One Veteran’s Letter to General Pace
A statement from General Pace has been released by the Department of Defense. Check that out here. Below is a poignant letter one of SLDN's supporters sent along to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in response to his earlier comments about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."Dear Sir, I must say that I am deeply troubled by your recent comments to the Chicago Tribune regarding homosexual service members and your opposition to the repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell law. I am also disturbed by your statement that homosexuality is immoral. Sir, your statements only cement the institutionalized discrimination that the Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) law represents. Considering that fact that several high ranking officer's (including your predecessor) have voiced there support of repeal and that several recent reports show growing support from the general population and servicemembers that the DADT law needs to be repealed. It is time do end DADT and let all Americans serve their country regardless of their sexual orientation or what they do behind closed doors. In a time of national crisis, such as the one we are in now with the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on Terrorism the Department of Defense should be looking at ways to include all Americans who are willing to volunteer to be put in harms way. I do realize that the DOD is only upholding a law that was passed by Congress and signed by then President Clinton. However, Congressman Meehan of Massachusetts introduced HR 1059 - Military Readiness Act to change the law and to end the discrimination of servicemembers and potential servicemembers from being banned from service based solely on their sexual orientation. I am a veteran of the United States Army. I served with honor during Operations Desert Shield and Storm. I am the recipient of the Bronze Star for my service during that conflict. When I enlisted for military service near the end of my junior year of high school, I did so because of my sense of pride and duty to my country. Back then I was not concerned about whether I was gay or straight, I just knew I wanted to be a part of the military. I cherish my military history and I am a founding sponsor of the National Museum of the U.S. Army. I will always be an American Soldier! It is time to end this flawed policy and allow those who wish to serve in the military the opportunity to do so, regardless of their sexual orientation. Being gay never interfered with my ability to do my job. I would love to continue my service to my country, but only with integrity, honor and pride. I served my country with honor; I wish my country, in turn, would honor all of its service members -- gay and straight. Regards, William E. Smith US Army Veteran- Rebecca Sawyer
Labels: comments, in the news, Pace, your letters
03-13-07
7 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
OK, I’m back. I need to express an opinion. And hey, we all have one, right? The issue for ME is that, while General Pace and others in the public eye can certainly have an opinion, they need to realize the impact that theirs has on the public and potentially on policies and procedures. Even celebrities or sports figures, like Tim Hardaway, need to understand how influential their opinions are on their audiences when they express them publicly. Perhaps this is why they express them publicly… to further a personal or political agenda. And THAT is, for General Pace, why it is so disappointing that he chose to air his opinion publicly. Yes, he was asked. In his position, he should have deferred. As long as he is an active General in the U.S. military, his opinion is perceived as a policy driver. He shouldn’t get fired or resign. He just needs to have more discretion. - TTT
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Scully1013 on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
proud of you Bill ((hugs)) and grateful for your service and continued civil and civic service you engage in as a private citizen who works to help the world… <BR>—sawah
Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
William, Thank you for your service to this country on behalf of myself and my family (who are all Moral people). Thanks too for your letter. It is my opinion that, General Pace should not just apologize, he should resign. A hollow apology does not change the fact that he clearly does not have the professionalism to do the job. Bigotry and discrimination are not part of being a patriot or professional and do not represent the beliefs and values of the majority of this country. I am also very proud to call you my friend. You are in every way an honorable and MORAL person.
Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
Proud of you. - TTT
William Smith on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
To the anonymous comment giver - If you read my letter thoroughly you would know that I did not ask for General Pace to make an apology. I agree that as American’s we are free to express our opinions. However, when a person in a position such as General Pace makes comments such as he did, they are irresponsible and unconscionable. All Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be able to VOLUNTEER to serve in harms way to protect mine and your freedom to express our opinions. Just because someone happens to be homosexual does not make them any less American or less patriotic. Your mindless comments to my letter clearly demonstrate your ignorance on this subject and you blind following of a flawed policy that actively discriminates against Americans.
Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
Personal opinions expressed by citizens of the United States DON’T need apologies from their authors. Don’t like what moral people say about your repugnent lifestyle, DON’T LIVE IT. <BR><BR>If you want to live a lie, this is your problem and you must accept responsibility for it and not demand we the moral people of America accept your IMMORAL lifestyle.<BR><BR>Live a REAL life and be the man or woman you were born to be.
Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
Fantastic letter William.<BR>We have served well and should not be denied.