The military is getting so desparate for recruiting these days. Last night Steve and I went to the movies to see Spiderman 3. We're watching the pre-show commercials when one from the marines blasts on the screen. And then in my email this morning, I see a PFLAG alert containing an article about gay linguists getting let go from the military. I've heard of this before, so its nothing new to me.
I have strong feelings about the military in general. That's besides the point. But when I saw the recruitment commercial last night, I was reminded of a show I once saw on HD on gaming. It included what the armed forces, both in the U.S. and the Middle East, have been doing to recruit teens. I digress.
So on the one hand, the U.S. military needs qualified people to translate Arabic during this time of armed conflict. On the other hand, they're letting go of translators just because of their sexual orientation. Although this is a time of petty war, the armed forces need qualified translators.
But these desparate military employers are disposing of that which they need. I just love watching pure ignorance in action. Love how some striving to be employers of choice stupidly believe that sexual orientation directly impacts qualification of employment.
Rep. Marty Meehan, who has sought a repeal, organized the letter (wanting an explanation why specialists are being let go) to Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., asking the (House Armed Services) committee hold a hearing about the Arabic linguists.
"At a time when our military is stretched to the limit and our cultural knowledge of the Middle East is dangerously deficient, I just can't believe that kicking out able, competent Arabic linguists is making our country any safer," Meehan said.
The letter, signed by about 40 House members, says that the military has discharged 58 Arabic linguists under the policy and that Congress should decide whether "don't ask, don't tell" "is serving the nation well."
