One thing I have sadly learned from following various Christian Right organizations and figures for roughly a decade it is that no one lies as frequently and with as little remorse as the Christianists. I sometimes feel that if their lips are moving, then they are lying. Most readers will remember how Elaine Donnelly (pictured at right) - the self-styled expert on military readiness who has ZERO military experience herself - with much fanfare proffered a letter purportedly signed by 1,100 some senior military officers in defense of the disgusting "Don;t Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Unfortunately, what most people do not know - including the members of Congress who were to be swayed by the letter - is that the letter has serious flaws: one alleged signer was dead at the time, others say the letter does not properly state their views, and many are fossilized relics from many decades ago before the policy even existed. Candidly, knowing that Elaine Donnelly was involved should have been an indicator that the letter was terribly flawed. In any event, Chris Johnson at DCAgenda has a great story that highlights the bogus aspects of Ms. Donnelly's much touted letter. Here are some excerpts:*
A number of high-ranking military officers whose names appear on a well-publicized letter supporting “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” were involved in career-ending scandals or have said the letter doesn’t represent their views, according to Servicemembers United.
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The organization’s preliminary investigation of 200 names on the letter, which more than 1,100 flag and general officers signed, reveals new information that could undermine the document supporting the 1993 law barring gays from serving openly in the military.
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Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center of Military Readiness, gathered the names for the letter, which was first published last year. She didn’t respond to multiple requests from DC Agenda to comment on Servicemembers United’s report. Supporters of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” have often cited the letter as evidence of military support for keeping the law on the books.
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“Only a small fraction of these officers have even served in the military during the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ period, much less in the 21st century military,” Nicholson said. “How can these flag officers honestly claim to know how accepting and tolerant 18- and 21-year-olds are today when most of them haven’t been that age themselves since the 1940s and 1950s?”
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At least one signer, Gen. Louis Menetrey, was deceased when the letter was published and didn’t sign the document himself. . . . Others said they never agreed to sign in the first place. One general wrote, “I never agreed. To represent either side of this issue.” Another wrote, “I do not remember being asked about this issue.”
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DC Agenda independently found one general who acknowledged signing the letter, but said he now believes gays should be allowed to serve in the armed forces so long as they adhere to the code of conduct.
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In addition to signers who say the letter doesn’t represent their views, others were involved in scandals tarnishing their careers. Nicholson said the number of scandals in which signers have been involved “jumps out” as a major component of the report, adding some officers made “heinous failures of judgment and leadership.” The report identifies seven officers that were involved in such incidents:
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One heck of a job Elaine. Why is it that self congratulatory Christians like you seem to have the most difficult time not lying continually? Does the end justify the means, or are you exempt from the Commandment against lying and bearing false witness?s
A number of high-ranking military officers whose names appear on a well-publicized letter supporting “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” were involved in career-ending scandals or have said the letter doesn’t represent their views, according to Servicemembers United.
*
The organization’s preliminary investigation of 200 names on the letter, which more than 1,100 flag and general officers signed, reveals new information that could undermine the document supporting the 1993 law barring gays from serving openly in the military.
*
Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center of Military Readiness, gathered the names for the letter, which was first published last year. She didn’t respond to multiple requests from DC Agenda to comment on Servicemembers United’s report. Supporters of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” have often cited the letter as evidence of military support for keeping the law on the books.
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“Only a small fraction of these officers have even served in the military during the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ period, much less in the 21st century military,” Nicholson said. “How can these flag officers honestly claim to know how accepting and tolerant 18- and 21-year-olds are today when most of them haven’t been that age themselves since the 1940s and 1950s?”
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At least one signer, Gen. Louis Menetrey, was deceased when the letter was published and didn’t sign the document himself. . . . Others said they never agreed to sign in the first place. One general wrote, “I never agreed. To represent either side of this issue.” Another wrote, “I do not remember being asked about this issue.”
*
DC Agenda independently found one general who acknowledged signing the letter, but said he now believes gays should be allowed to serve in the armed forces so long as they adhere to the code of conduct.
*
In addition to signers who say the letter doesn’t represent their views, others were involved in scandals tarnishing their careers. Nicholson said the number of scandals in which signers have been involved “jumps out” as a major component of the report, adding some officers made “heinous failures of judgment and leadership.” The report identifies seven officers that were involved in such incidents:
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One heck of a job Elaine. Why is it that self congratulatory Christians like you seem to have the most difficult time not lying continually? Does the end justify the means, or are you exempt from the Commandment against lying and bearing false witness?s
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