As a student of history, I cannot help noting how modern day homophobes demonstrate their ignorance and bigotry when they claim that gays should not be in the military because they are "limp wristed" or are described via some other homophobic stereotype. One such jackass that recently made such a comment is Yuma, Arizona Mayor Al Krieger (pictured at left) who might just as well have put a sign around his neck stating "I'm an ignorant ass." Truth be told, some of history's greatest military leaders have been homosexual, most notable Alexander the Great whose great love was Hephaistion. Then there was the Sacred Band of Thebes - the special forces of the ancient Greek world - which was a battalion of lovers. The Roman Emperor Hadrian. Or Richard the Lion Heart of England. Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, a remarkable French military leader. And there's T.E. Lawrence (a/k/a Lawrence of Arabia). And then there are the thousands of honorable and braves gay currently serving in the nation's military, a number of who that I have known have been special forces. My friend Jason Cianciotto who I first got to know back in 2003 when he was with the NGLTF has an editorial in the Arizon Daily Star that takes Krieger to task and talks about Maj. Alan Greg Rogers who was killed by an improvised explosive devise during his second tour of duty in Iraq on Jan. 27, 2008. Here are highlights from Jason's slap down on Krieger:*
I wish Yuma Mayor Al Krieger could have met Alan - his life and ultimate sacrifice exemplifies why Krieger owes gay and lesbian servicemembers far more than a faux apology for his recent statement about "limp-wristed" soldiers (see the June 11 article "Ariz. mayor sorry for calling gays 'limp-wristed' "). *
*
Alan loved serving his country, loved his Christian faith and was proudly gay. He not only refused to forsake any part of himself because of anti-gay discrimination, he gave his life for his country despite that discrimination.
After his burial in Arlington National Cemetery, The Washington Post published a story about Alan's life, lauding him as a hero, the recipient of two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. However, many of us who knew Alan were struck by what wasn't part of the story: the fact that he was openly gay and worked to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
*
[A]s one of only 25 officers sent to Georgetown University in 2004 to earn a master's degree in public policy, Alan analyzed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for his thesis. He concluded that repeal "would yield higher readiness rates, save potential millions of dollars in investigations and discharge processing of gays and improve our overall national security posture."
*
It was risky for Alan to write about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" while still enlisted, but he wanted to be a living example of why the military has more to gain than lose by welcoming gay soldiers.
*
He protected his 20 years of service by making personal sacrifices, including the ability to settle down with a partner while he was still enlisted. This was one of Alan's goals when he retired, which he planned to do after returning from Iraq. He never had the chance.
*
It's time to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - for Alan and for the estimated 65,000 gay and lesbian soldiers who risk their lives for their country. If Krieger took the time to get to know even just a few of these heroes, I know he would agree.
*
Here in Hampton Roads, Virginia, there are thousands of brave gay members in our military. I met and spoke with several on active duty (both males and females), in fact, today at Hampton's Diversity and Pride event. Their focus? Serving their country and making sure that their partners will be taken care of should they die while on deployment. If anyone is "limp wristed," I'd say it's Mayor Krieger who needs to get his head out of his ass.
Alan loved serving his country, loved his Christian faith and was proudly gay. He not only refused to forsake any part of himself because of anti-gay discrimination, he gave his life for his country despite that discrimination.
After his burial in Arlington National Cemetery, The Washington Post published a story about Alan's life, lauding him as a hero, the recipient of two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. However, many of us who knew Alan were struck by what wasn't part of the story: the fact that he was openly gay and worked to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
*
[A]s one of only 25 officers sent to Georgetown University in 2004 to earn a master's degree in public policy, Alan analyzed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for his thesis. He concluded that repeal "would yield higher readiness rates, save potential millions of dollars in investigations and discharge processing of gays and improve our overall national security posture."
*
It was risky for Alan to write about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" while still enlisted, but he wanted to be a living example of why the military has more to gain than lose by welcoming gay soldiers.
*
He protected his 20 years of service by making personal sacrifices, including the ability to settle down with a partner while he was still enlisted. This was one of Alan's goals when he retired, which he planned to do after returning from Iraq. He never had the chance.
*
It's time to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - for Alan and for the estimated 65,000 gay and lesbian soldiers who risk their lives for their country. If Krieger took the time to get to know even just a few of these heroes, I know he would agree.
*
Here in Hampton Roads, Virginia, there are thousands of brave gay members in our military. I met and spoke with several on active duty (both males and females), in fact, today at Hampton's Diversity and Pride event. Their focus? Serving their country and making sure that their partners will be taken care of should they die while on deployment. If anyone is "limp wristed," I'd say it's Mayor Krieger who needs to get his head out of his ass.
No comments:
Post a Comment