Brave New Films - Latest Comments in Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

marcela lopez — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:58:34 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Barb — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:22:49 -0000

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!) :-)

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Ally — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 06:25:48 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

marilyn stimpson — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 07:23:39 -0000

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?

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

rob — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:34:43 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Gared — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 16:50:23 -0000

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

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Peaches McGinty — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 20:25:52 -0000

Dear Deirdrick,

You're hilarious. Please write more.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Paul Ronco — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:46:04 -0000

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

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Ken Hardtke — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:27:09 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

oldcowboy — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:17:37 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

patricia flanigan — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 05:23:20 -0000

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???

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

bob — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:27:06 -0000

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 .

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Wesley Frost — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 06:35:44 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Carmen C. — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:40:24 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Petra Lemhoefer — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:34:28 -0000

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!

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Deborah — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 22:04:35 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Marcella Marschel — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 20:31:01 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Sandra D.` — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:37:54 -0000

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

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

cowboyneok — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:39:15 -0000

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/ne...

-Tim Beauchamp

END DON'T ASK/DON'T TELL!

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

cowboyneok — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:32:23 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

C. Mason — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:46:27 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

John Keim — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:01:54 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Joseph Ehrmann — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 20:48:38 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Paula Newman — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:51:17 -0000

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.

Re: Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

Maryann Schacht — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:45:51 -0000

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.