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Not all Generals are homophobes. Read Clark's statement on civil rights and "don't ask, don't tell"

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Clarkie1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 12:16 AM
Original message
Not all Generals are homophobes. Read Clark's statement on civil rights and "don't ask, don't tell"
Today, America faces serious challenges. Meeting the challenges of our time demands three things: new leadership, new ideas, and a new spirit of service. I've served this country alongside the most talented men and women in the world. To fulfill our country's full potential, we must nurture every person's abilities regardless of his or her individual characteristics, such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. We are all Americans. Therefore, I am calling all Americans to find a way to serve with a new, inclusive spirit of patriotism. We cannot reach our full potential by discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation. To encourage all Americans to actively participate in our democracy, I would:

Ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. We should make sure that the Civil Rights Act bans discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and sexual orientation.

Strengthen federal protections against hate crimes. No one in this country should be the target of violence because of their appearance, religion, or sexual orientation.

Protect all families. Families in the United States come in many shapes and sizes. Currently, most of our laws extend rights and responsibilities only to heterosexual families and explicitly exclude same-sex couples from enjoying those same rights and responsibilities. It is in the best interest of our country to promote stable communities and families - this includes both heterosexual and same-sex families. Accordingly, I believe that same-sex couples should not be denied rights to pensions, health insurance, family medical leave, bereavement leave, hospital visitation, survivor benefits, and other basic legal protections that all families and children need.

Give federal employees the right to name same-sex partners as beneficiaries. Major U.S. corporations have adopted human resources policies that allow employees to designate a domestic partner as a beneficiary of health and other employment benefits. The federal government should do the same.

Ensure that everyone can serve. I believe that the military needs to rethink the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. It does not serve this country to discriminate against people who want to serve in our armed forces. I would ask the military to craft and implement a policy that ensures that everyone who wants to serve their country is permitted to do so with honor and dignity. I would ask the military to look seriously at the British policy, which prohibits sexual misconduct by both heterosexuals and homosexuals. I would then submit the new policy to Congress to replace the current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law.

Ensure access to affordable health care, including AIDS/HIV Services. My health care proposal ensures that all Americans would have access to affordable health insurance - and sets aside funding for public health programs to improve prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

As President, I will fight for the civil rights of all Americans. That includes lesbian and gay Americans

http://clark04.com/issues/glbt/
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Bonobo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 12:26 AM
Response to Original message
1. Clarkie... As a fellow Clarkie, may I give you something to consider?
I think Wes has pointedly chosen not to "throw his hat in the ring" two years before the election for a good reason.

One, he doesn't want to attract the unneeded political sniping that will be going on, and

Two, he knows that once he does, his comments will be viewed as simply political chatter designed to gain support.

As a fellow Clark supporter, I think you should take some of that advice to heart as well.

-From a friend.
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xkenx Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 12:01 PM
Response to Reply #1
4.  I regard ANY positive information about Wes Clark to be valuable.
There are still many here and on DKOS who stereotype Clark as a military figure in the classic mold instead of a genuine progressive. Posts such as the O.P. promote Wes Clark as a human rights leader. The RW smear machine is busy taking shots at the already-declared candidates. Clark doesn't mind the shots anyway; he committed an act of political courage during the 2004 primary season by appearing on the cover of The Advocate (gay/lesbian rights magazine). Clark's bravery is well-known; how 'bout you be brave too. As Clark said on C-SPAN when questioned about Rethug smears, "I'll beat the shit out of them."
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Jai4WKC08 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 03:00 PM
Response to Reply #1
5. I think you're 100% wrong
Just because WKC has chosen to hold back from his campaign does NOT mean he doesn't want and expect us to keep talking him up, especially when there something that pertains to current events.

In this case, people forget how much Clark has said and done to promote glbt rights. And there are always new people at DU who may not know, and many of them may just assume Pace represents the "typical general officer," I wish I had a nickle for every time I've read someone here or at dKos say, "you know, I don't that much about Wes Clark..."
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IndianaGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 06:07 AM
Response to Original message
2. Comparing Wes Clark to General Pace is like comparing
George Marshall to General Edwin Walker.
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Dinger Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 06:45 AM
Response to Original message
3. Sounds Good To Me
K & R, even if it is a few years old.
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Schema Thing Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 04:03 PM
Response to Original message
6. Kick
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Larry in KC Donating Member (465 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 05:24 PM
Response to Original message
7. Honesty. Courage. Tolerance. An open mind. Refreshing!
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merci_me Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 06:27 PM
Response to Original message
8. K&R because, "When you can do good, you should." n/t
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dogman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 06:31 PM
Response to Original message
9. While the "candidates" bob and weave.
Honesty and integrity are rare.
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Cameron27 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 06:36 PM
Response to Original message
10. A good man or woman with courage can do remarkable things.
The country needs him.
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Richardo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 06:46 PM
Response to Original message
11. He was on the cover of The Advocate in 2004
...as a candidate. No waffling there.
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David Zephyr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 06:49 PM
Response to Original message
12. Bravo.
No wonder he inspires loyalty from all quarters.
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yellerpup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-14-07 08:54 PM
Response to Original message
13. This is what I love about Clark
He actually thinks about his positions first, then he says what he thinks. He's smart and brave and I think he can win...not just Democrats, but Independents, and Repugs who have a conscience (I know, rare, but some people stick with family tradition). He's a thinker and he has changed the world for the better with what he has accomplished so far.
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