Paradox of gender politics today

Dec 01, 2010 06:36

We live in strange times ( Read more... )

dadt, hypocracy, gays/lesbians

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Comments 5

izuko December 2 2010, 01:26:17 UTC
Without DADT, I don't think the military would be nearly as willing to accept openly-gay members into our ranks. As much as I hate Clinton, it was the right thing to do and paved the way for better things.

With some strong Tea Party influence, it may be that the Republicans decide to put an end to the strangle-hold the Democrats have on the LGBT voting block and replace DADT (not end it, which would force the military to discharge homosexuals, whether they want to or not). I know, odds are against it, but I can hope, right? Right?

After all, the father of modern conservatism, Barry Goldwater, said that you don't have to be straight to fight for your country, you just have to shoot straight.

All that being said, though, I'm still trying to work out the logistics. The principle is sound, but working it out in practice is going to be a mess. Still needs to be done, regardless, but it should be done right... if at all possible.

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devifemme December 2 2010, 10:52:25 UTC
Not that I don't appreciate a spirited counter-argument (including dredging up a Goldwater quote I had not encountered before), but you didn't address the new reality on which I based my polemic. Namely, that public opinion has evolved -- notably the views of our troops, their families, etc. -- and the Republicans (and the Tea Party zealots) don't know what to do about that positive development. (Besides, playing the intolerance card is such FUN, isn't it, McCain ( ... )

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izuko December 3 2010, 00:19:37 UTC
You do realize that the tea party, in general, isn't interested in persecuting gays. In fact, Tea Party zealots are more likely to be hard core libertarians than devotees of Billy Graham.

As for the Pentagon survey, how do you know I wasn't a part of it? Hell, for that matter, how do you know I'm not just waiting for an end to DADT to come out? ^o^

As for your central point, I didn't address it because I didn't find it controversial. In fact, I've taken it as a given for a while now.

That said though, figuring out how we're going to handle things like heads and berthing (shitters, showers, and living quarters for the rest of y'all) isn't going to be easy.

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devifemme December 4 2010, 01:38:55 UTC
Well, the chiefs of staff of Army and Marines certainly made themselves clear today! Pretty extreme positions, I would say.

..."heck, General, just tell us what you really think, never mind what the Chairman, the Secretary and the President wish to do end all that injustice... ."

Fuck this shit, Ken!

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