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88 comments
1 Charles Johnson  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:43:17am

The only vote in my life that I truly regret.

2 Killgore Trout  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:43:29am

Que? Is there some context here that makes sense? What is he talking about?

3 webevintage  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:44:58am

Not making fun here…I think Cindy needs to have him checked by a Doctor for Alzheimers. Many sufferers become very belligerent/angry at the beginning, my FIL would blow up at the littlest thing…..before he was ill most things just slid off his back.

4 Varek Raith  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:46:09am

re: #1 Charles

The only vote in my life that I truly regret.

Ditto.

5 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:46:12am

re: #2 Killgore Trout

Que? Is there some context here that makes sense? What is he talking about?

It’s a distraction. And it will cut of Marines’ limbs.

6 Obdicut  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:46:18am

As I said before: Some of those Marines who are missing limbs are probably gay.

So it is fitting and proper to not add insult to injury, and let them serve openly if they wish.

I’d also note for everyone who calls Lieberman a fake Democrat that the repeal of DADT was very much pushed and championed by him. Whatever else you may think of him, give him credit for this step forward in civil rights.

7 Gus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:46:28am

re: #2 Killgore Trout

Que? Is there some context here that makes sense? What is he talking about?

He’s referring to this:

Marine commandant repeats his opposition to scrapping DADT

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos is sticking to his guns in opposing gays and lesbians serving openly in the military, warning Tuesday that a change now in current policy could pose a deadly distraction on the Afghanistan battlefield.

“I don’t want to lose any Marines to a distraction,” Amos said in a roundtable discussion with journalists at the Pentagon.

“I don’t want to have any Marines I’m visiting at Bethesda (Naval Hospital) with no legs as a result of any type of distraction. So that’s where I come down on this.” A recording of the Amos comments was provided to CNN by the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes.

9 Obdicut  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:48:18am

re: #7 Gus 802

And what about the ‘distraction’ for gay Marines of having to constantly hide their sexuality?

Whatever, it’s such a bullshit argument. And it is exactly the same as was used against desegregation.

Glad it’s over.

10 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:48:54am

Distraction you say? What about the soldiers having to not only live with the pressure of serving and potentially losing limbs and dying, but also living with the distraction of having to hide who they are?

How many limbs were blown off due to DADT!

11 Varek Raith  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:50:39am

Out of all things in war that can “distract” you, worrying about whether your buddy next to you is gay is at the top of the list. Not the bullets. Not the RPG screaming at you. Not the specter of death hanging around. Nope. It’s the gays.

Holy shit, people actually think that, don’t they?

12 Gus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:50:55am

re: #9 Obdicut

And what about the ‘distraction’ for gay Marines of having to constantly hide their sexuality?

Whatever, it’s such a bullshit argument. And it is exactly the same as was used against desegregation.

Glad it’s over.

I found Amos’s comment to be repulsive. McCain repeating it was equally repulsive. Like Charles, I regret having voted for McCain.

13 jamesfirecat  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:51:45am

None shall pass!

The Black Knight is invincible!

[Link: leafwarbler.posterous.com…]

14 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:52:53am

I already regretted voting for McCain because of Lady Grizzly. Now I really regret it for that, it was flailing about grasping at straws rhetorically hollow.

15 albusteve  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:54:23am

re: #2 Killgore Trout

Que? Is there some context here that makes sense? What is he talking about?

I don’t get it either

16 Nick Schroeder  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:54:25am

I almost feel bad for him, as he’s quite clearly suffering from dementia.

“We can’t allowing gays in the military because missing limbs. Thank you and God bless American cheese. Has anyone seen my pants?”

17 jamesfirecat  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:54:54am

re: #16 Nick Schroeder

I almost feel bad for him, as he’s quite clearly suffering from dementia.

“We can’t allowing gays in the military because missing limbs. Thank you and God bless American cheese. Has anyone seen my pants?”

I need scissors, 61!

18 Killgore Trout  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:55:05am

re: #7 Gus 802

ah, thanks.

19 albusteve  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 9:56:41am

re: #6 Obdicut

As I said before: Some of those Marines who are missing limbs are probably gay.

So it is fitting and proper to not add insult to injury, and let them serve openly if they wish.

I’d also note for everyone who calls Lieberman a fake Democrat that the repeal of DADT was very much pushed and championed by him. Whatever else you may think of him, give him credit for this step forward in civil rights.

good point….it’s insensitive grandstanding….he’s a gonner

20 What, me worry?  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:00:27am

re: #6 Obdicut

As I said before: Some of those Marines who are missing limbs are probably gay.

So it is fitting and proper to not add insult to injury, and let them serve openly if they wish.

I’d also note for everyone who calls Lieberman a fake Democrat that the repeal of DADT was very much pushed and championed by him. Whatever else you may think of him, give him credit for this step forward in civil rights.

He’s always been for civil rights. He’s opposed gay marriage, but that’s probably more of a religious issue for him, and one in which I adamantly disagree, I would have been a lot happier with him if he hadn’t joined the Reps at their convention. That was just weird. He’s a little weird.

21 Gus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:00:49am

Somehow, I still doubt that a gay Marine will be making it a point to tell everyone about his sexual orientation even after this repeal. Although he, or she, will be able to continue serving without fear of being discharged.

22 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:01:31am

“I don’t want to have any Marines I’m visiting at Bethesda (Naval Hospital) with no legs as a result of any type of distraction. So that’s where I come down on this.” A recording of the Amos comments was provided to CNN by the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes.

Then create sensible policies to manage and mitigate sexuality. That issue was my last resistance to this issue, melted away after listening to military men debate the issue.

No to be too crass, but the military needs to manage heterosexuality better. I’m sure there will be some glitches and issues (that the homophobes will blow up) but the management of hetero and now homosexuality could probably be improved.

The ironic thing is that inclusion of homosexuality may force an improvement of heterosexuality management. It seemed that a ‘boys will be boys’ attitude about ‘blowing off steam’ may have lingered over from times past. Now a consistent policy of being responsible for your own sexuality (hetero or home) may need to be created and enforced.

23 What, me worry?  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:04:59am

re: #12 Gus 802

re: #1 Charles

You can redeem yourselves in 2012 :>

24 Gus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:08:38am

re: #11 Varek Raith

Out of all things in war that can “distract” you, worrying about whether your buddy next to you is gay is at the top of the list. Not the bullets. Not the RPG screaming at you. Not the specter of death hanging around. Nope. It’s the gays.

Holy shit, people actually think that, don’t they?

McCain thinks they’ll be running from foxhole to foxhole during an artillery barrage looking for a heterosexually manned foxhole. “Can’t jump into that one! Bob is teh gay!!11ty”

25 Shiplord Kirel  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:09:34am

The wingnuts are not really afraid this will lead to disaster in the armed forces.
They are afraid it WON’T, and their entire homophobic, paranoid worldview will be discredited.

26 What, me worry?  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:10:17am

re: #21 Gus 802

Somehow, I still doubt that a gay Marine will be making it a point to tell everyone about his sexual orientation even after this repeal. Although he, or she, will be able to continue serving without fear of being discharged.

I think when it comes to soldiers getting support from their families and friends, especially in wartime, it’s going to make a huge difference. Carrying pictures of loved ones, letters from home, etc. And for gay soldiers not to be a part of that, or not letting others be aware of it was a horrible thing.

27 FreedomMoon  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:10:27am

When I first heard that Mccain selected Palin as his running mate, I thought wow, how noble and really did contemplate voting for him. However it became clear to me after hearing just a couple of interviews that she was full of shit and was completely out of her league. Bush league comes to mind. My opinion of her has only declined, and quite steadily continues to do so.

28 Nick Schroeder  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:11:05am

re: #25 Shiplord Kirel

The wingnuts are not really afraid this will lead to disaster in the armed forces.
They are afraid it WON’T, and their entire homophobic, paranoid worldview will be discredited.

… as it has been throughout the timeless ages. So very, very true.

29 jerk  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:12:59am

Really deplorable logic there, Senator.

30 Kid A  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:12:59am

While I respect McCain’s service to our country, I will say this: McCain, you are a pathetic man for this.

31 jamesfirecat  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:14:14am

re: #26 marjoriemoon

I think when it comes to soldiers getting support from their families and friends, especially in wartime, it’s going to make a huge difference. Carrying pictures of loved ones, letters from home, etc. And for gay soldiers not to be a part of that, or not letting others be aware of it was a horrible thing.

///Gays were lucky before DADT was repealed then, don’t you know its always the guy who shows his squad mates a picture of his best girl back home that ends up getting kille?

32 What, me worry?  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:15:34am

re: #27 tacuba14

When I first heard that Mccain selected Palin as his running mate, I thought wow, how noble and really did contemplate voting for him. However it became clear to me after hearing just a couple of interviews that she was full of shit and was completely out of her league. Bush league comes to mind. My opinion of her has only declined, and quite steadily continues to do so.

Speaking of Palin, has she weighed in the repeal?

33 Gus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:17:30am

re: #22 BigPapa

“I don’t want to have any Marines I’m visiting at Bethesda (Naval Hospital) with no legs as a result of any type of distraction. So that’s where I come down on this.” A recording of the Amos comments was provided to CNN by the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes.

Then create sensible policies to manage and mitigate sexuality. That issue was my last resistance to this issue, melted away after listening to military men debate the issue.

No to be too crass, but the military needs to manage heterosexuality better. I’m sure there will be some glitches and issues (that the homophobes will blow up) but the management of hetero and now homosexuality could probably be improved.

The ironic thing is that inclusion of homosexuality may force an improvement of heterosexuality management. It seemed that a ‘boys will be boys’ attitude about ‘blowing off steam’ may have lingered over from times past. Now a consistent policy of being responsible for your own sexuality (hetero or home) may need to be created and enforced.

Now that you mention it. The last “distraction” I seem to recall was Tailhook.

34 kirkspencer  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:17:41am

re: #30 Kid A

While I respect McCain’s service to our country, I will say this: McCain, you are a pathetic man for this.

This - and Duke Cunningham - are reasons I get uptight when people use the “he’s a veteran” argument. I am a veteran and sometimes I’m wrong. Why should Senator X or General Y be any different?

35 What, me worry?  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:18:19am

re: #32 marjoriemoon

Speaking of Palin, has she weighed in the repeal?

Sorry. Weighed in on the repeal.

36 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:19:36am

re: #10 BigPapa

Distraction you say? What about the soldiers having to not only live with the pressure of serving and potentially losing limbs and dying, but also living with the distraction of having to hide who they are?

How many limbs were blown off due to DADT!

I understand that being shot at concentrates your mind remarkably, away from such trivialities as “Could Diaz be gay?”

37 Killgore Trout  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:20:23am

OT: Нацболы и добрая фея!

Youtube Video

Г0Г!

38 Kid A  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:21:08am

re: #32 marjoriemoon

Here’s my Palin impersonation- “Ya knoooooow, us real, gun-totin’ Americans that can see Russia from our front porches are just disgusted by this blatant disregard to our common-sense, constitutional-conservative values. Will this undermine the finest military Errf has ever known in it’s ability to defend herslf? You betcha!”

How’s that?

39 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:21:24am

re: #21 Gus 802

Somehow, I still doubt that a gay Marine will be making it a point to tell everyone about his sexual orientation even after this repeal. Although he, or she, will be able to continue serving without fear of being discharged.

I think in a lot of cases, people know, they just don’t ask or tell. This is also a relief to the straight guys in the outfit—they don’t need to cover for Diaz anymore, or worry about getting him in trouble if they say the wrong thing.

40 Scriptorium  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:24:35am

McCain is saying that Marines who lost limbs lost focus. Why is he blaming our troops?

41 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:25:34am

I sense that by and large most soldiers/sailors will deal with it. The true homophobes will resign from the military. The mass exodus predicted will not be mass, but it will probably be good that they leave.

42 Gus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:26:24am

You know. This could make for some interesting nose art. Although that’s been prohibited for some time now.

43 webevintage  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:27:44am

re: #40 Scriptorium

McCain is saying that Marines who lost limbs lost focus. Why is he blaming our troops?

nonononono
You’ve got it wrong…those folks lost limbs because of the gay that might be surrounding them. I’m not sure why female troops lose limbs…chicks don’t care about who’s a lesbian or not.

44 What, me worry?  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:29:04am

re: #38 Kid A

Here’s my Palin impersonation- “Ya knooow, us real, gun-totin’ Americans that can see Russia from our front porches are just disgusted by this blatant disregard to our common-sense, constitutional-conservative values. Will this undermine the finest military Errf has ever known in it’s ability to defend herslf? You betcha!”

How’s that?

Not bad!

Her twitter and FB are strangely silent on the whole issue.

45 Obdicut  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:29:04am

re: #42 Gus 802

It’s all good:

Image: george.jpg

46 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:29:18am

re: #42 Gus 802

You know. This could make for some interesting nose art. Although that’s been prohibited for some time now.

Ah yes, a brave new world indeed. Be careful, pictures of wimmens in lingerie riding on bombs is distracting.

47 Charles Johnson  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:29:27am

Somebody mentioned the comments at Hot Air - I just took a look at their thread on DADT repeal, and great googly moogly. Things have gotten a lot worse there since the last time I looked.

48 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:30:30am

re: #45 Obdicut

OMFG ROTFLMAO x 2.

49 What, me worry?  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:30:35am

re: #43 webevintage

nonononono
You’ve got it wrong…those folks lost limbs because of the gay that might be surrounding them. I’m not sure why female troops lose limbs…chicks don’t care about who’s a lesbian or not.

Neither do the fellas *sigh*

50 What, me worry?  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:31:38am

re: #45 Obdicut

It’s all good:

Image: george.jpg

LOL you need to tweet that to Jason. He’d get a real kick out of it.

51 jc717  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:31:39am

re: #1 Charles

The only vote in my life that I truly regret.

Out of curiosity, why did you vote for the McCain/Palin ticket Charles?

I was undecided in that election until the VP nominations were announced. After researching Palin for a couple of days, I made a sizable contribution to Obama. I was a McCain supporter in 2000, but I could not believe how much he’d jumped the shark.

52 Obdicut  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:35:19am

re: #47 Charles

I love how many of the commenters there and at Freep are hopefully asking “Wait, since DADT allowed gays to serve as long as they kept it under wraps, doesn’t this mean that now gays aren’t allowed in the military at all?”

Wishful thinking to the extreme.

53 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:36:00am

re: #24 Gus 802

McCain thinks they’ll be running from foxhole to foxhole during an artillery barrage looking for a heterosexually manned foxhole. “Can’t jump into that one! Bob is teh gay!!11ty”

Well, ya know, if you get into a foxhole with Bob, he’ll try to foxhole you.

/

54 Targetpractice  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:36:49am

I’d say I’m surprised, but I’m not. Since ‘00, McCain has become yet another political whore, who sells his vote to the highest bidder. This past election, the highest bidder was the Far-Right, so this is just him turning tricks for them. If I take any comfort, it’s that this past election will likely be his last one. The man has turned himself into such a pretzel that, come next time, he won’t be able to open his mouth without the press there with his past quotes to contradict him.

55 blueraven  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:39:58am

re: #6 Obdicut

As I said before: Some of those Marines who are missing limbs are probably gay.

So it is fitting and proper to not add insult to injury, and let them serve openly if they wish.

I’d also note for everyone who calls Lieberman a fake Democrat that the repeal of DADT was very much pushed and championed by him. Whatever else you may think of him, give him credit for this step forward in civil rights.

Sgt Alva (Marine) and gay: first injury in Iraq loses leg

Youtube Video
56 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:40:02am

re: #27 tacuba14

When I first heard that Mccain selected Palin as his running mate, I thought wow, how noble and really did contemplate voting for him. However it became clear to me after hearing just a couple of interviews that she was full of shit and was completely out of her league. Bush league comes to mind. My opinion of her has only declined, and quite steadily continues to do so.

I seriously thought about voting for McCain after he added Palin. I didn’t much care for Obama, had wanted Hillary, and like many a Democrat, regretted McCain not having gotten the nomination after we got Bush instead.

Then she opened her mouth.

57 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:40:35am

re: #30 Kid A

While I respect McCain’s service to our country, I will say this: McCain, you are a pathetic man for this.

People are complicated. There are a lot of things to honor about John McCain. But he’s not doing too good this last couple of years.

58 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:41:36am

This is a huge step but a long way from being a done deal. There will be another vote and grandstanding on the issue since repealing DADT means it reverts to the previous policy, or that there has to be a new policy written up.

It will be interesting to see if there’s still some segregation in some instances (ex, no women in frontline combat units but otherwise in most other roles).

59 Gus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:42:29am

re: #55 blueraven

Sgt Alva (Marine) and gay: first injury in Iraq loses leg

[Video]

General Amos should resign.

60 Obdicut  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:43:41am

re: #58 BigPapa

Really? It’s my impression that there now exists no possible way to dismiss a servicemember for homosexuality. I could be wrong, though— it’s actually kind of hard to find solid info on that.

61 Obdicut  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:45:16am

From Stars and Stripes:

[Link: www.stripes.com…]

When President Barack Obama signs the repeal bill into effect later this week, it will represent only the first step in allowing gay troops to serve without fear of losing their jobs because of their sexual orientation. Actually abolishing the law will take months, possibly years, to complete.

For now gay troops are left in a murky legal purgatory, where technically they cannot reveal their sexual orientation but practically cannot be discharged if commanders find out about their personal lives.

62 jamesfirecat  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:45:21am

re: #60 Obdicut

Really? It’s my impression that there now exists no possible way to dismiss a servicemember for homosexuality. I could be wrong, though— it’s actually kind of hard to find solid info on that.

Yeah I’m pretty sure there used to be a policy that said “we’ll ask if they’re gay we’ll try and figure out if they’re gay, if they are then we’ll get rid of them.”

Then there was a policy that said “we won’t ask but if they make it obvious then we’ll get rid of them.”

Now the military’s policy on gay’s just reads “…..”

63 SpaceJesus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:46:18am

where’s buck? i wonder what his thoughts are on this

64 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:47:30am

re: #60 Obdicut

Really? It’s my impression that there now exists no possible way to dismiss a servicemember for homosexuality. I could be wrong, though— it’s actually kind of hard to find solid info on that.

Yeah, I honestly don’t know. My question is does it revert or is there a new policy? I thought previously there was a policy which resulted in expulsion: since following policy is repealed, does it now revert?

65 blueraven  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:47:41am

re: #59 Gus 802

General Amos should resign.

Totally agree. How can he disrespect this man and others that have given so much? It is incomprehensible to me.

66 Kid A  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:48:14am

re: #44 marjoriemoon

She’s busy clubbin’ salmon to death, and blastin’ some good ol’, real American Caribou’s head off. She’ll get around to tweetin’ and facebookin’ her insight to us peasants when she damn well feels like it. Understood? You betcha!

67 Obdicut  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:49:47am

re: #64 BigPapa

According to the Stars and Stripes and everything I’ve read, it doesn’t revert. The DADT language replaced the older language— the DADT language is being deleted, but that doesn’t restore old language. There is currently an enjoinment against dismissing anyone in the military due to sexuality.

68 SpaceJesus  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:50:02am

evil mossad sharks vanquished by drunk serbian man

[Link: www.newser.com…]

69 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:51:12am

re: #60 Obdicut

Sorry, I openly postulated but typed it as a statement of fact. I think that repeal of DADT was a huge step forward but it’s now a murky situation and… to be crass… it’s not out of the closet yet.

I just don’t think this is done yet and homosexuals are not out of risk, especially going into a GOP controlled congress.

70 Obdicut  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:52:39am

re: #69 BigPapa

Certainly. But if the GOP tries to ban gays in the military in the face of 80% popular approval for gays in the military, they are even stupider than I think they are.

71 Stan the Demanded Plan  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:52:53am

re: #65 blueraven

Totally agree. How can he disrespect this man and others that have given so much? It is incomprehensible to me.

Because he’s a bigot.

He should be fired or resign/

72 Kronocide  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:53:19am

re: #67 Obdicut

There is currently an enjoinment against dismissing anyone in the military due to sexuality.

Well that’s good. I think it’s going to be a long road before a consistent policy is drawn up. I trust military brass will do the right thing… except for Amos.

73 Targetpractice  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:53:24am

re: #67 Obdicut

According to the Stars and Stripes and everything I’ve read, it doesn’t revert. The DADT language replaced the older language— the DADT language is being deleted, but that doesn’t restore old language. There is currently an enjoinment against dismissing anyone in the military due to sexuality.

So while effectively, it’s over, there’s nothing set in stone yet. I think a lot can live with at least the millstone off their necks for awhile. Most will probably continue to at least keep quiet for the time being, but just knowing that if they get found out, they won’t be discharged will put their minds at ease.

74 HoosierHoops  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:55:47am

OT Christmas programming note:
I keep getting called by Colts fans in Indy that we are kicking ass today..
If you are looking for something for that special man for Christmas..Buy the new McGraw Cologne..Rich and sexy scent..I’m very impressed and I’m very picky what I wear..

75 Charleston Chew  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:56:14am

Half of me hopes McCain has a haunted conscience like a character in a Shakespearean tragedy, and the other half knows that in real life the people who really should feel guilty never do.

76 blueraven  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:56:56am

re: #71 Stanley Sea

Because he’s a bigot.

He should be fired or resign/

Maybe we should implement DADT against bigots…is that the suggestion? I could go for that!/

77 Targetpractice  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:57:25am

re: #70 Obdicut

Certainly. But if the GOP tries to ban gays in the military in the face of 80% popular approval for gays in the military, they are even stupider than I think they are.

Considering their opposition to HCR and unemployment benefits, but support of Bush’s Tax Cuts for the Rich, I’d say that the GOP is no stranger to going against the wind, if only to ensure continuity with their own ideology.

78 Steve Dutch  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 10:59:16am

re: #7 Gus 802

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos is sticking to his guns in opposing gays and lesbians serving openly in the military, warning Tuesday that a change now in current policy could pose a deadly distraction on the Afghanistan battlefield.

“I don’t want to lose any Marines to a distraction,” Amos said in a roundtable discussion with journalists at the Pentagon.

“I don’t want to have any Marines I’m visiting at Bethesda (Naval Hospital) with no legs as a result of any type of distraction. So that’s where I come down on this.” A recording of the Amos comments was provided to CNN by the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes.

Wow. I had no idea discipline in the Marine Corps was so close to complete collapse. If the leadership of the Marine Corps has let things get so bad that Marines can’t concentrate for fear that one of them might be gay, maybe it’s time to disband them. We can put the salvageable ones in the Army.

Sexual behavior is and will continue to be a legitimate concern for commanders if (there’s the operative word) it threatens good order and discipline. Unwanted sexual advances (homo- or hetero-) are sexual harassment and punishable. On deployment, General Orders usually prohibit sexual relations (though widely ignored - duh). Mostly that order gives commanders leverage for dealing with problem cases under Article 92 (failure to obey an order) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. And the fear of soldiers being molested in their sleep has a simple answer in the UCMJ. Article 120 deals with rape and 125 with sodomy. Article 134 covers general threats to good order and discipline:

Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses not capital, of which persons subject to this chapter may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of by a general, special or summary court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offense, and shall be punished at the discretion of that court.

Even heroes can wear out their reputations. McCain is doing it.
Here’s what “Real Murkans” once did to support the troops. After World War II, the Army conducted all sorts of studies, one of which showed that the German “coal scuttle” helmet offered superior protection against neck and brain stem injuries. But public opposition to adopting that style kept us using the old steel pot helmets until the 1980’s. So how many American service people died or were crippled because “Real Murkans” didn’t like the idea of copying German helmets?

79 sagehen  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 11:06:57am

re: #51 jc717

Out of curiosity, why did you vote for the McCain/Palin ticket Charles?

I was undecided in that election until the VP nominations were announced. After researching Palin for a couple of days, I made a sizable contribution to Obama. I was a McCain supporter in 2000, but I could not believe how much he’d jumped the shark.

My siblings were all solid McCain supporters until the VP noms came out. They’d already made maximum donations to McCain, in both the primary and general.

They all voted for Obama.

(did I skip around them chanting “toldja so toldja so”? maybe just a little)

80 Eclectic Infidel  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 11:09:02am

FU McCain. Miserable jerk. Nice pandering there. Why don’t you just come out and admit that Americans who are homosexual don’t deserve equal treatment because, uh, um, they’re gay, and uh, um, duh….the bible says um, something or whatever about the gheys? I’m so glad that the half-wit Palin sabotaged your campaign.

81 sagehen  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 11:09:40am

re: #62 jamesfirecat

Now the military’s policy on gay’s just reads “…”

What a coincidence, that’s exactly what Jesus said about them, too.

82 jamesfirecat  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 11:13:31am

re: #81 sagehen

What a coincidence, that’s exactly what Jesus said about them, too.

Or in song…


Oh what did Jesus have to say?
Oh what did he say?
About being gay?
Well… nothing.

83 avanti  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 11:52:10am

re: #47 Charles

Somebody mentioned the comments at Hot Air - I just took a look at their thread on DADT repeal, and great googly moogly. Things have gotten a lot worse there since the last time I looked.

Some of them are cheering other blogs that banned pro DADT repeal “trolls” Apparently, if you favor repeal, you are anti Christian Liberal and have no place in today’s GOP.

84 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 11:56:17am

re: #83 avanti

Some of them are cheering other blogs that banned pro DADT repeal “trolls” Apparently, if you favor repeal, you are anti Christian Liberal and have no place in today’s GOP.

There are, I have to say, a lot of sensible voices over at HotAir, challenging the nutjobs, as well. And good on them.

85 simoom  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 12:31:50pm

Dana Milbank on Sen. McCain’s behavior yesterday:

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com…]

If John McCain gets any more hostile toward his Senate colleagues, they might consider having him go through the metal detector before he enters the Capitol.

Saturday’s debate on the repeal of the “don’t-ask-don’t-tell” policy was only half an hour old when the Arizona Republican burst onto the floor from the cloakroom, hiked up his pants and stalked over to his friend Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Ignoring Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), who had the floor, McCain hectored the men noisily for a few moments, waving his arms for emphasis.

When McCain finally stormed off, Durbin shook his head in exasperation and Lieberman smiled. A minute later, McCain returned - he had apparently remembered another element of his grievance - and resumed his harangue.

…

McCain’s statement on the floor was roughly one part argument, four parts tantrum. “So here we are about six weeks after an election that repudiated the agenda of the other side,” he said, and those who would repeal don’t-ask-don’t-tell “are acting in direct repudiation of the message of the American people.” (Actually, polls show support for repeal.)

He bemoaned “this bizarro world that the majority leader has been carrying us in,” and taunted: “Maybe it will require another election.” The Arizonan suggested those who vote to repeal would have blood on their hands. “Don’t think that it won’t be at great cost,” he said, punctuating his words by bouncing on his toes and chopping with his left hand. It will “probably,” he said, “harm the battle effectiveness which is so vital to the survival of our young men and women in the military.”

…

The loss of Republican votes, no doubt, made McCain even angrier. When it came time for his closing argument before the day’s key vote, McCain spoke for only a few seconds: “Today’s a very sad day. The commandant of the United States Marine Corps says when your life hangs on the line, you don’t want anything distracting… . I don’t want to permit that opportunity to happen and I’ll tell you why. You go up to Bethesda Naval Hospital, Marines are up there with no legs, none. You’ve got Marines at Walter Reed with no limbs.”

McCain turned and, without another word, walked into the cloakroom.

86 shai_au  Sun, Dec 19, 2010 2:01:12pm

re: #84 SanFranciscoZionist

There are, I have to say, a lot of sensible voices over at HotAir, challenging the nutjobs, as well. And good on them.

Absolutely. They are heavily outnumbered, but they are there. And good on them: personally, I would probably give up after a comment or two.

87 Summer Seale  Mon, Dec 20, 2010 2:57:21am

re: #83 avanti

Some of them are cheering other blogs that banned pro DADT repeal “trolls” Apparently, if you favor repeal, you are anti Christian Liberal and have no place in today’s GOP.

I take them at their word and I agree with them:

I am an Atheist Liberal who has no place in today’s GOP. =)

I thank them for making that entirely clear to me since the 2008 election.

88 morrisab  Mon, Dec 20, 2010 8:37:56am

re: #1 Charles

The only vote in my life that I truly regret.

Don’t feel too badly. If it hadn’t been for Palin, my husband would have voted for him and even I might have, because Reagan inured a lot of people, I think, to the age issue, so that wasn’t foremost in our minds. And if he’d picked Lieberman, I know my husband would have voted for him.


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