Republicans challenge military march in gay parade

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Republicans challenge military march in gay parade
Donna Cassata, Associated Press, Washington | World | Wed, July 25 2012, 10:32 AM

Congressional Republicans challenged Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Tuesday to explain why the Defense Department allowed active-duty troops to wear their uniforms while marching in San Diego's gay pride parade last weekend.

In a letter to Panetta, Sen. Jim Inhofe said department rules bar service members from participating in political activities while in uniform and pressed Panetta on why a waiver was granted, who requested it and why it was considered over others.

Inhofe, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, also pointed out that administrative action has been taken against service members who have violated the rule.

"If the Navy can punish a chaplain for participating in a pro-life event or a Marine participating in a political rally, it stands to reason that the Defense Department should maintain the same standard and preclude service members in uniform from marching in a gay pride parade," Inhofe wrote.


Read more: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/07/25/republicans-challenge-military-march-gay-parade.html

[RKP5637]

1. I can see why this could be a valid concern. n/t

[jberryhill]

2. It's not a political event

Would the same be said of a St. Patrick's day parade?

[RKP5637]

3. I wouldn't think of it as a political event.

[jberryhill]

6. Well, let's not worry about offending the stupid

[RKP5637]

8. It does get really really stupid, doesn't it. It's always a claw here or

there, always something to tear at the fiber of what is good for others and definitely fair. We had a Phelps Family protest near here recently. What a bunch of ugly hateful people, first time I had ever seen them up close. Really gross people.

[NYC_SKP]

4. +1 (nt)

[msongs]

5. gee they march in st patricks day parades, and thanksgiving parades, and all our wars were political

[snooper2]

7. This is why I was never against waterboarding

[DRoseDARs]

9. Just once, I wish one of these top officials would publically say, "Because 'Fuck you' that's why."

Seriously, Sen. Inhofe, fuck you.