Yeah I Want to Join Up!

Using a military email address, U.S. Army recruiter Sgt. Marcia Ramode responded in capital letters, “IF YOU ARE GAY WE DON’T TAKE YOU. YOU ARE CONSIDERED UNQUALIFIED.”

After more prodding from Andrew on the Army’s recruitment policy, the messages escalated into a bigoted tirade. Ramode told Andrew that “being gay is disgusting and immoral.”

In another email, Ramode wrote, “You must be a total idiot and so stupid to presume that you do not know what gender you are.” Ramode added that Andrew should be more grateful to the military for defending his freedoms, but that as a gay man “he should leave the United States.” (source)

Gee, and this from an Army recruiter. If I were a younger man, I’d probably show up in person at the recruiters office to join up, right along with TV cameras rolling.

That said, why get upset over this? We all know what many of these people think. Every group has some “challenged” people in it. As for leaving the United States, sure. I would in a heartbeat if our job locations just happen to move to say... CANADA! Moving is a royal pain though, and we’ve pledged to never do it again. But at this point in time, I wouldn’t have a huge problem with giving up my U.S. citizenship if I had too.

Bill.... take deep breaths and think positive things.....

By the way.... the hearings on the marriage bill in Connecticut was overall a very good experience. I watched it on webcast. They had their share of religious-based people there stating that if Connecticut called “civil unions” a “marriage”, the world would end as we know it. Well, the world as I know it sucks, so I say, let’s give it a try!

THE GOOD NEWS IS, the legislators themselves kept coming back to the reasoning of why not call it “marriage” since Connecticut has granted gay couples legal rights via “civil unions”. The couples that testified said, rightfully so, that what was still being denied them was the dignity and respect of being able to call themselves married. This is how I feel. But, I was pleasantly surprised that even the more conservative legislators were getting this concept. It may not happen this year, but I’m optimistic that I will see it within five years.