Mullen said:There are some for whom this debate is all about gray areas. There is no gray area here. We treat each other with respect, or we find another place to work. Period. That’s why I also believe leadership will prove vital.
In fact, leadership matters most. The large majority of troops who believe they have served in a unit with gays and lesbians rate that unit’s performance high across virtually all dimensions, but highest in those units that are well-led. Indeed, the practical differences between units in which there were troops believed to be gay or lesbian and those in which no one was believed to be so, completely disappeared in effectively-led commands.
My belief is, if and when the law changes, our people will lead that change in a manner consistent with the oath they took. As one Marine officer put it, “If that’s what the president orders, I can tell you by God we’re going to excel above and beyond the other services to make it happen.”
And frankly, that’s why I believe that in the long run, repeal of this law makes us a stronger military and improves readiness. It will make us more representative of the country we serve. It will restore to the institution the energy it must now expend in pursuing those who violate the policy. And it will better align those organizational values we claim with those we practice.
As I said back in February, this is about integrity. Our people sacrifice a lot for their country, including their lives. None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well.
It is true there are no – is no Constitutional right to serve in the armed forces. But the military serves all the people of this country, no matter who they are or what they believe. And every one of those people, should they be fit and able, ought to be given the opportunity to defend it.
One final word. And with all due respect, Mr. Chairman and Senator McCain, it is true that, as Chairman, I am not in charge of troops. But I have commanded three ships, a carrier battle group and two fleets. And I was most recently a Service Chief myself. For more than 40 years I have made decisions that affected and even risked the lives of young men and women.
You do not have to agree with me on this issue. But don’t think for one moment that I haven’t carefully considered the impact of the advice I give on those who will have to live with the decisions that that advice informs. I would not recommend repeal of this law if I did not believe in my soul that it was the right thing to do for our military, for our nation and for our collective honor. Thank you.
They have, McCain. 92% of them said they didn't care. Your the one trying to subvert their choice, not the people asking to repeal DADT."We send these young people into combat," said McCain. "We think they're mature enough to fight and die. I think they're mature enough to make a judgment on who they want to serve with and the impact on their battle effectiveness."
You have the quote wrong.From the article...
They have, McCain. 92% of them said they didn't care. Your the one trying to subvert their choice, not the people asking to repeal DADT."We send these young people into combat," said McCain. "We think they're mature enough to fight and die. I think they're mature enough to make a judgment on who they want to serve with and the impact on their battle effectiveness."
(note that they only "think" it will hurt their ability to fight)Nearly 60 percent of those in Marine Corps and Army combat units, such as infantry and special operations, said in the survey they thought repealing the law would hurt their units' ability to fight.
Spot on for McCain.Honestly, he's just the guy in the corner who will never change his mind on the subject due to his own biases. I think Mullen said it best when he stated that the troops will do what they are told because that is how the military operates.
92% of the 28% of the military that turned in a completed survey. It's also worth noting that out of 103 questions on that survey, not one actually bothered to ask directly about repealing DADT. This is just politicians on both sides using the military to promote agenda, while nearly completely ignoring the very people it will impact.From the article...
They have, McCain. 92% of them said they didn't care. Your the one trying to subvert their choice, not the people asking to repeal DADT."We send these young people into combat," said McCain. "We think they're mature enough to fight and die. I think they're mature enough to make a judgment on who they want to serve with and the impact on their battle effectiveness."
92% of the 28% of the military that turned in a completed survey. It's also worth noting that out of 103 questions on that survey, not one actually bothered to ask directly about repealing DADT. This is just politicians on both sides using the military to promote agenda, while nearly completely ignoring the very people it will impact.[/QUOTE]From the article...
They have, McCain. 92% of them said they didn't care. Your the one trying to subvert their choice, not the people asking to repeal DADT."We send these young people into combat," said McCain. "We think they're mature enough to fight and die. I think they're mature enough to make a judgment on who they want to serve with and the impact on their battle effectiveness."
"2010 DoD Comprehensive Review Survey of Uniformed Active ...", p.17/32, from 2010 DoD Comprehensive Review Survey of Uniformed Active Duty and Reserve Service Members
A significant difference is a significant difference. If you think that there is some selection bias such as those who oppose the repeal of DADT are those who are unable or unwilling to fill out a survey then that would be a reason to disregard the findings but 1 out of 4 people is actually an amazing return on the survey and provides a significant degree of statistical proof.92% of the 28% of the military that turned in a completed survey.
It also doesn't directly ask if military members enjoy getting shot at or not. It also doesn't ask them whether schools should only teach evolution or whether they should teach the controversy.It's also worth noting that out of 103 questions on that survey, not one actually bothered to ask directly about repealing DADT.
No it's the republicans being blinded by their own bias and their need to deny Democrats any sort of victory.This is just politicians on both sides using the military to promote agenda, while nearly completely ignoring the very people it will impact.
I think it is more simple (in my mind) than that. The republican doesn't want to be be "blamed" for the "fall" of their society. They don't want to recognize that same sex should have same rights (again that is what I think they are doing) and trying to stall as long as possible. It is interesting that U.S. promotes "free speech and rights of the people" but can't give the same rights if they are different sexual orientation. (well... more like same benefits really) well...... I'll get off my soap box now.No it's the republicans being blinded by their own bias and their need to deny Democrats any sort of victory.
Really REALLY strong. I know the U.S. are suppose to be "Freedom of religion" but majority of the religion "believes" that homosexuality is bad. Why do I think this? Look at the major turn out for a simple recognition of same sex marriage. The "popular" vote of many states support anti-same sex marriage. To me, that is wrong, but alas, we are a minority. Maybe in another generation or two, such ideas will be accepted.I think Chibi has it there. If they vote for the removal of DADT, they are promoting to the social conservatives they are willing to bend on those issues. The Religious right is an awful strong force for the Republicans.