The Hill reports that the Armed Services committees have agreed to a “pared down” National Defense Authorization Act. The bill passed on Wednesday was “devoid” of controversial measures, including
The Burris Amendment would have permitted abortions Read more
Chuck Colson recently wrote Playing the Hate Card, in which he made a quick reference to a point often made here:
Foremost on my list [of things to be thankful for] was the freedom we as Americans still enjoy to practice our religion. This includes the right to promote laws and leaders who uphold our values. (emphasis added)
Again, Christians are not obligated to allow those whose values are in opposition to their own to prevail simply because Christians have a religious foundation. Even in a secular society, every citizen acts from their own moral foundation in their attempts to influence the social morality by promoting their own beliefs in the governance of society. The fact that one person’s foundation may be “religious” and another’s “religious” in another form does not negate the value of the position itself.
Colson was speaking in reference to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Read more
Gays have been in the military since the beginning of armed conflict, and allowing them to admit that fact does not change the fact that they take the same risk as straight service members and are due the same respect.
Quotes like these are increasingly common — even from Christians — and demonstrate ignorance of the point of those who have opposed repeal of the law banning homosexuals from serving.
The fact that homosexuals have served within the military, in violation of the law, does not nullify the validity of the law (anymore than violation of any other law does so).
Risk, sacrifice, etc, are all irrelevant. There is no Read more
The Associated Press reported that a conference on the role of spirituality in the armed forces occurred at the University of California in Berkeley.
Dr. Pauletta Otis, a professor of security studies at the Marine Command and Staff College, reportedly said there was good reason for “secrecy” regarding individual religious beliefs within the military, and the military should maintain a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on religion: Read more
Former Army Lt Dan Choi announced in the Huffington Post that he intended to rejoin the military service now that DADT has been repealed. Homosexuality aside, Choi may have other issues to overcome before the military will let him in.
Choi, originally promoted to “Mr.” below-the-zone for being homosexual, reportedly admitted to being “involuntarily committed” to a psychiatric ward due to Read more
Commandant of the Marine Corps and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General James Amos has been widely reported to have said the repeal of DADT would cause “distractions” that could “cost Marine lives.”
Amos was widely criticized, with some even calling for his resignation for being “out of step with his own bosses.” Apparently critics failed to realize its the responsibility of the Chiefs of Staff to provide such advice to the President. It is not their job to be “yes men.” Interestingly, there was speculation Amos had been chosen by Obama for both his pensive reservation and for his views on DADT (both of which seem to have been proven contrary to perception).
Still, Amos specifically said civilian leadership of the military in the US would be respected.
This weekend, Congress voted to repeal the law banning homosexuals from serving in the military.
The prior article on Casting Crowns noted they gave a concert at an “undisclosed location” to US troops. A CNN article indicates they did a “three-night swing through Kuwait and Qatar.”
The linked video at American Forces Network indicated the group played to US Army Soldiers as part of their Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program.
Also of note: Read more
The following is a variation on oft-cited stories about the politically correct responses to the “holiday season” in the military.
December 1st
TO: ALL SQUADRON MEMBERS
I’m happy to inform you that the Squadron Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd at Luigi’s Open Pit Barbecue. There will be lots of spiked eggnog and a small band playing traditional carols…feel free to sing along. And don’t be surprised if our Commander shows up dressed as Santa Claus to light the Christmas tree! Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Patty Lewis, Captain, USAF
Executive Officer========================================
December 2nd
TO: ALL SQUADRON MEMBERS
In no way was yesterday’s memo intended to exclude Read more