Pentagon to mark gay pride month

[OneGuy67]

14 months until my miiltary retirement. It cannot come any quicker.


http://www.denverpost.com/ci_20864030/pentagon-mark-gay-pride-month?IADID=Search-www.denverpost.com-www.denverpost.com


WASHINGTON—Last summer, gays in the military dared not acknowledge their sexual orientation. This summer, the Pentagon will salute them, marking June as gay pride month just as it has marked other celebrations honoring racial or ethnic groups.

In the latest remarkable sign of change since the military repealed the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, the Defense Department will soon hold its first event to recognize gay and lesbian troops. It comes nine months after repeal of the policy that had prohibited gay troops from serving openly and forced more than 13,500 service members out of the armed forces.
Details are still being worked out, but officials say Defense Secretary Leon Panetta wants to honor the contributions of gay service members.
"Now that we've repealed 'don't ask, don't tell,' he feels it's important to find a way this month to recognize the service and professionalism of gay and lesbian troops," said Navy Capt. John Kirby, a spokesman.
This month's event will follow a long tradition at the Pentagon of recognizing diversity in America's armed forces. Hallway displays and activities, for example, have marked Black History Month and Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.

Before the repeal, gay troops could serve but couldn't reveal their orientation. If they did, they would be discharged. At the same time, a commanding officer was prohibited from asking a service member whether he or she was gay.

Although some feared repeal of the ban on serving openly would cause problems in the ranks, officials and gay advocacy groups say no big issues have materialized—aside from what advocacy groups criticize as slow implementation of some changes, such as benefit entitlements to troops in same-sex marriages.

Basic changes have come rapidly since repeal; the biggest is that gay and lesbian soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines no longer have to hide their sexuality in order to serve. They can put photos on their office desk without fear of being outed, attend social events with their partners and openly join advocacy groups looking out for their interests.

OutServe, a once-clandestine professional association for gay service members, has nearly doubled in size to more than 5,500 members. It held its first national convention of gay service members in Las Vegas last fall, then a conference on family issues this year in Washington.

At West Point, the alumni gay advocacy group Knights Out was able to hold the first installment in March of what is intended to be an annual dinner in recognition of gay and lesbian graduates and Army cadets. Gay students at the U.S. Naval Academy were able to take same-sex dates to the academy's Ring Dance for third-year midshipmen.

Panetta said last month that military leaders had concluded that repeal had not affected morale or readiness. A report to Panetta with assessments from the individual military service branches said that as of May 1 they had seen no ill effects.

"I don't think it's just moving along smoothly, I think it's accelerating faster than we even thought the military would as far as progress goes," said Air Force 1st Lt. Josh Seefried, a finance officer and co-director of OutServe.
He said acceptance has been broad among straight service members and has put a spotlight on unequal treatment that gays continue to receive in some areas. "We are seeing such tremendous progress in how much the military is accepting us, but not only that—in how much the rank and file is now understanding the inequality that's existing right now," he said.
That's a reference to the fact that same-sex couples aren't afforded spousal health care, assignments to the same location when they transfer to another job, and other benefits. There was no immediate change to eligibility standards for military benefits in September. All service members already were entitled to certain things, such as designating a partner as one's life insurance beneficiary or as designated caregiver in the Wounded Warrior program.

As for other benefits still not approved, the department began a review after repeal with an eye toward possibly extending eligibility, consistent with the federal Defense of Marriage Act and other applicable laws, to the same-sex partners of military personnel.

"The department is carefully and deliberately reviewing the benefits from a policy, fiscal, legal and feasibility perspective," Eileen Lainez, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said Thursday.

Gay marriage has been perhaps the most difficult issue.

Though chaplains on bases in some states are allowed to hold what the Pentagon officials call "private services"—they don't use the words wedding or marriage—such unions do not garner marriage benefits because the Defense of Marriage Act says marriage is between a man and a woman.

The "don't ask, don't tell" policy was in force for 18 years, and its repeal was a slow and deliberate process.

President Barack Obama on Dec. 22, 2010, signed legislation repealing it. Framing the issue as a matter of civil rights long denied, Obama said, "We are a nation that welcomes the service of every patriot ... a nation that believes that all men and women are created equal."
The military then did an assessment for several months to certify that the forces were prepared to implement it in a way that would not hurt military readiness. And it held training for its 2.25 million-person force to inform everyone of the coming change and what was expected.

[onebadfx4]

It just doesnt seem normal to be "strait" anymore. Everything these days is pushing homosexuality down your throat. Not that I am against it but dont want it force fed to me everytime I turn around. From the t.v. to every dang magazine around. So sick of hearing it.

[sniper7]

TV, Military, Media, government, employers etc all seem to be pushing this agenda now...even the VP and the POTUS.

I am all for personal freedom, choose what you want to do and be what you want to be...but to have a damn month about it is ridiculous. To shove it in everyones faces and show it off all the time is annoying.

Maybe it is time we start "white history month", the "united white fund", "straight eye for the straight guy", etc. etc...

[Sharpienads]

When is White Pride month? Oh that's right, we don't have one. When do we celebrate the specific accomplishments of whites? We don't. One team, one fight. Unless you're anything other than a straight, white, Christian male. Then you get special recognition.

I'm so sick of stuff like this. You're gay? Big effing deal. Get over yourself. Everybody else has. If you need validation from others to feel better about yourself, then you have bigger issues.

Why would the military recognize anybody for anything other than specific accomplishments? I got news for you, being gay and in the military isn't an accomplishment.

I'm with you, FX4, quit shoving your geighness down my throat.

The politicizing and social experimenting with the military has to stop (like that will ever happen).

[Sharpienads]

Military professionalism at its finest:

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2012/0615/20120615__USGayTroops~4_GALLERY.jpg

This one's kinda hot:

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2012/0615/20120615__USGayTroops~2_GALLERY.jpg

[ROFL1]

[onebadfx4]

The politicizing and social experimenting with the military has to stop (like that will ever happen).

I am SF at USAFA and they actually reserved an area for the "gay pride" cadet group. It just seems like its frowned upon to be normal anymore. This country needs to pull its head out of its rear.

This crap is about as bad as Obama saying if he had a son, he would be like Trayvon Martin.......The same Trayvon Martin who was caught with a bag of jewelry and weed as well as having THC in his system at the time of his death. Dispicable.

[BushMasterBoy]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pr-GjFP4qVs/T2T5Y7iLThI/AAAAAAAALKU/N83Fw9zW20Y/BHO%252520Gay%252520Medals%252520to%252520Manning_ thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800

[jackthewall81]

I see no problem with it. As long as it does not get in the way of their duties and they don't get "special" treatment, negative or positive, then there is no issue on my part... Although having a month for it is stupid, just like any other special person month.

[lifeon2]

You know I am going to have to say that I dont care one way or another about a persons sexual orientation, I just dont care. If a gay man or woman wants to serve in the armed forces let them. Does it make them any less patriotic than the straight service men and women? No. The two pictures posted previously of the gay/lesbian kissing with the comment about "military professionalism" what makes it any different from this shot.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/08/06/nyregion/06kiss.2_span.jpg

Nothing thats what.
Should the pentagon be recognizing gay pride month? No. They also shouldnt be recognizing any other pride month that isnt strictly military its the pentagon for cryin out loud.

Do I think its ok for a gay guy to flame it up in uniform? No. That is unprofessional. I would say the same thing about a straight soldier making lewd comments while in uniform.

As far as the subject of gay marriage in or out of the military I am fine with it. They have just as much right as a straight man or woman to be miserable for a few years and then lose half of their shit.

Any way I have been on the phone with customers for the last hour or so since the last sentence and lost my train of thought so all you get is half my rant. So in closing gay straight or otherwise if you have served thank you.

[Ridge]

I'm pleasantly surprised at the comments in this thread.

[ghettodub]

Could care less about it, and like Jack said, as long as it doesn't get in the way of other duties, and there isn't any special treatment, then if it doesn't effect you, why should you care? For a group that complains about "leave my liberties alone/stay out of my life", a lot of the gun crowd is sure concerned with other people's lives...

[Ed_S]

TV, Military, Media, government, employers etc all seem to be pushing this agenda now...even the VP and the POTUS.

I am all for personal freedom, choose what you want to do and be what you want to be...but to have a damn month about it is ridiculous. To shove it in everyones faces and show it off all the time is annoying.

Maybe it is time we start "white history month", the "united white fund", "straight eye for the straight guy", etc. etc...

I've had to look at the rainbow flag outside of my office window now for a couple of weeks.

What the hell: it's 'gay week', 'black week', 'Hispanic week' the list goes on and on.

Can we have 'male, white, married with 2 kids, heterosexual, gun owner week'?

Ever felt like a minority? I do.

[Ronin13]

Could care less about it, and like Jack said, as long as it doesn't get in the way of other duties, and there isn't any special treatment, then if it doesn't effect you, why should you care? For a group that complains about "leave my liberties alone/stay out of my life", a lot of the gun crowd is sure concerned with other people's lives...

This! It goes back to the phrase I truly believe is what is eating away at our society: "I'm cool with you having your own opinion... as long as it mirrors mine." People are free to do what makes them happy as long as they don't infringe upon someone else's rights and pursuits. I don't care if you're black, white, purple, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, confused, or a damn alien with six dicks and two vaginas... you do what you wanna do, I do what I wanna do, as long as we don't infringe on each other's freedom or lives then kumbaya let's all have our cake and eat it too. I think more often than not liberals are more guilty of the "your opinion is wrong, mine is right" line of thinking, and they're definitely more guilty of pushing their beliefs on others and not staying out of our liberties.

[sniper7]

I see no problem with it. As long as it does not get in the way of their duties and they don't get "special" treatment, negative or positive, then there is no issue on my part... Although having a month for it is stupid, just like any other special person month.


this IS special treatment. they are all more than welcome to go to the USO spots in the airport, get thanked by people for their service, get paid for their duties, serve their country proudly and wear their uniform with pride.
what's next...the gay medal of honor? the gay purple heart?

If they want to be sooo proud of being gay, and soooo proud of being in the .mil, they should STFU and volunteer to go on the VERY front lines in afghanistan, be the first to be deployed to Iran or wherever we end up next.

[ghettodub]

This! It goes back to the phrase I truly believe is what is eating away at our society: "I'm cool with you having your own opinion... as long as it mirrors mine." People are free to do what makes them happy as long as they don't infringe upon someone else's rights and pursuits. I don't care if you're black, white, purple, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, confused, or a damn alien with six dicks and two vaginas... you do what you wanna do, I do what I wanna do, as long as we don't infringe on each other's freedom or lives then kumbaya let's all have our cake and eat it too. I think more often than not liberals are more guilty of the "your opinion is wrong, mine is right" line of thinking, and they're definitely more guilty of pushing their beliefs on others and not staying out of our liberties.

Agreed, bud.

Your point about the "your opinion is wrong, mine is right" is spot on too, because it seems that the most righteous (on both sides of the aisle) about not being ignorant are typically the most ignorant.

If you don't like someone else's lifestyle, well: it's their lifestyle, not yours. Why let it bother you if it's not infringing on other's rights. Like TV: if you don't like it, don't watch it. Don't like someone's religious beliefs? Don't practice them. Don't like the same sex? Don't sleep with people of the same sex. Don't like someone having a parade about something you disagree with? Don't march with them.

Take action when it starts to impact you. Otherwise, and how I prefer people to act around me, stay the f*&k out of my life, and i'll stay out of yours!

[ghettodub]

this IS special treatment. they are all more than welcome to go to the USO spots in the airport, get thanked by people for their service, get paid for their duties, serve their country proudly and wear their uniform with pride.
what's next...the gay medal of honor? the gay purple heart?

If they want to be sooo proud of being gay, and soooo proud of being in the .mil, they should STFU and volunteer to go on the VERY front lines in afghanistan, be the first to be deployed to Iran or wherever we end up next.

Sounds like what people said about blacks serving in the .mil back in the day...

[sniper7]

I've had to look at the rainbow flag outside of my office window now for a couple of weeks.

What the hell: it's 'gay week', 'black week', 'Hispanic week' the list goes on and on.

Can we have 'male, white, married with 2 kids, heterosexual, gun owner week'?

Ever felt like a minority? I do.

yep, all the signs out there sure make you feel like a minority. In a decade or two, we actually WILL be and can start acting like it.

[sniper7]

Sounds like what people said about blacks serving in the .mil back in the day...

oh fuck off and crawl back in your libtard hole.

ETA: back in "the day", I wasn't born. I wasn't around for civil rights, I took no part in it and should not be held responsible for it. I thank the black guy in a .mil uniform the same fucking way I thank the whites and the mexicans and the women and the gays for their service when they get off the airplane. AGAIN, fuck off.

[sniper7]

Agreed, bud.

Your point about the "your opinion is wrong, mine is right" is spot on too, because it seems that the most righteous (on both sides of the aisle) about not being ignorant are typically the most ignorant.

If you don't like someone else's lifestyle, well: it's their lifestyle, not yours. Why let it bother you if it's not infringing on other's rights. Like TV: if you don't like it, don't watch it. Don't like someone's religious beliefs? Don't practice them. Don't like the same sex? Don't sleep with people of the same sex. Don't like someone having a parade about something you disagree with? Don't march with them.

Take action when it starts to impact you. Otherwise, and how I prefer people to act around me, stay the f*&k out of my life, and i'll stay out of yours!

this "month" does have an impact on everyones lives...monetarily. In a time of cutting back spending, they decide to start throwing fucking .mil gay parades? no thanks...my tax dollars are much better spent.

[ghettodub]

oh fuck off and crawl back in your libtard hole.


You have your opinion, I have mine. I'm not a liberal just because I don't agree with you, and apparently, you're more worried about how other people live their lives than I am...


this "month" does have an impact on everyones lives...monetarily. In a time of cutting back spending, they decide to start throwing fucking .mil gay parades? no thanks...my tax dollars are much better spent.

If this (financial) is really your argument against gays in the military, than that's a fair point. I hardly doubt that the financial ramifications of a gay pride rally are really the point of your anti-gay argument...

[ghettodub]

ETA: back in "the day", I wasn't born. I wasn't around for civil rights, I took no part in it and should not be held responsible for it. I thank the black guy in a .mil uniform the same fucking way I thank the whites and the mexicans and the women and the gays for their service when they get off the airplane. AGAIN, fuck off.

Who said that you're responsible for that? I didn't say anything about that, and apologies if you took it that way. I'm just saying that people said the same thing along time ago about people of colour serving, and it's not much different than a lot of the arguments about gays...

And I have more class than to tell you to "fuck off," so have a good day. I'm not insulting or being an ass to you, so if that's how you react, it's no skin off my back. I'm just here to voice my opinion, discuss, and not start shit with anyone. And even if mine differs than others, I don't act like that... Cheers.

[jackthewall81]

yep, all the signs out there sure make you feel like a minority. In a decade or two, we actually WILL be and can start acting like it.

Hopefully by then America will have small government and no one will be judged based upon race. We will all be "people", poor, rich, and in between. Not black, Mexican, white blah blah blah. Saying this just perpetuates the stereotypes that exists and makes you as bad as the stereotype you are ridiculing. Not all "minorities" take part in these protests, believe that they are entitled, etc just like not all black people like rap music. stereotypes are ignorant.

[Ed_S]

I don't care if you're black, white, purple, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, confused, or a damn alien with six dicks and two vaginas... .


Not to derail but I'm pretty sure that was Captain Kirk's motto! He definately nailed a green alien[ROFL1]

[ghettodub]

Not to derail but I'm pretty sure that was Captain Kirk's motto! He definately nailed a green alien[ROFL1]

http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/0907/shes-green-star-trek-orion-slave-girls-girl-slavegirl-slaveg-demotivational-poster-1248607340.jpg

[Mtn.man]

Left, right, up the middle.

[sniper7]

You have your opinion, I have mine. I'm not a liberal just because I don't agree with you, and apparently, you're more worried about how other people live their lives than I am...



If this (financial) is really your argument against gays in the military, than that's a fair point. I hardly doubt that the financial ramifications of a gay pride rally are really the point of your anti-gay argument...

Financial is part, being fair to the rest in the Military is another. If you ever read anything I have ever wrote about gays your stupid ass comments would never be typed. I work with more than you have probably seen in real life.

Based on your replies over the years...yes you are a libtard. Just like your first response to my quote. Only a worthless liberal would start tossing in the race card to try and make their argument.

[pepito]

gay

[onebadfx4]

My point wasnt against homosexuals. I actually have served with some amazing guys who just so happen to smoke pole that I know would have my back in any firefight. The main point is people are sick of being forcefed homosexuality. I understand if you dont like it, dont watch. Well thats pretty damn hard when its on every dang channel you change it too. Hell, its even on disney. I think they should stop with all these recognition months cause all they bring up is hate. Just need to put the past in the past. Racism will never die cause society will not let it. If someone is rude to a member of another race, heaven forbib its not just that person was a dick. Its always cause they were black or gay or whatever. People just need to stop being retarded.

[jackthewall81]

My point wasnt against homosexuals. I actually have served with some amazing guys who just so happen to smoke pole that I know would have my back in any firefight. The main point is people are sick of being forcefed homosexuality. I understand if you dont like it, dont watch. Well thats pretty damn hard when its on every dang channel you change it too. Hell, its even on disney. I think they should stop with all these recognition months cause all they bring up is hate. Just need to put the past in the past. Racism will never die cause society will not let it. If someone is rude to a member of another race, heaven forbib its not just that person was a dick. Its always cause they were black or gay or whatever. People just need to stop being retarded.

As long as education is controlled by liberals, people will not stop being retarted.

[onebadfx4]

As long as education is controlled by liberals, people will not stop being retarted.

^^^THIS

[ghettodub]

As long as education is controlled by liberals, people will not stop being retarted.

Agreed, because it creates idiot parents, which raise idiot kids too...and the cycle just keeps repeating...

[onebadfx4]

Agreed, because it creates idiot parents, which raise idiot kids too...

This new generation of entitlement is only gonna make matters worse. They should call it the everyone gets a trophy generation. Next thing you know, they are aduylts and find out in life that everyone doesnt always win and start occupying local parks.

[Jumpstart]

Yet another sign of a superpower on the decline. No standards, anything goes. If it was a heterosexual pride declaration it would be considered intolerance, discriminatory et cetera. Well played fags, well played.

[onebadfx4]

Yet another sign of a superpower on the decline. No standards, anything goes. If it was a heterosexual pride declaration it would be considered intolerance, discriminatory et cetera. Well played fags, well played.

[ROFL2]

[pepito]

Yet another sign of a superpower on the decline. No standards, anything goes. If it was a heterosexual pride declaration it would be considered intolerance, discriminatory et cetera. Well played fags, well played.

+1[Beer]

[Ridge]

Yet another sign of a superpower on the decline. No standards, anything goes. If it was a heterosexual pride declaration it would be considered intolerance, discriminatory et cetera. Well played fags, well played.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ELFl2_1q7DI/TObn1HnV2fI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/5JkvAtpbv7k/s1600/Not_sure_if_serious.jpg

[jackthewall81]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ELFl2_1q7DI/TObn1HnV2fI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/5JkvAtpbv7k/s1600/Not_sure_if_serious.jpg

Yup... I believe he is.

[MED]

First: You had the hollow military of the Carter years.

Second: You had the "...what the hell do we need to do that for?" years under Clinton

Now: you have the Village People running the show...That should strike terror into the hearts and minds of the enemy.

WTF!!!!

[Ronin13]

Woah, the room is spinning from all the hate in here...

I fail to see how the last military in the west to allow gays is really going to detract from our capabilities. Yes the liberal agenda is that their way is correct and anything white, christian, or blatantly straight is wrong, but in the end you can just choose to ignore it. I'm not bothered by gays, I have a good friend who is gay, he doesn't push his pro-gay agenda on me, he's a very nice, respectable (and well dressed) guy. Sure some of his choices are not along the same lines as mine- like our opinion on Kate Beckinsale, he claims she's just a good actress, while I like to comment more about her appearance. So what? We're friends not because we have differing views on sex, we're friends because we can respect our differences without any animosity.

[jackthewall81]

Woah, the room is spinning from all the hate in here....

no kidding... Come on fellas.

[BushMasterBoy]

Your tax dollars hard at work...

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-hosts-lgbt-pride-reception-vows-advocate-223732067.html

[gnihcraes]

I find it interesting that the gay and lesbian friends and co-workers of mine, do not talk about or participate in these "Pride" activities. Several of them have been in the military too, which is more than I can say for myself or any of my immediate family members.

Apparently a lot of folks need a special event broadcast to feel good about themselves.

[theGinsue]

My point wasnt against homosexuals. I actually have served with some amazing guys who just so happen to smoke pole that I know would have my back in any firefight. The main point is people are sick of being forcefed homosexuality. I understand if you dont like it, dont watch. Well thats pretty damn hard when its on every dang channel you change it too. Hell, its even on disney. I think they should stop with all these recognition months cause all they bring up is hate. Just need to put the past in the past. Racism will never die cause society will not let it. If someone is rude to a member of another race, heaven forbib its not just that person was a dick. Its always cause they were black or gay or whatever. People just need to stop being retarded.
** NOTE: When I use the term "you", this is NOT directed to the OP, just any generic "you" my comments may apply to. My comments are meant to agree with OneBad's comments above **

I think many of us are fed up with the "We're the same, just like you. Now give us our special recognition!" BS. Either you are the same or you are different. Either you want to be treated as equals, or you want to be treated like a special class of person.
Special classes exist all throughout the .mil (and society) and they're always speaking "equality" out of one side of their mouths and "special recognition" out of the other side. I'm sorry, but it doesn't work that way - pick one and stick with it. If you want to be "the same" then you get ALL that goes with it, the good AND the bad.

Don't try to justify your special recognition as "We're just proud of our heritage or for being _________". Don't you think all others have pride in their heritage or for their whatever that makes them the people that they are? So, why should you get special recognition for who you are and they don't? And, really, the tired old line of "Well, you people get recogition the rest of the year" is total horse-shit and we all know it. The more you people [applied to whatever "special class" you identify with] want to point out how different and unique you are, the more people will focus on their differences with you and issues relating to color, gender, sexual preference, religious preference, etc. will continue to exist.


I find it interesting that the gay and lesbian friends and co-workers of mine, do not talk about or participate in these "Pride" activities.

Apparently a lot of folks need a special event broadcast to feel good about themselves.

It's good that some folks actually get it, but sad that so many others do not.

[onebadfx4]

^ THIS. Sorry for the confusion Ginsue..[Beer]

[T-Giv]

I'm still waiting for white, male, christian, working man month. Keep your fingers crossed!

[Troublco]

Can we have 'male, white, married with 2 kids, heterosexual, gun owner week'?[/FONT][/COLOR]


We can! The week before April 15, when we (officially) send Uncle Sam the fruits of our labor to "redistribute" seems appropriate...



My point wasnt against homosexuals. I actually have served with some amazing guys who just so happen to smoke pole that I know would have my back in any firefight. The main point is people are sick of being forcefed homosexuality. I understand if you dont like it, dont watch. Well thats pretty damn hard when its on every dang channel you change it too. Hell, its even on disney. I think they should stop with all these recognition months cause all they bring up is hate. Just need to put the past in the past. Racism will never die cause society will not let it. If someone is rude to a member of another race, heaven forbid its not just that person was a dick. Its always cause they were black or gay or whatever. People just need to stop being retarded.


^^^THIS

x2...

I think Ginsue said it well. What I see going here is not hate, it's frustration. I don't care if someone is gay or not, just live their life and let me live mine. What I don't like is being told that I have to agree that what they are doing is Good and Right and Just Fine...when I don't believe that at all. I am perfectly willing to let them live their lives the way they choose in regards to this, I just don't agree with it personally. And I refuse to tell my kids that it's just fine, normal, etc.

But, this thread was originally about the Pentagon's Gay Pride Month...I didn't realize Gay was an ancestry. (Completely tongue in cheek, if everyone was gay, seems like we wouldn't have any more somebodies REAL soon...) And I don't think that "gay" should work the same way as someone's ancestry. But I'm sure that my opinion is offensive to them, and since it appears that their opinions are the only ones that count, mine should be censored...no hate, only frustration.

[sabot_round]

** NOTE: When I use the term "you", this is NOT directed to the OP, just any generic "you" my comments may apply to. My comments are meant to agree with OneBad's comments above **

I think many of us are fed up with the "We're the same, just like you. Now give us our special recognition!" BS. Either you are the same or you are different. Either you want to be treated as equals, or you want to be treated like a special class of person.
Special classes exist all throughout the .mil (and society) and they're always speaking "equality" out of one side of their mouths and "special recognition" out of the other side. I'm sorry, but it doesn't work that way - pick one and stick with it. If you want to be "the same" then you get ALL that goes with it, the good AND the bad.

Don't try to justify your special recognition as "We're just proud of our heritage or for being _________". Don't you think all others have pride in their heritage or for their whatever that makes them the people that they are? So, why should you get special recognition for who you are and they don't? And, really, the tired old line of "Well, you people get recogition the rest of the year" is total horse-shit and we all know it. The more you people [applied to whatever "special class" you identify with] want to point out how different and unique you are, the more people will focus on their differences with you and issues relating to color, gender, sexual preference, religious preference, etc. will continue to exist.



It's good that some folks actually get it, but sad that so many others do not.

DING, DING, DING!! We have a winner!![Beer]

[Troublco]

One thing I missed...I think this is just another tiny cut in the dividing of America. Point out our differences, and you minimize our bonds...