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Subscribe to RSSDeparting Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta extended Monday a list of benefits — all previously denied by the Pentagon — to the same-sex spouses of service members as well as to the unmarried partners of gay troops.
The perks, automatically available to heterosexual military spouses, will include child care services, member-designated hospital visits, and the issuing of military ID cards, which will give same-sex spouses and partners access to on-base commissaries, movie theaters and gyms. The policy changes will go into effect once training on the new rules is completed, Panetta said.
While advocates for gay and lesbian service members and their families hailed Panetta’s policy switch as “substantive” and “encouraging,” the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) still blocks the DOD from enacting more than 85 other benefits now provided to heterosexual military spouses and their children — most notably medical and dental care, housing allowances, and death benefits.
Also, as NBC News reported Feb. 4, that same federal law mandates that when a gay service member is killed in combat, military officials must first notify that troop’s blood family, not their spouse, as is normally the course of action.
Panetta said DOMA is “now being reviewed by the United States Supreme Court" — and he offered his first clear signal that the Pentagon wants that law overturned.
“There are certain benefits that can only be provided to spouses as defined by that law,” Panetta said. “While it will not change during my tenure as secretary of defense, I foresee a time when the law will allow the department to grant full benefits to service members and their dependents, irrespective of sexual orientation. Until then, the department will continue to comply with current law while doing all we can to take care of all soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and their families."
Same-sex advocates have been pushing the DOD to extend full benefits to the spouses and partners of all U.S. service members since the repeal 17 months of ago of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy which prohibited gay troops from revealing their sexual orientation.
“At the time of repeal, I committed to reviewing benefits that had not previously been available to same-sex partners based on existing law and policy,” Panetta said. “It is a matter of fundamental equity that we provide similar benefits to all of those men and women in uniform who serve their country ...
“Taking care of our service members and honoring the sacrifices of all military families are two core values of this nation. Extending these benefits is an appropriate next step under current law to ensure that all service members receive equal support for what they do to protect this nation."
Advocates for gay and lesbian service members and their families praised Panetta’s policy shift although they said that the move is not groundbreaking due to the DOMA legal blockade.
“Secretary Panetta’s decision today answers the call President (Barack) Obama issued in his inaugural address to complete our nation's journey toward equality, acknowledging the equal service and equal sacrifice of our gay and lesbian service members and their families,” said Allyson Robinson, an Army veteran and executive director of OutServe-SLDN, an association of actively serving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender U.S. military personnel with more than 50 chapters and 6,000 members.
“We thank him for getting us a few steps closer to full equality — steps that will substantively improve the quality of life of gay and lesbian military families,” Robinson said.
The American Military Partner Association (AMPA), a support network for LGBT military families, released the following statement today in response to Panetta's announcement:
“We’ve waited far too long for this, and it’s fantastic news that our dedicated military families will now have access to some of the benefits and support services they need and deserve,” said Stephen Peters, the group's president. “However, (DOMA) continues to undermine our military families who sacrifice so much for our nation. This summer, we hope that the Supreme Court will make it clear that our families are just as important and deserve the same protections, benefits, and support that federal recognition brings.”
To offer the new benefits to partners, DOD will ask gay and lesbian service members to sign a “Declaration of Domestic Partnership” in which they will attest that they are in a committed relationship, and intend to remain so indefinitely, and that neither is legally married, according to OutServe-SLDN.
The changes will take “several months to complete, Pentagon officials said. The extra time is needed so that military leaders can offer a chance for the public to comment on the new rules and also to allow an opportunity for each of the branches to update its IT system, develop new processes for issuing ID cards, and train their personnel on the refreshed benefits package.
Panetta did stop short on offering a full slate of benefits that gay advocates have been requesting for two years: on-base housing and burial at Arlington National Cemetery and other items that don’t fall under DOMA, according to OutServe-SLDN. (The organization’s lawyers drafted an explanation outlining the policy shift for gay service members and their families.)
DOD officials have explained to OutServe-SLDN that “policy for burial at Arlington National Cemetery is under review. At issue is how to verify eligible same-sex relationships for the surviving spouse in order to ensure equitable policy implementation."
NBC News' Jim Miklaszewski contributed to this report.
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A dark day for America. I am not a homophobe. But I know that GOD and JESUS will, in the end, not tolerate you, I, Panetta, President Obama and anyone associated with homosexuality or trying to bring about its legitimacy. They call it an abomination and a forgivable sin. And THEY have the power to back it up. You can have gay friends; you have friends that commit adultery and fornication. But don't legitimize it. America used to be a country whose laws had a moral root. Don't be deceived: America does NOT trust in GOD. If you are reading this, try to break away from the pack because the pack is going down; don't be with Panetta, Pres. Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, if it happens as a group, in your lifetime.
Amen amen amen! Totally agree!
God forgives. God's grace is for all. God and Jesus tolerate all. In fact, Jesus condemned divorce, but never spoke of homosexuality.
However, it does not matter in the end what you believe about God, because God has no place in our laws.
Does God and Jesus agree with war?
When is this GOD fellow going to act? People have been waving him in our faces as a threat since the dawn of the republic.
yawn, you "doom and gloomers" have been claiming "the end is near" for 2000 years. Your record of failure is impressive. :)
I do believe in tolerance. But enacting laws to give legitimacy AND to force it down the throats of other Americans who are paying for these alternative lifestyles is not right. Live and let live, but do not shove it down our throats! I have not problem with gay partners using the commissaries, or other smaller perks, like the gym, but this is ONLY the start. ........... The gay activists will stop at nothing until they change every single American institution in a forced manner to accept them as equals to married couples. Notice, how Panetta says that the new perks are intended to be expanded later on? It will not stop....................... I live in Washington State, where gay marriage is now legal. For now, churches that do not believe in gay marriage or o.k. But wait and see....it will only be a few years before the activists will agitate for ALL churches to be forced to marry same sex couples or lose tax exempt status. Fine to lose the tax exempt status. Churches DO need to separate from secular society and that which challenges their religious beliefs.
littleleers - explain where YOU are paying for a homosexual couple marrying? Marriage is NOT a religious thing unless the marrying couple wants it that way. Marriage is a CONTRACT between two consenting adults. Period. And another question: how is that YOU get to force YOUR religious convictions down MY throat, but it's not okay to provide the same rights you enjoy to the rest of our fellow Americans? Really?
And quite honestly, it is time, and more than time, for you religious nuts to stop trying to make the rest of us go to church. I don't believe that nonsense and you are trying to do the same exact thing you claim homosexuals are doing - forcing YOUR religious beliefs down their throats. Stop.
He did speak of man laying with man and women laying with women was an abomination - so how would you like to twist that around?
"Outgoing DOD boss Panetta extends some benefits to same-sex spouses, partners of gay troops"
Definitely time to seriously cut the military budget. The politically correct need to be weeded out.
You mean those same "politically correct" who serve our country and have died for it? Because (now try to follow along here "Common Man") homosexuals have DONE BOTH. And CONTINUE TO TO DO SO.
Sorry, we do not enjoy giving money to gays that have serviced some of our sexually desparate troops.
I have an idea.... Lets buy an island and put all the fags on it
I have an idea...lets laugh at your post. And call the school to report a truant. :)
But then what would you smoke?
Increase cost just as you beg for an end to sequestration. Yep, it happened.
so we should deny equality to some as a means to balance the budget? Hmmm..sounds unamerican to me.
No one should get tax money for being a gay whore for a deceased veteran.
I'm heterosexual. Should I tell my boss?
This is just ridiculous... It isn't enough the "Don't ask don't tell" policy is out the window now it's forcing their beliefs on us even more... Why aren't you just happy you can be open now? Next they are going to want their partner's to be able to have medical benefits too! Girlfriends and boyfriends don't get these benefits. This is absolutely appalling enough is never enough go find something worth fighting for and stop wasting time and money!
Tell me "SaraH" just what "beliefs are being forced on you" by the repeal of DADT? Please enlighten this forum with your infinite wisdom.
well, sarah, straight boyfriends and girlfriends have the CHOICE to get benefits if they want, by simply getting married. duh. Remember that 'special right" that straights have that gays don't?
Gays should not be rewarded for being deviants and having the total lack of decentcy to actually be "proud" of having no morals.
Sarah,
Of course the repeal of DADT wasn't enough, not even close. Did y'all not realize that the repeal would also require the extension of benefits? Did you expect DOD to not treat these soldiers and their families the same way it treats all of the others who give so much of their lives (and often their very lives) to defend YOUR benefits of citizenship?
I swear, could you have any more layers of bigotry clouding your judgement!
As you gays keep pointing out, there are plenty of states that allow gay marriage - these PARTNERS (and I use that term extremely loosely - partner is another word for cohabitation without the benefit of commitment) can go to a state that does authorize gay marriage and then problem solved.
But to offer benefits to unmarried same-sex partners and they don't have to proof a long term relationship except based on their word - totally UNACCEPTABLE.
You do it for homosexuals then you do it for heterosexuals.
I for one do not want unvetted "partners" coming onto my base that might have established that "partnership" last weekend over a round of Sex on the Beach at the local hook-up joint.
I don't agree with same-sex marriage either, but marriage I could endorse getting benefits - but unmarried partners - NO WAY, ridiculous.
It's always been about the money. Expect a rush to the recruiting office.
what's the value of these benefits? I kinda doubt that people will sign up with the chance of dying just for this.
Hasn't happened , yet, the military is falling farther behind on their recruiting policies daily.
Especially in the AREA of young officers and the Marine Corp, generally.
There is little question that the draft will have to be reinstated.
It seems to be poetic justice that the people responspnsible for this, homosexuals and dem leftys will be facing the draft.
The same groups which have done a wonderful job of avoiding military service.
Those groups seem to get caught up in the lAW of unintended consequences on a regular basis.
George -
Kind of curious where your getting your information considering the fact that the military is in the process of cutting positions and blocking re-enlistments because they have to many soldiers, airmen, sailers, etc. following the drawdown in Iraq and the upcoming one in Afghanistan.
I am a retired Colonel Army Medical Corps and my opinion is that it is politically correct BULLSH*T!!! If you libs don't like my opinion then too bad.
my opinion is that yours is hateful BULLSH*T!!!! (I used more !!!!s than you did!!!!). If you haters don't like my opinion then too bad. :)
PS - if equality is "politically correct" then I'm proud to be "politically correct". :)
I sincerely hope that you are of draft age, I have seen your posts before, certainly you deserve to get to serve
Typical liberal talking down to someone with a different opinion. I feel that my opinion is just as valid as yours vermont guy ,particularly since I'm a wounded combat veteran.
What do typical republicans do? Try to force their twisted 1000 year old beliefs on the country?
My beliefs are not 1000 year old and twisted and I'm not trying to force my beliefs on anybody else like some of your liberals. By the way I'm not a Republican, and I fought for your right to express your opinions whether or not they have any validity.
I sand corrected, my point is why is it that every time their is a civil right issue, conservatives go against it. Like Womens right, Civil rights, and Slavery of course
@Charles Sosa It seems that your opinion as to whether gay marriage is a civil right is merely an opinion, as I see it we all have civil rights-to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness- nobody guarantees that you are happy you have the right to pursue it. Civics lesson government does not grant rights they are granted by the Creator. Once again the imperial regime makes laws by fiat and avoids Congress. Civics lesson #2 if you read history (a novel concept to liberals) the Republicans overwhelmingly voted for Civil rights and the majority of democrats voted against them.
Mark notice that i said conservatives right? And by the way I'm not that old but you would agree that since the 60's the partys have switch positions on issues
Charles I'm not sure exactly what you mean when you say there has been switching on issues, maybe if you could define better for this old man ha ha
For one quick example, During the civil rights movement the Democrats supported th civil rights movement when republicans did not. Up to tat pint Blacks voted republicans and the GOP supported them. The KKK was started in the democratic party but since the democratic party supported the civil righs movement, THE kkk left the party. Since then blacks have voted for democrats and the demcrats became more liberal than their conservative past. Im not saying republicans are racist because a lot of my friends are republicans but some GOP canidates make you wonder
Thanks for the clarification, but I remember things a little differently, Albert Gore Sr and Robert Byrd and the other Dixiecrats voted against the civil rights act, in fact if I remember correctly that's what made Strom Thurmond switch parties.
I got the numbers right in front of me but I want you to look up the how many democrats voted in support compared to the republicans
I will do that, but right now I'm supposed to be seeing patients in the office instead of looking at the computer. heh heh
Lmao I understand
Hey a%€£ hole, thats my money. I am a tax payer. Imsay Hell No!
If we can't afford equal benefits for all law abiding americans who risk their lives for our country, then we need to equalize them by cutting back straight benefits to match. Its the fair and patriotic thing to do.
PERVERTS REJOICE! One more kick in the teeth for the troops.
“Our gays are more macho than their straights.” ~ Ann Coulter, commenting in 2005 on Jeff Gannon, the conservative plant in the White House press corps who turned out to be a male escort
This is great news!! So what about the DOD Civilians who are in same sex relationships?
RUPAUL seen shopping at on-base commissaries, movie theaters and gyms
In my years in the Military, I never saw a gay guy in combat. Of course, I never saw an African American or Indian American either. I only saw a comerade fighting the same enemy.
Having said that, benefits shoult not b extended to unmarried homosexuals. If you want the EQUAL benefit as a heterosexual marriage does, then get married - legally.
My other issue is, someone needs to start building new restrooms. Men, Women, and Confused. I do not fear a homosexual, or worry that he may approach me in the Men's Room, but he doesn't belong in there anymore than I belong in the Women's Room. Same with shower rooms. Why should a heterosexual be forced to showed with a homosexual? That's kind of telling youong boys that it is OK to shower with Jerry Sandusky since they are of the same sex.
Did you fight with General Lee?
well, duh, just let them get married then. lol.
btw, we have gays now in the armed forces, yet somehow we didn't need different bathrooms. duh again.
Did you fight with any body?
No I wanted to but my father told me to go to college. He was a Marine and died in Iraq
I'm guessing you both missed my point.
Charles Sosa - My intent was to say that I did not have time for prejudice - not that those comrades weren't there fighting beside me.
vermontguy - I admit I retired before DADT was overturned. But now that being openly gay is "acceptable", it is also time to re-evaluate the rights being taken away from heterosexuals. Again, no reason I should have to share a shower with an openly gay soldier. I wasn't allowed to shower in the women's room just just because that happens to be the sex I was attracted to.
what difference does it make if you share a shower with a non-open or openly gay man?
And gays and straights of the same gender share showers at schools, etc...are you more of a weenie than they are?
Why should I be placed in a position where I have to shower with a guy man? For that matter, why shouldn't I be allowed to shower with the women? I mean, it's all "hands-off" anyway, right? Why should my right to privacy be affected by have the moral values of a homosexual? I simply don't understand the special treatment afforded to a group who claims to be seeking equal treatment. If a gay man wants to shower with a heterosexual man, he had better have consentual agreement first.
I have a question. The article says: "...as well as to the unmarried partners of gay troops." What about the unmarried partners of heterosexual troops? There are plenty of guys and gals that live with partners of the opposite sex, why aren't they included? Are we now EXCLUDING heterosexuals from having the same "equal rights" as homosexuals?
Because gay marriage is not legal in every state?
They aren't being included because in every state in the union, they have the right and ability to marry. Gays don't. If and when same sex marriage is universal law across the U.S., the unmarried partner clause should and will be removed (or, as you point out, extended equally to gay and straight partnerships).
When I was on my union bargaining committee back in the day, we recognized this concern and started working to get benefits for opposite-sex domestic partners. Go for it.
Hmmm? So gay marriage isn't legal in some states? Does that make it right to give two people benefits because they say they are partners? If two "partners" want to get married, go to a state that allows same sex marriage and get married. Quite a number of people go to Vegas to get married FAST.
The way it is now is ripe for fraud. Any two military people can SAY they are partners. I would have to see what checks are in place to prevent "working" the system. Soldiers and sailors are natural connivers (I know, I was one) and if they can find a way to get something extra, they will.
That is correct, John! But, when any " two military people can SAY they are partners", I guess they will also have to say they are gay, or they won't get the benefits!
Not to mention that it's easy to verify whether or not people have been in couple relationship for any length of time. The minimum time requirements would be the same for straight or gay couples who claim a relationship.
Okay, let me get this straight.
Same-sex spouses and PARTNERS of unmarried gay troops will receive certain benefits.
Okay--what about PARTNERS of unmarried heterosexual troops? They're not allowed (at this time) ANY benefits--no ID card, access to base, hospital, etc.
So who is being discriminated against now?
One for ALL, all for ONE - right?
So now he will have authorize those benefits to ALL UNMARRIED PARTNERS, homosexual or gay, right?
Who is going to be screaming for that equality.
This is what happens when Pandora's box is open - you have to open it up further and further until the entire process is diluted.
All straight couples can marry, but not all gay couples can. That is the reason for the discrepancy, as has been explained many times in this forum.
When I was on my union bargaining committee back in the day, we recognized this concern and started working to get benefits for opposite-sex domestic partners. Go for it.
I should also add that, once same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts, management wanted to do away with same-sex domestic partner benefits. So that's another solution.
In principle the answer to your question should be "yes" though obviously there is a complication. Obviously it cannot be the case that somebody can arbitrarily name anybody at any time as a partner for benefits purposes. But it should be the case that any true family unit, regardless of the nature of that unit, should be afforded all the rights currently afforded married couples today. What really needs to happen is that the government needs to entirely scrap its usage of "marriage" as a definition of a family unit and simply establish a generic "family unit" concept. What constitutes a valid family unit should mostly be up to the individuals, not the government.
Thanks for the lesson that I didn't need - I understand the discrepancy...but it's not fair and will allow ANY GAY COUPLE to "say" this is my partner, but not have to prove it with a marriage certificate, etc.
This is unacceptable - I do not want unvetted people being allowed to enter my base at will - and a "partner" could mean someone they picked up at the bar that weekend. I want to see the rules and policies for defining who is considered a "valid" partner.
I see more rules and/or a change coming to this policy. Military bases are secure and those allowed access must be vetted prior to being allowed to enter a military base unrestricted. If not, it endangers all those who work/reside on military bases (I being one of them).
Kimbo,
Private companies do this all the time. While I am not familiar with the legalities, I know it requires signing some kind of a legal affidavit, and misrepresentation on such document is most likely subject to prosectution and at the very least a reason to deny benefits.
Regardless, once gay marriage is legal across the nation, this will cease to be an issue - so I am assuming you favor this, as it will remove the reason for making special accomodations for nonmarried couples and assure fairness.
kimbo - simple solution, let all gays marry and then you have to be married to get benefits, straight or gay.
all for one, one for all, right?
Private companies ARE NOT the military.
If you had ever served you would definitely understand the difference.
Sign an affidavit? Bullcrap. If they want same-sex benefits, then get married in a state that authorizes it just like heterosexuals do and then they can get limited benefits.
I hope I am never faced with this issue face-to-face, if I am, I'll have to resign my job because I just can't accept something I find so morally repulsive.
Sorry...just the way I feel and I'm as entitled to feel that way as you are to feel the way you do.
I'm just glad I already retired from the military - if not, I'd be putting in my papers post-haste.
This is a step in the right direction. As I always say "Government out of my bedroom". It is not the government's business what sort of relationship I have with somebody in private. If I consider somebody to be part of my immediately family and we share mutual financial responsibility then they should be entitled to whatever benefits the government or my employer designate for family members. Why I consider the other person a member of my family or what we mean to each other is not anybody's business but ours.
So who's keeping you from having sex with someone of the same sex?
"Why I consider the other person a member of my family or what we mean to each other is not anybody's business but ours."
Just like heterosexual couples who chose not to marry for whatever reason should have those some benefits extended to them right?
Americans already have equal rights. This is about special rights for homosexuals. Next it will be special rights for bestiality and then inanimate objects. It has already happened in other countries.
Well when you pet and your dining room table can give informed consent, we will talk. Until then, your point is moot.
Do you know how many women are "married" to the eiffel tower? You need to wake up.
In the U.S., that would be zero, as such a thing would be illegal under contract law.
I am not aware of anywhere that such a thing is legal, but if you can prove it, by all means bring on the proof.
Regardless, since we are speaking of the U.S. where it is not legal, it is hardly relevant to this discussion.
Well. We all can be thankful, that Homosexuals do not reproduce between themselves, and that helps reduce, the over population problems, of the world.
Now if they could just colve this the "Democratic Chicago Way"
Maybe we can do something about overpopulation of commas, too.
And we are seeking defense budget cuts???? Wrong, and immoral approach. Way to go America! You picked a great a$$hole for a prez
"Mark" are you truly this ignorant? Nevermind, that was rhetorical question.
Hey, I want to marry the Pacific Ocean. I want equal benefits for my spouse. Clean out all the sewage and restore her to pristine condition on my benefit plan. After all, it is my right.
stupid post. You can't legally marry someone (or something) who can't give informed consent to a marriage contract. That's basic law. I'm sorry you are so ignorant. :)
SICKENING!!!!!!!
This is great . . homos get benefits while vets are living in the streets, eating out of trash cans because they don't qualify for benefits ? That's really taking care of our own. So . . if I live with and have sex with someone of my own gender in the military I can get free benefits right ? Perfect, I'm becomming gay tomorrow ! No more bills, free stuff just cause I blow someone, Cool ! And by the way, all of your quotes are from where ? DEMOCRAT/LIBERAL owned media sources ! ! ! Go to any base, outpost without the flashing your media badges and ask these same questions. You will get the real answers, not the candy-ass coated versions from the dems & libs. No one has the balls to step up and say what they really believe. Far tooooo much PC bull@!$%#. Can't say this, can't say that. I have 3 family members in the Corps. All 3 are GOOD MEN ! ! ! They say their companies DO NOT WANT homos in their ranks, don't trust them under fire because they have no real intensinal fortitude. BUT the most stated reason . . . It's AGAINST GOD and CHRISTIANITY ! When they took their oaths, the last statement is "SO HELP ME GOD" Can you find anything, anywhere that says it's Christian or godlike to be homosexual ! NO YOU CAN NOT. And you call yourselves Christians. BLASPHEMOUS HORSE @!$%# !
Some of us call ourselves Agnostic, Sick. Religions--every single one of them-- are philosophies of life and codes of behavior created and instituted among people. Call the instrument of enforcement what you will (such as God), but the existence of that instrument is unverifiable and the applicability of that instrument to all people and circumstances is impossible. So keep your religious rants to yourself...there have always been gay humans and there always will. Get over it.
BTW, I'm straight and married nearly three decades, so you can dispense with that ready insult.
Another case of Panetta and Obama buying special interest votes. When will the nonsense end? I'm done with these Washington Jerks trying to force someone's "lifestyle choice" on the American public and try to make it normal....it's far from normal. Before you "life style choices" turn venomous, I really don't give a damn because you chose to engage in Gay or Lesbian behavior, no one forced you into homosexuality, you chose to engage in your perverse lifestyle. Now turds let's hear your BS responses.
They never should of given us turds the vote, now we're taking over!!
what, exactly, is being "forced" on you? lol, and what is panetta running for, or obama for that matter, that they are "buying special interest votes".
Now lets hear your BS responses. :)
On Tuesday, January 29th, in an article titled “Leaving Homosexuality: The Real Power Of My Testimony,” Moore told his readers that he continues to struggle but the reward outweighs the sacrifice.
Predictably, “praying away the gay” didn’t work. Matt was ‘lured back into homosexuality’ and was recently spotted trolling for men via Grindr, a popular gay geo-social networking application.
On Monday, Zinnia Jones of Freethought Blogs received a tip from one of her readers. The reader made the claim that Moore was seen on Gindr seeking “special friends.”
In a puzzling move, Moore used the exact same photo that he uses on his Twitter account when creating his Grindr account. The initial reaction was that someone was using Moore’s photo in a fake profile. There was also speculation that–if the Grindr account was indeed his–he would attempt to deny the allegations. His denial would have been accepted by most people. However, when confronted, Moore confirmed immediately in an interview with Zinnia Jones that it was indeed his Grindr profile.
A white woman jeez
It's hard to believe many Vets are fighting the Government for disability benefits and waiting for years to come up empty handed, and at the same time a bunch of limp wrist-ed faggots that should never be in the service in the first place gets benefits for their so called.......................... well whatever in the hell you call them. Call me a bigot or what the hell you want to but it is still wrong what they are doing.
Just hang in John, no question they will have to reinstate the drafrt.
The young men filled with testosterone are not going to deal with the homo sexuals.
We will get to watch the dem leftys and homosexuals get drafted.
That should be hilarious.
I sincerely hope that everyone posting today and defending the homosexuqals is of draft age.
oddly, we've had gays in the military since forever, and yet the "testosterone filled young men" keep enlisting.
I guess logic and history aren't your strong points? lol.
Vermontguy
You are right some have been in the military or at least until they were convicted by Military Courts Martial for sodomy and sent to military prison, but of course you knew that. Point in fact.....there are no, not even one, Gay heros in the military. The testosterone filled young men are what keeps this nation great, not your gay boys. You idiots must actually believe that heterosexual males and females in the military actually embrace the immoral orders coming out of Washington. Unfortunately for you they don't, but they are "ordered" to comply. I'm sure the gays are lining up to volunteer for Afghanistan.....imagine what the Taliban would do to you gay soldier when he's captured. They would parade his screaming sissy butt in front of the video cameras before they separate his head from his body....laughing the whole time at the gay soldier the US sent to fight the righteous Muslim warriors. Get a grip.....gays and lesbians have no place in our armed forces.
SF CHief- thank you. "Gays & Lesbians have no place in our armed forces" No truer words have ever been printed ! Most branches of the military are downsizing, now the DOD decides to give out more benefits ? Don't understand it. My "partner" (heterosexual) & I have been together for 16 yrs. We can't get each others' benefits. Why should gays have that right if proper couples do not ? With tax laws, proposed new bills, we would lose big time if we married. WHY should gays have those rights and heteros do not ??? !!
I have a herd of cattle I want to marry. I want equal rights for all of us. My insurance plan should cover all my cattle. They give consent daily.
Nobody can argue with irrational statements like that
You have a very good point STEW. There is one little problem with making love to a cow. It's just too far to run to the other end to kiss her. Uhhhhhhhhh I guess they are female I hope
oddly, stew has been proven stupid in every other of his attempt to make this "i want to marry _____' "point", yet he keeps posting. He "takes a licking and keeps on posting" to paraphrase the old timex commercials. :)