In article <slrn3vsbgqr1i.97el.kybyrd@no-spam>, kybyrd@no-spam
(Karen Y Byrd) writes:
>
>On 09 Jul 2003 17:03:55 GMT,
> John H. Fisher <taxservice@no-spam> wrote:
>
>>>There are thousands of gay veterans, thousands serving right now.
>>>Let them do so as they are. Openly.
>>
>>I agree!!! However, I perceive a difference between "Openly" and
>>"Flam"boy"antly"!!! Or, should I say "Flamgalantly"???=:) Many
>>thoughts come to mine - sex change, serving in drag, and other
>>incidentals where a certain military discipline would be difficult, or
>>impossible, to achieve.
>
>This is just another excuse.
There are excuses but there may be valid reasons for concern, in
spite of your championing a cause. "Excuses" are a challenge.
If we can't respond to the challenges presented by those "excuses"
we will continue to have problems - no matter what!! (MVHO)
Frankly, as I see it, when we categorize, outside of the term "Human
Being" we have a problem. White, Black, Christian, Moslem, Gay,
Heterosexual, Bisexual, Asian, European, etc., etc., Being able to
overcome the plight that exists because of clandestine perceptions,
and motivations, is a noble effort. It is unlikely we will ever achieve
that oneness, which is just not universal, even within the law.
>Come on. Drag queens are not likely candidates to volunteer
>for military service. The gay people who are likely to
>join are similar to straight people who join. Pretty conservative.
>Pretty patriotic. Wanting to serve their country because they
>love their country. Most people who join the military, I daresay,
>have a pretty good idea of the dicipline required no matter
>what their sexual orientation is!
You may "daresay" anything you like. It is the reality with which
the military is faced. If we could just engage in support of human
beings, leaving out categories (which don't ask, don't tell was
intended) acceptable human behavior would be the question and
not whether or not one is gay!!!n(JAHO) Gays are a single element.
Why in the world there is a distinction is what concerns me. Even
the churches have a problem with that one!!=:) Nothning wrong with
a homosexual priest (I understand) as long as they temper their
homosexuality with celibacy!!! But, NOW, it is OK for clergy and
senior clergy, of some denominations, to serve their flock with pride.
I'm not against gay unions (legal). However, there are a battery of
problems which emanate. For instance, out of fairness (for tax
purposes) what other unions would qualify? What about a parent
and child who have lived together, and shared expenses, for a period
of 30 years after the death of the parent's spouse. What about the
union of any other two people, absent the contract of marriage???
Why should there be any distinction between those relationships and
gay relationships??? Why can't there be a legal contract between any
two people without reference to sexuality???
Gay people (many, if not most) are wonderful human beings. However,
do you think they should be priviledged based on the thoughts I have
presented???
>What you've said above does a disservice to the honor shown
>by those gay veterans who have, either made the ultimate sacrifice
>by dying in combat or on active duty, or those who
>have committed time and and energy toward the defense of this
>country.
>
>As a sexual minority I really take offense at what you imply
>above.
>
Somewhat presumptious of you, Karen!!! Are you a gay veteran??
Have you ever served in the military?? What experience have you
to make such a pronouncement and why do you presume to characterize
me as being unpatriotic for an assessment I have made from personal
experience in the military??? You offend too easily (IMVHO)!!=:) I've
had gay friends who did die as a result of war. Others were greatly
impaired. I had known of unions, as far back as the '50's (in the military)
where there was a bonding and a commitment (albeit few) between officers
and enlisted personnel alike. Some were career military and I expect they
survived in spite of the rules that were in place. That's over 50 years ago
and I've lost track of most of them!!=(:
>>>If the British can manage it why can't we?
>>>
>>****Heck, the British are older than us!! I wasn't aware of their policy
>but
>>I'll try to find the time to do some research!!! Is it a recent
>>development???
>>How did it come about???
>
>It's very recent. Possibly the policy was changed in the last year
>or so. I don't know the details about how it came to pass.
>
Oh, Well!!!=:) It will ALL come to pass!!!=:) At this point, we are yet
both free to express our opinions. Hopefully, without personal attacks!!=:)
"Jack" - John H. Fisher - TaxService@no-spam
Philadelphia, Pa - Atlantic City, NJ - West Wildwood, NJ
My Newsgroups & Boards at: http://members.aol.com/TaxService/index.html
Where Ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise!=:)