Ready, Willing, Disqualified

[rodeodance]

I think he has a good argument--to challenge on grounds of "national Security"---(it works for everything else!!)

"http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/16/opinion/16frank.html?th"

December 16, 2004
Ready, Willing, Disqualified
By NATHANIEL FRANK

TWO lawsuits were filed last week against the United States military. In one, eight soldiers are challenging an Army policy that extended their tours of duty in the Middle East. They are suing to get out of military service. In the other suit, 12 gay and lesbian veterans are challenging the decade-old "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bars known gays from serving in the armed forces. They are suing to get back into the military.

The connection between the two suits may be more than coincidental. An analysis of Pentagon data reveals that the military is losing gay troops in the occupational areas where shortfalls are most dire. In addition to the "stop loss" orders that prompted last week's lawsuit, the Pentagon has recalled thousands of former troops from civilian life to fill these gaps.

Many of these recalls would have been unnecessary if the military had not fired so many gay service members. This year the Pentagon approved the recall of 72 veterans in communication and navigation, but it has expelled 115 gay troops in that category since 1998; it recalled 33 in operational intelligence but has expelled 50 gays; in combat operations control, it recalled 33 but expelled 106.......

The gay plaintiffs are suing on constitutional grounds. Yet the evidence suggests that the current policy should also be challenged on grounds of national security......

[ExclamationPoint]

1. Wow

I cannot beleive that. They actually don't let desperately needed troops fight because they're gay. Now that's just sad.

[manxkat]

2. I was so disappointed when Clinton

created "don't ask, don't tell" especially after all the promises he made the gay community before he was initially elected.

It's just another in a series of backward and counterproductive U.S. policies. The Netherlands has had openly gay members of its military for years with no problems.

Maybe someday we'll catch up here... that is, if Bush hasn't completely dismantled the Constitution first and sent us all back to prehistoric times when women were subserviant, slavery was the norm, etc.

[elshiva]

3. Pray for equal rights for LGBT people in all walks of life....

Read in the Washington Blade, that Kerry wanted to abolished "don't ask..." citing the fact that he served with gay men in Vietnam. Why can't more of our leaders realize that the great services that LGBT Americans have given to this country. Pray that God gives us the understanding and love to follow the wisdom of such countries like the Netherlands.

THE REIGN OF GOD IS NEAR

[ip568]

4. Incomplete

Missing from these reports is the fact that almost all enlistment contracts are for six years. This means, simply, that after you have served your initial active duty obligation of 2,3 or 4 years, (1) you are transferred to the Ready Reserve for the balance of your six years and (2) the military can recall you to active duty whenever they want to, up to the expiration of your contract.

For officers, unless they resign their commissions after leaving active duty, they can be recalled forever.

These facts are clearly spelled-out when you enlist or accept a commission. Adults should take responsibility for their decisions.

Let's not go off half-cocked on this.

Gays in the military is a separate issue, covered by separate law, as passed by both parties in Congress.