Religious freaks trying to censor West Point classes

[Grimmlok]

(AgapePress) - A conservative military watchdog says she intends to question West Point Military Academy officials about why a former cadet was given an award for a thesis objecting to the U.S. military's ban on homosexuals serving in the armed forces.

Second Lieutenant Alexander Raggio describes himself as the straightest guy imaginable; but in his senior thesis at West Point Academy, he argued that the military's policy banning homosexuals from service is not only wrong but harmful to America's armed services. For his controversial paper, the then-senior cadet received an award from the Academy's English Department.

This incident has led Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, to wonder what officials at the Academy were thinking. "I do intend to bring this to the attention of some of the people in the leadership roles at West Point," she says. "I think it ought to be questioned."

Donnelly says this is the first she has heard of Raggio's commendation from the English department, but news of the faculty's conferral of honor on a graduating cadet for his pro-homosexual thesis has given rise to some grave concerns. "Certainly," she asserts, "it does call into question the judgment of those who gave this award.”

Despite Raggio's personal beliefs, the Center's spokeswoman points out, the young officer is obligated to enforce U.S. military policy. "Congress says homosexuality is incompatible with military service -- that is the law," she notes. "So if, as an officer in the Army, this particular person was aware of homosexuality that was occurring within the unit that he commanded, he would be obligated to dismiss that person.”

Apparently, Donnelly says, when Raggio wrote his thesis, he was saying the ban on homosexuals serving in the military should be lifted. "That is a very unusual view," she asserts, "and he is certainly entitled to his opinion." However, the military readiness expert observes, studies have clearly shown that homosexuality and military service are not a good mix.

Raggio is entitled to his First Amendment rights of free speech and expression, Donnelly says. "However," she adds, "I question the judgment of the leadership at West Point, who would recognize such an essay and give it an award that can be used for a purpose contrary to military policy.”

Second-Lieutenant Raggio has said he plans to pursue a 20-year career in the military and believes there is no reason why homosexuals should not be allowed to serve. Although the West Point graduate is not the first in the armed services to voice opposition to the ban, his is believed to be the first instance in which military officials have acknowledged an objection to its long-established policy on homosexuals with an award.

[buttmunch]

Great. Someone with some sense writes something that makes sense and the rightwingers go nuts.

[Lobelia]

The ban should be lifted, but until then it's the law; apparently the guy didn't say that he was going to openly defy the law, but his professors think that he made a good case for removing it. It's exceedingly creepy to think that awards and recognition must go to those only with approved content.

Apparently, Donnelly says, when Raggio wrote his thesis, he was saying the ban on homosexuals serving in the military should be lifted. "That is a very unusual view," she asserts, "and he is certainly entitled to his opinion." However, the military readiness expert observes, studies have clearly shown that homosexuality and military service are not a good mix.

This is funny. She thinks that the cadet has a "very unsual view." Lady, it ain't that unusual.

And the part about homosexuality & the military not being a good mix? Well, when has it ever been openly combined? So far, it's just a bunch of hate mongering and sanctioned violence. So no, it's not a good mix currently because you've got people living in fear, and idiots harrassing & assaulting people.

I know for a fact that there were lesbians in a couple of the units I was in, and they were better soldiers than I. Of course, I was pretty much a Private Benjamin, but still.

[Grimmlok]

However, the military readiness expert observes, studies have clearly shown that homosexuality and military service are not a good mix.

That's fucking stupid, only the ignorance and retardation of the majority makes it not a good mix. It aint our fault.

[Laurent]

"I question the judgment of the leadership at West Point, who would recognize such an essay and give it an award that can be used for a purpose contrary to military policy.”

Good night, he was recognized by the English Department for a good English paper. That shouldn't be recognized as a quality paper because some bigot disagrees with its content?

What should be questioned is why the Center for Military Readiness employs such a hateful shrew as its president.

[Delphinium]

who is this woman? how does she play into west point in the first place? ATTENTION: PLEASE STOP WASTING MY TAX DOLLARS HUNTING DOWN AND DISCHARGES HOMOSEXUALS. PLEASE USE IT FOR SOMETHING IMPORTANT LIKE KILLING TERRORISTS.... THANK YOU.

[Lobelia]

What a sensible thing to say, Delphinium! *applauds*