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1

I could almost cry from wanting to be able to hear things like this for the past six years. See, there IS a difference with the Democrats. The Bush Administration is actively and deliberately destroying the United States, and someone needs to call them on it. God bless you, Mr. Ackerman. And Condi? SUCK IT.

Posted by Fnarf | February 9, 2007 9:48 AM
2

These gay Arabic and Farsi speakers? Who are they, exactly? Very, very few people in the USA speak these languages. Most that do were raised in families that spoke the language—recent immigrants— or they came as immigrants from Iran or the Arab Middle East.

In other words, they quite likely are among the people *most* happy to be living here, rather than where they came from. And we kicked them out of their jobs?

Let’s be honest, people: for real national security—not the imperialistic adventures of Bush & Co, but largely as a result of that shit—what we really and truly need are Arabic and Farsi speakers. We do not need talented CEOs, skillful politicians, talented actors, smart generals, or skilled diplomats.

All that would be great, but what we really need are fucking Arabic and Farsi speakers.

Posted by BB | February 9, 2007 10:12 AM
3

Exposing the hypocracy of the Right, will it ever get old?
I went through a lot of personal reflection when I was trying to decide whether or not to serve in the army. Do I want to hide who I am and not have a stable relationship for 5+ years, or do I risk getting exposed and discharged dishonorably? Or do I not join the military at all?
I chose the third.

Posted by Enigma | February 9, 2007 10:31 AM
4

BB - the Defense Language Institue in Monterey California specifically focuses on foreign language studies for the military. And it has very competitive admission standards. Only the best of the best go there. So yes, there are many Arabic and Farsi translators in this country.

Posted by rubyred | February 9, 2007 10:35 AM
5

I don't see why gay men or lesbians would join the military in the first place.

Yes, people need job training and an escape from small towns, but is it worth it?

Why would you want to serve a right-wing kakistocracy like the US that hates you and condemns you?

Posted by Original Andrew | February 9, 2007 11:03 AM
6

@4: And you would think that given the current needs for translators, we wouldn't let ANY of those qualified folks go to waste. But apparently toeing the bullshit pandering socio-religious line is more important than actually working to restore and improve our image in the Middle East.

Posted by laterite | February 9, 2007 11:31 AM
7

OGA - a lot of people love their country enough to want to serve in the military and therefore serve their country. It is unfortunate that we have the administration we do, but it too will pass. People join the military for many different reasons, not always economic. Remember, they want to serve their country, not necessarily the president specifically. I am against the war, but am grateful there are people volunteering to protect my rights.

I've often thought a required military service for all Americans for 2 years after high school would do a lot of good towards making people take responsibility for their country and give everyone an equal base of education. Not a popular idea, I'm sure, but you know what they say - freedom isn't free.

Posted by rubyred | February 9, 2007 11:46 AM
8

Gay people are scary! If you let them in the military, they'll rub their gay all over the nice straight boys and girls, and the next thing you know, they'll be prancing down Broadway in glitter platforms and a lime-green thong!

(Sarcasm intended, and anyone who doesn't think the military has been full of gay and lesbian folks from the very beginning is a moron.)

Posted by Geni | February 9, 2007 1:43 PM
9

@7
compulsory military service only serves to make societies more militaristic, not less. We're about 3 weeks out from attacking Iran, if Bushie had a steady supply of fresh troops he'd probably be encouraged to start a full out land war in Asia (have you ever played Risk?).

Look at Israel, Macedonia, etc. that do have compulsory military service. You can have public service that doesn't involve teaching people a myriad of ways to kill others, because what kind of service are we promoting there?

Freedom isn't free, but can we stop acting like it has anything to do with guns? Real freedom requires serious civic engagement, and if you haven't noticed our imperialistic forays haven't done anything to improve or create public discourse here or abroad.

Posted by fred | February 9, 2007 8:22 PM

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