The Virginian-Pilot
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U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D- 3rd District, has signed a letter asking President Barack Obama to suspend the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and allow gay people to serve in the military without penalty.
Scott and 76 other legislators this week signed the letter, which argues that the policy does a disservice to the country by forcing out experienced military personnel who are found to be gay or lesbian.
They asked Obama to direct the military to immediately cease any investigations of service members' sexual orientation and to disregard any third-party claims.
They also asked Obama to urge Congress to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" law, which went into effect in 1993.
The letter was drafted by U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, a Florida Democrat.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, D- 2nd District, did not sign the letter. Nye said he wants to hear from military commanders, who are currently reviewing the policy, before he takes a position on the issue.
Bill Bartel, (757) 446-2398, bill.bartel@pilotonline.com
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Not a RIGHT
Once again... It is not a RIGHT for any one, including Hetrosexuals, to join the military. Since it is not a RIGHT for anyone to join, it is therefore not a violation of thier rights to keep them out. People need to be able to make the distinction between what is a RIGHT, and what is an OPORTUNITY. Now, if you want to argue they should have the OPORTUNUTY to serve thier country.. now that is a different matter entirely and a much better argument.
call it whatever you want to
The fact remains Don't ask don't tell is wrong.
nope
It's not a fact. It's an opinion.
Serving in military is not a RIGHT.
I dont understand why people want to insist that serving in the millitary is a "Right". It most certainly is not. If it were, there would be no entrance exam or medical screening, it would be open to all. If and when the time comes that the policy against gays in the millitary is removed, then fine, join up, serve your country. But until then, please dont use the argument that that it is they have a right to join, they do not.
according to the AMA
There are over 1000 "rights" that heterosexuals enjoy that homosexuals DO NOT.
And yes, gays should have the same "right" to serve in the military, without fear, as heterosexuals do.
June 28, 1969
June 28, 1969 in NYC the gay and lesbian community "physically fought" off the police dept who tried to close the Stonewall Inn. It was the first display of gay and lesbian's fighting for their rights and will go down in history as the beginning of "gay Pride".
Forty years later they are still fighting for those same rights.
If Glenn Nye and Creigh Deeds want the uncountable block of gay and lesbian votes they will have to support gay rights or they will be un-seated from their current post.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, D- 2nd
U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, D- 2nd District, did not sign the letter. Nye said he wants to hear from military commanders, who are currently reviewing the policy, before he takes a position on the issue.
Tranlation: Glenn Nye squeaked into office in a conservative district and is scared to do anything he thinks will stop his reelection in 18 months.
Hey Nye Guy!
Get a backbone . . . .
This is not a military issue, it is a matter of individual rights and freedom which belongs to all, not just straights.
Grow yourself a backbone, Nye, and a couple of . . . . . .
Same catch-phrases from heterophobes. People must oppose...
...hate and discrimination against heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bisexuals. It's archaic to make males and females live, shower and sleep in separate areas simply because of their sexual orientation. Don't flatter yourself--others aren't paying any attention to you. They won't intimidate you. Millions of heterosexuals have served honorably in the military--it's time for such men and women to be allowed to openly use the same spaces--they're not permanently on the make! This sets the example for us all. It's time to end separate restroom, shower and sleeping areas across America. Think of the savings on construction, energy, etc. as males and females (of legal age) simultaneously use facilities in colleges, fitness centers, rest stops--everywhere. Congress--set the example. Start with the Capitol restrooms and gyms you use--that's what leadership is all about!
You're Missing the Point
The military has dismissed numerous highly qualified and highly skilled soldiers - several of them Arabic translators. The fact that many of you on here don't think our men and women are professional enough to treat everyone in his or her unit with dignity and respect says more about the ignorance and disrespect to our military of some of these posters than does it about the content of the letter to President Obama. It makes no sense to have a policy in place that dismissed qualified individuals simply because of their sexuality.