Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Stumbling for Words

[photo by Judy G. Rolfe for SLDN.] I'm not really sure what to say, and for the first time I stumble for words caught between feelings. I can not deny the fact that Gen. Peter Pace has spent an impressive 40 years in the military and has no doubt served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He has followed, led, and impacted troops in ways that have hopefully helped to shape their careers and their lives. However Mr. Pace has also shown another side of himself when he made those gay-bashing remarks earlier this year in March. Remarks that were directed at an estimated 65,000+ gay and lesbian service members who are currently serving in silence. The character flaw here is not his own views or opinions, but rather his lack of leadership in expressing those views in the public eye while in uniform. And this leads me to believe that there were other motives in the decision not to have him back. As a leader he should have supported ALL of those who currently support him. I can only hope that he learns something from this. That he roots out his own bias. I honestly wish him luck in his future endeavors in hopes that he will make something positive from the negative. - Former Navy Petty Officer Second Class Jason Knight

Labels: in the news, jason knight, Pace

-----

06-08-07