Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Every time I send an email to my Congressman, Wally Herger, I receive the same message which is very outdated. And when I try to challenge him to stand up for what the people think is right I get the same response.

As you know, Representative Ellen Tauscher (CA-10) recently introduced H.R. 1283, the “Military Readiness Act of 2009,” and it currently has 137 cosponsors.  The measure would repeal the current Department of Defense (DOD) “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy concerning homosexuality in the armed forces.  It would allow homosexual individuals to openly serve in the military, and would authorize individuals previously disqualified from service because of homosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexual conduct to rejoin the military.  The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services for further review and consideration.

        I believe that our nation’s military should consist of men and women who voluntarily choose to defend our ideals and protect our citizens.  And there is no doubt that the United States is home to many patriotic, civic-minded people who practice a homosexual lifestyle.  I can certainly understand their desire to serve in the armed forces.  At the same time, it is critical that service members train and serve in an environment that fosters morale and minimizes distractions.  A large number of servicemen and women would find it extremely uncomfortable to live and serve in close quarters with openly homosexual individuals.  Because military service often equates to minimal privacy, including group showers, allowing openly homosexual individuals to serve could become an ongoing source of concern by many service men and women.

        Although I am sympathetic with the many challenges and difficulties faced by homosexuals, I do not believe it is incumbent on the federal government to attempt to normalize

that sexual preference.  Further, because there could be widespread concern among servicemen and women about having to serve alongside someone who has a lifestyle that makes them uncomfortable, I believe that open homosexuality in the military could degrade morale and inevitably fracture unit cohesion.  As such, I would respectfully oppose legislation similar to H.R. 1283 should it come to a vote in the House.

        Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.  Please don’t hesitate to do so in the future regarding this or any other federal issue important to you.  In addition, I would like to invite you to visit my web site at http://www.house.gov/herger where you can find additional information on my position on a variety of issues and sign up for occasional e-mail updates on the federal issues important to you.

Gawd, I’m gonna have to hire round the clock look outs to find McNerney.  And the next person on the food chain Gary Prost, (?) is becoming just as difficult to contact.  Might we opt for civil disobediance?  Not that the local Stonewall Dems. chapter is much help either.