"you'll Open The Military Up To Hermaphrodites."

[Guest Donna Jean]

Here is a short interview with Rep. Duncan Hunter on why we shouldn't get rid of "Don't ask, don't tell"...

The interviewer is MELISSA BLOCK of NPR (National Public Radio)....

I had to really hike my panties up to read this!

So, I guess that my wartime service (Vietnam) was acceptable as long as no one knew about my proclivities!

Heck, had I known that it was that simple, I would of told them!

Dang!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.p...oryId=123287737

Donna Jean

HEY! Put that flight bag down!! My delicates are in there!!!!!

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Them 'morphites' can still shoot straight! DANG And iffin I'd known being TG was a way outa the sevice - I woulda pulled a Corpral Klinger at the Selective Service Office!

Lotta sevice people - M or F - are gender dysphoric! Our frustrations make us excellant killers!

STUPID COMMENT!

[Guest Ryles_D]

And intersexed in the military is bad why...?

[Guest Kaitlyn88]

Well first of all hermaphrodites are intersexed and being intersexed is a exclusion for service anyways so it wouldn't effect that. Really if women can be in the Army I think anybody in between male and female would be able to perform just as well. We're just regular people with unusual bodies.

I kind of take the middle ground in the issue. I am former Army myself, I was an ammunition specialist. Really intersexed, gay and transsexual people can do just as good of a job as anyone else. I've done it and many others have been in the military. I am ok with them not accepting pre op transsexuals, because of current barracks situations, it would probably cost more than it would be worth to create a separate barracks and everything for MTF and then FTM. There just aren't that many of us, even less signing up. Maybe they could eventually create some sort of intersex/trans barracks and basic training, but I doubt that there would be enough to be worth it. It is the military and not just a regular job so causing so many problems and extra cost for a few people just isn't productive.

I am half way for don't ask don't tell. I feel if you are openly gay you should still be able to join the Army with them knowing. However, a lot of gay people have been killed because it is a conservative and violent group compared to civilian life. There is no need to be announcing that you are gay to everyone in your company, platoon, or even squad. It's just not good for your own safety. Military life is hard enough, you don't need all the added difficulty and paranoia. I had a man stabbed to death during my basic training at Fort Benning, that wasn't even hate related. When you march around chanting things like "shoot him in the face, kill" in between shooting ranges, it's just not a very safe environment for someone openly LGBT. Still I don't think they should be kicked out if they do come out or are found out but maybe get an article 15 or something and be willing to transfer them if they feel unsafe.

[Guest Amanda joan]

Their fears are the same as when women were asking to get into the Military.

WHERE ARE THEY GOING TO GO TO THE BATHROOM?

ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND ALLOT OF MONEY UPDATING ALL OF OUR FACILITIES?

They way these people spend money do you really think that is the problem?

I would think they would be limmitting the reasons why people can't serve rather than push more people out. Since when do Politicians make any sense. When I was all boxed up I probably could have handled shotting people with no guilt at all. Now I would not consider shotting anyone for any reason. Maybe what they need to do is get to a different way of handling these situations that doesn't inclued killing the people that don't agree with you!

Peace & Love Amanda

[Guest Jean Davis]

Thanks so much for posting this Dee Jay. It may sound odd but this is just what I needed to help get my mind off of things for a bit.

As far as I see it this represenative just slapped the whole american society in the face with his comments. Appearantly according to him the american people can not control their emotions or desires without the risk of penalty. Also showing in the same breath that he is unfit to hold his position in congress by not being able to approach a problem from a neutral position. It is people like him that we need to purge from congress, the ones that can not see both sides of the situation and come up with a solution that accomidates for the majority of the people.

LUV

Jean

[Guest praisedbeherhooves]

Well of course we can't let gays into the military. What if they get into power? Then they might force recruits to highlight their hair!

[Guest NatashaJade]

I heard this idiot on the radio make the irrational connection "gays...transsexuals...pedophiles" and the so-called liberal host could only crack jokes that the caller must somehow be gay (this seems to be the host's tactic for attacking homophobia, by saying that people must be gay, which implies being gay is a bad thing...great). He never even thought call the guy out on the connections he was making.

Why is it that these transphobes and homophobes all seem to think that all we actually want is to corrupt children?

I should just plug in my iPod and play music.

luv

Gin

[Guest Nigh]

Why is it that these transphobes and homophobes all seem to think that all we actually want is to corrupt children?

Wait, we're not trying to corrupt the children?

But what am I going to do with all these "gay is the only way... into HEAVEN" fliers?

[Guest Pól]

I can see how people, especially non-transpeople, who get focused on the logistics/small details part of the issue. It's easy to ask questions like "where would they go to the bathroom?"

I haven't been in the military, or anything, but I'd imagine it could work kind of like the real world does -- you just go into the jacks, do what you need to do, and then leave. It's not like you're standing there looking to see what the other person is doing. It would probably be really hard to enact this, but what if you just left all the facilities alone, and just put guidelines/code in place ensuring that transpeople and gay people have equal rights? The straight guys, the gay guys, the trans guys all use the same bathroom, and likewise for the women. It's hard to imagine a politically correct military, but hypothetically, it could work. You'd end up with more manpower as a result, and given the demands on the US military, you would think that would be the priority.

Also, the corrupting children argument doesn't make sense. What children are there to corrupt in the military?

[Sally]

It is all too simple - if gays and transsexuals and all of the rest of us dregs of society were permitted into the military openly then we would be accepted by society and it would no longer effect the cohesiveness of the unit - that is the same kind of pig-headed ignorance that kept schools segregated for so long.

Remember in case of nuclear attack circle the wagons!

Really convoluted logic.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Kaitlyn88]

I can see how people, especially non-transpeople, who get focused on the logistics/small details part of the issue. It's easy to ask questions like "where would they go to the bathroom?"

I haven't been in the military, or anything, but I'd imagine it could work kind of like the real world does -- you just go into the jacks, do what you need to do, and then leave. It's not like you're standing there looking to see what the other person is doing. It would probably be really hard to enact this, but what if you just left all the facilities alone, and just put guidelines/code in place ensuring that transpeople and gay people have equal rights? The straight guys, the gay guys, the trans guys all use the same bathroom, and likewise for the women. It's hard to imagine a politically correct military, but hypothetically, it could work. You'd end up with more manpower as a result, and given the demands on the US military, you would think that would be the priority.

Also, the corrupting children argument doesn't make sense. What children are there to corrupt in the military?

Well the problem is that right now many times like all of basic training you are basically rushed into a shower room bumping into a bunch of other naked guys trying to get everyone through before you get in trouble. Not to mention everyone goes to the bathroom in front of each other in the woods, including #2. When you're getting smoked, which is the military's way of punishing you by exercising you many times end up either naked or half dressed for extended periods of strenuous exercise in front of 50+ people. I've done naked push ups and jumping jacks in the shower rooms with a bunch of guys because we took too long taking showers. Many of the bathrooms have no dividers and guys just sit down next to eachother and go to the bathroom. Any time you go to an Army doctor they'll line you all up and make you strip down to your underwear to do certain exercises and to be measured and weighed. Then when it comes to checking for hernias they have you bend over in a separate but still visible area. When they test for drugs, which is several times a month they have to observe it going into the cup.

It sounds good in theory but in reality there is no privacy and they would have to change their whole facilities, training program, and policies. With the way they run things now they would need transsexual drill instructors and would have to create a separate training for transsexuals, and that would just be the easiest way. The other way is to change everything they do for everybody to accommodate the few transsexuals that actually signed up. It's really not worth it so I don't blame them not accepting transsexuals. It is the military, not a company and they have more to lose than profits. Although I feel that they should have more privacy anyways, but I understand that is a big part of their policies of how to train troops, and is cheaper and faster. The constant nudity, lack of privacy and closeness is part of their process to break you down as an individual.

[Bulldog1948]

Here is a short interview with Rep. Duncan Hunter on why we shouldn't get rid of "Don't ask, don't tell"...

The interviewer is MELISSA BLOCK of NPR (National Public Radio)....

I had to really hike my panties up to read this!

So, I guess that my wartime service (Vietnam) was acceptable as long as no one knew about my proclivities!

Heck, had I known that it was that simple, I would of told them!

Dang!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.p...oryId=123287737

Donna Jean

HEY! Put that flight bag down!! My delicates are in there!!!!!

DeeJay,

Thanks for posting this. I read it and he's a stone idiot, to say the least. If I hear one more redundant comment[ you know what I'm saying-in essence the same old line of BS], I think I'm gonna puke in my combat boots.

Mike

[Guest Charlene_Leona]

Even if DADT gets thrown out I seriously doubt that they will allow pre-op transsexuals into the military and the may still deny all transsexuals as they do now. Remember this is about sexual orientation and not gender expression or identity. They are two separate issues and that's the bottom line. Then to tell the truth I don't know of many trans-people who would want to serve in the military, I wouldn't. I would not want to be on the firing range with some transphobe when he decides to go postal on me for being me and that is exactly what would happen. Don't even say it wouldn't happen because that's a place where people can ACCIDENTALLY get killed.

Take Care

Charlene Leona

[Guest julia_d]

agreed.. it's a great "opt out" of the draft isn't it.. "errr.. you can't conscript me to go as cannon fodder to the next hopeless misguided illegal overseas war.. I'm a rampant queer.. and I'm not allowed in.. hahahahaha"

[Guest sarah f]

I never thought there should be any restrictions on anyone that wanted to join any service in the first place. If that is what they want to do in life than that is their choice.

Love,

Sarah F

[Guest rachael1]

Even if DADT gets thrown out I seriously doubt that they will allow pre-op transsexuals into the military and the may still deny all transsexuals as they do now. Remember this is about sexual orientation and not gender expression or identity. They are two separate issues and that's the bottom line. Then to tell the truth I don't know of many trans-people who would want to serve in the military, I wouldn't. I would not want to be on the firing range with some transphobe when he decides to go postal on me for being me and that is exactly what would happen. Don't even say it wouldn't happen because that's a place where people can ACCIDENTALLY get killed.

Take Care

Charlene Leona

Good points Charlene, I am ex military myself and know that even if laws and regulations are changed, the harsh truth is that both gays and transgendered invdividuals in the military would be exposed to ridicule and hate and potential harm both pysically and mentally. I for one wouldn't want to be an environment where I was treated like this.

Rachael

[Sally]

I tend to not go where I am not wanted which pretty much explains the 8800 plus posts - this is where I am wanted.

The military never appealed to me - I am not good at being told what to do and when to do it - probably why I hate working so much - it is good for some people and totally necessary but it is not for me.

I think that anyone should be allowed to serve and no one forced to - I was just passing draft age when the Selective Service was no longer allowed to send out those letters stating, "A group of your friends have selected you...." Some friends, that was during the height of the Viet-Nam War (excuse me we were just there as advisers - dropping millions of tone of advice all over the place).

An all volunteer army should accept all volunteers!

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest praisedbeherhooves]

Well the problem is that right now many times like all of basic training you are basically rushed into a shower room bumping into a bunch of other naked guys trying to get everyone through before you get in trouble. Not to mention everyone goes to the bathroom in front of each other in the woods, including #2. When you're getting smoked, which is the military's way of punishing you by exercising you many times end up either naked or half dressed for extended periods of strenuous exercise in front of 50+ people. I've done naked push ups and jumping jacks in the shower rooms with a bunch of guys because we took too long taking showers. Many of the bathrooms have no dividers and guys just sit down next to eachother and go to the bathroom. Any time you go to an Army doctor they'll line you all up and make you strip down to your underwear to do certain exercises and to be measured and weighed. Then when it comes to checking for hernias they have you bend over in a separate but still visible area. When they test for drugs, which is several times a month they have to observe it going into the cup.

It sounds good in theory but in reality there is no privacy and they would have to change their whole facilities, training program, and policies. With the way they run things now they would need transsexual drill instructors and would have to create a separate training for transsexuals, and that would just be the easiest way. The other way is to change everything they do for everybody to accommodate the few transsexuals that actually signed up. It's really not worth it so I don't blame them not accepting transsexuals. It is the military, not a company and they have more to lose than profits. Although I feel that they should have more privacy anyways, but I understand that is a big part of their policies of how to train troops, and is cheaper and faster. The constant nudity, lack of privacy and closeness is part of their process to break you down as an individual.

Well then why don't we have a transgender unit? In the time between blacks were allowed in the military and white people at least feigned acceptance of blacks there were black units separate from white units. Once we have acceptances people won't care.

[Guest praisedbeherhooves]

Even if DADT gets thrown out I seriously doubt that they will allow pre-op transsexuals into the military and the may still deny all transsexuals as they do now. Remember this is about sexual orientation and not gender expression or identity. They are two separate issues and that's the bottom line. Then to tell the truth I don't know of many trans-people who would want to serve in the military, I wouldn't. I would not want to be on the firing range with some transphobe when he decides to go postal on me for being me and that is exactly what would happen. Don't even say it wouldn't happen because that's a place where people can ACCIDENTALLY get killed.

Take Care

Charlene Leona

Very true. Even Muslims have had a hard time with that. Again, that's why I want a unit for LGBTs.

[Guest Kaitlyn88]

Well then why don't we have a transgender unit? In the time between blacks were allowed in the military and white people at least feigned acceptance of blacks there were black units separate from white units. Once we have acceptances people won't care.

Maybe eventually, but I'm just saying that it is a lot more complicated then it seems. Transsexuals are a generation or two behind gay people and they still haven't been accepted. Plus maybe 100 pre op transsexuals a year that would join up even seems like a really high estimate, there were plenty of black people so the pay off isn't the same. They would also have to have two separate ones for MTFs and FTMs. It's really not adding enough benefits for them for all the changes they would have to make even if we were socially accepted.

[Guest Ryles_D]

The military never appealed to me - I am not good at being told what to do and when to do it - probably why I hate working so much - it is good for some people and totally necessary but it is not for me.

Same here. I try really hard to care about DADT, but everything I read about hte military does not mesh with me in the least, and I can't help but wonder why anyone actually wants to do that.