUSE to serve. Just watch how fast things change then.

Gen · 2 years ago

Whoa, Deirdrick you are a misogynist; thinking gay men are a result of women slighting them is despotic patriarchal thinking. Who feeds you this shit, your president? Love, faithfulness, respect, commitment, etc are human virtues - they have nothing to do with gender/sex. Any human can experience them. Try it Deirdrick, try love, instead of that sanctimonious, holier-than-thou, divisive attitude you shroud yourself with.
How does sexual orientation make human beings different from one another? It doesn't!! We are the same, from American to Zionist, from Arabian to Zambian; we are all "VULNERABLE."

Bill Chambré · 2 years ago

When I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1984, gays would have been dismissed for "sexual deviancy". Part of the rationale was that if you were gay, you were subject to being blackmailed and therefore could not hold a security clearance.

Times have changed. I believe it was about 1986 when being gay was no longer grounds for dismissal. A few years back, there was a guy (now gal) who had gender reassignment surgery and remained in the Forces. Interestingly enough, her partner was a police officer who also underwent gender reassignment surgery, so they went from being a gay couple to being a lesbian couple. A couple of years ago, we had our first gay marriage between 2 men serving in the Canadian Forces. And somehow our Armed Forces has not turned to a state of anarchy. OK, so we don't have the firepower that our US neighbours have, but that is an entirely different issue.

I general, as a heterosexual, life is a lot easier for me than it is for my gay colleagues. We still have our share of knuckle-dragging Neanderthals, but progress is being made up here and am sure it will happen in your country as well.

Connelly · 2 years ago

thanks for keeping this important issue alive!

Mark · 2 years ago

Dan Noel at the top od the page asked "Why are the homosexuals singled out? It's because of that goddamn bible!

Bob P. · 2 years ago

Poor Dierdrick. He is obviously grumpy and irritated by having to live in that closet. Those who shout the loudest often have the most to hide. As a gay man and a Vietnam Veteran with two tours and Bronze Star, I'll be glad to pound the crap outta you to show that gay men are not sissies.

Donald L. Noel · 2 years ago

Where IS the petition we are encouraged to sign??

jessehaff · 2 years ago

The petition is here: ga1.org

jasnme · 2 years ago

This Country sucks like all others "they" have ruined while Americans were saying"It's over there it would never happen here" So we selfishly go about not caring about the other side of the world. So now here we are as we were sleeping for years this Country is now a PIT, there is nowhere to run, we are all going down soon, Good bye America and Welcome The NOrth American Union AKA USSA

jasnme · 2 years ago

Hey Pam YOU'vE got something there................. If you don't want to be drafted when it comes...................SAY YOU'RE GAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>YEE HAW My sons won't have to go.....Thanks PAM

Sue D. Esq. · 2 years ago

"Don't ask, don't tell" is a policy that we will hopefully look back on with the same shame as we do with the Jim Crow laws. The stereotypes about gays have been dispelled and the general public does not carry the same (false) notions it once did. We are not living in the 50's, and there are no sane reasons for continuing this policy against gays and lesbians who have served honorably (yet, unfairly, in fear) throughout our history. We should NOT allow government policies to be shaped by the Christian right, or by any religious group. Love live the separation of church and state - long live the First Amendment!

Appleby · 2 years ago

Not a good move to fire these guys/gals. Hope they take these translators into some non-military intelligence where they can monitor websites of something. We need them on our side. What a terrible shame.

average joe · 2 years ago

A better idea would be to ban gays AND heterosexuals from military service.

Adrian · 2 years ago

3 cheers for Bob P. !

Jeff Morris · 2 years ago

Don't ask don't tell, was an inept attempt to appease the bigoted, ignorant, sect of American society that doesn't really believe in the long standing American tradition of equal rights. Unfortunately, this ignorance exists at the highest levels of our Military too, as recently demonstrated by Gen. Peter Pace. At a time when our Military is stretched to the breaking point, discharging more than 11,000 highly qualified Arabic speaking servicemen solely on the basis of their sexuality, is ridiculous. Who will the next group of Americans be to lose their rights? Our current Foreign policy has isolated America from the rest of the civilized world. Our recent religious based domestic policy shifts defy everything good America used to stand for. Why? Religious beliefs? The sooner America can rid itself of the fanatical, repressive influence of our very own "Talibangelicals" and their backwards religious beliefs, the better. We need to get back to adhering to our Constitution and it's core belief in "Separation of Church and State", which has been widely violated over the past six years. Gay rights, including equality for our Military service personnel, is as much or more so an equal rights issue, as it is a religious issue. This time period we are currently living in will be looked back upon as one of America's darkest recent periods for it's own citizens Civil Rights and Personal Liberties. Unfortunately, this will Include our Military service members too. Jeff Morris-Saugerties NY

Faith · 2 years ago

Why did Bush fire all his gay arabic linguist in a time that linguist were in great demand?

Answer:
"Hello Mother... this is Mark Bingham"

This is code. Can anyone tell me the meaning?

Clue: Which word is not natural?

Donald L. Noel · 2 years ago

AGAIN: I would happily sign bit I haave received no petition to sign!

David Bianchi · 2 years ago

This is an OUTRAGE, there is no reason why a military individual should be not allowed to help protect our service men and women on the ground because of their sexual orientation.

Ronald Nagata · 2 years ago

There is no place for homophobia in the military. When a soldier's life is one the line, experience, and knowledge are the best tools to serve comrades in arm. For those who still squeamish about gays, "get over it". An open society is far better than one that's full of closets. This, I might add, is a comment from a non-gay person so that shouldn't be hard to do for other straight folks.

Carole Carsey · 2 years ago

please lift Don't Ask, Don't Tell. It is not in our country's best interest.

sharijoe1@bellsouth.net · 2 years ago

Both my first and second husbands were in the service during WW2. My son a retired Marine after 21 yrs in service and my grandson is an officer in the army. They have never spoken of any problems with men that they fought with and worked with while in service that could have been homosexuals. We are all citizens of this country, under God, and should not be 0stracized. I have worked with homosexuals and have never had any problems with any of them.
why is the extreme right doing a number on these people. There are more important things for the government to do.

Aries4Peace · 2 years ago

I am a counter-military recruiter but I am not anti-military, just anti-militarism in our schools. If I were asked to sign this petition before or after the occupation of Iraq, I'd sign in the blink of an eye. I hesitate to now because of our involvement in the Middle East. I don't know if I'd want to make it easier for anyone to join the military in these times. At the moment, we need more GI resisters & CO's than new enlistees.

Ben Hoberman · 2 years ago

As Barry Goldwater said - "You don't have to be straight to shoot straight" - Enough already, this is the 21st century!

Rick Nooft · 2 years ago

I work in a military environment and I can tell you that homophobia is alive and well. People frequently make openly disparaging comments about gay people. I even witnessed a commander that started one of his commander's calls by asking the question, "Does anyone know what a faggot is?" He then chuckled and said, "Not that kind of faggot, I'm referring to a plane". I couldn't believe my ears!!! I felt so sorry for the gay civilian and military people that I know of that work along side me everyday. Of course they were hurt by his comments but did not dare to defend themselves for fear of reprisal. For the most part though, I don't think the majority of people military or civilian, really care whether a person is gay or not, and in my own circle of friends, we all know who is gay and who their partners are, but remain very sensitive to the danger that lurks for someone's career if the facts of their personal lives were to reach the wrong individuals. Contrary to popular belief, I have seen civilians also get fired for being gay, although that wasn't the stated reason, rather other trumped-up false charges were made to terminate their employment. General Peter Pace should have been fired on the spot for his nationally televised comments stating that homosexuals are immoral. What an insensitive jerk!!! I was equally appalled when I was required to take a course on "homosexual training", required by department of defense supervisory employees, which basically states that you can be gay as long as you live a lie and stay in the closet. Not exactly what I call a friendly working environment. The people of the United States really need to step up and speak out about this gay bashing policy of "don't ask, don't tell"!!!!

Eugenie Ross-Leming · 2 years ago

Excellence is what matters. What will keep us safe.Public policy shouldn't care about private matters,especially when that policy may compromise our security. Please lift this ban.Thank you.

Michael · 2 years ago

THANKS, to all the straight people on here that have made such cool comments in support of gay rights. I gives me hope.

Maryann Schacht · 2 years ago

We certainly have more to worry about than sexual orientation.
Let's get our Arabic speakers back.
Anyone who is willing to serve this country is welcome to do so and the milatary needs to get its act togther.

Paula Newman · 2 years ago

When fighting for personal rights of the individual one cant help but feeling that this issue cements the idea that this war is a smoke screen purely for the Christian capitalist movement for world mediocrity.

Joseph Ehrmann · 2 years ago

Dear Senator Feinstein and other senators: Please do what you can to get rid of the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy in our armed forces. It is totally stupid and continues to show ignorance, biases and just stupidity. If people know the language and are good respectable citizens then they can help us in this fiasco war and other places in this world where communication is so vital. If the person is gay, SO WHAT!!! LET THEM JOIN THE ARMED SERVICES NOW!!!!! THIS IGNORANT AND SENSELESS BIGOTRY AND DESCRIMINATION NEEDS TO END RIGHT NOW!!!!! IF THE PRESIDENT AND HIS SQUAD DON'T AGREE, BYPASS THEM!!!!! WE HAVE NO USE OF THEIR IGNORANCE AND .... I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO VOTE FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE DON'T ASK AND DON'T TELL POLICY IN THE ARMED SERVICES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

John Keim · 2 years ago

I agree, Dierdrick is so confused about his own sexuality. That's the only reason I can possibly of why it scares him to be around a gay person. I think he should come out of the closet and be himself.

C. Mason · 2 years ago

I have to respond to this in two ways: first I believe this war is a travesty being perpetuated by and for those who have financial interests in the Middle East, and that the American people were and are systematically lied to about the justification for being there. Second, if a person wants to serve in the military their sexual orientation should not be an issue. It should never come up in any official capacity. The only sexual matters that should be in the public arena are those of misconduct such as assault and rape.

cowboyneok · 2 years ago

I am a gay man who served on submarines during the Cold War. I was the ONLY SAILOR on the boat who would conduct Protestant Services. My Executive Officer tasked me with finding someone who would hold church services and if I couldn't find one, it would be me. I was terrified. I was already struggling with my sexual orientation. I had married a woman to "try to change" and it wasn't working. I asked every man on the boat, and no one would conduct services SO IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR A GAY MAN THERE WOULD BE NO "WORSHIPPING JESUS" on a submarine when we were fighting against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. My biggest fear was what would happen if those sailors discovered I was gay. When I was outted and had to leave the service, I was approached by MANY of those sailors on the submarine and told, "If you are what it means to be gay, I have no problem with it."

END DON'T ASK/DON'T TELL.

cowboyneok · 2 years ago

Oh yeah, here is a link that describes a poem I wrote on the submarine, USS HENRY CLAY, which was published and on display at the Smithsonian's American History museum.

http://www2.jsonline.com/news/nat/ap/aug01/ap-s...

-Tim Beauchamp

END DON'T ASK/DON'T TELL!

Sandra D.` · 2 years ago

Let's get out of the "Dark Ages" into the age of enlightenment please!!!!!

Marcella Marschel · 2 years ago

I am a 70 year old straight woman, but have been fighting this stupidity for dacades.
I have convinced a few people by explaining that this bigotry gives others the power of intimidation and blackmail. This is a greater threat to our country than any military enemy.

Instead, we should be throwing out the heterosexual men who rape and intimidate women in (& out) of the military.

Deborah · 2 years ago

Hatred is the only thing that should NOT be tolerated. The war is wrong. Singling out individuals for anything other than their ability to perform ANY position is also wrong, biased, unfair and predjudicial.

We are a county that should celebrate each person for their skills & talents and encourge optimum use of these gifts.

Petra Lemhoefer · 2 years ago

Folks, we are all part of the human race, remember? So let's not judge others by their sexuality or their differences. It is way past time to behave like "humans". Everyone is special and precious and has something to offer to each of us! It's enough! Respect!

Carmen C. · 2 years ago

To this we cannot so blind,for what is brought into to our lives is what exist. Be straight or gay ,can love and we die the same,when our last breath is drawn from our body,that is who were are humans,don't judge the color of our skin or the person or persons who we are.So to this arrogant mans who beleives that gays don't belong in the military is wrong,THEY HAVE THE ALL SAME RIGHTS to serve our Armed Forces ,A soldier is a soldier.If one values life and was dying would one turn down a gay doctor,or a gay nurse to live? I would say that that choice would out weigh ones arrogants.

Wesley Frost · 2 years ago

I can't imagine anyone being foolish enough to want to go to war. War is a killing game. I also can't imagine an intelligent reason for refusing to let gay persons stay in the military if they are willing to do translations that could save lives of the people our country is killing by mistake.

bob · 2 years ago

let them fight for thier rights , they are true americans , brave enough to join and fight for our country. when are we as americians going to come out of the dark ages? these are human bienings ready to defend this made up war , so who are we to tell anyone that they cant get love and support from the citizens back home. this country needs every and any one willing to support us .

patricia flanigan · 2 years ago

How dare anyone be singled out and discharged because of his or her sexuality.
I am proud and appreciate that these persons are willing to protect us with their lives.
I admire them and sincerely Thank all men and women who are so brave.
It is certainly refreshing that they are fighting and giving of themselves in the line of fire 24/7.
Who can you think of in High Office who not gone into the military to serve???

oldcowboy · 2 years ago

i am disgusted with the increasingly parochial politics in our nation. i had great hopes after the last round of national elections that the nation was, as a whole, shifting back toward center as a direct result of the apparent disdain the current oligarchy has for the american people.

now i stumble across this site, lured by seemingly promising topics and eager to hear from the rest of the choir.

you're cut from the same cloth as karl rove and dick cheney, eager to run recklessly through our nation and its traditional values. guess what?? the majority of americans find homosexuality quite offensive. the military is not, nor ever should be, subject to the civilian standards that are prevelant today. (yes, much progress has been made in acceptance, maybe a bit of tolerance, and certain workplace protections.)

now that so many americans are rejecting extremist policies why do you insist on the same approach of disdain and disregard for americans? i see a few posts allegedly from people in the military: They are quite uncomfortable with homosexuals in the midst of the troops in some rather close quarters. the kid fucking lied, he does not belong in the military.

of course, you jackasses despise the military with not one fucking acknowledgment that it remains essential to any sovereignty. maybe, hopefully, humans will continue to ascend to higher levels of love and understanding and create a society that totally rejects all violence.

it is a noble goal. i usually consider the democratic party far closer to my standards and values. it infuriates me when people try to foist upon the nation any form of extremism (yeah, most people in the US do consider homosexuality as an aberrant sexuality.) public policy and perception can often seem as taking place at the breathtaking, lightning speed of a glacier.

i do not know the values of your geographic community, but suspect they fall short of what you (and many of your readers) deem an egalitarian society.

your blatant attacks on the military and insistence on primacy for homosexuals are quite offensive to most of the country and those positions have been the suicidal policy of democrats. i am dumbfounded to see you engaging those same defeated points.

your abject hatred for the military betrays your disconnect from our nation. who the hell said you have to agree? i detest the current administraion and its attack on the constitution. are you suffering some sort of brain anomaly that keeps reality from consideration?

i am in the military (national guard), and have a few letters i can tack onto the end of my name. i have been in iraq, doing my best to serve and safeguard our kids. i sincerely hope they return home as quickly as possible. i hope their experiences will factor into every subsequent decision they make.

at the risk of riding same cloud you are on, i also hope that one day they can restore the nation to the truly promising political experiment that i was fortunate to know as a child.

you want change? toss the feces you're currently launching at any and all opponents, examine the best way to realistically acheive the matters that are important to you. i doubt any of you are so terribly blinded that you do not realize that attaining your goals is far more realistic if already in office.

please, don't kill my burro.

Ken Hardtke · 2 years ago

I was a Sergeant in the Army 40 years ago and to this day I can not figure out why there is so much fear of the gays in the military. There were gays in our unit and they performed as vell or better than many. I know that they were not telling at the time as they would have been removed from the Army at a time when the goverment was drafting a lot of men. As a hetrosexual male, I see the dificulities that a gay or lebian person suffer through when homophobic ideas get into leadership positions. It is a shame that this goverment and its military leaders will not change and allow all people to serve. One's life style should not have a bearing on his or her ability to contribute in what ever way they would like. Repeal the DADT laws that should never have been put in place.

Paul Ronco · 2 years ago

The argument against having gays in close quarters is a straw man. If gays pose a threat to morale and unit cohesion, it is only because we still tolerate the mental illness of homophobia the same way we used to tolerate the mental illness of racism... before our government made doing so in the military illegal. Similar to how black men were formerly not allowed to serve with white units in the wars of old because they would have been damaging to morale and unit cohesion, we now tout African Americans as being among our nation's finest soldiers. Funny how times have changed, and how they haven't.

Oldcowboy states that most Americans think homosexuality is deviant behavior. Since most Americans also cannot name the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, I could care less what the majority of Americans think about any given subject, much less when it concerns matters of foreign and/or military policy. As an honorably discharged veteran of the 82nd Airborne, I could also care less what your sexual orientation is, as long as you're willing to fire a weapon at the enemy. I'd rather have a gay man fighting next to me in the foxholes than no man.

In lieu of never being able to know for sure, the only responsible course of action is to presume the worst. I will therefore state the following assumptions as if they are fact: Eliminating this translator has resulted in preventable US military deaths. It has provided aid and comfort to the enemy. I will remind everyone of the four Americans who fought back against the terrorists on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania on September 11. One of the men, Mark Bingham, was gay. Apparently, God did not discriminate when he placed Mark Bingham in that role. Far be it from me to discern the workings behind the mind of God, but I will go so far as to say this: Mark Bingham's act proved that when push comes to shove, it doesn't matter what your sexual orientation is-- all that matters is your will to fight. This translator amply demonstrated not only a fine will, but a fine ability to fight. We are weaker today because of his ouster.

-Paul Ronco
Fredericksburg, VA

Peaches McGinty · 2 years ago

Dear Deirdrick,

You're hilarious. Please write more.

Gared · 2 years ago

Hi Deirdrick, My first girlfriend was beautiful, adored me and I let her down easy; we're still friends.
My second girlfriend was gorgeous (a playboy model, 1991)was in love with me and I had to let her down easy, WE ALSO were still friends afterwards.
OBVIOUSLY I'm a stud simply by attracting such hotties, as they BOTH asked ME out first, so I'm far from insecure and if you spoke those words to my face about my friends (GLBT people) I would slap you like a bitch and show you who's effeminate. GOT IT?
Oh, by the way: I'm so freakin gay most can't believe it! SO, I GUESS I SHOT ALL OF YOUR B.S. THEORIES "STRAIGHT" TO HELL, DIDN'T I? Tee Hee, Giggle Giggle ! ;D

rob · 2 years ago

the proudest day in my life was when I earned the right to call myself a U.S. Marine. The sadest day was being released be cause I was gay.

marilyn stimpson · 2 years ago

If people in congress or government can be gay or lesbian, why can't service men be? If they are smart enough to be considered for public jobs, why not any job?

Ally · 2 years ago

My, but we are such a progressive species. We teach our children how to hate and whom to hate simply by our actions and our comments. We tell them that it is okay to kill the faggots, the niggers, the Jews, the dykes, the spics, the whites, the Indians, the ragheads and whomever else that do not meet our expectations as the perfect human being. Discrimination and bigotry are traits assigned to all of us. Before we begin pointing fingers, take a long stare into the mirror. Peace will come to this world, but only when each and every one of us embraces each other, not for our perceived flaws, but for our beauty. Do not blame God, look inside ourselves.

Barb · 2 years ago

I just can't believe that this wonderful country of ours is still, STILL, struggling with such inane Puritan strictures. I don't encourage physical aggression as an answer to anything, but jeez-- Bob P's. response to Dierdrick is very understandable. Based on what he wrote, Dierdrick clearly is SO far off course that he seems to even forget that there are female gay folks too. Honestly, I really can't 'grok' what all the hysteria is about. Straight folks, gay folks, everyone 'in between'-- we all put our pants on one leg at a time. (I know, there are a million possible jokes off that phrase, but see?-straight AND gay folks are all thinking them up! WE-ARE-FAR-MORE-ALIKE-THAN-WE-ARE-DIFFERENT.)
America has always been & will always be waaaaaay ahead in the realm of technology, but we've always been and (sadly) may always be troglodytes when it comes to sexuality, emotions, etc. It's not a good or healthy situation!
Just as in the anti-bullying trainings where the emphasis must be on activating the 'bystanders' more than on working with the bullies or victims--(in order to make change, the bystanders must speak up, stand up, take action to say that bullying is wrong & won't be tolerated)--so that the normative view within the whole culture is NOT bullying--in just that same way, all of us who feel homophobia is wrong must be more 'out' (HA) about not accepting it & the violence it often creates.
Yes, it takes nerve, guts, risk, etc.--same as it does to say something when someone says racist or sexist things--but our society will not be able to relax, be happy, make full use of all the extraordinary talents & abilities that each person can contribute, & enjoy our relatively few years on earth unless we ALL decide to work on this. Form discussion groups! Don't be afraid to voice your own questions or worries! Allow folks to see that if you 'name' the issue that holds such fear/power over alot of folks, it immediately comes down to manageable size, & we can all help each other to move forward.
C'mon folks, I mean, really--tragic war, children dying from lack of health care, people losing their pensions & homes, murder rates going up in cities & suburbs, on & on & on & on.....and we have to waste precious time, energy & effort on worrying who the next guy or gal is sleeping with?!? Honestly. Get a grip. Move on & work on something that is a REAL threat to our country. (You too, Dierdrick!) :-)

marcela lopez · 2 years ago

Nobody should go to war. US goes all over to abuse and kill people. I don't know how anybopdy can be proud of serving such a country.