2 Comments Kathleen
History Through the Bigot Lens
March 20, 2010
by Brian Leubitz
In some recent DADT hearings, Retired General John Sheehan came out with this whopper:
Sheehan said at the hearing that the Netherlands’ decision to “socialize” its military “led to a force that was ill-equipped to go to war.”
He added: “The case in point that I’m referring to is when the Dutch were required to defend Srebrenica against the Serbs. The battalion was understrength, poorly led, and the Serbs came into town, handcuffed the soldiers to the telephone poles, marched the Muslims off, and executed them.” (Washington Post)
And if you are going to lie, why not go big? And that’s just what this general did. Thing is that not only did he revise the history of the incident, he went the additional step of applying his own misguided morals on the story. The Dutch were having none of this however:
On Friday, Dutch Defense Minister Eimert van Middelkoop called Sheehan’s comments “scandalous, and unworthy of a soldier.” Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said, “Toward Dutch troops, homosexual or heterosexual, it is way off the mark to talk like that about people and the work they do under very difficult circumstances.”
**** **** **** ****
Sheehan said Gen. Henk van den Breemen, former Dutch defense chief of staff, had suggested to him that allowing gays to serve openly in the Netherlands’ military had undermined its readiness. But the Dutch Defense Ministry said that van den Breemen had never expressed such sentiments and that he considered them “absolute nonsense.” (Washington Post)
It’s worth noting that the Big Lie probably actually ended up backfiring on Sheehan. As the Senate committee seemed absolutely incredulous, and Sheehan lost all credibility. It’s really telling the lengths that anti-equality forces are willing to go. The lies tell you a lot about how much they think of their actual “case.”
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67 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
David Kimble | March 20, 2010 at 2:24 am
Yeah, I saw this story last night on Rachel Maddow!
2.
Fred | March 20, 2010 at 2:33 am
It's not always the most capable, intelligent, or free-thinking officers who get promoted to the rank of general. With all due respect to his years of service, his testimony was an embarrassment and an insult to the professional officer corps.
3.
Ronnie | March 20, 2010 at 2:33 am
“scandalous, and unworthy of a soldier.”
hehehehehehe…..that's just to good for words….I love it….I love hype…..<3…Ronnie
4.
Richard A. Walter (s | March 20, 2010 at 2:37 am
Yes, Brian, it is. Also, when you look back at the other civil rights and human rights battles, they are using the same arguments now that they used against giving women the vote, against giving women the other rights to which they are entitled, and the same arguments were also used to try and oppress our Jewish and AA citizens, as well as being used against our Asian citizens. Of course, during WWII, they also used these same arguments to justify burning any book that was written in German. On the Waltons, John boy stopped the town of Walton's Mountain by reading a quote from one of the books, and then translating it into English. One of the boos they were about to burn was the Bible. So the level of hypocrisy, and the fervor of the rants is nothing new. It just has a new target.
5.
Ronnie | March 20, 2010 at 2:39 am
My cousin is a retired Marine….and he went Ape shite when this "Sheenhand" said that….He actually said….."I think I should denounce all of my training as bebebeebwwebwbwb"(you know that thing where you hum and flick your lips at the same time)……lol…… <3…Ronnie
6.
David Kimble | March 20, 2010 at 2:43 am
Thought we needed a video this morning (Morning in California – afternoon on East Coast) <3 David
[youtube
7.
Richard A. Walter (s | March 20, 2010 at 2:54 am
Thank you, David. And that song is actually at the heart of our current battle. Because we are finally angry enough to let the rest of the world know that THE HEART WON'T LIE! Hope all is well with you today.
8.
David Kimble | March 20, 2010 at 3:00 am
Yes, it Richard, I am saddened each day that I rise from my sleep to see little has changed, but I remain hopeful, this case is just beginning of our battle – the first of many yet to come.
I had a bad night, but I am doing better now. Was up and down all night to bathroom – thanx all for your spirits that, as the song says, "The won't die" <3 David
9.
fern | March 20, 2010 at 3:13 am
Yahoo had some articles about it and I enjoy the forums and the "Buzz" thing that goes with it.
The majority is anti-gay which is normal, they can be divided into three parts; the lovers of God, the political oriented, and the jokers/haters.
Since I side with the gay people it is assumed that I am, which I'm not but if I had to choose being GOP or gay I'd rather be gay, they also blame Obama to which I explain that Obama has nothing to do with it since the Vatican rules the U.S..
I have yet to see One valid anti-gay argument since the CASC decided in favor of SSM.
I'm very sad really, the way I see evolution is that we used to have idiots, now we have high-tech idiots, what is the value of an Ivy league diploma when you get people like Miller and Blankendorm expert witnesses on hearsay and rumors.
I know you'll win so just keep on fighting.
10.
Kathleen | March 20, 2010 at 3:32 am
Testimony like this is the result of taking a fact and "wiggling it around in excrement."
(I think you all recognize the reference)
11.
David Kimble | March 20, 2010 at 3:39 am
@ fern #9 – I am confused by your statement " the Vatican rules the U.S."
While there is little doubt in my mind the US is strongly influenced by the Vatican and other religious thinkers, I don't see the US as a theocracy yet, and I hope it never becomes one. If the US does become a theocracy, then we will find ourselves, as having little difference between other countries in the world that are, like Iraq, Iran, etc.
<3 David
12.
Waxr | March 20, 2010 at 3:47 am
It is big mouth bigots who are a threat to our military effectiveness. Not gays and lesbians.
13.
RAY in MA | March 20, 2010 at 4:00 am
Is this what you're talking about Kathleen?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24HpPPW1188
14.
Kathleen | March 20, 2010 at 4:07 am
Yes, Ray. I thought I could make the reference without actually bringing the evidence directly into the thread.
My apologies if I offended anyone by bringing up this (yet another) distasteful and hateful testimony by a person in political power.
15.
Kathleen | March 20, 2010 at 4:31 am
Speaking of bigots, has anyone read the "Open Letter to Maggie Gallagher" by Fred Karger? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-karger/open-le…
16.
dieter | March 20, 2010 at 4:33 am
@ Brian….
we love the site, but c'mon…get with it. This site has become so popular, that many times we have been discussing issues for a week before you post the story about them…LOL
17.
dieter | March 20, 2010 at 4:43 am
Today, the House Rules Committee released the reconciliation bill through which it will vote on the measure that passed the Senate in December. We are deeply disappointed that, after months of lobbying for their inclusion, important measures specifically addressing the needs of LGBT people and people with HIV – ending the unfair taxation of employer-provided domestic partner health benefits, permitting states to offer early HIV treatment under Medicaid, collecting critical health data on LGBT people and addressing discrimination in health care – are not a part of this bill.
18.
dieter | March 20, 2010 at 4:49 am
LIVE CNN BREAKING NEWS:
Senator Reid is announcing that they have the majority votes to pass healthcare, and that
tomorrow they will pass healthcare, and Obama can sign it.
this could literally save my life.
19.
RAY in MA | March 20, 2010 at 5:07 am
Actually, Kathleen, this isn't what you think it is… take a closer look…it's the musical version. (it may have you jumpin' in your seat!)
20.
Kathleen | March 20, 2010 at 5:16 am
Thanks for setting me "strait" Ray. I obviously hadn't viewed the video before responding. I just reach a saturation point with some of this stuff. There's only so much ignorant hatred I can stand being exposed to in a day before I begin to feel the damage it does to my psyche.
Definitely a catchy dance tune.
(I'd still love to know what the person to her left leaned over and wrote during this bizarre monologue)
21.
dieter | March 20, 2010 at 5:25 am
Teabaggers: "Barney, You Faggot!"
At the behest of wingnut Rep. Steve King (R-IA), teabaggers are flooding the office buildings of Congress today. And things are getting very ugly.
Things seem to be getting pretty heated in the Capitol with crowds of anti-Reform/Tea Party activists going through the halls shouting slogans and epithets at Democratic members of Congress. As our Brian Beutler reports, a few moments ago in Longworth office building, a group swarmed a very calm looking Henry Waxman, as he got on the elevator, with shouts of "Kill the bill!" "You liar! You crook!" Not long before, Rep. Barney Frank got an uglier version of the treatment. Just after Frank rounded a corner to leave the building, an older protestor yelled "Barney, you faggot." The surrounding crowd of protestors then erupted in laughter. At one point, Capitol police officer threatened to throw a group of protesters out of the building but that only seemed to inflame them more; and apparently none were ejected.
None were ejected. After calling a member a "faggot" they still got to stay. Unbelievable.
22.
dieter | March 20, 2010 at 5:26 am
Carson, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus along with Lewis, told The Hill that protesters called Lewis the N-word.
Tea Party protesters held a rally outside the Capitol on Saturday, which included speeches by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and actor Jon Voight, and then proceeded into the halls to lobby members at the 11th hour.
Lewis was one of the leaders of the civil rights movement alongside Martin Luther King. Jr.
23.
RAY in MA | March 20, 2010 at 5:55 am
I know what you mean… saturation point… I need to pace myself as well.
24.
Joe | March 20, 2010 at 5:55 am
In this age of the Internet, I applaud the Dutch for calling on Sheehan's lies!
25.
Ronnie | March 20, 2010 at 5:56 am
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/03/2…
Posted on Advocate.com March 20, 2010
McMillen Not Invited to Substitute Prom
By Advocate.com Editors
"The substitute prom was organized at a FURNITURE MART, IN NEARBY TUPELO, according to the Clarion Ledger newspaper. Because it is a private event, McMillen being excluded is no longer a constitutional issue, according to Benjamin Griffith, the school board attorney."
(me). If any school board or district money is used to fund anything at this "Hate Dance" tax payers money is used and her constitutional rights have still be violated.
I don't live in Mississtupid……but I hope any of you that are in that area…..TURN THAT HATE DANCE UPSIDE DOWN………NO JUSTICE NO PEACE!!!!!!…..
furniture mart…..red light special on aisle hate….<3…..Ronnie
26.
Marlene Bomer | March 20, 2010 at 6:00 am
Actually Richard, it was a neighbour who knew how to read German who did the translation.
It was interesting in that the minister that season was played by none other than John Ritter, and it was the minister who was organizing the book burning.
27.
Richard A. Walter (s | March 20, 2010 at 6:11 am
Yes, it is interesting to note that John Ritter played the minister. Especially considering his next role as a straight man pretending to be gay so that he could rent an apartment with two women. And thank you, Marlene for correcting me on who did the translation. By doing that you showed once agai why I come back to this site. Here we can all join together to show the sameness in the various battles we have had to fight against discrimination, and just how horrible disrimination in any form truly is.
28.
truthspew | March 20, 2010 at 6:42 am
Over the past 20 years there's been a move in the military leadership toward very Christo-Fascist behavior. That involves untruths, and a desire to mold society in the image of their god.
Problem is, the Christian god didn't really do much for state craft. Mohammed on the other hand….
29.
Ed-M | March 20, 2010 at 6:54 am
Slightly OT but perhaps not… Senators McCain and Lieberman introduced a bill that would require the US military to hold indefinitely anyone deemed a "terrorist."
This has the potential for a lot of mischief in the wrong hands. I wonder if, hundreds of years from now, an archaeologist will find a graffito scrawled in a wall by some hatero who ended up on the outs with other hateros due to religious differences…
30.
Ed-M | March 20, 2010 at 6:55 am
Oops, I forgot. Link: http://www.alternet.org/rights/146081/mccain_and_…
31.
Bob | March 20, 2010 at 6:55 am
Hi David, hope you're feeling better, after that rough night. I just wanted to say that I agree with Fern, The Vatican does rule the U.S.
As I mentioned very early on the book titled "The Family" does a really good job of exposing this, although there are so many layers, we don't see the actual connection, and what we do notice is the religious right, or fundies, and there marriage to the gov't.
Obama's Faith Based initiatives, plays right into this, tax free money for the Churches used to battle against the bottom rung of society.
AS was disclosed in the prop8 trials, the Catholic Church used the Mormon's as fodder to do the dirty work, they also use any other fundamental right wing of religion to do their dirty work, and their are such a majority of bible thumpers they control the vote, (themselves not knowing they are being used by the Catholic Church)
It's this vote Obama is pandering to , in order to pass something as basic as health care for all, Catholic Church opposes it, preferring to have citizens go without basic health care in order to prevent the possiblity of benefits to a women in need of abortion. go figure, throw the masses under the bus, in the name of God, and the churches right to defend his opposition to abortion.
I think there is more and more evidence to show the U.S. is already a theocracy, it's just a matter of awareness, and then time for it to sink in.
If there was ever a greater opportunity for alliances this is it, separate church and state, Only the small portion of the very rich would oppose that fight.
s
32.
Straight Ally #3008 | March 20, 2010 at 8:24 am
Smack the lie down and smack it hard. It's the information age, you can't let the liars own the news cycle for long.
33.
Ronnie | March 20, 2010 at 8:40 am
Does anybody know if any others of those teafuggers were arresedt?
I read the Huffington Post article and it only mentioned one person who spat at one of them, got arrested but that's it…..
I read that…and I'm like…excuse me?!…..ONE!!…..when just the other day over 20 people were arrested just for protesting…..that's total BS……<3…..Ronnie
34.
Larry Kenneth Little | March 20, 2010 at 8:53 am
The Republican gay haters probably searched him out so they can fight against the repeal DADT with a witness whose testimony is pure homophobic without credibility. Why can't gay people be left alone to live their lives according to their own values? I say: get rid of the religious fanatics from the military and quit discriminating against gay people.
35.
dieter | March 20, 2010 at 9:03 am
the new york post is reporting that not a single thing was done, and that the protetors were allowed to say and do whatever they wanted, because when they were approached to leave, they threatened to get worse..so they just left them alone…now excuse me while I go next door to my local church and go inside and start screaming.."MURDERERS"…
wonder if I have the same right of free speech as THEY exhibited today…
doubt it.
also in other news:
New Delhi While the challenge mounted by individuals and NGOs to the Delhi High Court judgment decriminalising gay sex is still pending in the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has quietly set in motion a move to take same-gender sex out of criminal jurisprudence.
A communication from the MHA to the Ministry of Law and Justice, sent earlier this week, asks the latter to prepare a draft of an amendment Bill to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the most striking feature of which is that Section 377 would no longer deal with the offence involving voluntary “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” between consenting adults of the same gender.
36.
Bob | March 20, 2010 at 9:06 am
This alone is cause for a riot of the people, a common cause, end Theocracy NOW.
The power and money in the hands of the few, working for the POPE, controlling the masses.
So effectively, they have us all scurrying for our rights, peacemeal, look at all the fronts the LGBT community is fighting alone. Add to that the poor and powerless, many who's hope have faded to complacency, and acceptance.
They have us fighting each other the masses of the population arguing over the spoils, straights vs LGBT (even within that group we fight) religious vs nonreligious, blacks vs whites, women vs men, so devious are they, that in there success at keeping us seperated, Theocracy has triumphed they're well on the way to total dictatorship.
Creating a law which could label us all, as enemies of the state, and liable to torture. Pray for Choi
37.
Ronnie | March 20, 2010 at 9:13 am
So in other words…..we civilly protest without get violent and get arrested…..they violently protest and threaten to do worse and do not get arrest……..
THIS MEANS WARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…..<3….Ronnie
38.
David Kimble | March 20, 2010 at 9:34 am
Thanx, Bob, for the explanation. Now i understand the point better. I have noted the blurring of the line between the separation of Church and State. Do you have any ideas for how to change the direction we now find ourselves impelled upon?
I have written my congressmen to no avail, when it comes to changing the direction toward the "theocracy" angle. But as you believe, we are already a theocracy, it's just that no one realizes this yet.
I am not really big on conspiracy theories, however, while reading your explanation, Dan Brown came to mind, as exposing things about the Catholic Church in his book, "The DaVinci Code", so it really doesn't surprise me, the papacy is so powerful.
I am still very nauseated and lying down only makes it worse today, so I have been up too long, now. Have been to Home Depot today to get some plants and other things for the yard. I still need to do some planting – will do that and then try laying down again!
<3 David
39.
David Kimble | March 20, 2010 at 9:37 am
Wow, thanx, Kathleen – that about says it! <3 David
40.
David Kimble | March 20, 2010 at 9:38 am
Here's hoping dieter! <3 David
41.
Warner | March 20, 2010 at 9:41 am
I am sorry he was incapable of stopping what happened, but the gays probably made so little of the troops that his ignorance is a mootpoint on DADT. clearly, he was looking for someone to take the blame for his inability as a military leader.
42.
David Kimble | March 20, 2010 at 9:43 am
Well, trackers, I need to lay down now, I am very tired…keep fighting…LOVE, David
43.
Ronnie | March 20, 2010 at 9:47 am
"Do you have any ideas for how to change the direction we now find ourselves impelled upon?"
I have a few ideas but I am disinclined to mention them so early in this venture that we, the LGBTQQIA community, are embarking on…..Lets's just say American History is repeating itself for the seventh time……and as was before the opponents of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…..aka…..Freedom and Equality have failed to notice the unequivocally….mind numbingly…..pain stakingly……obvious parallels…..of then and now…..<3….Ronnie
44.
fern | March 20, 2010 at 10:56 am
this is the kind of statements I make in the forums I mentioned, I don't need that kind of comments in this here forum. Below I try to explain my "reasoning"
Before the vote for gays in N.Y. one politician said he understood the problem but his religious conscience directed him to vote against it he was Roman Catholic, (I was an altar boy). There are too many politicians like him whether it is SSM or abortion rights, at the root of all this you'll find religion. I have a Roman Catholic upbringing, as a RC let's consider the Protestants/Anglicans an offshoot the RC, they have a country which is called the Vatican, R. Reagan was the one to send the 1st U.S. ambassador to this country.
So when so many politicians with the excuse of conscience obey the rules of another country (Vatican) in order to sway the political system – health care and abortion – Stupak's the name, oppose SSM successfully because it's the law in Vatican this makes me wonder.
Even yourself used the word "yet" with theocracy and the "hope" it would never be one this shows how antsy you are on the subject (so am I). But have no fear, just look at pro8, it took three churches to beat SSM, neither one could have done it on their own, their powers are waning the RC don't find priests, Protestant churches are accepting gay people more and more and the Mormons don't seem too proud of their involvement. I read they RC have a network that is having priests imported from Latin America and Uganda to come to America and I laughed my head off finding out that Black Ugandan priests were well accepted in Georgia (of all states), also know this the American white racists accept black people from Africa, just not the American blacks, I had a Black American girlfriend and she was telling me how much she hated these honky mofo's, I was a bit puzzled and said but I'm white too and she said yeah but you're not an American. (go figure).
Another thing theocracy worked with feudality and kingdoms, never with a republic because republics allow little rascals like you and I to exist and fight for equal rights at least try to help for my part.
love you all
45.
Bob | March 20, 2010 at 11:36 am
Have a great nap, comrade, when you are renergized check out Michaelmoore.com his website search around on there he has a great letter to his Senator, regarding the state of affairs, he mentions the book The Family, which is not a conspiracy theory, but an insiders view of that organization and how it grooms politicians with religion.
I think of you often David, sleep well
46.
Straight Ally #3008 | March 20, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Based on some of the graphics used, I think it could also be remixed with "What What (In the Butt)."
47.
Straight Ally #3008 | March 20, 2010 at 1:39 pm
"And ever since Obama came on the scene, there is a word that has been sticking in their throats that they would love to say, but they can't, 'cause it's not the 1950s. They would love to say this word – it begins with 'n' and ends with 'r,' and it's not 'nation-builder.'"
-Bill Maher
48.
Waxr | March 20, 2010 at 2:01 pm
The original, and more familiar, version of the poem was written by Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) in reference to the failure of German intellectuals to oppose Nazi despotism. Here it is in his words:
First they came for the communists,
and I did not speak out – because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists,
and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews,
and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me –
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
49.
Sheryl | March 20, 2010 at 2:10 pm
David, have you read my message to you on Facebook? If not, please do.
Sheryl B
50.
PDXAndrew | March 20, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Whoa!
I sincerely hope someone challenges the constitutionality of this proposed Act, as it sounds to me like it violates the Fifth and Sixth Amendments.
And anybody who seriously believes this is a 'necessary evil' on the war on terrorism, let me just quote Benjamin Franklin:
Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.
Love, Andrew
51.
A A | March 20, 2010 at 9:07 pm
It is scandalous and unconscionable that an American General would have the audacity to lie about an allied Country's General about its troops. Whether Gay or Straight, individuals who are fighting in a war on behalf of a nation's freedom are already placed in a difficult situation. Now to have military generals at the top arguing over a soldier's position in a war and his right to bear arms based on his sexual orientation is the ultimate slap in the face to the soldier and a moral insult to fighting forces. This American General is a total embarrassment to America and fighting forces worldwide who stand for FREEDOM.
52.
fern | March 20, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Dieter, throwing them out would make martyrs out of these idiots, plus not answering the insult shows contempt.
53.
fern | March 20, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Truthspew, I believe you're wrong when you write "the Christian god didn’t really do much for state craft. "
Find out about Carolus Magnus, in the year 800 he became the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, the Pope had the authority and power to make him emperor, Clovis was made King of the Francs by a Bishop, European medieval society was divided in three parts, first came the "Oratore" (talkers) church leaders, second were the "bellicose" (warriors) nobility and third were the "lavoratore or laboratore" the workers. Slavery disappeared on its own as it was not economically viabled but serfs were maintained.
BTW Trotsky's parents possessed over 2,000 serfs.
I hope you don't feel insulted by my reply.
54.
Bolt | March 21, 2010 at 1:40 am
Why does anyone give them the time of day? If it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, it's a religious bigot.
They must not be tolerated!
55.
Sagesse | March 21, 2010 at 1:47 am
Does anyone know what the process is to be invited to testify? Who decided that this man should be given the microphone, as opposed to someone more credible? Admittedly he has no official capacity anymore, but to insult America's allies like that… the Dutch explicitly, but the others by implication. Surely that's not how the opponents of repeal wanted to present their case?
I'm biased, but I can't see that his testimony helped them, although clearly that's what somebody intended.
I also thought the Major and the Lieutenant were magnificent. They were dignified and respectful, and their presence just made Sheehan look more pathetic.
56.
fiona64 | March 21, 2010 at 1:59 am
I loved this song!
Love,
Fiona
57.
fiona64 | March 21, 2010 at 2:01 am
In fairness, the "Faith Based Initiatives" office was started by Dubya. I don't know why Obama didn't shut it down on his first day in office.
Love,
Fiona
58.
G Rod | March 21, 2010 at 6:44 am
@ Bolt: On March 16, you said that you hated anti-gay religious bigots and you encouraged contributor Jonathan not to give bigots the time of day, or to loose sleep over their lunatic ways. Today you again say that they must not be tolerated. Perhaps you have yet to read http://www.equalitymaine.org/blogs/dorian-cole/th….
Not all ducks behave the same. You could be more influencial than you think.
59.
David Kimble | March 21, 2010 at 9:48 am
Thanx fiona64 – I have loved this song, since I first heard it – btw – I have the CD! <3 David
60.
David Kimble | March 21, 2010 at 9:53 am
Well, this just sucks! I would expect this kind of action, so I am not totally stunned. Still I am amazed at how many ways there are around an issue! <3 David
61.
David Kimble | March 21, 2010 at 9:56 am
Thanx, Waxr, when I read this earlier, I was trying to remember where it was I had heard this before. <3 David
62.
Sheryl | March 21, 2010 at 10:56 am
That was an excellent letter.
Sheryl B
63.
David Kimble | March 21, 2010 at 11:28 am
@ Sheryl – I just visited your page – kudos, by the way, I am facebook illiterate – everything at that site confuses me – I only joined because my sis asked me to join her there, I am still trying to figure-out why! <3 David
64.
Ed-M | March 21, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Thanks, Waxr. There always seems to be a new poem that has to be composed for each saecular cycle so I made a stab for this present cycle if conditions in this country come to a theocratic military dictatorship. Remember, fundievangelical types are disproportionaltely represented in the US Armed Forces.
65.
Ed-M | March 21, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Damnit, yes, Ronnie, the hatero / pro-authoritarian side can get away with mass murder if they so choose, yet if we do something so simple and civil as a sit-in or a chain-up-in, we get "brought to justice." If we were truly brought to justice (i.e., justice brought to us), we'd have full and equal rights by now…
66.
Ed-M | March 21, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@G Rod, I can't speak for Bolt, but when I talk of anti-gay religious bigots, I am referring to the hateros who use religion to justify their bigotry and are in NO WAY part of the moveable middle.
67.
Cat | March 22, 2010 at 5:54 am
I just read on a Dutch news site that the Dutch organizations 'Pink Army" and the Foundation for Homosexuality and Army (Stichting Homosexualiteit en Krijgsmacht, SHK) are preparing to file a class-action lawsuit (on the basis of slander) against Retired General John Sheehan with the Federal Court in California. One of their demands is that Sheehan is ordered to go to sensitivity training.
People in The Netherlands are quite upset about the statements made by Steehan, and even top level politicians are using very strong words, which is quite unusual, especially towards the USA. The Netherlands is fairly loyal to the USA, some say even more so than towards the EU.
I'm a bit skeptical about the lawsuit succeeding, but it would be absolutely great to have him interviewed on 60 minutes after he has been successfully converted to a sensitive and LGBT-friendly mature man. I'm not holding my breath, but I wish them all the best.
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