Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Letters on an Authentic Life
The below letter was a letter I wrote to the youth paster of my church explaining some of the thoughts and reasons why I choose not to condemn homosexuals and why i believe that my home church should allow such people to share their love for Christ within our walls. This letter was also written in response to the actions of my church in removing me as a leader of the youth as well as the bass player for the worship team. I believe that this issue is important for me to explain so that is why I am going to post my next few blogs on the issue... starting with "letter 1".....
Hi Andy,
Glad to hear from you. I don't check my email every day as you know, or I would have responded sooner.
Over the past couple of years I guess I have been experiencing the ups & downs of an authentic life that is a life in which I have been true to myself and my beliefs. I think you have seen this as you have been with me through my prime spiritual growth. In fact, most of that was taught to me by you. Especially when I was preparing for my days at college where I knew my spirituality would dwindle. The authentic life I began to lead kept me strong. I have learned during this time that there are many types of Christians, or other people of faith, just as there are varieties of personality types. I happen to be a big picture person, and I personally think that Jesus was too. He taught us to "love God with all our hearts," and since God is in us, (after we invite him in that is), then that means loving ourselves as we are, remembering that we are growing and learning along life's journey. lets face it, just because God is in us and we have a personal relationship with Him, doesn't mean we are without imperfections, struggles, and hardships. So is it not true then that even Christians can be homosexual? Why would we as a church, or better yet as people, condemn them for growing and learning in their lifes journey? In the bible, Jesus also taught us to "love your neighbor as yourself." Then he told us that these are the greatest commandments and that they supercede those given to Moses and all the others. So, Jesus taught us to see the big picture and it is all about LOVE first. So many so-called Christians focus on the law from the old testament or the letters of Paul rather than the Gospels and the words of Jesus. (Jesus by the way was the only one without imperfections and led the authentic life in which I model mine after). When they do this, they forget to love and judge instead breaking the most important of the commandments given by Jesus. I will always be judged by others because I am different in my solid beliefs, as was Jesus and the disciples. In his time it was the scribes and the pharasis who were the established "preachers." They judged him and eventually crucified him. Of course, we know he willingly gave his life for his beliefs and for others. He always moved on when he was rejected and gave us a model to follow. Wow! That's authentic! There is a place for everyone where we can share our love and find love free from persecution. My personal beliefs point towards the church and christians to be the ones providing a place to do so. Because remember, its all about LOVE! Such places are too hard to find but as the bible has pointed out to me, we might have to seek it. Please keep these thoughts in mind and prayer for me. listen to your heart, and be mindful of how God speaks to all of us differently through all life events, helping us find our path. Find your path. Find your plan of action. If you no longer wish that I work with the youth I will understand. Maybe this is Gods way of telling me 'Move on, my brother, move on.' Maybe my work at grandview is done...even with the worship team too. That will be a very hard decision for me to make as you know.
As a good friend told me the other day, ''When I saw your tatoo and met you, I knew you were different. You think and follow your heart.'' God has given me a huge heart and an even bigger love for people. As Troy and I talked about, that is such a good thing but it is also my burden. It has not been an easy journey for me lately for me as you know. I have lost my father, my best friend matt, another friend to suicide, another to drugs, my brother is out of my life again, and now all of the current issues with my mother. I have even lost my life back home to the military. But having friends like you along the way has lightened my load. You have kept me motivated and on track in these dark times. Despite your decision and whatever outcome, nothing will ruin or come between that.
I am where and who I am because of friends and people who cared. It is the least I can do to offer the same to others. Message or call me with your thoughts. I will listen.
In Christ,
Kevin
Hi Andy,
Glad to hear from you. I don't check my email every day as you know, or I would have responded sooner.
Over the past couple of years I guess I have been experiencing the ups & downs of an authentic life that is a life in which I have been true to myself and my beliefs. I think you have seen this as you have been with me through my prime spiritual growth. In fact, most of that was taught to me by you. Especially when I was preparing for my days at college where I knew my spirituality would dwindle. The authentic life I began to lead kept me strong. I have learned during this time that there are many types of Christians, or other people of faith, just as there are varieties of personality types. I happen to be a big picture person, and I personally think that Jesus was too. He taught us to "love God with all our hearts," and since God is in us, (after we invite him in that is), then that means loving ourselves as we are, remembering that we are growing and learning along life's journey. lets face it, just because God is in us and we have a personal relationship with Him, doesn't mean we are without imperfections, struggles, and hardships. So is it not true then that even Christians can be homosexual? Why would we as a church, or better yet as people, condemn them for growing and learning in their lifes journey? In the bible, Jesus also taught us to "love your neighbor as yourself." Then he told us that these are the greatest commandments and that they supercede those given to Moses and all the others. So, Jesus taught us to see the big picture and it is all about LOVE first. So many so-called Christians focus on the law from the old testament or the letters of Paul rather than the Gospels and the words of Jesus. (Jesus by the way was the only one without imperfections and led the authentic life in which I model mine after). When they do this, they forget to love and judge instead breaking the most important of the commandments given by Jesus. I will always be judged by others because I am different in my solid beliefs, as was Jesus and the disciples. In his time it was the scribes and the pharasis who were the established "preachers." They judged him and eventually crucified him. Of course, we know he willingly gave his life for his beliefs and for others. He always moved on when he was rejected and gave us a model to follow. Wow! That's authentic! There is a place for everyone where we can share our love and find love free from persecution. My personal beliefs point towards the church and christians to be the ones providing a place to do so. Because remember, its all about LOVE! Such places are too hard to find but as the bible has pointed out to me, we might have to seek it. Please keep these thoughts in mind and prayer for me. listen to your heart, and be mindful of how God speaks to all of us differently through all life events, helping us find our path. Find your path. Find your plan of action. If you no longer wish that I work with the youth I will understand. Maybe this is Gods way of telling me 'Move on, my brother, move on.' Maybe my work at grandview is done...even with the worship team too. That will be a very hard decision for me to make as you know.
As a good friend told me the other day, ''When I saw your tatoo and met you, I knew you were different. You think and follow your heart.'' God has given me a huge heart and an even bigger love for people. As Troy and I talked about, that is such a good thing but it is also my burden. It has not been an easy journey for me lately for me as you know. I have lost my father, my best friend matt, another friend to suicide, another to drugs, my brother is out of my life again, and now all of the current issues with my mother. I have even lost my life back home to the military. But having friends like you along the way has lightened my load. You have kept me motivated and on track in these dark times. Despite your decision and whatever outcome, nothing will ruin or come between that.
I am where and who I am because of friends and people who cared. It is the least I can do to offer the same to others. Message or call me with your thoughts. I will listen.
In Christ,
Kevin
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Rules for service members
RULES OF ADVOCACY FOR SERVICE MEMBERS
By Aaron Tax, Esq.
If you are a lesbian, gay, or bisexual active duty service member (or a member of the National Guard or reserves) you CAN speak out against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), but there are 3 precautions you must take because of DADT and DoD Regulations:
Don't act as though you represent the military when expressing your personal opinion. DoD Regulation 1344.10 (controlling political activity by military members) limits what you can say and how you can say it. You should not wear your uniform and you should not give the impression you are speaking for your unit or the military when you express your opinion on a political issue.
When you speak out, don't out yourself. Being out to anyone, anywhere, at any time can get you discharged. Therefore, do not identify yourself as LGB – or suggest that you are LGB - while writing or speaking out against DADT.
Be careful - you risk raising suspicions that you are LGB. Even if you don't out yourself or violate DoD regulations, you risk drawing attention to yourself.
As a service member pushing to repeal DADT, here's what you CAN and CANNOT do:
Rallies
- You CAN attend an "end DADT" rally as a spectator.
- You CANNOT wear your uniform to the rally.
- You CANNOT speak in front of the rally.
Letters to the Editor
- You CAN write a letter to the editor of a paper expressing your personal view calling for the repeal of DADT and sign it as a service member.
- You CANNOT send a form letter to the editor of a newspaper calling for repeal of DADT – even if the letter is drafted by SLDN. Civilians are allowed to use form letters; military members are not allowed to use form letters.
Talking to or writing to your Member of Congress
- You CAN express your personal opinion to Congress that DADT should be repealed.
- You CANNOT tell your Congressperson that you are speaking on behalf of your unit or the military when you tell him/her that DADT should be repealed.
Talking on the radio/TV or at a program/group discussion
- You CAN express your personal opinion that DADT should be repealed when interviewed by the press.
- You CANNOT tell the press that you represent the armed forces when you say that DADT should be repealed.
Petition
- You CAN sign a petition favoring repeal of DADT.
- You CANNOT claim to represent the military when signing a petition to repeal DADT.
Bumper Sticker
- You CAN put a bumper sticker on your personal car calling for repeal of DADT.
- You CANNOT put a large poster on your personal car calling for repeal of DADT.
- You CANNOT put DADT repeal bumper stickers on military vehicles.
Voting
- You CAN vote for candidates who support repeal of DADT.
- You CAN encourage other people to vote during election times.
- You CANNOT campaign for a particular candidate representing yourself as a military member.
Contributions
- You CAN contribute money to organizations working towards repealing DADT, such as a group like SLDN.
SLDN Gala or other fundraisers
- You CAN attend an SLDN dinner or similar fundraiser.
- You CANNOT sell tickets for, or otherwise actively promote, the SLDN dinner or similar fundraising events.
By Aaron Tax, Esq.
If you are a lesbian, gay, or bisexual active duty service member (or a member of the National Guard or reserves) you CAN speak out against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), but there are 3 precautions you must take because of DADT and DoD Regulations:
Don't act as though you represent the military when expressing your personal opinion. DoD Regulation 1344.10 (controlling political activity by military members) limits what you can say and how you can say it. You should not wear your uniform and you should not give the impression you are speaking for your unit or the military when you express your opinion on a political issue.
When you speak out, don't out yourself. Being out to anyone, anywhere, at any time can get you discharged. Therefore, do not identify yourself as LGB – or suggest that you are LGB - while writing or speaking out against DADT.
Be careful - you risk raising suspicions that you are LGB. Even if you don't out yourself or violate DoD regulations, you risk drawing attention to yourself.
As a service member pushing to repeal DADT, here's what you CAN and CANNOT do:
Rallies
- You CAN attend an "end DADT" rally as a spectator.
- You CANNOT wear your uniform to the rally.
- You CANNOT speak in front of the rally.
Letters to the Editor
- You CAN write a letter to the editor of a paper expressing your personal view calling for the repeal of DADT and sign it as a service member.
- You CANNOT send a form letter to the editor of a newspaper calling for repeal of DADT – even if the letter is drafted by SLDN. Civilians are allowed to use form letters; military members are not allowed to use form letters.
Talking to or writing to your Member of Congress
- You CAN express your personal opinion to Congress that DADT should be repealed.
- You CANNOT tell your Congressperson that you are speaking on behalf of your unit or the military when you tell him/her that DADT should be repealed.
Talking on the radio/TV or at a program/group discussion
- You CAN express your personal opinion that DADT should be repealed when interviewed by the press.
- You CANNOT tell the press that you represent the armed forces when you say that DADT should be repealed.
Petition
- You CAN sign a petition favoring repeal of DADT.
- You CANNOT claim to represent the military when signing a petition to repeal DADT.
Bumper Sticker
- You CAN put a bumper sticker on your personal car calling for repeal of DADT.
- You CANNOT put a large poster on your personal car calling for repeal of DADT.
- You CANNOT put DADT repeal bumper stickers on military vehicles.
Voting
- You CAN vote for candidates who support repeal of DADT.
- You CAN encourage other people to vote during election times.
- You CANNOT campaign for a particular candidate representing yourself as a military member.
Contributions
- You CAN contribute money to organizations working towards repealing DADT, such as a group like SLDN.
SLDN Gala or other fundraisers
- You CAN attend an SLDN dinner or similar fundraiser.
- You CANNOT sell tickets for, or otherwise actively promote, the SLDN dinner or similar fundraising events.
Steven Benjamin
Stephen Benjamin is a former petty officer second class in the Navy. I have had the honor and privilage to meet him this past weekend and help him support the SLDN and the Repeal of the DADT Policy. Here is a collection of suff I compiled on him. First is his article he wrote to the New York Times. Following this article he has been featured on many news casts such as CNN and the Colbert Report. I have added them as well.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Translate
New York Times
by Stephen Benjamin
IMAGINE for a moment an American soldier deep in the Iraqi desert. His unit is about to head out when he receives a cable detailing an insurgent ambush right in his convoy’s path. With this information, he and his soldiers are now prepared for the danger that lies ahead.
Reports like these are regularly sent from military translators’ desks, providing critical, often life-saving intelligence to troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the military has a desperate shortage of linguists trained to translate such invaluable information and convey it to the war zone.
The lack of qualified translators has been a pressing issue for some time — the Army had filled only half its authorized positions for Arabic translators in 2001. Cables went untranslated on Sept. 10 that might have prevented the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. Today, the American Embassy in Baghdad has nearly 1,000 personnel, but only a handful of fluent Arabic speakers.
I was an Arabic translator. After joining the Navy in 2003, I attended the Defense Language Institute, graduated in the top 10 percent of my class and then spent two years giving our troops the critical translation services they desperately needed. I was ready to serve in Iraq.
But I never got to. In March, I was ousted from the Navy under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which mandates dismissal if a service member is found to be gay.
My story begins almost a year ago when my roommate, who is also gay, was deployed to Falluja. We communicated the only way we could: using the military’s instant-messaging system on monitored government computers. These electronic conversations are lifelines, keeping soldiers sane while mortars land meters away.
Then, last October the annual inspection of my base, Fort Gordon, Ga., included a perusal of the government computer chat system; inspectors identified 70 service members whose use violated policy. The range of violations was broad: people were flagged for everything from profanity to outright discussions of explicit sexual activity. Among those charged were my former roommate and me. Our messages had included references to our social lives — comments that were otherwise unremarkable, except that they indicated we were both gay.
I could have written a statement denying that I was homosexual, but lying did not seem like the right thing to do. My roommate made the same decision, though he was allowed to remain in Iraq until the scheduled end of his tour.
The result was the termination of our careers, and the loss to the military of two more Arabic translators. The 68 other — heterosexual — service members remained on active duty, despite many having committed violations far more egregious than ours; the Pentagon apparently doesn’t consider hate speech, derogatory comments about women or sexual misconduct grounds for dismissal.
My supervisors did not want to lose me. Most of my peers knew I was gay, and that didn’t bother them. I was always accepted as a member of the team. And my experience was not anomalous: polls of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan show an overwhelming majority are comfortable with gays. Many were aware of at least one gay person in their unit and had no problem with it.
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” does nothing but deprive the military of talent it needs and invade the privacy of gay service members just trying to do their jobs and live their lives. Political and military leaders who support the current law may believe that homosexual soldiers threaten unit cohesion and military readiness, but the real damage is caused by denying enlistment to patriotic Americans and wrenching qualified individuals out of effective military units. This does not serve the military or the nation well.
Consider: more than 58 Arabic linguists have been kicked out since “don’t ask, don’t tell” was instituted. How much valuable intelligence could those men and women be providing today to troops in harm’s way?
In addition to those translators, 11,000 other service members have been ousted since the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was passed by Congress in 1993. Many held critical jobs in intelligence, medicine and counterterrorism. An untold number of closeted gay military members don’t re-enlist because of the pressure the law puts on them. This is the real cost of the ban — and, with our military so overcommitted and undermanned, it’s too high to pay.
In response to difficult recruiting prospects, the Army has already taken a number of steps, lengthening soldiers’ deployments to 15 months from 12, enlisting felons and extending the age limit to 42. Why then won’t Congress pass a bill like the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell”? The bipartisan bill, by some analysts’ estimates, could add more than 41,000 soldiers — all gay, of course.
As the friends I once served with head off to 15-month deployments, I regret I’m not there to lessen their burden and to serve my country. I’m trained to fight, I speak Arabic and I’m willing to serve. No recruiter needs to make a persuasive argument to sign me up. I’m ready, and I’m waiting.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Translate
New York Times
by Stephen Benjamin
IMAGINE for a moment an American soldier deep in the Iraqi desert. His unit is about to head out when he receives a cable detailing an insurgent ambush right in his convoy’s path. With this information, he and his soldiers are now prepared for the danger that lies ahead.
Reports like these are regularly sent from military translators’ desks, providing critical, often life-saving intelligence to troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the military has a desperate shortage of linguists trained to translate such invaluable information and convey it to the war zone.
The lack of qualified translators has been a pressing issue for some time — the Army had filled only half its authorized positions for Arabic translators in 2001. Cables went untranslated on Sept. 10 that might have prevented the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. Today, the American Embassy in Baghdad has nearly 1,000 personnel, but only a handful of fluent Arabic speakers.
I was an Arabic translator. After joining the Navy in 2003, I attended the Defense Language Institute, graduated in the top 10 percent of my class and then spent two years giving our troops the critical translation services they desperately needed. I was ready to serve in Iraq.
But I never got to. In March, I was ousted from the Navy under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which mandates dismissal if a service member is found to be gay.
My story begins almost a year ago when my roommate, who is also gay, was deployed to Falluja. We communicated the only way we could: using the military’s instant-messaging system on monitored government computers. These electronic conversations are lifelines, keeping soldiers sane while mortars land meters away.
Then, last October the annual inspection of my base, Fort Gordon, Ga., included a perusal of the government computer chat system; inspectors identified 70 service members whose use violated policy. The range of violations was broad: people were flagged for everything from profanity to outright discussions of explicit sexual activity. Among those charged were my former roommate and me. Our messages had included references to our social lives — comments that were otherwise unremarkable, except that they indicated we were both gay.
I could have written a statement denying that I was homosexual, but lying did not seem like the right thing to do. My roommate made the same decision, though he was allowed to remain in Iraq until the scheduled end of his tour.
The result was the termination of our careers, and the loss to the military of two more Arabic translators. The 68 other — heterosexual — service members remained on active duty, despite many having committed violations far more egregious than ours; the Pentagon apparently doesn’t consider hate speech, derogatory comments about women or sexual misconduct grounds for dismissal.
My supervisors did not want to lose me. Most of my peers knew I was gay, and that didn’t bother them. I was always accepted as a member of the team. And my experience was not anomalous: polls of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan show an overwhelming majority are comfortable with gays. Many were aware of at least one gay person in their unit and had no problem with it.
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” does nothing but deprive the military of talent it needs and invade the privacy of gay service members just trying to do their jobs and live their lives. Political and military leaders who support the current law may believe that homosexual soldiers threaten unit cohesion and military readiness, but the real damage is caused by denying enlistment to patriotic Americans and wrenching qualified individuals out of effective military units. This does not serve the military or the nation well.
Consider: more than 58 Arabic linguists have been kicked out since “don’t ask, don’t tell” was instituted. How much valuable intelligence could those men and women be providing today to troops in harm’s way?
In addition to those translators, 11,000 other service members have been ousted since the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was passed by Congress in 1993. Many held critical jobs in intelligence, medicine and counterterrorism. An untold number of closeted gay military members don’t re-enlist because of the pressure the law puts on them. This is the real cost of the ban — and, with our military so overcommitted and undermanned, it’s too high to pay.
In response to difficult recruiting prospects, the Army has already taken a number of steps, lengthening soldiers’ deployments to 15 months from 12, enlisting felons and extending the age limit to 42. Why then won’t Congress pass a bill like the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell”? The bipartisan bill, by some analysts’ estimates, could add more than 41,000 soldiers — all gay, of course.
As the friends I once served with head off to 15-month deployments, I regret I’m not there to lessen their burden and to serve my country. I’m trained to fight, I speak Arabic and I’m willing to serve. No recruiter needs to make a persuasive argument to sign me up. I’m ready, and I’m waiting.
Support the Repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell"
Public Law 103-160, codified at 10 U.S.C. Sec. 654 more commonly known as 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is unique in that it is officially sanctioned discrimination. Any servicemember may be confronted with investigations and official inquirys if there is any suspicion of their sexuality. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is the only law in the land that authorizes the firing of an American for being gay. There is no other federal, state, or local law like it. Indeed, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is the only law that punishes gays, lesbians, and bisexuals for coming out. An honest statement of one's sexual orientation to anyone, anywhere, anytime, may lead to facing a discharge. Since 1993, over 12,000 Americans serving honorably in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard have been discharged simply due to their sexuality, and many others have left to avoid discrimination and prejudice. Please support efforts to repeal this sanctioned discrimination.
Here are a few videos I found on DADT....
Here are a few videos I found on DADT....
Thursday, June 14, 2007
"Heart of a Soldier"
Back in a world left long time ago
wondering what's next and where I will go
hurry up and wait for orders unknown
at least this time they treat us like we're grown
been a soldier for years inside my heart
thankful to God for this brand new start
Call me crazy if you don't understand
I say I'm a soldier with a mission to man
Man or woman we must have the drive
to go do our jobs and come home alive
deployments aren't easy for anyone involved
but we all cant come home until the problem is solved
so no matter your political affiliations or view
remember we go do our jobs to protect you
wondering what's next and where I will go
hurry up and wait for orders unknown
at least this time they treat us like we're grown
been a soldier for years inside my heart
thankful to God for this brand new start
Call me crazy if you don't understand
I say I'm a soldier with a mission to man
Man or woman we must have the drive
to go do our jobs and come home alive
deployments aren't easy for anyone involved
but we all cant come home until the problem is solved
so no matter your political affiliations or view
remember we go do our jobs to protect you
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
What are elite rowers?
Elite rowers are high performance athletes who compete at national and international level.
An elite rower can start competing as a junior (under 18) at national and international championships. To become a junior world champion, a junior rower must win a gold medal in his/her boat class at the World Rowing Junior Championships.
Reaching full potential as an elite rower takes years of hard training, and it is usually the athletes with longer experience who achieve the best results - rowing's most successful rower ever, Sir Steve Redgrave, obtained his fifth Olympic gold medal at 38 years of age. This is why the International Rowing Federation (FISA) have established a World Rowing Championship for Under 23 rowers, allowing them to further develop physically and technically to become competitive at senior level.
An elite rower works hard to become a world champion. The World Rowing Championships are held every non-Olympic year, and world champions are crowned in 14 men's events and 9 women's events.
The ultimate goal of a rowing athlete is to become an Olympic champion. The Olympic Regatta is held every four years during the Olympic Games.
I can't wait until Crew starts again. After almost 8 months out for military training, all I can do is dream of getting back on the water again. I want to feel the set, feel the slide, feel the force behind the stroke, and feel the perfect physics of motion defined by ones desire to overcome those physics and become the "elite".
An elite rower can start competing as a junior (under 18) at national and international championships. To become a junior world champion, a junior rower must win a gold medal in his/her boat class at the World Rowing Junior Championships.
Reaching full potential as an elite rower takes years of hard training, and it is usually the athletes with longer experience who achieve the best results - rowing's most successful rower ever, Sir Steve Redgrave, obtained his fifth Olympic gold medal at 38 years of age. This is why the International Rowing Federation (FISA) have established a World Rowing Championship for Under 23 rowers, allowing them to further develop physically and technically to become competitive at senior level.
An elite rower works hard to become a world champion. The World Rowing Championships are held every non-Olympic year, and world champions are crowned in 14 men's events and 9 women's events.
The ultimate goal of a rowing athlete is to become an Olympic champion. The Olympic Regatta is held every four years during the Olympic Games.
I can't wait until Crew starts again. After almost 8 months out for military training, all I can do is dream of getting back on the water again. I want to feel the set, feel the slide, feel the force behind the stroke, and feel the perfect physics of motion defined by ones desire to overcome those physics and become the "elite".
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
General who called gay sex 'immoral' to retire
WASHINGTON - Three months after the nation's top general called gay sex "immoral," he is headed for retirement.
Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will retire when his term ends in September. Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, who backs "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," will be nominated to replace him.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday the congressional confirmation needed before Pace could serve another term could have become "a very contentious process," dwelling "on the past, rather than the future."
Steve Ralls, a spokesman for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an organization that seeks to allow open military service for gays, said the "homophobic remarks" Pace made in March might have influenced the decision.
"Gen. Pace's remarks are still fresh in the memory of many of our troops," he said, "and no doubt still fresh in the memory of many senators, too."
Pace, who has long supported "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," reiterated his stance during an interview with the Chicago Tribune.
"I believe homosexual acts between two individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts," he said. "I do not believe the United States is well served by a policy that says it is OK to be immoral in any way."
Pace later acknowledged that he intertwined his personal and professional stances when he discussed the policy, but did not apologize.
"It is our hope that the next nominee for chairman will be respectful and value the service of every member of the military, including the over 60,000 GLBT troops currently on active duty," said Brad Luna, spokesperson for Human Rights Campaign.
Open to change?
Mullen, who will be recommended to succeed Pace, said April 3 at the Brookings Institution in Washington that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has "served us very well."
But he also said that he would be open to reconsidering the issue.
"If it's time to revisit that policy, the American people I believe - and we live in a country - the American people ought to raise that issue and we'll have the debate," he said according to a transcript.
"As a member of the Joint Chiefs and obviously the head of one of the services, I will contribute to that and give my best military advice based on what - the debate that's going on, and if it changes, it changes. I think that's the path right now."
Ralls said Servicemembers Legal Defense Network welcomes any opportunity for debate.
"Public opinion is soundly on the side of revisiting this law," he said. "Eight out of 10 Americans want to see it repealed. So we hope that Adm. Mullen will play a productive part of that public discussion."
By JOSHUA LYNSEN
Monday, June 11, 2007
Doublethink
"To know and not to know, to be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies, to hold simultaneously two opinions which cancelled out, knowing them to be contradictory and believing in both of them, to use logic against logic, to repudiate morality while laying claim to it, to believe that democracy was impossible and that the Party was the guardian of democracy, to forget whatever it was necessary to forget, then to draw it back into memory again at the moment when it was needed, and then promptly to forget it again: and above all, to apply the same process to the process itself. That was the ultimate subtlety: consciously to induce unconsciousness, and then, once again, to become unconscious of the act of hypnosis you had just performed. Even to understand the word 'doublethink' involved the use of doublethink." -George Orwell, 1984
Did you know...
Each color on the Gay Pride Rainbow Flag has a meaning:
Red: Life
Orange: Healing
Yellow: Sun
Green: Nature
Blue: Harmony
Purple: Spirit
My Job in the Army
MOS 25B: Informations Systems Operator - Analyst
Major duties. Information systems operator-analyst supervises, installs, operates and performs unit level maintenance on multi- functional/multi-user information processing systems, peripheral equipment, and associated devices in mobile and fixed facilities; performs analyst functions; constructs, edits, and tests computer system programs; conducts data system studies and prepares docu mentation and specifications for proposals; operates and performs Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) on assigned vehicles and power generators. Duties for MOS 74B at each level of skill are:
(1) Skill Level 1. Installs, operates, and performs unit maintenance on multi-functional/multi-user information processing systems and peripheral equipment and auxiliary devices. Performs input/ output data control and bulk data storage operations. Transfers data between information processing equipment and systems. Troubleshoots automation equipment and systems to the degree required for isolation of malfunctions to specific hardware or soft ware. Restores equipment to operation by replacement of line replaceable unit (LRU). Installs, operates, performs strapping, restrapping, PMCS and unit level maintenance on COMSEC de vices. Assists in the design, preparation, editing, and testing of computer programs. Drafts associated technical documentation for program reference and maintenance purposes. Modifies existing ap plication packages using application and operating system software and appropriate computer language commands and files.
(2) Skill Level 2. Configures information processing equipment into required operating configurations. Performs senior operator and systems administrator duties and unit level maintenance functions on assigned computer systems. Compiles production report data and quality control information. Assists less experienced soldiers in the installation, operation, and maintenance of information processing equipment. Writes, analyzes, edits, tests, and modifies computer programs. Drafts program operation manuals and technical program requirements documents. Troubleshoots software using established debugging procedures.
(3) Skill Level 3. Supervises the deployment, installation, oper ation, and unit level maintenance of multi-functional/multi-user in formation processing systems. Determines requirements, assigns duties, and coordinates activities of personnel engaged in informa tion system analysis and maintenance. Develops and admnisters on- site training programs. Compiles output reports in support of ADPE operations. Perfonms system studies using established techniques to develop new or revised system applications and programs. Writes final design programs, operational manals, procedures, and require ments documents. Analyzes telecommunications information man agement needs. Ensures that spare parts, supplies, and operating essentials are requisitioned and maintained. Supervises and performs maintenance management and administrative duties related to facil ity operations, maintenance, security, and personnel.
(4) Skill Level 4. Plans, supervises, coordinates, and provides technical assistance for the installation, operation, systems analyst functions, unit level maintenance, and management of multi-fune tional/ multi-user information processing systems in mobile and fixed facilities. Participates in development of the continuity of operations plan (COOP), information systems plans (ISP), informa tion management plan (IMP), and information management master plan (IMMP). Conducts quality assurance of ADPE operations. Controls production operations in support of command or agency priorities. Develops and enforces policy and procedures for facility management. Develops, directs, and supervises training programs to ensure soldier proficiency and career development. Organizes work schedules and ensures compliance with directives and policies on operations security (OPSEC), signal security (SIGSEC), communi cations security (COMSEC), and physical security. Writes unit or facility standing operating procedures (SOP). Arranges higher level or contractor support maintenance for assigned equipment. Prepares or supervises the preparation of technical studies, evaluations, reports, correspondence, and records pertaining to information sys tem operations. Directs high level programming projects. Briefs staff and operations personnel on matters pertaining to information systems.
Major duties. Information systems operator-analyst supervises, installs, operates and performs unit level maintenance on multi- functional/multi-user information processing systems, peripheral equipment, and associated devices in mobile and fixed facilities; performs analyst functions; constructs, edits, and tests computer system programs; conducts data system studies and prepares docu mentation and specifications for proposals; operates and performs Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) on assigned vehicles and power generators. Duties for MOS 74B at each level of skill are:
(1) Skill Level 1. Installs, operates, and performs unit maintenance on multi-functional/multi-user information processing systems and peripheral equipment and auxiliary devices. Performs input/ output data control and bulk data storage operations. Transfers data between information processing equipment and systems. Troubleshoots automation equipment and systems to the degree required for isolation of malfunctions to specific hardware or soft ware. Restores equipment to operation by replacement of line replaceable unit (LRU). Installs, operates, performs strapping, restrapping, PMCS and unit level maintenance on COMSEC de vices. Assists in the design, preparation, editing, and testing of computer programs. Drafts associated technical documentation for program reference and maintenance purposes. Modifies existing ap plication packages using application and operating system software and appropriate computer language commands and files.
(2) Skill Level 2. Configures information processing equipment into required operating configurations. Performs senior operator and systems administrator duties and unit level maintenance functions on assigned computer systems. Compiles production report data and quality control information. Assists less experienced soldiers in the installation, operation, and maintenance of information processing equipment. Writes, analyzes, edits, tests, and modifies computer programs. Drafts program operation manuals and technical program requirements documents. Troubleshoots software using established debugging procedures.
(3) Skill Level 3. Supervises the deployment, installation, oper ation, and unit level maintenance of multi-functional/multi-user in formation processing systems. Determines requirements, assigns duties, and coordinates activities of personnel engaged in informa tion system analysis and maintenance. Develops and admnisters on- site training programs. Compiles output reports in support of ADPE operations. Perfonms system studies using established techniques to develop new or revised system applications and programs. Writes final design programs, operational manals, procedures, and require ments documents. Analyzes telecommunications information man agement needs. Ensures that spare parts, supplies, and operating essentials are requisitioned and maintained. Supervises and performs maintenance management and administrative duties related to facil ity operations, maintenance, security, and personnel.
(4) Skill Level 4. Plans, supervises, coordinates, and provides technical assistance for the installation, operation, systems analyst functions, unit level maintenance, and management of multi-fune tional/ multi-user information processing systems in mobile and fixed facilities. Participates in development of the continuity of operations plan (COOP), information systems plans (ISP), informa tion management plan (IMP), and information management master plan (IMMP). Conducts quality assurance of ADPE operations. Controls production operations in support of command or agency priorities. Develops and enforces policy and procedures for facility management. Develops, directs, and supervises training programs to ensure soldier proficiency and career development. Organizes work schedules and ensures compliance with directives and policies on operations security (OPSEC), signal security (SIGSEC), communi cations security (COMSEC), and physical security. Writes unit or facility standing operating procedures (SOP). Arranges higher level or contractor support maintenance for assigned equipment. Prepares or supervises the preparation of technical studies, evaluations, reports, correspondence, and records pertaining to information sys tem operations. Directs high level programming projects. Briefs staff and operations personnel on matters pertaining to information systems.
HRC launches national tour to repeal "don't ask"
HRC launches national tour to repeal "don't ask"
published Friday, June 8, 2007
The Human Rights Campaign has announced that A Legacy of Service, its national tour protesting the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, will kick off in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 12.
The organization hopes to raise awareness for the Iowa caucuses in January, the first step in the presidential nominating process.
The national tour is composed of a diverse group of veterans who have served under the military's antigay policy. The tour will feature former Marine staff sergeant Eric Alva, the first American soldier wounded in Iraq, along with several other military heroes to speak out against the policy.
"This national tour will show the faces of those who have served and sacrificed under this discriminatory policy," said HRC president Joe Solmonese in a press release.
"The American people have already overwhelmingly decided that our military should be about service and not about holding on to policies that dishonor our troops."
The start of the tour comes days after the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates debated the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on CNN. When asked to raise their hand if they support the repeal of the ban on LGBT soldiers serving openly in the military, every Democratic candidate raised their hand in favor. In stark contrast, not a single Republican candidate expressed their support.
"During the beginning of the 2008 presidential election, this tour will ensure that the debate around repealing 'don't ask, don't tell' is focused on the real issue at hand," continued Solmonese in the press release.
"Those candidates running to be the next commander in chief will have to decide if they believe the sexual orientation of an Arabic linguist is more important than their ability to potentially decode the next piece of intelligence that could finally capture Osama Bin Laden." (The Advocate)
published Friday, June 8, 2007
The Human Rights Campaign has announced that A Legacy of Service, its national tour protesting the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, will kick off in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 12.
The organization hopes to raise awareness for the Iowa caucuses in January, the first step in the presidential nominating process.
The national tour is composed of a diverse group of veterans who have served under the military's antigay policy. The tour will feature former Marine staff sergeant Eric Alva, the first American soldier wounded in Iraq, along with several other military heroes to speak out against the policy.
"This national tour will show the faces of those who have served and sacrificed under this discriminatory policy," said HRC president Joe Solmonese in a press release.
"The American people have already overwhelmingly decided that our military should be about service and not about holding on to policies that dishonor our troops."
The start of the tour comes days after the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates debated the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on CNN. When asked to raise their hand if they support the repeal of the ban on LGBT soldiers serving openly in the military, every Democratic candidate raised their hand in favor. In stark contrast, not a single Republican candidate expressed their support.
"During the beginning of the 2008 presidential election, this tour will ensure that the debate around repealing 'don't ask, don't tell' is focused on the real issue at hand," continued Solmonese in the press release.
"Those candidates running to be the next commander in chief will have to decide if they believe the sexual orientation of an Arabic linguist is more important than their ability to potentially decode the next piece of intelligence that could finally capture Osama Bin Laden." (The Advocate)
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Oh, Nevermind
I consider myself to be reasonably well informed on gay issues, especially as they are covered in the media. So I was very much caught off guard by two facts.
First, the May 5/6, 2007 edition of the leading and public voice of the American military establishment, Stars & Stripes, the official newspaper of the United States Armed Forces, published by the Department of Defense, rather nonchalantly reports that Petty Officer 3nd Class Jason Knight has been returned to active duty and even promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class. Yawn, you say? In 2004 Jason Knight outed himself to the United States and was summarily discharged for being gay. The second fact that caught my attention is the complete lack of media coverage of this rather startling bit of sea-changing news.
According to Stars & Stripes: "On his wedding night in July 2004, then-Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Knight finally accepted a truth he had fought against for years: he was gay.
Almost immediately, he moved to get his marriage annulled. He apologized to the woman he'd married. And when it came time to explain his changing circumstances to the Navy, he left nothing out. Under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, he was quickly discharged from the service.
But now - whether through a clerical oversight or what some claim is an unwritten change in policy to keep more gay servicemembers in the ranks at a time of war - Jason Knight is back on active duty.
Since promoted to petty officer second class, Knight is finishing a scheduled one-year tour in Kuwait with Naval Customs Battalion Bravo. And, already kicked out of the Navy once, he sees no need to hide his sexual orientation."
Yes, as if it is not news at all, this military newspaper tells us that an openly gay American naval officer is on active combat duty in Kuwait.
Is this the first such case? An isolated case? One of many cases? Is the notorious "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy passing quietly and ignominiously into the night? Has a sea change begun in U.S. Military policy towards homosexuals that the White House and the Pentagon hope nobody notices--especially the Red States? Or will a "clerical error" soon be corrected and Knight will be discharged a second time?
Posted May 6th 2007 6:08AM by Richard Rothstein
Favorite Rowing Quotes
"Marathon runners talk about hitting 'the wall' at the twenty-third mile of the race. What rowers confront isn't a wall; it's a hole - an abyss of pain, which opens up in the second minute of the race. Large needles are being driven into your thigh muscles, while your forearms seem to be splitting. Then the pain becomes confused and disorganized, not like the windedness of the runner or the leg burn of the biker but an all-over, savage unpleasantness. As you pass the five-hundred-meter mark, with three-quarters of the race still to row, you realize with dread that you are not going to make it to the finish, but at the same time the idea of letting your teammates down by not rowing your hardest is unthinkable...Therefore, you are going to die. Welcome to this life."-- Ashleigh Teitel
"It's a great art, is rowing. It's the finest art there is. It's a symphony of motion. And when you're rowing well Why it's nearing perfection- And when you reach perfection You're touching the divine. It touches the you of you's Which is your soul."--George Pocock
"Don't blow your load on the first stroke, fellas."--Unknown
"There is advantage in the wisdom won from pain." -- Aeschylus
"MCP, maximum controled pressure. No tomorrow, no waiting, nothing beyond the moment. We seek the perfect balance--total abandon on the drive, total control on the recovery."--Unknown
"It's a great art, is rowing. It's the finest art there is. It's a symphony of motion. And when you're rowing well Why it's nearing perfection- And when you reach perfection You're touching the divine. It touches the you of you's Which is your soul."--George Pocock
"Don't blow your load on the first stroke, fellas."--Unknown
"There is advantage in the wisdom won from pain." -- Aeschylus
"MCP, maximum controled pressure. No tomorrow, no waiting, nothing beyond the moment. We seek the perfect balance--total abandon on the drive, total control on the recovery."--Unknown
The Soldier's Song by Demon Hunter
Through the clouds of fallen ash, a lonely mother's cry Among the fields of broken glass the loyal few will rise Faith now regained Finding strenght within the void, of raging fire ignites A spark of ever-burning power and conviction to fight Pride be your name We are the sons of holy wrath, a shining light in the dark The ones who walk amongst despair, no sign of fear in our hearts Stand in death's way Shut out the voice of mindlessness, open your eyes to the truth Believe the words that stand the test and not the slurs of the youth You're not what they say
Armed with resistance and blind to the cost They say your purpose is mindless and lost But we don't adhere to the slader they spill We mourn with your losses and stand by your will
These tears we spill They haunt us still The cries of the weak lie quiet in sleep Beneath our feet
Turn over the tables and watch them run You'll be the weapon they can't outgun
They will spit upon the honor that you guard with your life And run to hide in selfish fear when threat of death is in sight Lay down your shame
“The Soldier’s Song” is for all of the Demon Hunter fans that have written us from overseas, fighting in the war. Many of our fans over there have told us that we’ve been inspiring to them and that we give them encouragement in difficult times.In lieu of a music industry that seems to give US soldiers more to regret than anything, Demon Hunter wrote a song for our soldiers to give them hope and to let them know that they are appreciated. I feel that many people have made these men and women feel unimportant. Many of them have seen friends and family die over there and if these soldiers are told that their time spent fighting this war is in vain, then that implies that these people died in vain. Demon Hunter would rather give these people our support and respect.
The Lord advances like a warrior; He stirs up His zeal like a soldier. He shouts, He roars aloud, He prevails over His enemies. Isaiah 42:13
Armed with resistance and blind to the cost They say your purpose is mindless and lost But we don't adhere to the slader they spill We mourn with your losses and stand by your will
These tears we spill They haunt us still The cries of the weak lie quiet in sleep Beneath our feet
Turn over the tables and watch them run You'll be the weapon they can't outgun
They will spit upon the honor that you guard with your life And run to hide in selfish fear when threat of death is in sight Lay down your shame
“The Soldier’s Song” is for all of the Demon Hunter fans that have written us from overseas, fighting in the war. Many of our fans over there have told us that we’ve been inspiring to them and that we give them encouragement in difficult times.In lieu of a music industry that seems to give US soldiers more to regret than anything, Demon Hunter wrote a song for our soldiers to give them hope and to let them know that they are appreciated. I feel that many people have made these men and women feel unimportant. Many of them have seen friends and family die over there and if these soldiers are told that their time spent fighting this war is in vain, then that implies that these people died in vain. Demon Hunter would rather give these people our support and respect.
The Lord advances like a warrior; He stirs up His zeal like a soldier. He shouts, He roars aloud, He prevails over His enemies. Isaiah 42:13
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