Definitely Not An Employer Of Choice

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."

How's It Lookin' All The Way Up There?

I stumbled upon this article this morning. I love looking over articles and pictures which reflect on Earth itself. Always rather humbling and awe-inspiring. You think we as "the human race" have come so far in some ways, but we're oh so backwards..

I'm always in awe of the beauty of this planet from space. The depictions in science fiction.. the depictions in science fact.. We think this planet is so huge in many ways, but in even more - its oh, so small. I remember the very first time I got to see live television footage of Earth from the International Space Station in HD. It was quite an emotional moment quickly subdued by the reality that we, the human race, don't always know how to take care of it and its inhabitants.

I'm no saint at fully appreciating and caring for the planet, who is these days. I'll confess that when I'm at my worst I've been guilty of littering. We're all individuals with working brains you know.. we're all capable of making our choices and taking control of our habits. And there are things I probably should be doing different anyway, like resume a persistent reminder about this "little thing" called littering..

I can't reflect on the article without interjecting some Star Trek references, too.. :) Some of the many lessons I've learned from it are about appreciating the Earth itself. About casting aside greed, petty differences and petty geographical borders and working towards improving the common good for all.. but I digress..

Two of their movies show the same appreciation for the planet that this article expresses. In Star Trek: The Motion Picture is a moment where Captain Kirk and company leave Earth's orbit and he asks for a rear view of their departure. Its a wonderful moment. Then there's Star Trek: First Contact, where the very first "warp drive" ship blasts off from Earth. The ship distances itself at the speed of light.. it pauses, turns around.. and peeks into the vastness of space in the direction of a rather ordinary-looking yet beautiful blue and white speck. The drive's inventor, piloting the ship, gasps: "its so SMALL."

How true.

Downright Silly!

This article clearly speaks for itself. Hip-swaying is grounds for termination if you're a cop in the Philippines. Downright silly if you ask me.

New Toy!

Those of you that know me well will probably be surprised to hear that I did not have a digital camera - until now. What a wonderful purchase, too. Here are a couple pictures that I've always wanted to be able to take.

Enjoy!

Taken from the parking structure right after work


Taken on the way to some shopping

Why Do (Some) Straights Hate Gay People?

I confess, clearly the novelty of having a blog has worn out a little. But at least it gave me an opportunity to express myself during a regrettable point in Wisconsin's recent history. (Did you do your part? Have you continued to do your part?)

Below is an excerpt from an op-ed that appeared in the L.A. Times. I agree with some of the points raised in this letter when it comes to SOME straight people. It would be most unfair to judge ALL the same. The letter expresses little hope - but even during these challenging times there is hope for us ALL: gay, straight, bi, trans, intersex, whichever you may be.

You see, we do have straight allies fighting alongside and leading us in our journey to equality. We need each other. If you think otherwise then perhaps you should look inward and re-evaluate your feelings and beliefs.

Yes: some straight allies have hidden agendas and aspirations. This affects the feelings some people may have of straight allies as a whole. I guess we need allies with hidden agendas too. Can't have progress without them as well, I suppose..

What do we do to you that is so awful? Why do you feel compelled to come after us with such frightful energy? Does this somehow make you feel safer and legitimate? What possible harm comes to you if we marry, or are taxed just like you, or are protected from assault by laws that say it is morally wrong to assault people out of hatred? The reasons always offered are religious ones, but certainly they are not based on the love all religions proclaim.