December 21, 2006

When Bigotry trumps National Security

I disagree with my conservative friends about homosexuality, but understand where most are coming from. It is a difficult and complicated topic. I don't understand, however, how the President and his administration can prioritize this issue over keeping us safe. Shakes is annoyed by it as well and takes a shot at it here:
Back in September, The Daily Show’s Jason Jones sat down with Paul Cameron, one of the nation’s leading anti-gay activists, to ask about a defense for the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Specifically, Jones asked about Bleu Copas, a decorated sergeant and Arabic language specialist who joined the Army after the 9/11 attacks, but was thrown out for being gay, despite his role in helping translate intercepted messages from possible terrorists.

Cameron said, “I think the country, on the aggregate, is safer without Bleu in the military.” Asked why, Cameron explained, “Guys don’t want to think about other guys, other fellas, ogling them in the shower or whatever.” Jones responded, “I know I’d rather die in a terrorist attack than suffer through an uncomfortable shower with a gay.” Cameron grudgingly responded, "Yes."
Of course, Jason Jones was mocking him, but the point is still valid. If you are struggling to interpret all those messages we are intercepting, wouldn't you want as many translators as possible?

I guess this is the same question I had after reading The Wash Post story on the reconstruction led, not by the best and the brightest, but by those most loyal to Bush. If I were putting my historical legacy on this event, I think I would have sat down my people and said, "I don't care how we make this work, but this will be successful. If you have to hire Chelsea Clinton or Michael Moore to get it done, do it."

You would think that success would be the most important thing. But it isn't.

6 comments:

volfan007 said...

streak,

i am getting tired of calling those of us who feel that homosexuality is sinful....bigots. we are not bigots. we believe that homosexuality is a sin against God according to what the bible teaches.

we dont hate gays...well, most of us...the vast majority of us...do not hate gays. we just beleive that its sinful behavior on the same par as adultery and child molestation.

also, every time i hear us called homophobes...it cracks me up. afraid of homosexuality...lol. not afraid of it, either. its just wrong.


volfan007

Streak said...

Volfan, this is really your last chance. I am tired of your contrarian and completely ridiculous responses. You want to play here, fine. You want to actually talk to any of us, then you have to play by some rules. We all do.

This is a great example. You didn't read the post did you. You just took exception to the bigotry term. I don't care. I really don't give a rats ass what you think about homosexuality. Couldn't care less. But when that assumption that homosexuality is "just wrong" means that they are fired from their jobs--especially when their firing means that we have fewer arabic speakers to interpret for us--that is bigotry.

If you want to talk, we can talk. But when you post stupid comments, we are all going to ignore you as the troll that you are.

Groseys messages said...

hahaha,
I see now why my comment got you disturbed.
I have posted a comment at my blog Streak regarding your comment at Les' blog.
In short, I have never read your blog before, and I was not referring to you.
Steve

Anonymous said...

Bigot (Americal Heritage Dict) "One who is strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ." Volfan, I'd say the shoe fits. Not to worry, though, Volfan. It seems lately that the most vocal anti-gay folks are compensating for inner conflict. When you do "come out" you'll find more friends in folks like Streak than those of your current stripe. In the mean time you've made your position clear. I don't see that you have much more to add to a discussion other than repeating position statements over and over. Soak in your dogma, enjoy being so sure you're right and "its just wrong", and prepare for the humbling events that will eventually come into your life.

Good discussions, Streak. Later-bb

volfan007 said...

bootlegger,

you sound like you may be from my neck of the woods with a name like that. are you from tn? or close?

also, my friend, i surrender my heart and mind to the Lord. i follow His clear teachings in the bible. they are my guide. they are truth.

now, about things that are clearly taught in the bible, then there is room for discussion. i love to learn. i love to be challenged to expand my mind. and, unlike some others who get mad at those who have a different viewpoint. you know, those who dont agree with you, so they start screaming and yelling and cussing the other person out. and, they start calling the one they dont agree with names like stupid, ignorant, dumba__, sh_thead, etc. and, they threaten to not let you talk on thier blogsight anymore....because you dont agree with them. you know what i'm talking about?

merry Christmas,

volfan007

Streak said...

One last comment for the troll. You can call this whatever you want, but I am not mad at you because you disagree. That may help you sleep at night--because it assures you that you are disliked for your adherence to God--but it isn't true. Tony and I have disagreed on numerous issues, but we have deep respect for each other. Respect, it seems, is something you don't understand.

You are more than welcome to post here. I never said I would censor you. In fact, I have never deleted a comment that wasn't spam. What I said was, if you are going to post here, do so with respect and do so with engagement, or we will ignore you.

This post is a perfect example. You refuse to address the content of this post or even my response. I don't care about your stance on homosexuality--but on this issue of national security, it is bigotry. You can take offense, or talk about "following the lord" all you want. Still bigotry. And if you refuse to read or engage on the merits, then what is the point?