Posted on 12/20/2010 11:56:32 AM PST by LonelyCon
One week after warning the distraction of repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell” could risk Marines’ lives, Gen. James Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, pledged to lead the effort to integrate openly gay Marines.
“I, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps [Carlton Kent], will personally lead this effort, thus ensuring the respect and dignity due all Marines,” Amos said. “On this matter, we look forward to further demonstrating to the American people the discipline and loyalty that have been the hallmark of the United States Marine Corps for over 235 years."
Amos’ statement sent to reporters came Sunday evening, one day after the Senate adopted the repeal, capping a stunning, climactic day on the chamber floor.
Marine Corps leaders have shown the most resistance to repealing the 17-year old law. Former commandant Gen. James Conway said the Corps’ “pretty macho” recruits set them apart from other services.
On Dec. 3, Amos – who became the 35th commandant in October – and the chiefs of the Army and Air Force told Congress they did not want repeal now, based on the results of a DOD troop survey. The survey found Marines in combat arms units much more opposed to the repeal than other elements of the force, or the complete military.
[Snip]
Here is Amos’ full statement:
"Fidelity is the essence of the United States Marine Corps. Above all else, we are loyal to the Constitution, our Commander in Chief, Congress, our Chain of Command, and the American people. The House of Representatives and the Senate have voted to repeal Title 10, US Code 654 "Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the United States Armed Forces." As stated during my testimony before Congress in September and again during hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this month, the Marine Corps will step out smartly to faithfully implement this new policy. I, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, will personally lead this effort, thus ensuring the respect and dignity due all Marines. On this matter, we look forward to further demonstrating to the American people the discipline and loyalty that have been the hallmark of the United States Marine Corps for over 235 years."
hanging, that is.
Why blame the Democrats for doing exactly what they said they were going to do? Hell, at least the Democrats keep their campaign promises.
Personally, I lay this at the feet of a majority of American voters who were willing to elect into office politicians who publicly supported the idea that gays should be allowed to serve openly in the military and would enact the policy changes needed to make this happen.
At the end of the day, the military America wants will be the one they get.
I wonder if the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps [Carlton Kent] went willingly?
I have my doubts
TT
Do you advocate for disobedience to God's Law?
They never would have done this before the election.
Good points. Fortunately, unlike the civilian and government world, our military leaders advanced to top positions from within the services. Amos could put Hussein in a tough spot by resigning. His replacement would be viewed as a lackey and without question would hurt the Marine Corps.
>>>>> “All kidding aside, those opposed to homosexuals in the military will leave or be kicked out, or not promoted.
Only pro-homo leadership will be allowed.” <<<<<<
And when the Draft is re-instated there will Recruiter Quotas to be met along with affirmative action programs to make sure that they “Qualify”
I can see a Tax Exempt “Bonus” for re-enlisting in this very critical skill group.
(Only half sarcastic)
TT
Overall, I believe I’d just have more respect and admiration for service members who have the moral dignity to get the hell out of the new Homosexual Military as quickly as they can.
You seem to think that he should instead behave like a petulant child, defy the President, and essentially blow-up the Marine Corp so Obama can't get his gay little hands on it. Well, as a former Marine officer myself, I prefer my flag offers to think more strategically than that. Weather this storm, and hope for a change of command in a coupld of years.
Consider this possibility for a second. Let's say that this policy gets instituted, and there are all sorts of problems with it that start giving rise to second thoughts. The Commandant will be able to say "look, I tried my best, but it just didn't work." That creates the possibility that the policy will be reversed, which is what we all want.
Now consider the alternative if he fights and drags his feet publicly. The policy's failure will then be blamed on his alleged unprofessionalism, and give people an excuse to argue that the policy would have worked if only the brass hadn't undermined it intentionally.
If we are right that this is a bad policy, and I think we are, then the best strategy is to follow orders and let the policy collapse under the weight of it's own flawed premises.
I think he is one of those people for whom the Constitution is the highest possible law — that is, his religion and ultimate direction.
Fortunately, for us Christians, there is rarely if ever a case wherein a proper interpretation of the Constitution conflicts with Christian morality.
No, I do not. And when in conflict, God’s Law is superior to the laws of man. Our Declaration of Independence makes that clear.
“Hi troops....I’d like to introduce Terrence to all of you today. He comes to us from just east of San Francisco. He enjoys long walks in the desert, Iraqi sunsets and tanning himself all over. He’s a Taurus and has multiple body piercings. He is hoping to integrate very quickly with as many of you as he can so let’s all open our arms to Terrence while he helps us fight the good fight.”
None of the CRAP they have been peddling in the Lame Duck was even mentioned before the Election ... THEY KNOW THEY ARE WRONG! and they will RAM IT UP (er) through anyway.
Clinton gave us Retroactive Taxes.... I want to give them a little something Retroactive to remember
TT
I have one statement for this idiot:
“Just wait until the Marines require homos to be promoted due to their ‘alternative life style’ and have you be demoted.”
You sound just like the RINOs. That kind of obsequious and servile thinking is what got us where we are.
"Weather this storm, and hope for a change of command in a coupld of years."
The problem is that in the realm of cultural norms, things go beyond the point of return and are not reversible. "The End" for the influence of Christian-based ethics on military and civilian codes of conduct.
Complete nonsense. Amos is a combat veteran, a pilot, and a hero. He made his feelings known during the hearing two weeks ago. However, the law is the law, and he is now honor bound as a Marine to implement it, like it or not.
The people you should be howling at are the Congress critters who passed this travesty, ESPECIALLY the GOP'ers who voted for it.
Do you advocate the disobeyance of our Armed Forces to Constitutionally enacted law?
_________________________________________
Yes. If asked to engage in a moral crime, then I would resign before submitting to it.
Now. Will you please answer the charges that have been repeatedly made against you?
Are you in fact a supporter of the Obama regime and it’s pro gay agenda to demoralize the Military?
It’s already been brought to my attention that you opposed LTC Lakin and his efforts to bring the illegitamacy of Obama and his hiding of his long form into court.
Just how deep does your anti-conservative values run here, pal?
Hey General! Why don’t you grow some balls and personally lead the fragging of them? Or are you in the closet?
>>>>> “Perhaps he could could get the ball rolling by allowing the Sgt. Major to bugger him up the butt on national TV?” <<<<<
I’m pretty sure the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps [Carlton Kent] is not having that “Sweet Dream” he is probably building a boat in his basement and cleaning his Sniper Rifle.
TT
(Always Always Always mention everyone by Name ... not just Title ... Google WILL pick it up and People are People or have People to be People for them ... they will Google their name and your words will be heard)
Not after the JAG ranks become full of gays.
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