By: Cahir O'Doherty | Published Tuesday, November 1, 2011, 7:13 PM | Updated Tuesday, November 1, 2011, 7:13 PM
I admit it, I thought I had seen everything when it came to the contempt the far right has for the citizens of this country who takes a different view (and that would be most of us, frankly).
Still, I was startled when the audience at a previous Republican presidential debate cheered Rick Perry's unbroken death penalty execution record.
Then later I was even more surprised when the crowd cheered the idea of allowing an uninsured young man to die. It gave me a real sense of what ancient Rome must have sounded like to anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves standing in the center of the Colosseum.
And deeply shocking as those two moments were, they each time went unchallenged by the assembled conservative candidates on the stage.
But when the crowd last night loudly booed a brave gay soldier who deployed to Iraq, where he put his life on the line every day for the future of this country, I was incensed.
It was, simply put, a disgusting spectacle.
'Do you plan to circumvent the progress that has been made for gay and lesbian soldiers in the military?' the soldier asked the candidates.
But before any candidate could answer the crowd erupted in loud boos and cat calls. Simply because he was gay this crowd made clear the soldier was unworthy of their respect, beneath their consideration. To the far right you can be gay or American, but you can't be both.
That's an extreme view and Fox News host Megyn Kelly chose an extremist candidate to answer it.
Rick Santorum, who can always be depended upon to offer a completely off-the-wall comment, disrespected the gay soldier further by saying that whilst he supports the war in Iraq he did not support the gay troops fighting that war.
Santorum could not even bring himself to thank the soldier for his service.
If you're gay, last night made clear, many Republican voters will overlook your patriotism, overlook your service to the nation, and instead they will work to ensure that your second class status is enshrined in the constitution of the United States, where they will treat you with loud contempt, in private and in public, no matter who you are or what you ever do.
America deserves leaders who honor our shared commitment to this nation, rather than seek to create caste systems where some soldiers contributions are mocked and dismissed.
Not one of the candidates on the The Orange County Convention Center in Florida last night had enough patriotism in them to object to hearing a compatriot mocked.
As a 24 year Army Veteran I assure you that life is tough for a gay soldier. The way the rules are now leaders are not allowed to take steps to avoid assaults. Some of the less Liberal soldiers don't like being "touched" by gay soldiers - that's trouble.
hooligan6a | Nov 08, 2011, 10:02 AM EST
Why does he have to be a "Gay Soldier" why can't he just be, a soldier? I served
30 years in the US Marine Corps. I was not a straight Marine I was just a Marine.
Why should a man be defined by what he does in the bedroom? It is none of my
business. Why can't you keep it to yourself? I am sorry he was booed but he should just go back and do his job. As a soldier, not a "gay soldier"
McNamara31 | Sep 28, 2011, 11:54 AM EDT
I heard the tea party now being called the “Ice” tea party.
pilib04 | Sep 25, 2011, 09:34 AM EDT
An American active service soldier in a warzone is booed by Republicans because he is openly gay and asked a question about Don't Ask, Don't Tell? Tells you about republicans. They have never supported our troops. They are always trying to cut veterans benefits.
eibhleann7 | Sep 24, 2011, 01:45 PM EDT
I hate to burst your ignorance bubble, but gays have always been part of your "great military machine". They, too, were feared by the Germans and Japanese. They are honored war heroes, decorated officers, and celebrated veterans. You, or someone you may know are here today because of the valor and courage of these servicemen, except you and are just too thick to know any better. And yes, the polls are an effective way to make change, that's why DADT was repealed....in 2011. Sorry, you're a year late and a dollar short.
McNamara31 | Sep 24, 2011, 10:11 AM EDT
Some defend that there was only one person at the recent debate who boo'd a man serving his country...But all of GOP debates have displayed this mob mentality to applaud the death penalty in Texas (like some badge of honor) and to applaud the "let em die" statement that followed Ron Pauls's healthcare response. It's sad that this generation of the GOP feel they have to lower themselves to a mob mentality to pander for votes.
Woodman | Sep 23, 2011, 11:22 PM EDT
Saddam is dead and was no threat to the United States. Osama Bin Laden is dead. So, how does keeping thousands of soldiers and continuing spending trillion(s) in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan defend American freedom?
HorsesInMdstrm | Sep 23, 2011, 08:51 PM EDT
@freebie28 - kudos to you for your service. I didn't get any medals, and I came in last in the soldier of the month competition in my battalion. From the point of view of value to the nation, it was a waste of two years and $99/month. From the point of view of my education, it was wonderful. I met people of cultures and ethnicity I had rarely been exposed to in the past; and I learned the value of community in America - that we need to be responsible not just for ourselves but for all who need our help. That was my important lesson from military service, and the beginning of my liberalism. Oddly enough, I haven't been to any tea party events.
freebie28 | Sep 23, 2011, 08:16 PM EDT
@HorseinMdstrm - Glad you asked 'about my service.' Unlike you, I did not wait to be drafted, but enlisted in the U-S Air Force and served in South Korea, supporting our troops at the front in Viet Nam. Received United States Air Force Commendation metal for meritorious service. Thanks for asking (and serving).
beckydhall | Sep 23, 2011, 07:56 PM EDT
Well, as someone who was actually in Orlando at the Convention Center during the dedate.....it was only ONE backward, uneducated, pitiful person who shouted out and jeered after the question was asked. I can only assume that Cahir O'Doherty is equally ethically challenged since he chose to "report" such caustically untrue and misleading misinformation in an effort to push his own agenda (just as the bafoon at the debate last night tried to push his own agenda)! It is "reporters" such as he that have caused the majority of Americans to completely disregard the mainstream media.
HorsesInMdstrm | Sep 23, 2011, 06:44 PM EDT
@freebie28 - I have no evidence for what I'm going to say - it's anecdotal. I'm liberal as are many of my friends. I think liberals were not anti-military - there are of course exceptions to this rules. What I think is that when the draft was in existence, liberals resented that we sent our (mostly) men to fight wars that were useless to our national security.
I was a draftee in the Army during the Vietnam war but was fortunate in not having to go to Vietnam.
I mildly resented having to uproot my life to serve, but I believe I would have enlisted if our country was in danger.
Today's military is all-volunteer as we all know, although some have probably joined due to economic necessity. This doesn't diminish in any way the respect I feel for them.
You are living in the past. Most liberals I have spoken with support the troops, if not the wars they fight in. But to acknowledge that would require you to change your mindset.
Tell us about your service.
penn2000 | Sep 23, 2011, 06:20 PM EDT
I'm still waiting for the first meaningful, worthwhile article from you. I know you can do it. You need to realize that there are nuts and kooks in both parties and writing about them only draws more attention to them. Write about something relevant.
EphraimKibbey | Sep 23, 2011, 06:02 PM EDT
@STEPcoach - as @seagreen points out, long before DADT, gays in the military conducted themselves honorably with regard to "keep it to yourself" as opposed to some stories of straight service members at Tailhook conventions. The 1993 DADT law meant that gay service men and women had to lie to remain in the service of their country which is antithetical to what that honorable conduct is all about. Under DADT, soldiers were often illegally prosecuted even when they themselves had not told anyone of their sexual orientation as the DA part of the law was ignored. The gay service members that have been lobbying for the repeal of DADT have been the ones expelled from their respective services to the detriment of our war efforts. Those still in uniform were compelled to remain silent by this unpatriotic law. While those in the audience have a right to their own religous beliefs, their boos were as unpatriotic and unchristian as the harassment that returning Vietnam vets got in the '70s. I keep expecting more from my fellow Americans and keep getting disappointed.
JBRAFTREE | Sep 23, 2011, 04:31 PM EDT
I'll bet there were very few veterans in the group that boo'd him.
PatriciaMarya | Sep 23, 2011, 04:25 PM EDT
There is so much unvented rage in this country that I do believe that the Mob Mentality has taken over. Any person or group that can be considered as "weaker" or "different" is bringing out the Bully temperament, the lowest common denominator, in those who considered themselves to be the In Group or the majority. I now see how Hitler came to power - the people lost their civilized behavior, became lazy, thus, able to be manipulated and habitually "blamed" others for their country's situation instead of having the courage to look in the mirror and take responsibility for making change. It is time to look at each of U.S. as individuals worthy of respect. Freedom to me is the Decision to make Decisions; in other words, being able to remain above and outside of the Mob and be willing to take responsibility for ourselves and our country. To be sure this can be a lonely place; however, it is the clearest path. Please let U.S. be willing to have the strength of character to do so. And do remember: the louder the shouter, the lower the I.Q.
freebie28 | Sep 23, 2011, 03:28 PM EDT
A day to remember; Liberals pontificating about patriotism and respect for the American military.
just4fun | Sep 23, 2011, 02:56 PM EDT
What can you expect from the worlds most narrow minded, biggoted, terroristic folks around. This is typical of the GOP party nutters using religion as a crutch to hide their enervate mentalities. Truth be told the reason the candidates said nothing about the cowardly jesting is because they believe the same as the crowd.
mrkennedy: The catholic church has no room for casting the evil eye. Were not they the Romans the ones that practiced the same debauchery as the church condemns. Judge not lest ye be judged.
Rebelforce | Sep 23, 2011, 02:26 PM EDT
Apparently, if you're a soldier who happens to be gay you're not even entitled to the usual fake, phony old refrain of, "Thank you for your service". I agree it was an absolute disgrace that not one of the republican candidates on stage had the strength of character to publicly condemn the cowardly lowlifes who booed this American trooper.
hollabackgurl | Sep 23, 2011, 01:39 PM EDT
I was wondering when someone would try to tell us we shouldn't believe our own ears. It's the last exit before an apology, which is what this soldier should be offered by every candidate on that stage.
rugbyplayer | Sep 23, 2011, 12:45 PM EDT
I don't think this story is quite accurate. According to persons actually present, the booing came from one redneck who himself was loudly booed by the audience for his offensive and idiotic behavior.
seagreen | Sep 23, 2011, 12:25 PM EDT
During my time in the military (I was drafted, then called back in) there were some that served that might have been gay. Wether they were gay or not was not the question. If they were gay, they never exhibited any behavior that differentiated themselves from anyone else in the unit. All that I am referring to, did their job, and that was all the army was asking for. In one instance, we got hit heading up the river from Vung Tau, One person that perhaps might have been gay was the first one to grab the 50 cal. and return fire. I wonder if any of the political commandos berating Mr. Hill would have reacted in this manner. That is if they ever did spend even a single day in the military.
hollabackgurl | Sep 23, 2011, 12:08 PM EDT
Santorum thinks that being gay equals sex. It's stupid to say the military is promoting sexual orientation - its just stopped kicking qualified soldiers out for being gay, that is all. You're overstating the impact because you lack an argument.
STEPcoach | Sep 23, 2011, 11:45 AM EDT
Yes, some members of the audience booed the question. What wasn't covered well here was the candidate's response - Santorum said that the only purpose of the military is to defend the citizens. Not, he pointed out, to act as a platform for sexual orientation promotion. It seems unseemly that brave, respectable soldiers should use their honored position to push their private agendas. DADT was all about "keep it to yourself" in more ways than one.
peterquinn | Sep 23, 2011, 11:44 AM EDT
How about sending Rick Santorum to take Stephen Hill's place in Iraq?
kidsnurse92 | Sep 23, 2011, 11:34 AM EDT
For all those quoting scripture to defend the abhorant and embarrasing behavior of the "Repugnantcans" at the debates, they should also review the passages on "judge not lest ye be judged". These men and women have courageously defended our constitutional right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and they deserve no less. Christians were put to death for no other reason than being Christian, do they now condone that behavior by copying it? These people are no more intelligent than those that put forth "evidence" that women and African Americans should not serve because of the damaging effect on morale. Really? Really? Are our soldiers so delicate and fragile as to not be able to "balls up" and follow orders, or will they wilt and faint if everyone is not exactly like them? There are military laws in place in the Code of Conduct that deal with behaviors becoming military personnel.
hollabackgurl | Sep 23, 2011, 11:21 AM EDT
The writer didn't complain about people have 'a different opinion' to him - he complained about the blatant disrespect shown to a United States soldier during the Republican debates last night, an opinion we can all share.
pugsmom | Sep 23, 2011, 10:40 AM EDT
I am a straight, slightly "older" female with many gay and lesbian friends who have served honorably in different branches of the military. What happened to this soldier is absolutely disrespectful and shameful! I can guarantee, that in battle, had this soldier been instrumental in saving anyone of those hateful peoples' lives, they certainly would NOT have stopped to discuss his sexual orientation! Perhaps these same individuals should read a NON-fictional account of one of the greatest fighting forces in history...the Spartans!
wjb1tex | Sep 23, 2011, 10:01 AM EDT
I don't have a problem with gays in the military. But I find it odd that the writer complains about people who have different opinions while he himself has a different opinion.
mrkennedy | Sep 23, 2011, 10:00 AM EDT
Mr. O'Doherty, Did you attended Mass on the 14th Sunday after Pentecost and read the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians? If not then please read it to see what the Catholic Church has taught since the beginning!!!
colkelley | Sep 23, 2011, 09:54 AM EDT
As a former Naval Flight Officer and someone who is generally conservative I do not agree with the disrespect shown to this soldier. I am willing to bet that most of the people who disrespected him - including Santorum - do not have a history of personal military service. I saw this in the early 70s when I went through survival training with the first seven female Naval Aviators and later served with a female Naval Aviator (whose brother was a former Blue Angel and who became the first woman to successfully complete Top Gun). Do I have a problem with homosexuals in the military - no, as long as they follow the Uniform Code of Military Justice and undertake no public act which would bring shame to their service or uniform. Do I have a problem with the toads in this audience - yes, and, as a longtime atheist, I will bet that most of them consider themselves "good Christians." Bottom line is that homosexuals have served in the military for thousands of years and their blood sacrifice offsets any moronic stereotypes put forth by Santorum and his ilk - then again, Santorum does not believe in evolution...
falconflash | Sep 23, 2011, 09:44 AM EDT
They'll hvae to get these homos their own barracks and their own showers.... if they do this it might work, otherwise a travesty for troop morale.
joma5004 | Sep 23, 2011, 09:35 AM EDT
The true REPUKE all-inclusive "umbrella" in action!
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Springfield9 | Nov 15, 2011, 09:44 AM EST
As a 24 year Army Veteran I assure you that life is tough for a gay soldier. The way the rules are now leaders are not allowed to take steps to avoid assaults. Some of the less Liberal soldiers don't like being "touched" by gay soldiers - that's trouble.
hooligan6a | Nov 08, 2011, 10:02 AM EST
Why does he have to be a "Gay Soldier" why can't he just be, a soldier? I served 30 years in the US Marine Corps. I was not a straight Marine I was just a Marine. Why should a man be defined by what he does in the bedroom? It is none of my business. Why can't you keep it to yourself? I am sorry he was booed but he should just go back and do his job. As a soldier, not a "gay soldier"
McNamara31 | Sep 28, 2011, 11:54 AM EDT
I heard the tea party now being called the “Ice” tea party.
pilib04 | Sep 25, 2011, 09:34 AM EDT
An American active service soldier in a warzone is booed by Republicans because he is openly gay and asked a question about Don't Ask, Don't Tell? Tells you about republicans. They have never supported our troops. They are always trying to cut veterans benefits.
eibhleann7 | Sep 24, 2011, 01:45 PM EDT
I hate to burst your ignorance bubble, but gays have always been part of your "great military machine". They, too, were feared by the Germans and Japanese. They are honored war heroes, decorated officers, and celebrated veterans. You, or someone you may know are here today because of the valor and courage of these servicemen, except you and are just too thick to know any better. And yes, the polls are an effective way to make change, that's why DADT was repealed....in 2011. Sorry, you're a year late and a dollar short.
McNamara31 | Sep 24, 2011, 10:11 AM EDT
Some defend that there was only one person at the recent debate who boo'd a man serving his country...But all of GOP debates have displayed this mob mentality to applaud the death penalty in Texas (like some badge of honor) and to applaud the "let em die" statement that followed Ron Pauls's healthcare response. It's sad that this generation of the GOP feel they have to lower themselves to a mob mentality to pander for votes.
Woodman | Sep 23, 2011, 11:22 PM EDT
Saddam is dead and was no threat to the United States. Osama Bin Laden is dead. So, how does keeping thousands of soldiers and continuing spending trillion(s) in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan defend American freedom?
HorsesInMdstrm | Sep 23, 2011, 08:51 PM EDT
@freebie28 - kudos to you for your service. I didn't get any medals, and I came in last in the soldier of the month competition in my battalion. From the point of view of value to the nation, it was a waste of two years and $99/month. From the point of view of my education, it was wonderful. I met people of cultures and ethnicity I had rarely been exposed to in the past; and I learned the value of community in America - that we need to be responsible not just for ourselves but for all who need our help. That was my important lesson from military service, and the beginning of my liberalism. Oddly enough, I haven't been to any tea party events.
freebie28 | Sep 23, 2011, 08:16 PM EDT
@HorseinMdstrm - Glad you asked 'about my service.' Unlike you, I did not wait to be drafted, but enlisted in the U-S Air Force and served in South Korea, supporting our troops at the front in Viet Nam. Received United States Air Force Commendation metal for meritorious service. Thanks for asking (and serving).
beckydhall | Sep 23, 2011, 07:56 PM EDT
Well, as someone who was actually in Orlando at the Convention Center during the dedate.....it was only ONE backward, uneducated, pitiful person who shouted out and jeered after the question was asked. I can only assume that Cahir O'Doherty is equally ethically challenged since he chose to "report" such caustically untrue and misleading misinformation in an effort to push his own agenda (just as the bafoon at the debate last night tried to push his own agenda)! It is "reporters" such as he that have caused the majority of Americans to completely disregard the mainstream media.
HorsesInMdstrm | Sep 23, 2011, 06:44 PM EDT
@freebie28 - I have no evidence for what I'm going to say - it's anecdotal. I'm liberal as are many of my friends. I think liberals were not anti-military - there are of course exceptions to this rules. What I think is that when the draft was in existence, liberals resented that we sent our (mostly) men to fight wars that were useless to our national security. I was a draftee in the Army during the Vietnam war but was fortunate in not having to go to Vietnam. I mildly resented having to uproot my life to serve, but I believe I would have enlisted if our country was in danger. Today's military is all-volunteer as we all know, although some have probably joined due to economic necessity. This doesn't diminish in any way the respect I feel for them. You are living in the past. Most liberals I have spoken with support the troops, if not the wars they fight in. But to acknowledge that would require you to change your mindset. Tell us about your service.
penn2000 | Sep 23, 2011, 06:20 PM EDT
I'm still waiting for the first meaningful, worthwhile article from you. I know you can do it. You need to realize that there are nuts and kooks in both parties and writing about them only draws more attention to them. Write about something relevant.
EphraimKibbey | Sep 23, 2011, 06:02 PM EDT
@STEPcoach - as @seagreen points out, long before DADT, gays in the military conducted themselves honorably with regard to "keep it to yourself" as opposed to some stories of straight service members at Tailhook conventions. The 1993 DADT law meant that gay service men and women had to lie to remain in the service of their country which is antithetical to what that honorable conduct is all about. Under DADT, soldiers were often illegally prosecuted even when they themselves had not told anyone of their sexual orientation as the DA part of the law was ignored. The gay service members that have been lobbying for the repeal of DADT have been the ones expelled from their respective services to the detriment of our war efforts. Those still in uniform were compelled to remain silent by this unpatriotic law. While those in the audience have a right to their own religous beliefs, their boos were as unpatriotic and unchristian as the harassment that returning Vietnam vets got in the '70s. I keep expecting more from my fellow Americans and keep getting disappointed.
JBRAFTREE | Sep 23, 2011, 04:31 PM EDT
I'll bet there were very few veterans in the group that boo'd him.
PatriciaMarya | Sep 23, 2011, 04:25 PM EDT
There is so much unvented rage in this country that I do believe that the Mob Mentality has taken over. Any person or group that can be considered as "weaker" or "different" is bringing out the Bully temperament, the lowest common denominator, in those who considered themselves to be the In Group or the majority. I now see how Hitler came to power - the people lost their civilized behavior, became lazy, thus, able to be manipulated and habitually "blamed" others for their country's situation instead of having the courage to look in the mirror and take responsibility for making change. It is time to look at each of U.S. as individuals worthy of respect. Freedom to me is the Decision to make Decisions; in other words, being able to remain above and outside of the Mob and be willing to take responsibility for ourselves and our country. To be sure this can be a lonely place; however, it is the clearest path. Please let U.S. be willing to have the strength of character to do so. And do remember: the louder the shouter, the lower the I.Q.
freebie28 | Sep 23, 2011, 03:28 PM EDT
A day to remember; Liberals pontificating about patriotism and respect for the American military.
just4fun | Sep 23, 2011, 02:56 PM EDT
What can you expect from the worlds most narrow minded, biggoted, terroristic folks around. This is typical of the GOP party nutters using religion as a crutch to hide their enervate mentalities. Truth be told the reason the candidates said nothing about the cowardly jesting is because they believe the same as the crowd. mrkennedy: The catholic church has no room for casting the evil eye. Were not they the Romans the ones that practiced the same debauchery as the church condemns. Judge not lest ye be judged.
Rebelforce | Sep 23, 2011, 02:26 PM EDT
Apparently, if you're a soldier who happens to be gay you're not even entitled to the usual fake, phony old refrain of, "Thank you for your service". I agree it was an absolute disgrace that not one of the republican candidates on stage had the strength of character to publicly condemn the cowardly lowlifes who booed this American trooper.
hollabackgurl | Sep 23, 2011, 01:39 PM EDT
I was wondering when someone would try to tell us we shouldn't believe our own ears. It's the last exit before an apology, which is what this soldier should be offered by every candidate on that stage.
rugbyplayer | Sep 23, 2011, 12:45 PM EDT
I don't think this story is quite accurate. According to persons actually present, the booing came from one redneck who himself was loudly booed by the audience for his offensive and idiotic behavior.
seagreen | Sep 23, 2011, 12:25 PM EDT
During my time in the military (I was drafted, then called back in) there were some that served that might have been gay. Wether they were gay or not was not the question. If they were gay, they never exhibited any behavior that differentiated themselves from anyone else in the unit. All that I am referring to, did their job, and that was all the army was asking for. In one instance, we got hit heading up the river from Vung Tau, One person that perhaps might have been gay was the first one to grab the 50 cal. and return fire. I wonder if any of the political commandos berating Mr. Hill would have reacted in this manner. That is if they ever did spend even a single day in the military.
hollabackgurl | Sep 23, 2011, 12:08 PM EDT
Santorum thinks that being gay equals sex. It's stupid to say the military is promoting sexual orientation - its just stopped kicking qualified soldiers out for being gay, that is all. You're overstating the impact because you lack an argument.
STEPcoach | Sep 23, 2011, 11:45 AM EDT
Yes, some members of the audience booed the question. What wasn't covered well here was the candidate's response - Santorum said that the only purpose of the military is to defend the citizens. Not, he pointed out, to act as a platform for sexual orientation promotion. It seems unseemly that brave, respectable soldiers should use their honored position to push their private agendas. DADT was all about "keep it to yourself" in more ways than one.
peterquinn | Sep 23, 2011, 11:44 AM EDT
How about sending Rick Santorum to take Stephen Hill's place in Iraq?
kidsnurse92 | Sep 23, 2011, 11:34 AM EDT
For all those quoting scripture to defend the abhorant and embarrasing behavior of the "Repugnantcans" at the debates, they should also review the passages on "judge not lest ye be judged". These men and women have courageously defended our constitutional right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and they deserve no less. Christians were put to death for no other reason than being Christian, do they now condone that behavior by copying it? These people are no more intelligent than those that put forth "evidence" that women and African Americans should not serve because of the damaging effect on morale. Really? Really? Are our soldiers so delicate and fragile as to not be able to "balls up" and follow orders, or will they wilt and faint if everyone is not exactly like them? There are military laws in place in the Code of Conduct that deal with behaviors becoming military personnel.
hollabackgurl | Sep 23, 2011, 11:21 AM EDT
The writer didn't complain about people have 'a different opinion' to him - he complained about the blatant disrespect shown to a United States soldier during the Republican debates last night, an opinion we can all share.
pugsmom | Sep 23, 2011, 10:40 AM EDT
I am a straight, slightly "older" female with many gay and lesbian friends who have served honorably in different branches of the military. What happened to this soldier is absolutely disrespectful and shameful! I can guarantee, that in battle, had this soldier been instrumental in saving anyone of those hateful peoples' lives, they certainly would NOT have stopped to discuss his sexual orientation! Perhaps these same individuals should read a NON-fictional account of one of the greatest fighting forces in history...the Spartans!
wjb1tex | Sep 23, 2011, 10:01 AM EDT
I don't have a problem with gays in the military. But I find it odd that the writer complains about people who have different opinions while he himself has a different opinion.
mrkennedy | Sep 23, 2011, 10:00 AM EDT
Mr. O'Doherty, Did you attended Mass on the 14th Sunday after Pentecost and read the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians? If not then please read it to see what the Catholic Church has taught since the beginning!!!
colkelley | Sep 23, 2011, 09:54 AM EDT
As a former Naval Flight Officer and someone who is generally conservative I do not agree with the disrespect shown to this soldier. I am willing to bet that most of the people who disrespected him - including Santorum - do not have a history of personal military service. I saw this in the early 70s when I went through survival training with the first seven female Naval Aviators and later served with a female Naval Aviator (whose brother was a former Blue Angel and who became the first woman to successfully complete Top Gun). Do I have a problem with homosexuals in the military - no, as long as they follow the Uniform Code of Military Justice and undertake no public act which would bring shame to their service or uniform. Do I have a problem with the toads in this audience - yes, and, as a longtime atheist, I will bet that most of them consider themselves "good Christians." Bottom line is that homosexuals have served in the military for thousands of years and their blood sacrifice offsets any moronic stereotypes put forth by Santorum and his ilk - then again, Santorum does not believe in evolution...
falconflash | Sep 23, 2011, 09:44 AM EDT
They'll hvae to get these homos their own barracks and their own showers.... if they do this it might work, otherwise a travesty for troop morale.
joma5004 | Sep 23, 2011, 09:35 AM EDT
The true REPUKE all-inclusive "umbrella" in action!