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Obama's Gay Dodge
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The gay community should stop rewarding President Obama's pretty speeches—like his address this weekend to the Human Rights Campaign—and demand action on Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
This weekend, thousands gathered for a march at the White House where the gay community demanded equal rights. On Saturday night, President Obama addressed the largest gay-rights group and promised to end the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy in the military, emphasizing that his commitment to achieving equal rights was “unwavering.” The support he received from the crowd was overwhelming.
Just as there are no atheists in foxholes, I suspect it could be said that there is no homophobia in foxholes either.
But my response to this speech and my message to the gay community is this: Stop rewarding the president’s speeches. Because for me, that’s all it is—pretty words delivered by a beautiful orator.
Obama offered no timeline for phasing out this policy and, as usual, no real specifics. But the president verbalized his commitment to ending it—which is not insignificant. Unfortunately, I am a bottom line type of girl and I see no bottom line here. During the election, Obama pledged that the very first thing he would do as president would be to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Although I thought it was an ambitious promise, I believed him. It's now almost a year into his presidency and other than making speeches, nothing has happened.
Let me tell you a little something about what I know about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: I have two brothers serving in the military and as far as I’m concerned, when an Arabic translator is kicked out of the military for being gay, it quite literally makes my brothers and our troops less safe. For me, Don't Ask, Don't Tell isn't just an equality issue. It is also a national-security issue.
This is the point we should be emphasizing for those who refuse to see Don’t Ask Don’t Tell opposition as a human-rights campaign. We need to bring the issue back to the security of our country both overseas and at home. Every soldier in our armed forces is serving his or her country in the most admirable way an American can, and we should be able to respect them, by not asking them to hide their sexual orientation.
• Jacob Bernstein on Obama’s HRC speechNow, I cannot speak for my brothers, but I know many men and women who serve in the military. Let’s give them more credit. Just as there are no atheists in foxholes, I suspect it could be said that there is no homophobia in foxholes either. I find it hard to imagine that when a soldier is in a Humvee fighting terrorist insurgents, that the thing on his mind is who his fellow soldier chooses to sleep with when he’s off duty.
What’s more, the gay community can no longer place all the blame of marriage equality and Don't Ask, Don't Tell on Republicans. Yes, the Republican Party has a long way to go. But right now, we have a Democratic president and a Congress with a Democratic majority. The Republican Party can no longer be the only scapegoat for the arrested development of gay rights in this country. This is a president who made promises to the gay community—hold him responsible.
Of all the things I worry about in my life, my country's national security is by far at the forefront. I am a daughter of a famous military hero and the sister of two soldiers. Mr. President, Don't Ask, Don't Tell makes my family and this country less safe. Put a timeline on repealing it, stop making speeches, and show me the bottom line.
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
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Joe's No Traitor
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
This is a very good article.
People need their family, regardless. Especially if they are hurt when they are fighting for their country.
It isn't just about who is sleeping with who. And it probably never was.
Congress people Congress. Their is a Democratic majority in both house yet their is no bill on Obama's desk. The gay community and the media have given congress a total pass on this issue due to their obsession with Obama. Obama has not threatened a veto, therefore there is NOTHING stopping the house from repealing the DOMA and DADT and sending the bill for Obama to sign. Some claim Obama has to ask for it or start the process for congress to follow through..have you all been watching the Health Debate?? If Obama controlled congress like that he would have signed a bill weeks ago.
Call your local representative if you want action on this issue. Obama can not just snap his fingers and make laws go away. (Unless you want him to act like the previous administration)
Meghan McCain should at least mention that her father just a few months ago insisted that this is not a rights issue.
There and there. Don't know how I did that twice.
Rep Ellen Tauscher's Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009 was introduced in March and has been referred to the House Armed Services Commitee and the Subcommitee on Military Personel.
http://tinyurl.com/yfdpx4e
Based on what I read (keeping in mind that I've only read the summary) I think it's likely President Obama will sign it when it reaches his desk. But as case1234 says, contact your representatives. My Rep is a co-sponsor, but I emailed him anyway.
i would say some of the article is good. meghan may have long-term potential but she isnt a serious blogger mostly. she should research before posting tho, just to get a bit of credibility. there are indeed atheists in foxholes..even have websites and such. has she never heard of pat tillman? she uses a lie to support equal rights for gays (i fully support equal rights for gays too) doesnt impress me.
I believe that when Ms. McCain used the phrase "there are no athiest in fox holes" she wasn't making a statement that all soldiers are christians. It is in fact an aphorism used to argue that in times of extreme stress or fear, such as when participating in war all people will hope for a higher power. Its a phrase, not her personal belief. She used it to show that men who might have homophobic tendencies, will not care about their fellow soldiers sexual preferences when they're in a combat situtation.
The lgbt community as an institution acts as though it is unaware and not at all interested in really addressing social justice/human rights and is as infested with the ill's that come with suffering from a bad case of white privilege such as Class, Racism, greed, war, misogyny, gender privilege just to name a few other wise they would not take money that represents theses forms of oppression. As most institutions in America suffer from white privilege, take the in your face great Wall Street robbery/ bail out still going on right now! As long as we are willing to be bought and sold and sport corporate labels in what ever community we represent divisions between the peoples will continue! The stratification of privilege and power in this country is not going to give up it's privilege or power any time soon we must address these issues in our communities with each other be aware of how we spend are money, Who's money were taking and if in fact it is promoting a world of greater good for all and the planet or Contributing to the rape and exploition of the planet and it's people? It is no longer complicated or complex to know this information! That's why it is inexcusable! You can choose to contribute or create a new way? It is time to rise people! I commend the concerns of the action! But lets do it face to face, state to state, coast to coast Lets take back the HRC and dismantle the stratification of privilege and power in the United states of America through peaceful demanding of accountability in our communities government and so called organizations that claim to represent Us!!!!!
with great respect and love
goddessboi
www.butchculture.com
Very well said!
Well said? I wish you and she would read a little history. This is almost the same argument that was common about Black soldiers who were relegated to servile rather than combat roles in the military. Macho military culture (which once included racism) is self-serving and ego-driven. It has survived adding racial diversity to the military. It will survive accepting Gays and Lesbians. Differences among people can be overcome if you remove the approval factor and reverse peer pressure. That's why using the N-word (common in the 50s) is toxic today,
There are already thousands of Gay and Lesbian soldiers serving with distinction for the US Military. Meghan, ask your brothers about that. Get off the bigot bandwagon that you disguise by using "my gays." It is taken the place of "some of my best friends are negroes, but...."
Better she talk to her own party, they have fought the President every step of the way. How can he accomplish any reforms while republicans play politics. They remain mostly silent as birthers,deathers, teabaggers, etc get 24/7 coverage on the news.
stjam8-
Agreed that Meg ought to talk to her own party. However, I think her own party only listens to what they want to hear, and they don't want to hear about gays in the military. (As if gay people aren't now and haven't always been in the military and everywhere else on gods green earth)
Not sure what her own party thinks of Meg's cred, also. I suspect some call her a moderate, and some a traitor.
Meghan McCain, rich girl who has never done anything of significance (writing a book book for childrens does not count) in life is pontificating on what the President should do?
Please, give me a frigging break.
Why isn't she in the military fighting for our freedom?
You question Meghan McCins place to pontificate on what the president should do because she hasn't done anythig of significance (in your opinion)?
Yet, you feel that you can sit there and pontificate on what she writes here in her column? Hypocritical, much? Maybe writing a childern's book doesn't mean very much in the grand scheme of things, but what exactly have *you* done? How is it that you are justified to make comments about her if she is not justified in being able to make comments on Barack Obama or the administration?
Maybe you missed the point of the First Amendment. This example of Freedom of speech is exactly what the First Amendment was written for - the idea that the citizens have the right to question the government openly. There are a lot of side issues that the First Amendment covers, especially in terms of Freedom of Speech, but this was the foremost application it was meant to cover. Furthermore, Ms McCain is doubly covered because as she is a journalist with this very publication, she is also covered by Freedom of the Press.
Maybe *you* should not be talking about who should and shouldn't be able to comment on what.
Same republican tactic, Obama gives pretty speeches. Isn't this another way of saying he's well spoken? The republicans continue their racist and homophobic and xenophobia attacks all while maintaining they are not. Most Americans refuted these tactics in November and were proud that we set this country on a new path. The Nobel Peace Prize was a recognition of that.The GOP leadership should stop going to conferences that include nonsense like the Gay Agenda.The GOP leadership should stop fighting the President tooth and nail on every agenda. When will they understand why they lost power? The mess left on this President door step is unparalleled! If they won't help solve our huge problems, health, climate change and recogninze that the constitution already grants all citizens equal rights, they will never be seen as anything but the reason these problems can't be solved.
Just because she is a Republican does not mean she believes the exact opposite of you. She can be a republican, think that DADT should be repealed, and be right on this issue!
The Congress and the President can make an attempt at it, and the Democratic members of Congress who think it will hurt their re-election chances can go ahead and vote that way.
Saying that it's the Republican "homophobia" stopping it is bullshit when you won't even bring it up.
You're putting words in people's mouths.
drstedman,Rdschenkel: What republican including this one, is not on EVERYTHING IS THE ALL THE PRESIDENT'S FAULT BAND WAGON! They continue to remain silent while even his legitmacy is questioned. The GOP is no where to be found on solving the huge problems left on this President's door step. They are bitter about losing the election ,and are more concerned about getting back in power. GOP needs to put the American people concerns above their own, or they will contiune to marginlize themsevles. They had 8 years and left a huge mess. This President has been in office less then year. And they made clear they want him to fail. The progress we could make on the issues are slowed to a crawl, because the GOP wants this President to Fail. Where have any of them been on this issue for the last 8 years? Or any of the other serious issues of our time, like climate change. They still deny it. Or looking for GREEN alternates, it's still DRILL BABY DRILL! Or Wars that, they insist that make us safer, when it's it a great recruiting tool for our enemies and makes the miltary-industrial complex richer. No, I'm not putting words in their mouth, their silence says it all. They are with the deathers , birthers and others because I have not heard them denouce these people loudly. So, yes if they are republicans that does make them the opposite of me. I care about this country and our planet. I do not put politicial gains ahead of solving the dire problems of our times. So, if Ms. McCain is really for DADT, then she should tell it to Daddy and her party.
First of all, the Nobel Peace Prize should NOT be given because someone has decided on a path to take. The best of intentions so early on in his Presidency should not be rewarded, give it to him at the end when he has made everything all better like he claims he will. Second of all, if the constitution grants all citizens equal rights, why were black people still slaves when it was written? why were women still basically property of their husband and not given the right to vote until years and years later? Our countries creators did not really have "all" people in their minds when they said "all men are created equal." Certain issues need to be addressed by the President, granted DADT is the least of his worries. As a side note, pretty speeches and well spoken do not mean the same thing.
Kissyme: First of all, BaracK Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his extraodinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between people. He put an end to torture in this country. He called for Nuclear disarmament. Desmond Tutu received his Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Ten years before he accomplished Apartheid. President Wison received his for The League of Nations and the versailles treary. For a complete story of those who have received their Peace Prize for their EFFORTS, please go to You Tube and watch Rachael Maddow Oct.9 Second of all, Sure they did, they were busy creating a new nation, you expect them to do everything for us? The Founding fathers laid the foundation. It up to following generations to take up the unfinished work of the previous generation. AS a side note, They learned from V.P. Biden mistake not to say well spoken. But what do you think they mean when they say they want their country back. And when in recent times, has a President been called a fascist,a socialist a nazi, Hilter etc. What do you think is going on when they question his very legitimacy as President? If you don't think it racism, what would you call it? And these are the people, that our President continues to offer an olive branch. And continues to try to include in a bi-partsain efforts. He deserves his Nobel Peace prize just for the supreme efforts towards republicans.
The gay community doesn't place all the blame of marriage equality and Don't Ask, Don't Tell on Republicans... I have no idea where you came up with this, but it's almost a slap in the face to the gay community. It is almost as if you are calling them stupid. Not everyone's historical perspectives start the year they were born.
Also, Meghan, I beg of you, please stop with the "my gays" this and "my gays" that. You want respect for homosexuals, start with yourself. You don't have your blacks or your jews, do you? Actually, don't answer that.
The real point, I suspect, you can't really hide it. People talk about their family, and a gay person will want to talk about their family.
A person only gets outed, cause they have a secret. And such an issue can't be kept secret, very well.
This policy is stupid, because it pretends it is possible to discriminate moderately. And of course as Meghan wrote, this policy is also dangerous.
Some things are absolute. You can't discriminate moderately. You either do or you don't.
You can't really legislate tolerance.
But you can unlegislate intolerance.
Must have been a bad one. The Beast lets me get away with quite a lot!
I disagree. In general, people discriminate less against blacks than they ever have. Giving them separate water fountains and forcing them to ride in the back of buses was much more discriminating.
Human nature dictates that progress in social issues happens gradually. Not always slowly, but it has to happen in steps, or it will be rejected.
Good article, I totally agree that at this point both sides are responsible for for Don't ask don't tell and DOMA not being overturned. Obama is a great speaker, but now is the time for action.
I would have to disagree with you about the republican party's part in Don't Ask Don't Tell. As I remember, DADT was more of a compromise to ensure that partial sexual equality would last a little longer than Bill Clinton's presidential term.
Once again a measure beyond an executive order will need to be crafted into law to ensure equality in the military. This will be on a grander scale than the desegregation of the military and will need to change the entire culture of the military. The military will adjust though.
Spot on Meghan. No-body cares and has not in 40 plus years I imagine. The only thing I ever worried about was who had my back in a fire fight.
This gay rights across the boards is a civil rights issue and should be ended NOW
Peace
Spot on Meghan? Well, since MS McCain appears to be totally uninformed and out of touch, it is hard to see Spot on. Congressman Patrick Murphy with 178 signatures supporting the repeal of DADT on the house floor last week (HR1283). He took over this challenge at the president's request in the spring. Obama instructed Gates to prepare the military for the repeal of DADT last March and recently a poll printed in Stars and Stripes indicated that the majority of military personnel support the repeal of DADT. Murphy needs another 40 votes to push the bill through the house. Since the GOP response was to equate sexual orientation with beastiality, pedophia and necrophilia, no support is expected from the GOP. Congressman Murphy, does however, need your help in pressuring congress to pass the bill. Call you congressnman to voice your support.
Last week, NY Senator Gillibrand stated that she expects to hold hearings on the repeal of DADT by the end of this month or the first of next month. Perhaps, MS McCain can ellicit her father's support for passing the bill through the senate.
Obviously, this isn't very high on Meghan's list of priorities since she is so ill informed.
Whoa! Now THAT was spot on xlntcat!
What do you think Daddy will do?
SPOT ON!
I'm so fed up with these self-righteous, ill-informed GOP pundits trying to diminish President Obama's achievements and those in the works, using the "beautiful oratory" BS to position him as "hot air".
Yes, unlike GWBush, Obama is articulate and inspiring when he crafts a speech, but his speeches also have content and he follows through on what he says he'll do.
If Ms. Meghan is genuinely concerned for "her gays" and genuinely so "worried" about national security and DADT, why didn't she speak up before now and influence her Dad, the famous military hero, to influence repeal of DADT? Or is she another McCain "hot air" bag? During the presidential campaign John McCain talked a lot about veterans, his close bond and support for veterans and the military, vs. Obama, who never fought for his country like a real American. Well, in 2008, America's veterans gave McCain a "D" grade on how he had voted/what he accomplished for our many military heroes, and they gave Obama a "B " for his record on their behalf - - there are some who talk, but do nothing, and there are others who inspire others to confront the issues and promise to take action, and deliver on those promises.
I'm interested in how Ms Meghan feels about the 9 GOP lawmakers who voted recently to suppress the civil rights of "her women" to seek justice when they are raped by the sex criminal gorillas who work for the defense contractor, Halliburton, Cheney's firm? Obama was one of the earliest members of Congress to scrutinize the issue of private contractors, sponsoring legislation in the Senate that sought to hold contractors accountable for their actions in Iraq. Mc-Cain, who has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from defense contractors, has voted repeatedly against holding them accountable. McCain again voted in favor of rape when he voted against Senator Franken's amendment, and in so doing he voted against women's civil rights....but he chose a female VP candidate in the presidential race, as a hypocritical ploy to convince Hillary Clinton's followers that he was a big supporter of women's causes.
As I said, there are some who talk a fine game, but do nothing. And there are some who give inspiring speeches, and then quietly go about doing what they said they'd do, while multi-tasking on many fronts...more has been done to advance the repeal of DADT over the last 9 months than was done in the 8 years before.
Megan's article is nothing more than a GOP Dodge.
Well, gee, xlntcat, is being compared to a pedophile by republicans worse than being compared to adulterers by democrats (c.f. Obama's Justice Department's defense of DADT). I have sufficient contempt for both parties, thank you, but I find I have a special place in my heart for Obama. McCain promised me nothing during the election, after all. Obama promised me plenty - and had delivered nothing.
Great Article, Meghan. You are by far my favorite Republican!
Just because she claims to be a republican doesn't make her one. Liberals always like republicans who ascribe to their world. She is in fact a RINO like her father who was a great warrior but a lousy republican without any true core values but the quest for power. So admire her all you want, she speaks for no one of any consequence.
what is it with you people and purity? it's such a childish obsession.
i guess reagan's vision of a "big tent" is dead. or perhaps you don't understand what that term means.
She speaks for many people who while believing in traditional conservative beliefs reget the homophobia, bigotry and narrow minded actions of a small number of GOP'ers who have taken the party down.
This childish belief a Republican must agree with every Republican belief or they speak for no one of any consequence is why the modern GOP is in trouble. Despite what a few Republicans belief MM is more in synch with voters than the Palins, Hannitys and Limbaughs of the world.
u mean to tell me guys serving in close quarters on a ship in barracks, on a submarine where they are down there for months DONT CARE. ha! who is the expert that thinks that. openly gay people in the military is only asking for trouble. being on the battle field is different than a day to day life with someone who is gay. common sense says no. but as u all know this is something this administration is lacking. i just want to thank ms mccain for her insight because after all having 2 brothers in the military gives her such experience.
Ever been to prison?
Overdue ... when in prison they say "Your only gay if you like it."
According to the poll recently printed in Stars and Stripes the vast majority (70%) aren't worried as they know they are serving with Gay people now in close quarters and are far more interested in who has their back than in whether someone is gay or straight.
There are plenty of straight people in horrible conditions overseas in our armed forces who turn to someone of the same sex for relief, especially after some good homemade booze, and don't consider themselves gay. Over 50% of men report having had sexual experiences with other males when they were in their teens. Just get over it.
I would like to ask lachica6 what positions he/she and their spouse prefer in bed? You don't think that's any of my business? I agree with you -- so why would you, soldiers in the military, your pastor, your neighbor or the folks down in the bible belt think its any of their business either. That's what this issue boils down to -- respect for other peoples private business. You should not have to hide that you are straight a.k.a. your sexual preference, nor is there any need for you to go broadcasting to your colleagues at work. A gay person should not have to hide the fact that they are gay a.k.a. their sexual preference, nor should there be any need for them to broadcast it either. Though of course unlike you, a gay person is still not allowed to marry their partner, they are not allowed to insure their loved ones, they are not allowed the same rights that you are, and that is based on what they do in the privacy of their bedroom.
And just as a side note: In my 38 years of being a straight woman and the 16 I have worked in the fashion industry, I've been hit on/approached by dozens of men and only once by a woman...take a guess who was the most gracious when I turned her down!
The NAVY is about to lift the ban on women in submarines, so the submariners are going to be getting a lot of change, and I promise you that gay men on subs will have much less an impact on the culture than women on subs.
The "unit cohesion" argument held some water 20 years ago, but the culture is shifting and the military, as always, will be where the integration takes place.
I like Megan a lot. She smart, and super Hot. I really like her dad, but Sarah Palin was too much for me to handle.
This user is no longer registered.
Megan IS just another McCain "hot air" bag.
Why isn't she in the military fighting for our freedom?
That's a ridiculous thing to say. I could say the same thing about anyone who isn't in the military right now, including probably you. It's certainly true of, say, Michelle Obama, for example. I'm not saying she *should* have to be there, but the facts are that she isn't, nor has she ever been. So if you're going to suggest that Meghan is somehow lacking because she isn't in the military, then why don't you also make that same complaint about Michelle Obama or the hundreds of millions of americans who have not served - which would also include Barack Obama.
Turning Don't Ask, Don't Tell in to a national security issue is a great point to make. The fact that over 50 Arabic translators have been dismissed is an unconscionable breach of security. The sooner the military can be integrated for the second time, the better.
One minor point, though: There are atheists in foxholes. It is demeaning to soldiers to imply that their strongly held convictions cannot withstand the rigors of battle.
http://www.maaf.info/expaif.html
I'm happy to see Ms. McCain back to writing about important issues instead of hairpieces and family photos. At least I think I am....
Important issues she obviously knows nothing about from a political standpoint.
College did not seem to do Megan much good.
Whad did she major in to be so clueless about important issues? She is just repeating talking points that someone passed along to her.
Besides, why isn't she in the military fighting for our freedom?
I agree...
gay sex on base in Afghanistan and Iraq is long overdue. I think they should have pink parties every Friday nite on the larger bases.
Sweetheart, this has been happening for quite some time. Well, I don't know about the pink parties... but there is quite a bit of gay sex happening.
Oddly enough, the large number being kicked out are women. Not Megan's "gays" (ie, hairdressers that her mother can afford for her).
I have three thoughts on this issue:
1. Obama can't lift the ban on his own. This requires modifying Title 10 of the US Code, which means Congress must first pass a Bill for his signature.
2. Defining how "Openly Gay" meshes with "Military Professional" will take a lot longer to figure out, but this won't be decided by politicans. Nor should it.
3. Acceptance by the majority of the military members will take the longest, with the majority of adjustment coming from the youngest, newest, and most insecure members. Incidents will occur, mistakes will be made, but ultimately the service will adjust as it has to racial integration and (mostly) to gender integration.
Ima letchu finish but just don't recommend dey git there own showers. Cause dat will just end badly. No pun intended.
As a Marine I can honestly say I am sure there will be problems with openly gay service members. Though, I have seen many problems with "straight"' men and women anyway. The military can easily police itself, as they always have. IMHO the problem will not be with the younger generation, as most of them are more open minded, its the old grisly, been here forever types that will have the most adjusting to do.
damn straight!
If the problem is with the older military types, then theolder military types should be the ones dismissed from the military. They're past their prime and more of a problem than a benefit if they aren't open to accept anything different from what happened in the distant past.
murphyj - I guarantee ANY military member that has a problem with gays (and cannot control themselves) will be quickly and sternly "Booted"...
As long as you identify yourself with the Republican party I don't think its fair for you to comment on Obama's promises and whether he is fulfilling them or not. At various points in the last 9 months republicans have accused/faulted Obama for taking on too much or going too fast. Its hypocritical of you to say he is not doing enough and should take up yet another legislation (as important as it might be). Either separate yourself from the republican party entirely or accept being a hypocrite.
You're so right.
No, he isn't. What sort of logic is it to say that since she didn't vote for him, she therefore is unable to take a critical stance on his views? I don't recall there being fine print on a ballot saying that by picking one candidate I am forfeiting my right to say anything if the other is elected- that's downright scary that people would think that makes sense.
reply to ck-390: who said anything about voting. as far as I can remember, Meghan has identified herself as republican (i.e part of the republican party). Personal identity is not directly tied to how you vote.
Well no matter your party, he is your President and subject to criticism, at hers is fairly constructive. All she is doing is pointing out what he said would help the nation. Nothing hypocritical about that.
Oh I think it is just fine for anyone and everyone to have their say. I am sure several republicans voted for this guy. More than a few bankers are very happy with his tenure.
Oh, far more than several now former republicans voted for Obama.
I know right? Because Bush botched things so badly. What many are wondering now is if Obama can even remotely live up to his promise(s).
I find the reprisal of the "atheists in foxholes" adage, and the implied (though, I assume, unintended) equivalence of atheism and homophobia to be somewhat distasteful. I agree with everything else, otherwise.
And to "enchinoman," respectfully, the President of the United States is not the President only of the people who voted for him. I say this as someone who did vote for Obama, but who thinks all reasonable views should be represented.
Completely agree Appleton...
I guess you know it is an old famous line, describing how people, when under a bombardment, during war time, need something greater to believe in. Then others say, that line can also mean that sometimes they lose their faith, which could explain the silly hazing games.
So the analogy, is when you are in a situation like that, what is important matters a lot more, than what isn't, in this case a person's preference.
Then there is the issue of not having a preference.
Life is not fitting into silly little pigeon holes. Most people are not totally liberal, totally conservative either.
And if they were life would be tedious, one would want to crawl into a foxhole, and never crawl back out.
Meghan please do not take this the wrong way but I still think really dirty thoughts every time I see you.
There was a time not too long ago when Meghan McCain, in the tradition of spoiled kids everywhere, just assumed that if she wanted something, she could have it. She set her sights on the Republican party, and of course, anyone in the Republican party with a brain said, "Hell no!" Then she got in good with the gay community by letting them know that every single gay person ever born is perfect, while almost every single Republican ever born is useless ('cept Daddy).
Every so often, Megs likes to blurt out, "I love my gays!!" which is hugely cringe-a-fying, not to mention arrogant and condescending. She's a crazy mixed-up kid who needs lots of attention, and I'm sure she'll continue to get plenty of it in her role as spokeswoman for every gay person on the planet. Finally, Meghan has found a place to land.
So you are saying that you want to be adored, but not by a woman?
I think you have to "assume" that to simply survive. Seriously.
The fact that Ms McCain has two brothers in active duty, a father who is a decorated war hero, must mean, she has experience talking to people who are effected by this policy which is obviously self serving in itself.
The military needs more people so they are willing to accept gays, as long as they keep quiet that they are gay, keep quiet about their personal life if it should reveal they are in a same sex loving relationship.
If they should get hurt, when serving their country, their partner does not have visitation rights, the way a straight couple would have. If they grovel enough to get visitation rights, then the cat is out of the bag.
With that said, the policy is also dangerous. If a person feels betrayed by their country, why would they not betray their country.
Oh, I guess they are supposed to get bribed with chocolate for the lab.
I have yet to see or hear anyone explain just how John McCain is a war hero?
Talk about ducking the question.
John McCain is a war hero? For being captured and held prisoner? What about the hundreds of other Americans who were captured and held prisoner by North Vietnam? What are they, chopped meat?
Let me state for the one thousandant time, McCain WAS NOT the only American POW held captive in Vietnam. McCain, the republicans and what passes for media and uninformed people who post on blogs who cannot answer the question, continuing to parrott the "HE was a POW hero" meme DOES NOT MAKE IT SO.
WHAT DID HE DO TO MAKE HIM A WAR HER? Just answer the d*** question.
Figures for actually how many Americans were held as POW are not actually known. Or how many actually died while POWs. Officially, 661 recognized prisoners were returned; some 100 or so of those have since died. All endured sickness, starvation, and torture. Most of them went on to live full productive lives without McCain's pa and money clearing the way.
These returning 661 POWs are just as much of a hero as grampy. Why aren't they ever mentioned? Why are they ignored?
I find it fascinating that none of the 661 returned POWs still alive today were involved in McCain's presidential campaign.
Why was that?
You want to know what made John McCain a war hero? Maybe the fact that when the North Vietnamese offered to release him from imprisonment early, he refused unless every POW there who was taken before him was released as well. How about the fact that he was caught in a bomb explosion when his plane was down and he was trying to help another pilot to safety? How about the fact that volunteered for combat assignments?
All your rhetoric about all the other POWs is exactly that: rhetoric. No one, least of all, John McCain, is saying that they weren't heros and that they don't deserve to be thought of as such. However, regardless of the fact that many of them may not be, how does that make John McCain any LESS of a hero?
Clearly you are just some person who has it out for the McCains. There is absolutely no justification in questioning John McCain being a war hero unless you are prepared to say that all of the things he is known for in his military record did not happen. Yes, there were a lot of other POW's and yes, many other people died in serving their country and they aren't getting the recognitionthey deserve, but how is that McCain's fault, and how does that take away from what he did?
Perhaps the most repugnant thing of all is that whether or not John McCain deservers special recognition, he at least did something, he at least saved lives, and I have little doubt that if it were not for him, there would have been even more american soldiers dead or wounded in Vietnam, and yet there you sit, trying to debase him by bringing up the other Vietname vets. I'm sure they are a lot more grateful for him being there and fighting along side them than they are you for trying to diminish his deeds,
You maybe the daughter of a Senator, but I will maintain my confidence that Obama and the DOJ know what they are doing when it comes to DADT and will repeal the act in a timely and LEGAL way. It would be nice to hear more from your father on this rather than his campaign to send 40,000 more men to their deaths.
And let me say that if McCain was President, this issue would not even be on the table. I wonder if you would have written a blog like this to him?
Bingo ! Excellent post. I like Meg, but she's a child, and is deluded about the true nature of the GOP. Her father would do little for vets, and do zero for gay people.
The real nature of the GOP is palin, beck, limbaugh. RE: racism, xenophobia, misogyney and rampant , evil homophobia. If she has a good brain and any empathy for others, she'll leave the GOP.
The truth remains that President Obama is verbalizing his support for Equal Rights for GLBT persons. Did we hear anything from Bush? Even better, did we hear any support from you father, John McCain? NO! So, slinging mud against Obama's support of the gay community, at whatever level, is mere GOP posturing. Yes, I do wish things would move faster. Yes, I expect President Obama to follow through on his promises. I am also a realist and know that expecting total change in 10 mos is ridiculous.
Long story short Meghan, don't call out Obama until you call out your homophobic, hate-mongering father and all the others just like him on the right!
Oh I know! That horrible, homophobic, perfect scapegoat George Bush, who quietly signed the Worker, Retiree and Employer Act without any pompous fanfare and fancy dinners with GLBT leaders. Darn him.
What the heck is that? Why did Bush veto ENDA or Hate Crimes if he wasn't a homophobe? Explain that.
Meghan were you on tv last night, on E network, is your real last name, lamas, that girl IS you! When you gonna come out of the closet, either closet, the gay closet or the democrat closet.
The real conservative girl who has talent is Hannah Giles! Where are your articles on the real deal conservative girl.
HANNAH GILES!
NO more RINO's on the Conservative ticket, that what we learned from the McCain campaign.
Meghan McCain is as liberal as you are, thats why she's your favorite republican!
Hey Megan: What would daddy have done?? After all he made the brilliant move of choosing an unaccomplished un-red upstart with no intelligence to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency... and now he still defends her.
It's only nine months dear, give it a break. I know he will follow through on this promise - but I'm not sure we would have ever seen it with 8 years of your daddy...so don't throw stones when you live in a glass house.
how this country can move on if people still tslking nonsense? gay people, black people, latino people, asian people......what's it the problem, is it too much free time? as the bottom line is America is having a big crisis for Americans to worry about, not the minority issues. Gays and Lesbians are having rights enough that they could have, what is it about gay people that need to be so loud about something un-natural?????
I have tried to read this comment (and make sense of it) several times. Could you please retype it with less suck? Thanks.
loloo,
Let's strip you of your civil rights and see how you want to spend your "free time."
An individual or politican deciding to grant me rights is an insult. The entire political ploy is condescending, and patronizing.
Organizing an event of protestors subversively in this manner is manipulative, controlling, indicitive of intent and another way to polarize people into pop culture. The stupid speeches were devoid of legal conversations which is what the basis of establishing end result.
Thank you.
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