Letter protests gay vets marker.

Sacramento Bee via PDN News ^ | 2:15 a.m. PDT Monday, September 22, 2003 | Jim Sanders

[comwatch]

Thirty-two Republican legislators are demanding the removal of a small Capitol Park marker hailed as California's first state-sanctioned landmark honoring gay and lesbian soldiers killed in action.

In a letter to Maurice Johannessen, state secretary of veterans affairs, the lawmakers requested redesign of the 16-inch-long marker at the California Veterans Memorial.

[comwatch]

August 27, 2003

 

Secretary Maurice Johannesen

California Department of Veterans Affairs

1227 O Street, Suite 300

Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Dear Mr. Secretary,

 

The purpose of this letter is to express our frustration and disappointment over your decision to approve a paver installed at the California Veterans Memorial "honoring" the sacrifice of homosexual veterans.

 

The Veterans Memorial is supposed to be a tribute to all California veterans. The original intent of the paver stones was to provide recognition for individuals and groups that provided funds to construct the Memorial, not to pay tribute to individual groups of veterans. In our opinion, this latest paver is entirely inappropriate as it establishes homosexual vets as a special class, worthy of special honor.

 

It is stunning that a small group of homosexual activists were able to design, install and unveil what they have deemed a "monument" to the legacy of homosexual vets. None of the other paver stones are "monuments" or "memorials," and neither should this one be.

 

Therefore, we the undersigned formally request that you have the paver in question removed and redesigned to be more in accordance with the other pavers by displaying only the name of the sponsoring organization and their logo.

 

Sincerely, 

(Signed by all Republicans in the Senate and some from the Assembly.)

Meanwhile:

Radical Gay Activist Tom Swann was quick to rub our nose in another breaking news item today. That will follow this post.  We've taken the high road on this issue: Again, my personal issue here is the lack of oversight and "responsibility ducking" going on by those holding the stewardship for this memorial.  The lies and denials are grounds for termination in the opinion of this humble hero's son.I was invited to the unveiling of the California Veterans Memorial by a staffer at the California Department of Veterans Affairs.  Why? In part, that monument is for my father and his comrades; each a Californian who died in service to their country. (In my dad's case, World War II)  No single group, veteran or civilian is entitled to lay exclusive claim to this memorial. We are all equal in honoring of the heroes that memorial represents. "A Place of Dignity, Inspiration and Quiet Contemplations".  That said,  is the voice of a son who lost a father less meaningful than that of one who survived the horrors of war or as a non-combatant, tries to speak for the dead?  I don't know. But speak out I shall because that's what my father fought and died for.

   

   

[comwatch]

 

Thanks for reading and sharing with others...Hugs

Tom Swann

TOMSWANN@EARTHLINK.NET

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: tom swann

To: tom swann

Sent: 9/24/2003 10:32:01 AM

Subject: GOP Senator Now Backs Gay Veteran Paver

 

 

CALIFORNIA GAY VETERANS

MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION

Leading the Fight to Pass AB 1520

 

Tom Swann President 760/324-5670

Steve Valkenburg Vice President

 

NEWS AND NOTES

September 24, 2003

 

GOP SENATOR NOW BACKS

GAY VETERAN PAVER

 

Jim Battin Stuns Pete Knight

With Announcement

 

A Tiny Brick During Recall

And Huge Deficit Stirs

So Much Resentment

 

 

 

(SACRAMENTO, CA) --  Palm Springs State Senator Jim Battin stunned fellow conservative Republicans Tuesday when he wrote in a letter he can live with a paver using the word gay.  Battin wrote to Tom Swann suggesting the current paver be replaced with new words.  He also suggested the group place it's logo on the paver.  That would mean the current paver would add pink to the triangle on the breast of the Department of Defense eagle. On April 11 the CDVA Secretary rejected pink saying that would make  the gay paver a separate memorial and detract from the CA Veterans memorial.  Tom Swann said his group has turned to new projects and would like the paver controversy to end.

 

Battin's district includes many gays and America's first LGBT Veterans' memorial.  Last Memorial Day Battin  was asked to taker a picture with gay veterans at the memorial.  He said he would do it another day when he had more time.  Frank Cullen, chief of staff to Rep. Mary Bono did pose for a picture with gay veterans at the memorial. See attached award from Rep. Mary Bono to gay veterans. 

 

The attached picture shows Republican Mayor Will Kleindienst, Cathedral City Democrat council member Paul Marchand and Tom Swann last Memorial Day.

 

AIDS Project Los Angeles describes Battin as a swing vote on their issues. 

 

OPEN FORUM

People Speak Out

 

I'm a member of the MOPH Chapter #106 in Fresno, California, and personally I disagree with the action taken by those insensitive veterans towards Gays, and Lesbians. To me a Veteran is a Veteran is a Veteran no matter what their sexual orientations is.

Tony Pacheco

Fresno CA

--------------------

 

I have a Purple Heart and I support the paver.

Art Soper

Palm Desert CA.

------------------

 

Thanks for the informative article. The paver refered to in the article is about the size of a floor tile. LGBT Veterans deserve to be included along with Korean, Japanese, or any other proud group who wishes to acknowlege their extraordinary sacrifices for the preservation of this country. These pavers are meant to be an inspiration to others, and set an example to the generations ahead of inclusion and to serve and protect our country. Senator Pete Knight and his three friends need to know that LGBT Veterans don't need a paver to establish themselves as a group of heroes, the people who served along side of them already know this. Those whom have served with them know that many have made the best soldiers, and sacrificed readily. Sadly, In return this country has not always served their best needs.

 

Senator/Bigot Pete Knight is the rabidly anti-gay Senator/Bigot who sponsored Proposition 22, the anti-gay marriage ballot proposition, and has spent most of his political career in pursuit and hunt of innocent LGBT people. It's such a shame that a legislator would dedicate their power and energy to such destruction rather than any sort of innovation that could make life better for his constituency, the people of Palmdale.

 

It is interesting, and ironic that the bigot father of a supposed gay son, and representative of an area that represents many United States Marines would spend so much time on this issue, and be so captivated by it. Afterall, through the USMC's efforts to oust the big gay threat from their ranks thry have also established themselves as having the highest number of homosexual occurrences amoung their ranks of any service group. It's a queer world isn't it? Senator/Bigot Pete Knight is living proof.

 

Those LGBT Veterans who served and sacrificed for their country will forever be remembered as heroes. Senator/Bigot Pete Knight will always be remembered as a Bigot from this point on. I will make sure that upon his death someday that somewhere, someplace he will be remembered amoung the ranks of bigots such as Jessie Helms and Strom Thurmond. Wouldn't it be interesting to create a place of shame for them so that they could be permanently remembered for being destructive, and cruel to people not because of what they have done, but who they are? We could place it near a dump where all the other trash lays.

 

 Mark Westwood

San Bernardino, Ca

-------------

 

Corey:

 

I wanted to give you heads up on this story thats really gaining momentum, and I think you could do it a tremendous service by giving it some daylight on your program. I personally know Tom Swann, who lives out in California - the NY Blade has featured him several times already for his heroic activism on the part of GLBT Veterans, Veterans with AIDS, and Blind/Disabled Veterans.  He's truly a remarkable hero for the GLBT Veterans community, and has just recently had his book published (see  www.tomswann.com)

 

Keep up the good work, Since you had Brett Parson on your show with the DC GLLU, you've made the last hour and a half at work go by SO fast, and per your OK, I've added your logo/link to the main page on www.gaydc.net !

 

Semper Fidelis,

Bill Kibler

GayDC.Net / GLLU

US Marine Corps, 1981-1985

Member, Multi-National Peacekeeping Force, Beirut, Lebanon 1982-1983*

 

*This October 2003 marks the 20th Anniv. of the barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 Marines and Sailors. Lest we forget.

 

-------------

 

Why is it when the Filipino and Hispanic veterans dedicated a paver it was okay but when the gays do it, then it is called divisive?

 

Charlie Sharples

Vietnam Combat Veteran

Marine Corps Infantry Officer

-------------

 

Tom: This issue may be a blessing in disguise for the Democrats. The State Republicans are showing their true colors, and they are not rainbow. It may come back to haunt them the next election. Maybe this is why California has the elected most Democratic statesmen.

 

Talk about shooting oneself in the foot. This gaff needs to be publicized in the media as much as possible. The Republicans deserve it. They are the homophobes coming out of the closet. Will the last Republican coming out of the closet please turn off the light?

 

Andy Morgen

AMVETS Post 66

 

----------

 

thank u for your letter.  I wish you had included  a copy of the letter the 31 sent to the governor, though.  I assume they were all GOP members of the legislature.

Are people like Battin such shits because they are Republicans or are they Republicans because they're such shits?

There must be a mystery in it.

Vietnam Vet
Robert A. Fruge

 

----------

 

Roz,

Tell Tom "Thank You" for the courage to write this letter and let him know that the Transgender American Veterans Association supports him in this.  If he puts together a protest, let us know and we will encourage our members in the area to attend.  Thanks.

 

Monica

 

----------

 

Tom, this is excellent...you must make certain it gets in the Desert Sun...call Denise Goolsby at 7764649...minimumly, it should be a letter to the editor...if you could enlarge it to 700 words, it would be worthy of a column, Valley Voice....with you picture and Frank Moulton... really believe it is timely.. powerful statement that needs to be put before Battin's constituents...
Keep up the good work, my hero.
Daryl James

AMVETS Post 66

Past Commander

 

TELL THE GOP YOU LOVE THE GAY VETERAN PAVER

 

Send Email to:

 

dave@patriotwatch.com

 

Notice how this man claims to be a "watchful patriot." 

 

These so-called patriots want equality for everyone except LGBT.

 

 

 

   

   

[Rodney King]

I think that vets who like putting a line salt in the ridge of a stick of celery before they eat it (like I do)should get their own special memorial too.

[Hodar]

How about another marker for vets who like peanut butter on their celery?

[kingu]

I'll pass this on to the vets who are sick and tired of being pawns for the homosexual movement.

[darkwing104]

I cannot clearly nor cleanly speak the disgust I'am feeling right now. Thanks for the post.

[4mycountry]

What about one for the vets who don't eat celery at all?

[carlo3b]

I as a Vet, suggest that they would remove this personal memorabilia, and insert it in their favored orifice for unsafe keeping!

[Billthedrill]

They're vets. I didn't give a rodent's rump then who or what they sacked with and I don't now. They're vets, period.

[longtermmemmory]

A memorial to liars. They lied to get into the military. Now their lie is being rewarded. They denied being homosexuals (if they were even really there) so why should anyone acknowledge what was denied?

oh yes, revisionist history. the homonazis march on.

[joesnuffy]

memorials to veterans should be for their service as veterans...period...
and not because of what perversions they engaged in during their off times or during post service..
To make such a memorial is only and attempt to legitimize or normalize the perverse behavior hiding behind the fact that the individual served his nation in service...
And imo only if the service personnel died in combat

[carlo3b]

I'm beginning to wonder if a few of us older vets shouldn't answer our nations call and hit the beaches just one more time before we get too damned old. Palm Beach, South Beach, Long Beach...

[HostileTerritory]

When I graduated high school, I received a small scholarship from the local chapter of the Jewish War Veterans. Other social and ethnic groups gave out small scholarships and awards--often to people outside their own group.

It seemed harmless enough at the time. It never would have occurred to me to criticize them.

[philetus]

They are honored as VETS and Americans.
Why a special honor because they suck?
Did they drop their pants to the cong to save some one elses life?

[comwatch]

Bill...

Many have missed my point, made here even before this issue made national headlines. It's an issue no one wants to address.

While Department of Veteran Affairs management runs and ducks for cover, lies about the facts and blame everyone else, the gay agenda rubs the illegal placement of the plaque in our faces.

THE FACTS ARE... a PRIVATE CONTRACTOR entered the grounds, installed the plaque while representatives of the Departments of General Services and Veterans Affairs stood by, each "assuming" the other had approved it. NO GUARDIANS of this memorial weighed in!!! None did according to Andrew Kotch spokesman for Veterans Affairs. Why do they lie and deny... just like former legislator Maurice Johannessen.

Frankly, I'm getting sick of their manipulation by gays and "the rules don't apply to us" agenda, and sneaky tactics being flung in our faces:

Russell Lopez of the Governor's Office said Johannessen had, indeed, approved the marker but should have made sure it was reviewed by the state Department of General Services as well. "He kind of admits that he skipped a procedure here, but yes, it was approved by his office," Lopez said.

I considered challenging Swann on Maurice Johannessen, State Secretary of Veterans Affairs denying he approved the project. Andrew Kotch telling the legislature one thing and me the opposite begs explaining. Where do we draw the line with liars. Funny how their support for the gay agenda fades when the like shines on them.

[Billthedrill]

Oh, I'm with you on that. Lest my own objections be misconstrued, I'll elaborate - I have no objection to any group honoring those of its members who serve. But no group should decide it can carve out a place in a memorial dedicated to all vets and still attempt to be exclusive about it. If the Lithuanian Vets Society wants to set up a memorial to Lithuanian vets killed in the wars I say go for it, but don't stake out a piece of the territory dedicated to non-Lithuanian vets as well.

I think that those organizations who do this sort of Balkanization don't really understand what the military experience is all about. Had I died in the company of my shipmates it would have been with blacks, whites, asians, hispanics, Filipinos, and Lord knows who else, and I really don't think any one of us would have appreciated a memorial that chose to honor some and not to honor all. I certainly wasn't serving for just my white countrymen. My roomie certainly wasn't serving for just black ones. It isn't like that.

Nevertheless, if black or gay or hispanic or whatever citizens choose to honor those of their persuasion who served, more power to them. I would rather have them honor all vets equally, because there's no equalizer quite like death. But it's their right to exclude if they wish. On their own dime.

[quietolong]

A little cut & paste from here
California Veterans Memorial - Feedback Request
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/969297/posts

Sick and inappropriate A slap in the face
In the 70s & 80s I served 10 years in the USN. And Our squadron had a few in. And they weren’t worth piss. Real Foxtrot Uniforms. Usually got important jobs like coffee mess & compartment cleaning. That’s all you wanted to trust them with.
We sort of had a unofficial don’t tell policy. “ Don’t rat out your fellow shipmate.” So if they weren’t overt they were tolerated.
What should be done with it?
Let’s see what did Moses do when confronted with a blasphemy:
Exodus 32
20 He took the calf which they had made and burned it with fire, and ground it to powder, and scattered it over the surface of the water and made the sons of Israel drink it.

Read 26 & 27 to find out about those who put it there.

And this is not the only one.

And were did Amvat post 66 come from!

Memorial for gay veterans in works
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3b00fcc557ac.htm

[Denver Ditdat]

Can we have a memorial for all the single, hetero guys who just schtupped a lot of bar girls?

[AmericanInTokyo]

If they have a memorial, will they have a huge concrete, erect penis painted red/white/blue on the top to symbolize homosexuality's preoccupation with the sex act between males? Imagine what General of the Army George Washington would be thinking in his grave over at Mt. Vernon, VA over this....

[comwatch]

You wrote: "And were did Amvat post 66 come from! Memorial for gay veterans in works:
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3b00fcc557ac.htm "

The lesson from the link above is simple: When you can't win honestly, you cheat! The AmVet Post 66 is a gay shame to get their agenda passed in Palm Springs and around the rules for everyone else. Here at the Capitol, the chances of getting the paver plaque removed pending a proper review of policies, is not likely absent veterans raising hell. Tom Swann and a handful of gay legislators walk the halls of our state capitol and force their issues on everyone who will listen. The air of political correctness has the charm and dignity of an unflushed toilet.

A working stiff like me can't take the time off work that's needed to counter these people. I do what I can as do our volunteers. The larger vet organizations are concerned about where their next dollars will be cut if they take a stand! (remember the Boy Scouts people)

Quietolong... your freeper handle really says it all! We have been so quiet for so long that our voices in California are irrelevant. When we do speak up, as has FR, you see what happens. We're branded a hate group.

Even this issue failed to garner much support here. Our best source of letters that may have helped move 32 legislators to do the right thing, came from our website. We have a decent plan in place, it's just taken far longer than we had hoped it would. Just as we were peaking in hits and getting results, our webhost lost the server and their tape backup failed. Our site went down along with our appeal. We've only now begun to recover some data from before April 2003.

Anyone who would like to help us keep this and other veteran issues alive and on the public radar screen can. Even a little bit helps. See: http://www.patriotwatch.com/signup.htm