Pentagon: Gays encouraged to continue to serve nation after discharge

Source: PageOneQ.com

The Pentagon, in a policy obtained by The Advocate, has indicated that lesbian and gay military personnel who are discharged under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law are qualified to continue to serve the nation. A copy of the Pentagon policy, included in a statement released by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, now states, "These separated members have the opportunity to continue to serve their nation and national security by putting their abilities to use by way of civilian employment with other Federal agencies, the Department of Defense, or in the private sector, such as with a government contractor.”

According to SLDN Communications Director Steve Ralls, "Pentagon leaders clearly acknowledge that lesbian and gay Americans make important contributions to our national security and that our country is better off when their skills are employed, not turned away."

SLDN indicated that the policy change might mean a shift in attitudes of military leaders around gay and lesbian personnel. "In the early days of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' the Pentagon's public statements were a vigorous defense of the law, citing military commanders' insistence that the prohibition on open service was necessary to maintain unit cohesion and morale," Ralls said. "Post-September 11th, however, there was a noticeable shift in the Department of Defense's position regarding the ban. Pentagon public affairs no longer made a 'necessity argument,' and no longer pointed to any support for the law among its command or the rank-and-file. Instead, the debate over 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' became one the Pentagon deferred to Congress to settle. Congress, the Pentagon correctly pointed out, has full authority to debate the law and, if they see fit, repeal it. With this new statement, DoD has taken an even more significant step forward. Now, Congress should repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and welcome every American who wants to serve, regardless of sexual orientation.”

Read more: http://pageoneq.com/news/2007/pentagon062707.html

unbelievable.

Bill Clinton could have done what Truman did when he signed an executive order desegregating the military. Many of the arguments made back then, even by Bible thumpers, are used now to justify "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and denial of marriage rights to LGBTs.

Once again, when it comes to LGBT rights, the Clintons have always found some way to keep gay Americans in the back of the bus.

...

serve...just don't f*#k or kiss in public...might arouse the other troops..even the enemy...then it will be one big orgy...oh my!

"Don't ask don't tell"

has become,

"Just because you can't have sex doesn't mean you can't be our Bitch"

:rofl:

You know - not the "we're number one" finger, but the "blank you" finger.

as I read it, a more nuanced attempt without saying "Sorry about that DADT misunderstanding, we're coming to our senses and it is a few intransient generals, admirals, and Congressmen and Senators who kicked you out and keep you out."

But those discharged must feel like an emancipated slave being told: "You are more than welcome to work here still, just only 6 months a year and oh, there will be rent and I will front you money prior to delivery of crops, but there will be a substantial interest charge, and also, you can work for no one else, and here is an ironclad contract for you to sign binding you here until all debt is paid off..."

i heard of civilian contractors getting $100K a year to drive a truck in iraq, did i hear wrong?

Murderous psychopaths are encouraged to apply for contractor positions with Blackwater. LGBTQ translators need not apply.

:puke: :puke: :puke:

They sure fuck a lot of people over. :(

.

In this case, just because they're afraid someone will look at their weenie in the shower.

We could save ourselves a LOT of money by just requiring all Armed Services members to shower in swim trunks.

If they want to violate their own self-righteous policies.