Marine Commandant Pledges to "Personally Lead" Gay Troop Integration

I've been less than kind in my commentary on Marine Corps Commandant General James Amos who, prior to last Saturday's Senate vote on DADT repeal seemed to be doing all he could do to torpedo repeal. Now, in a Stars and Stripes article, Amos as pledged to "personally lead" the integration of gay troops in the Marine Corps. If Amos is true to his word, he will be setting the standard for the Corps - and hopefully other previous homophobes in the U. S. Military. As I have made clear in the past, in my opinion if freedom of religion under the U. S. Constitution means anything at all, it means that LGBT service members should not be punished and stigmatized for their failure to live their lives according to Christianist religious dictates. And by extension, military commanders who cannot support LGBT equality need to resign their commissions for failure to support and defend the Constitutional rights of ALL citizens. Here are highlights from Stars and Stripes:
*
One week after warning the distraction of repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell” could risk Marines’ lives, Gen. James Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, pledged to lead the effort to integrate openly gay Marines.
*
“I, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps [Carlton Kent], will personally lead this effort, thus ensuring the respect and dignity due all Marines,” Amos said. “On this matter, we look forward to further demonstrating to the American people the discipline and loyalty that have been the hallmark of the United States Marine Corps for over 235 years."
*
Amos’ statement sent to reporters came Sunday evening, one day after the Senate adopted the repeal, capping a stunning, climactic day on the chamber floor.
*
Here is Amos’ full statement: "Fidelity is the essence of the United States Marine Corps. Above all else, we are loyal to the Constitution, our Commander in Chief, Congress, our Chain of Command, and the American people. The House of Representatives and the Senate have voted to repeal Title 10, US Code 654 "Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the United States Armed Forces." As stated during my testimony before Congress in September and again during hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this month, the Marine Corps will step out smartly to faithfully implement this new policy. I, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, will personally lead this effort, thus ensuring the respect and dignity due all Marines. On this matter, we look forward to further demonstrating to the American people the discipline and loyalty that have been the hallmark of the United States Marine Corps for over 235 years."

*

Kudos to General Amos and I hope that he demonstrates the class set forth in his statement.