General Pace's Ideas on Gays in the Military

[mjules]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070926/ap_on_re_us/pace_homosexuals

"I would be very willing and able and supportive" to changes to the policy "to continue to allow the homosexual community to contribute to the nation without condoning what I believe to be activity — whether it to be heterosexual or homosexual — that in my upbringing is not right," Pace said.

In other words, you want to use us without giving us the courtesy of acknowledging every part of our lives. Okay. All right. You know, I have this problem with a coworker. She keeps claiming that any mention of even the word "homosexuality" is offensive to her, but if anyone ever asks her to maybe not impose her personal beliefs on others (which is what you, General Pace, are doing - and admittedly so, since you specified "in my upbringing" in your little quote there), she cries discrimination on the basis of religion.

You know, I have friends who do not believe homosexuality is morally acceptable, but they accept me. They also do not try to push their beliefs on me. And after a brief bit of open dialogue in which we each felt out exactly where the other stood on the issue, I don't bring up my beliefs on the issue either. It's a delicate balance, and we agree to disagree because, in short, it doesn't affect our relationship.

Imposing your morality code on a wide group of individuals is akin to playing God, and I don't believe that position is open for re-election currently. Thanks for your obligatory kind remarks that imply that you believe not all homosexuals are cretins, but my suggestion is you stop focusing on everyone's personal issues that don't affect you. I think you'll find it lowers your stress levels, too.

Have a happy retirement!

Sincerely,
Megan

[mjules]

http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3661031&page=1

Jason Knight, the gay sailor discharged last spring after he wrote a letter to Stars & Stripes denouncing Pace's earlier comments, was encouraged by the general's latest remarks. "I definitely think it's a step in the right direction," he told ABCNEWS.com. "He seems to value the gay and lesbian community that is currently serving."

But Knight was distressed that Pace repeated his personal beliefs. "Like the first time, that is his opinion and as a senior military leader he shouldn't be stressing his own views."

It's always so nice when someone can be optimistic about things without forgetting the issues. It gives me a Polaris to pull me back on track. I've never been very good at being optimistic right off the bat. If I were feeling particularly snarky, I'd blame my fundamentalist upbringing, but I suppose I'd better keep up with the rest of my comrades and start studying to be a saint again. ;) :good::good:

[efs5r]

From Schmitz Blitz (schmitzblitz.wordpress.com)

In a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing yesterday, outgoing Joint Chiefs Chairman General Pace reiterated (http://schmitzblitz.wordpress.com/2007/09/27/gen-pace-attacks-gays-in-the-military-again/)his belief that gays are immoral and that they don’t belong in the military.

I find it infuriating that Pace still claims that he respects gay troops while consistently scolding them with his self righteous moral speak. What’s more, his concern with morality is dubious, as he seems to concentrate solely on gays, rather than other potentially immoral targets such as the recent surge in convict recruits.

One must really feel for gays serving in the military. Not only must they hide and deny their family life in a time of war, where they are certainly most needed, but they also must put up with consistent demoralization from one of their top commanders.