Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

The Senator Doth Protest Too Much?

By now most of America knows that Republican Senator Larry Craig of Idaho (seen here singing show tunes (?) with Senator Trent Lott and former Attorney General John Ashcroft) claims to have "a very wide stance" when going to the restroom. What some of you might not know, however, is that Senator Craig also served in the U.S. military, was dismissed from that service, and came to be an outspoken opponent of allowing gays to serve openly. As reported this afternoon by blogger Mike Rogers on The Ed Schultz Program, there's a recent statement from Craig about his feelings on the matter. In what could be called another of Craig’s "he said/he said situations," the Senator corresponded with a constituent (and SLDN supporter) earlier this month about why he’d never support repealing "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." In the August 17 letter to his constituent, Craig wrote that, "The armed forces exist to wage war. It is unacceptable to risk the lives of American soldiers and sailors merely to accommodate the sexual lifestyles of certain individuals." He also noted that, "I don’t believe the military should be a place for social experimentation." (Such experimentation, apparently, should be left for airport restrooms.) Here’s the full text of the Senator’s Letter: Thank you for contacting me regarding the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, H.R.1246 I appreciate your letter and I apologize for the delay in my response. H.R.1246 is currently in the subcommittee on Military Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services. I am currently unaware of any similar legislation in the Senate regarding this issue. I am glad you shared your suggestions with me. As you know, the Department of Defense’s policy on this issue is commonly referred to as a ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ policy and would not allow for singling out homosexuals. In addition, I don’t believe the military should be a place for social experimentation. The sole mission of the armed forces is to defend the United States. Patriotism and the willingness to sacrifice on behalf of our country are character traits I wholeheartedly encourage and I believe every American should have the opportunity to engage in the service of our country in some capacity. However, the issue is not fairness, but military effectiveness. The armed forces exist to wage war. It is unacceptable to risk the lives of American soldiers and sailors merely to accommodate the sexual lifestyles of certain individuals. Again, thank you for contacting me. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, LARRY E. CRAIG United States Senator LECbss ___________________ Now, let’s get this (ahem) straight: Senator Craig would boot a lesbian or gay American from the military for simply being who they are (regardless of how stellar their record may be), but would continue his own service in the United States Senate after pleading guilty to lewd conduct that, in the armed forces, would likely result in a criminal charge? Apparently, Senator Craig isn’t too worried about asking the U.S. Senate to "accommodate the sexual lifestyles of certain individuals," but frowns on the idea of patriotic LGBT Americans reporting for duty and honorably serving our country. The Idaho Statesman reports this morning that, "Craig also provided the Statesman military records to respond to a rumor he left the Idaho National Guard because he was homosexual. Craig was honorably discharged in 1972, after 20 months of a six-year enlistment." Military records say that Craig was dismissed because of a "medical disqualification," . . . . but there’s no physician’s report on file, according to the Pentagon. The Senator insists he had ‘flat feet,’ (perfect, apparently, for sending covert signals to plain-clothes police officers) and couldn’t continue to serve. Well, perhaps. But regardless, as a veteran of the armed forces, Craig knows very well that there are lesbian and gay Americans who have served, and continue to serve, our nation well. They abide by the military’s rules of conduct and make our nation proud. Their presence is not a matter of ‘social experimentation,’ but of national security. And while not all their feet may be flat enough to squeeze into size 6 ruby slippers, they are brave enough to hit the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan and everywhere they are called. Those men and women – especially in light of this week’s revelations about Senator Craig’s extra-curricular activities – deserve better than to be the target of his tired and tedious rhetoric and rants. One thinks the Senator, perhaps, doth protest too much. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news

08-28-07