US Air Strikes ISIS in Syria

Allegedly, this won't happen.

I've mostly avoided this subject, because I truthfully have no idea what is bad or what is good. Asea and adrift, sorry. But I thought I'd just mark the spot on the calendar. As of now, it's on.

[Excerpt]

U.S. airstrikes hit ISIS inside Syria for first time

American jets began bombing ISIS targets in Syria early Tuesday, raising U.S. involvement in the war-torn country and sending a forceful message to the terror group. The airstrikes focused on the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, a U.S. official told CNN, though other locations were hit as well. They're the first strikes against the terror group inside the country since President Barack Obama's announcement this month that he was prepared to expand the American efforts beyond targets in Iraq. . . .

Read more (with video) at: CNN

The Gay Thing: Military To Extend Benefits To Same-Sex Spouses Of Gay Veterans

I have a good (straight) friend who is an Army veteran, who advised me that the whole marriage equality issue will be settled in a positive way, because for a coherent cohesive military policy, it must be. I've got to admit, that seems to be how it's playing out. The military operates on rules and order. You can't throw their veterans' benefits into disarray over state squabbles about who was married where, and just who is considered married there. It's all or nothing, and it's looking inevitable that it's going to be all. It's just a shame that it has to take so many baby steps. At least this story is a big step.

[Excerpt]

Obama, Holder Direct Military To Extend Benefits To Same-Sex Spouses Of Gay Veterans

In a dramatic move, Attorney General Eric Holder, on President Barack Obama‘s authority, has directed the military to extend benefits to same-sex spouses of gay veterans. Previously, Title 38, a military provision specifically defining marriage as a man and a woman, had prevented spouses of gay vets from accessing benefits that heterosexual spouses are entitled to. The Attorney General, in a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner, announced the Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling had allowed him to now ignore that provision. . .

Read more at: New Civil Rights Movement

US to Launch Military Strike on Syria?

Image from source, Boston Globe

Ugh. As a lowly hobbyist blogger, I'm going to fold on this hand. "What to do in Syria" is wayyy over my pay grade. So, I'll pass on the latest information, and just leave it there, marked as an important event. And I'll comment so far as to ask: do you suppose Republicans and Democrats will leave the politicking on this one for later, and rally around the President, who has some very difficult decisions to make? Oh, who am I kidding. . .

[Excerpt]

US assails Syria, moves closer to military strike

The Obama administration said Monday that it had “undeniable” evidence that the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad used chemical weapons to kill hundreds of civilians, significantly raising the possibility that the United States would take military action in the conflict. . .

Read more at: Boston Globe

New Mexico Governor Vetos Military Bill, Passes One Minus "The Gay"

She's just a joy. Image from Salon.

Have you heard? Social issues as a wedge issue are passé. Yep, the Republicans have decided they're not going to be the "stupid party" any more, and dial it way back on all that stuff. Except they're not. At least at the state level, they've got the far-right social stuff cranked up to eleven baby! Have you paid attention to the news the last few weeks (let alone the past two years)? You've got North Carolina wanting to institute their own state religion. There was Virginia trying to reinstate sodomy laws. In Kansas, they're shoving through blatantly unconstitutional anti-abortion laws, including "personhood" for fertilized eggs. And assorted and sundry similar bills all over the country.

Somehow, the GOP has the beltway press looking at the shiny "we've changed" national image, while the dirty work--often the flat-out mean-spirited work--is happening in the states. The most recent one is out of New Mexico, and it just defies even my low expectations for Republican legislation.

Governor Susana Martinez vetoed a bill that would help all military families with employment. Then, she passed an identical bill, except that it doesn't include spouses of gay servicepeople. Ain't that nice? In 2013. So, next time you hear someone say that gay people get all the rights and benefits that straight people do, remember this story. Next time you hear that the GOP has changed its stripes, think of this story. And chalk up one more stupid example of outright meanness from the Grand Old Party.

One more thing. My Republican mother--who is very distressed by my liberalness--assures me that Republicans aren't really anti-gay, by and large. It's a tiny but loud minority, and they're dying off she says. I'm not seeing it.

[Excerpt]

New Mexico governor vetoes bill to help families of gay soldiers

Republican governor and gay marriage opponent Susana Martinez has vetoed a Senate bill to help the families of gay service members obtain professional licenses in New Mexico. After issuing the pocket veto, Martinez signed an identical version of the measure that would only streamline the process for straight spouses. . .

Read more at: Salon

Jim DeMint is an Asshole

Portrait of a douche nozzle, from Huffington Post

But, then again, you knew that, right?  If you need any more proof that this jackass has partisanship ahead of country, this infamous quote: "If we’re able to stop Obama on this it will be his Waterloo. It will break him," oughtta do it.

[Excerpt] 

Jim DeMint: Veterans Hiring Bill Is A Democratic 'Trick'  



Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) distinguished himself Thursday as the only senator to oppose a measure aimed at hiring veterans, calling it a "trick" by the Obama administration and Democrats.

He knew his decision wouldn't be popular, but still cast the lone vote against an amendment to grant employers tax breaks worth up to $9,600 for giving a veteran a job. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Ends in 60 Days

You can put your arms down now, dude! (He must be tired)
Image from SFGate

Why 60 days? I dunno, there are things about politics that are just stupid. Whether or not gays and lesbians can be in the military is a rather binary option: yes or no. There are no necessary changes to make, no special accommodations needed. Gay people co-exist in every other societal realm with no special needs, no particular differences (even showers, if you've ever been to camp or belonged to a gym. . .go ahead and freak out). So the 60 days is dumb. But the even dumber "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy is over after that. It's about time.


[Excerpt]

Pentagon certifies military readiness for DADT repeal

President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen certified Friday that the U.S. military is prepared to accept openly gay and lesbian service members, and that doing so will not harm military readiness, according to the White House. ..

Source: CNN

President Obama's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Speech

It is historic, but it isn't yet complete, I know. It's still a big deal, and with all the nay-saying by people like me about President Barack Obama's "fierce advocate" status on gay rights issues, credit where it's due.

Captain Obvious: Yet Another Gay Primer

I've spent some time--perhaps too much time--reading some of the right-wing reaction to the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy.  As is usual, there is a lot of homophobic name calling, and sub Jr. High School-level attempts at "humor." But mostly, there is a level of obsession over the sex aspect of homosexual, that even most gay people themselves don't indulge in. To live in right-wing world is apparently to know no gay people, and to believe only the most damning, negative things about them.

By far, the biggest theme on right-wing sites about the lifting of DADT is that the military will now be "homosexualized." In their feverish dreams, they envision soldiers holding hands, wearing pink uniforms, smooching in the commissary, a-doin'-it in the barracks, fondling in the showers, and horrors imposing themselves upon the uber-macho straight soldiers against their wills.  There is also a lot of cognitive dissonance at work. For instance, they'll insist that gays make up less than 1% of the population (ha!), but that they're all-powerful, and "taking over" the military. They'll portray us as mincing queens, flitting about, while simultaneously portraying us as predatory animals, overpowering the defenseless straights. It's all a little crazy. Okay, a lot crazy.  So here, is one more attempt to set the record straight. . .uh. . .so to speak.

1. There have always been gay people in the military - The only difference now is that gay soldiers won't have to hide that fact.  Until now, they've been forced to lie, by deed or omission. That can create a very stressful situation, with all sorts of attendant problems.

2. Gays in the showers and bunks is thus nothing new - But now, if you're a service member who has a real aversion to teh gay, you'll know who to avoid! This is a win for you guys, though it's pretty dumb. The military isn't the only place where same sex groups of people bunk or shower together. Do you belong to a gym? Then you've showered with gay guys, trust me.

3. Sex in the military is still against the rules - This is the big one. Many right-wingers seem to think that "serving openly" means "behaving as though life is a gay bar." The same rules that apply to straight soldiers will apply to gay ones. So, no sexy times on base. Sorry, you'll just have to look for it on the internet, just like everyone else.

4. There is no sex act practiced by gays that isn't practiced by straights - The ultimate in obvious, yes, but important to point out. For all of their supposed revulsion, FReepers in particular are unusually fixated upon gay sex acts, the more extreme the better. But if a gay person has done it, you can rest assured that a straight person has done it as well. What's more, at upwards of 90% of the population, there are probably more straight people doing it. Oh, and the gerbil thing? Nobody does that, unless they're trying to recreate an urban legend.

5. Gay couples won't be living on base together - Unless the military begins allowing unmarried straights to cohabitate on base, it won't happen with gays either. Since the US Government does not recognize any same-sex marriages, they won't be recognized by the military either.  If same-sex marriage should become legal federally, that could change, and it should.

That's if for now, but surely not the last time I'll write a post like this. The disinformation and willful ignorance of the right is sure to inspire yet another sequel, and Captain Obvious will once again have to point out what should already be. . .obvious.

Ann Coulter Blathers About "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal

I really don't care about much that Ann Coulter says. And based upon the last several months of news cycles, I must not be alone. When's the last time a Coultergasm caused waves in the news? Girlfriend's act is as tired and old as her little black cocktail dress. So, why am I posting a link to a story about Ann Coulter, and her lunatic ravings about the repeal of DADT? Because the attached picture is creepy and/or hilarious. That is all.

Image from source, MediaIte

[Excerpt]

Ann Coulter Engages In “Utterly Ridiculous” Duel With Red Eye’s Andy Levy Over DADT



On Fox News Channel’s Red Eye, Ann Coulter unleashed a fury of controversial comments in response to the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy. However, whether one finds her thoughts offensive or funny depends entirely on one’s own view of Coulter’s role in political discourse. For those who take her every word seriously, you probably will be justified in being upset with her comments. . .

 

Read more at: MediaIte

Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Has Freepers Freaking Out

When anything goes the Democrats' way, you can count on a collective shriek rising from Right-Wing World, particularly from internet outposts like FreeRepublic.com.  FR is kind of like Sophia from The Golden Girls, minus the humor. Sophia was said to have had a stroke which removed her "tact" filter. She said whatever came to her mind, whether or not it was fit for public consumption. FReepers are more likely than most right-wingers to speak without a filter. This is because if you don't toe their line, you'll be ejected from the forum.

An example of FReeper humor, from source

Xenophobia, racism and especially homophobia are rampant at FR. Worse is their shocking, seemingly willful ignorance on the subject of homosexuality, and their "11-year-old bully" senses of humor.  So, I knew that when word came down that the end of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is virtually assured, I knew that there would be rage among the FReepers. Remember now, this is one of the most frequented right-wing sites on the web, not some obscure little blog. Take a look.

"This will destroy the US military, just as it has destroyed the Israeli, UK, Australian, Canadian and Germnan armed forces."

EDITOR: Yep, everyone knows those militaries just crumbled. Especially Israel's. Idiot.

"So now that this has passed, I think they should make separate platoons of only openly homosexuals. This should be the first platoon in, as no one else would want to be in front of them."

EDITOR: An example of the oh-so-developed right-wing sense of humor. Can't stop laughing, can you?

"The utter demolition and incineration of the Republic and its institutions continues unabated thanks to ZERO supposed 'checks & balances.'"

EDITOR: Hyperbole much?

"By voting to repeal, it can probably be assumed that you are condoning consenting sexual encounters in the shower or the barracks. . .It means that the gay lifestyle language and physical mannerisms may be displayed while in uniform and that ‘flippy’ salutes must be tolerated. . ."

EDITOR: This is the type of ignorance I'm talking about. Apparently, gay people do not--in this person's view--have any control over their attractions or behavior. And rules against sexual behavior already in place won't apply to gay people. What? The rest of this person's statement (and there is more) is as utterly ridiculous.

"Second, sorry Dingy [Harry Reid], our precious country was not founded on queers and fagots. [sic]"

EDITOR: And here, ladies and gentlemen, is an example of bigotry and ignorance (or is it stupidity?). If you're going to type an insult, at least learn to spell it. Idiot.

"Kinda gives new meaning to never leaving your buddies behind......"

EDITOR: Ha, ha, ha, ha! Not.

"This isn’t about gays or rights. This is the liberal agenda telling regular Americans that our value system of family, God, country, and hard work is outdated and must be abolished in favor of the new."

EDITOR: Ah, yes. The alleged "ulterior motives" of the "gay agenda." I still want to know when and where the meetings were held, when it was decided how we were going to go about destroying America. And why I wasn't invited. This was entirely about rights. Idiot.

"Time for a BIG tea party."

EDITOR: Yeah, 'cause that doesn't sound even a little bit gay. . .

"Well, there goes the shelf price for Vaseline petroleum jelly over at every AAFES worldwide!"

EDITOR: What gay guy (or gal) uses Vaseline? Do they even still make it? Fails as comedy, because it has no relevance.

"The end game is the deconstruction of the military. The left is using the gay issue as a tool just as they use the environment as a tool, race as a tool, gender as a tool, children as a tool, food as a tool ..."

EDITOR: More feverish delusions. This guy really thinks that the left collectively set up a plan to "deconstruct" the military, and apparently America using diversionary tactics that only he and other FReepers have deduced. Yeah, as though Democrats had the ability to plan something that in-depth and secretive. Tell me another one.

"One look at Fairy Reid tells you he is a FAG."

EDITOR: Facepalm. . .

"Men and women can now hold hands on base
Men can now dress as women on base.
Chaplains will be targeted.
DOMA will now be asked to be overturned.
Feds now recognize homosexuality.
Homosexual parties can now happen on base.
Homosexuals can now kiss each other on base.
Homosexuals can now have their queer flags on the wall on base.
Homosexuals can now say and do anything in a shower , in their room etc
The list is endless and the ignorant pro commie homosexuals lovers.supporters say no big frigging deal.
Will we also see homosexuals parades now?
Will homosexual assaults happen?
Will homosexuals be promoted of their homosexual boyfriend or girlfriend?
If anyone thinks this is not the end then wake the hell up as they have done more than enough damage with their ignorance


EDITOR: This person has done entirely too much thinking about "teh gay," and thinks that the Uniform Code of Military Conduct won't apply to gays for some reason. He/she is an idiot. And probably a little gay.

There is more, and tons have been added since I started typing this. They're foaming at the mouth about this, and it is all supposition of what might happen. As you can see by the selections above, these folks are all id, with no particular reasoning ability, nor are they hampered by actual facts or logic. And they are thankfully now just noise. If you really want to see what else they have to say, I can't stop you from going to FreeRepublic.

UPDATED: I just had to add this one quote, because it sort of blew me away. . .

"To add, homosexuality is incompatable with military service, and starting today, military service will be incompatible with Christianity. From this day forward, I’ll have no respect for anyone enlisting or re-enlisting."

EDITOR: Wow. Just wow. So, for eight years it was "support the troops" or you were un-American. But now that a gay person will be allowed to serve without hiding? Not so much. Why is this attitude not considered un-American?

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Nearly Certain to be Repealed

Our Senate, as most of you know, is weird. Even though a bill can be passed and sent over from the House, the Senate still has to take a vote to find out if they can take a vote. It's baffling. But the first vote--in today's reality--must have a majority of 60 votes to pass. This is because Republicans have turned a rarely used procedural tactic known as the filibuster (which is really more the threat of a filibuster) into an every-day, almost-every-vote procedure. They vote against everything. They vote against voting against everything. And because they've gotten away with it, I'm sure that unless they change the rules on January 5, this will continue to be the way things get done.

But in a small miracle, the vote to allow a vote on the repeal the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy passed with 60 votes. This clears the way for an "up or down vote" (remember those?) in 30 hours, and it only needs 51 votes to pass. This virtually ensures the end of DADT. 

And while ultimately this law only effects a relative handful of people, it has much broader implications.  It is easier to hold on to prejudices and bigotry when there are institutionalized laws and policies that separate those same people out. DADT (and the "Defense of Marriage Act" or DoMA) are two things a homophobe could point to and say, "see, the government agrees with me."  With the repeal of DADT, we have one less institutionalized discriminatory law, and that is a very good thing.  As for the DREAM Act, I'm for it, but don't have a huge chip on my shoulder about it.  It sounds like a great idea, but it is not my fight.

[Excerpt]

Senate votes to advance 'don't ask, don't tell,' DREAM Act fails

The Senate voted 63-33 Saturday to proceed to a final vote to repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy which bans openly gay people from serving in the armed forces. . .

Read more at: CNN

House Passes "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal

Image from source, The Advocate

Or rather, they passed an "It's okay to repeal DADT if a whole bunch of people agree it's okay." Or something. For the second time. It's a great step, but meaningless unless Harry Reid manages to overcome a sure-to-be-tried filibuster. There is no reason--short of homophobia--to keep this always archaic and ridiculous law in place. The military is for repeal, for the most part. The American public is for repeal in large percentages. And there are already gay people in the military, just as there always have been. That won't stop John McCain and Mitch McConnell from claiming that "America" wants DADT to stay. 

[Excerpt]

House Approves DADT Repeal



The U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday approved a stand-alone bill to repeal the 17-year-old law barring lesbian and gay service members from serving openly in the military by a vote of 250-175. . .
 
Read more at: The Advocate

Maddow on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": Irresponsible for Congress Not to Act

The only hurdle left to clear in the attempt to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy is the Republican Party in the Senate. The military basically says "no big whoop" to the repeal, though they very clearly want Congress--not the courts--to do it. The American people are behind a repeal. The House of Representatives already approved it. That leaves Grampy McCain and his stubborn, apparent homophobia. And also, a GOP that seems determined not to agree with anything the President wants done, even if it has popular support.

For liberals--particularly gay liberals--the most important thing beyond a success is that if it loses, it better all hang on the GOP. If Harry Reid can't caucus every single Democrat, there's going to be a firestorm.

Rachel Maddow Talks to Gay Servicemen About "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

You know how for the last several years, members of the military have sort of been venerated by the right? I mean, I have no negative feelings about the military at all. I appreciate that the ones doing it are not me. But "support our troops" fever has risen to almost a fetish by some conservatives.  Curiously, however, that rah-rah attitude does not extend to gay soldiers.  Visit FreeRepublic.com (the arch-right outpost) sometime, and check out any story about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  Gay soldiers are entitled to zero respect in places like FR, where even highly accomplished career military men like Victor Fehrenbach are insulted with glee.

It is that sort of audience who should really watch the clip below, and the rest of them at rachel.msnbc.com. Rachel Maddow interviewed two gay career fighter pilots, to get their impression of the recent ruling that DADT is un-Constitutional. She also talks to them about their lives, living in the shadow of the policy.  It's gripping stuff.  The men are in shadow, because even though DADT was ruled invalid, it is still in effect for the time being. Possibly for years, as the last clip shows.

Stephen Colbert Takes on Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Shows like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report help save my sanity some days. With all the politics I read to write the blog, it can feel like I'm living in Bizarro World sometimes. But it's difficult to watch these shows while on the computer, because you miss so much. No bit requires more attention than Colbert's The Word, where half the jokes are in the on-screen graphics.  It's worth the effort though, because the results are often inspired.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Word - Army of Mum
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

Rachel Maddow Blasts GOP Excuses for DADT Vote to Pieces

The attached video clip is fairly long. But if you want to see the difference between a typical cable news commentary show and The Rachel Maddow Show, you couldn't do much better than this clip.  While the entire Tuesday night program was full of information and refutations of misinformation (much of it on the Don't Ask, Don't Tell/defense bill vote), this clip contains a complete knock down of the official GOP reasons for filibustering the defense bill.  She's not shouting, she doesn't have four or five windows with arguing talking heads.  She just lays it out, and proves her point with quotes and video.  Love her, seriously.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Vice President Biden Would End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Now, If He Could

While claiming to be a fierce advocate for gay rights, President Obama and his administration have been pretty waffley on the issue.  For the first time, a member of the administration has come right out and stated that he would end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" now if it were up to him.  Rachel Maddow interviewed Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday's show, and he doesn't waffle a bit.  Refreshing.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Harry Reid to Schedule Don't Ask, Don't Tell Vote

Image from source,
TowleRoad

Huh. Okay, this surprises me.  Even though something like 70% of Americans apparently favor lifting Don't Ask, Don't Tell, I still thought this was one of those "some day"-type issues. You know, okay to promise when there isn't a big election coming up.  And Harry Reid promising this vote?  Oh my heck, Harry!  I was going to vote for you anyway, but this way I can actually feel good about it!

[Excerpt]

Reid to Schedule Vote on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Next Week

. . ."A senior Democratic leadership aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Reid met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Monday to inform the Republican leader that the fiscal year 2011 defense authorization bill will come to the Senate floor the week of Sept. 20. The aide said Senate leadership is anticipating the Senate won’t have unanimous consent to bring the legislation to the floor, so 60 votes will be necessary to end a filibuster and move forward with debate on the bill. 'We are going to take it the floor next week to see where the votes are,' the aide said. . ."

Read more at: TowleRoad

Don't Ask, Don't Tell Unconstitutional?

Image from source, Raw Story

Well, yeah.  But will this actually end the policy?  There are many reasons I wouldn't have been fit for the military, starting with my lazy eye, and my general lack of coordination.  But sexual orientation has to head the list of stupid reasons to kick people out.  It's so anachronistic.  Let's hope this is the end of it, or at least the beginning of the end.

[Excerpt]

Judge: Military gay ban ‘unconstitutional’

A federal judge in Southern California on Thursday declared the U.S. military's ban on openly gay service members unconstitutional because it violates the First Amendment rights of gay and lesbians. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Intelligence & Military Growing Unwieldy and Bloated Since 9/11

Image from source, Washington Post

What was it that Dwight Eisenhower said about the military industrial complex?  And how would the politicians and pundits react to that statement in today's political climate?  Far be it for me to suggest layoffs in this economy, but somebody should be looking into doing something about this. . .

[Excerpt]

A hidden world, growing beyond control

The top-secret world the government created in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has become so large, so unwieldy and so secretive that no one knows how much money it costs, how many people it employs, how many programs exist within it or exactly how many agencies do the same work. . .

Read more at: Washington Post