rmy Approves Atheist Concert

Joe.My.God. reports:

With the Army’s approval, there will be an “atheist concert” at Fort Bragg. I have no idea what an atheist concert would be like.

“You know those goosebumps you get when your favorite song hits that sweet spot? I got those,” said Sgt. Justin Griffith, main organizer of the event and the military director of American Atheists, in an email. “I was overcome with joy and a sense of vindication.” The plan is to hold the event on March 31 at the main parade field at Fort Bragg, where the Christian-themed Rock the Fort concert was held. Famed atheist Richard Dawkins is scheduled to appear, along with musicians, speakers and other entertainment. “This just might be the turning point in our struggle for acceptance,” Griffith said. “I mean it. I get letters daily from service members asking for advice on how to `do something like what’s going on at Fort Bragg’.”

The concert is being staged partially in response to recent Christian rock concerts approved by the Army. 

President Obama Certifies DADT Repeal

Joe.My.God. reports:

President Obama today formally certified the repeal of DADT. Reactions below:

Task Force
“Today marks the final critical strike against ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ a policy whose demise can’t come fast enough. Eighteen years of witch hunts under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ have cost thousands of exemplary service members their careers, once again proving there are very personal and costly consequences of discrimination.”
Human Rights Campaign
There are many people who brought this historic day to fruition starting with the President’s tremendous leadership and the steadfast allies in Congress who refused to give in to the lies and fear mongering. Additionally we thank all of the brave men and women who have continued to wear the uniform under a policy that forced them to hide who they are. The end of that shameful time is thankfully near.’
People For The American Way 
“By repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Congress and the president have sent the powerful message to all young men and women growing up in the United States: if they are willing and able, their country will welcome their service and sacrifice. This repeal strengthens our military and strengthens the values at the foundation of our country. Gays and lesbians have always served honorably in our armed forces. Today’s decision means that they’ll finally be able to do so openly and honestly.”
Servicemembers United
“Today, gay and lesbian servicemembers can and will breath a huge sigh of relief. While we still must wait 60 days for this change to formally take effect and for the law to officially be off the books, this step is nothing short of historic,” said Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United and a former U.S. Army Human Intelligence Collector who was discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” “This is the final nail in the coffin for the discriminatory, outdated, and harmful ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law. All servicemembers, the U.S. military, and the nation will be better off as a result of this long overdue change in policy.”

Troops March In Gay Pride Parade In San Diego

The Huffington Post reports:

About 200 active-duty troops and veterans wearing T-shirts advertising their branch of service marched Saturday in San Diego’s gay pride parade with American flags and rainbow banners, marking what is believed to be the first time a military contingent has participated in such an event in the U.S.Many of the active-duty troops said they were moved to come out because it is time to end the military’s ban on openly gay troops. The march comes a day after a federal appeals court reinstated “don’t ask, don’t tell” but with a caveat that prevents the government from investigating or penalizing anyone who is openly gay.National Guard member Nichole Herrera, 31, said she didn’t think twice about marching, even though the policy is back on the books. She said she was “choked up” several times as she walked down a main thoroughfare in San Diego, a major Navy port.”This is one of the proudest days in my life. It’s time for it (the policy) to be gone,” Herrera said. “I’m a soldier no matter what, regardless of my sexual orientation.”The crowd roared as the group waving military flags and holding placards identifying their military branch walked past the thousands.Every branch of service was represented Saturday, including the Coast Guard. Marines and sailors ran out carrying their branch’s flags over their heads. One Marine stopped to pose with two towering bikini-clad blondes in stiletto-heeled boots.Onlookers stepped into the parade route to salute them. One man in a rainbow colored shirt waved his feather boa and yelled “Hooah!” the military battle cry.The national Servicemembers Legal Defense Network – representing gay and lesbian active-duty military personnel – informed organizer Sean Sala that they are warning members that it is still a risk to come out as long as “don’t ask, don’t tell” is on the books.Sala, a former Navy operations specialist, said it’s time for the gay and lesbian community to stop hiding in fear.”This is not in any way a violation of military policy and it’s time for the country to move on – plain and simple,” he said.Rolling slowly behind the 200 service members was a green half-ton military truck with the banner “Taking pride in our LGBT service men and women.” Speakers on the truck blasted out “Taps” and military fight songs.Miranda LeClair, 30, a former military police officer for the Navy, carried a sign that read: “Proudly served in silence for nine years.” She attended with her girlfriend, also a former member of the military police.”It’s been a long time coming,” said LeClair, who left the service in November. “This is really an emotional day for me.”LeClair said she was investigated under “don’t ask, don’t tell” in 2008 but her commanders decided not to pursue discharging her.Marine Corps officials said service members who are not in uniform are within their rights to participate in a gay pride parade.The policy has been on and off the books as the Obama administration works to end the law while at the same time fights a court battle because of a lawsuit by the gay rights organization, the Log Cabin Republicans, which sued the Justice Department to stop the policy’s enforcement immediately.The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a July 6 ruling on the lawsuit, ordered the 17-year policy be immediately halted.The Department of Justice filed an emergency motion Thursday asking the court to reconsider its order, saying ending the ban now would pre-empt the “orderly process” for rolling back the policy as outlined in the law passed and signed by the president in December.Late Friday the court temporarily reinstated it, while prohibiting any investigation, penalties or discharges under the rule. The Pentagon said the ban could be lifted within weeks.”I’m so happy I’m here and I’m able to come out and support not only myself but those who can’t be here today,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Derek Collins, who has served for 11 years.

BREAKING: Pentagon Orders Halt To DADT Dismissals, Welcomes Openly Gay Troops

Joe.My.God. reports:

Just in from the Army Times:
The Pentagon has ordered a halt to all separations of gay troops under “don’t ask, don’t tell” and will begin accepting applications from prospective recruits who identify themselves as homosexuals. The moratorium issued Friday came after a ruling Wednesday by a federal appeals court in California ordering the Defense Department to immediately stop enforcing the law. The court said the law is unconstitutional because it treats gay Americans differently under the law. Meanwhile, defense officials will continue to prepare for the law’s formal repeal, which Congress approved in December. The law will be formally repealed 60 days after the defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs “certify” that it will not adversely impact military readiness.

Church-State Groups Seek Equal Play For Atheist Concert At Fort Bragg

The Huffington Post reports:

Three church-state activist groups criticized the Army for allowing an evangelical concert at North Carolina’s Fort Bragg but not making similar provisions for a “Rock Beyond Belief” concert for nonbelievers.

The three groups — Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina — on Tuesday (July 5) complained to the Secretary of the Army about events that appear to give “selective benefits” to religious groups.
Fort Bragg hosted a Christian-themed “Rock the Fort” concert last September that was sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and was touted as “evangelistic in nature,” according to the three groups.
The groups alleged that Fort Bragg chaplains promoted the event, which received “$50,000 in financial support, and $30,000 in logistical and security support” from the Army. Such actions “cannot be squared with (Army) regulations, much less with the First Amendment,” the groups said.
The letter also complained that a recent attempt to hold an atheist-themed “Rock Beyond Belief” event at Fort Bragg was not granted the same venue or the same level of financial support.
Additionally, performers — who included atheist leaders such as Richard Dawkins — were also asked to provide “statements of intent.” The event was ultimately canceled after being “crippled … with last-minute restrictions” according to the concert website.
A news release from Americans United urged the Army to “refrain from supporting any event that promotes religion,” and to support the atheist event “to the extent that this can be done consistently with the Constitution.”
An Army spokesman said he would look into the groups’ letter but could not comment further.

Official DOD News On DADT

• The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously orderedthe end of the enforcement of DADT for military forces worldwide. The ruling overturns the stay of an earlier such order by a lower court. Chris Geidner reports at Metro Weekly:

1. The three-judge panel — Judges Alex Kozinski, Kim Wardlaw and Richard Paez — based the decision to lift the appellate court’s earlier stay of Phillips’s order pending the appeal of the LCR case is based, the judges write, because, “The circumstances and balance of hardships have changed, and appellants/cross-appellees can no longer satisfy the demanding standard for issuance of a stay.” Among the citations by the court is the July 1 filing in Karen Golinski’s federal case seeking health insurance benefits for her wife and the related Feb. 23 letter from Attorney General Eric Holder declaring that he and President Barack Obama had decided that heightened scrutiny applies to classifications — such as DADT. The judges also note that “the process of repealing Section 654 [— the DADT law —] is well underway, and the preponderance of the armed forces are expected to have been trained by mid-summer.”

• Servicemembers United react:

1. “With the wait for certification dragging out beyond a reasonable time frame, the Court has once again stepped in to require the Pentagon to stop enforcing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and this time it very well may be for good,” said Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United and the sole veteran plaintiff on the case. “I am proud to have worked personally worked with Log Cabin on this case for more than five years now and to have represented the gay military community as the sole named veteran on this lawsuit. Despite the criticisms and years of waiting, this case has yet again successfully eviscerated this outdated, harmful, and discriminatory law.”

Obama Appoints Out West Point Alum to Military Academy Board

The Advocate reports:

President Obama has nominated Brenda “Sue” Fulton to be  first openly gay member of the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Fulton, the executive director of the LGBT West Point alumni group, Knights Out, was a graduate of West Point’s first class to include female cadets. 

The board is made up of nine Congress members and six Presidential appointees. Its mission is to provide “independent advice and recommendations” on matters concerning the academy to the president. Former congressman Patrick Murphy, the sponsor of the bill to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell” was recently appointed to the board.

“I’m proud to have the opportunity to support the cadets who will lead our Army in the coming years,” Fulton said in a statement Tuesday. “And I’m pleased that the president is clearly setting the stage for a post–‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ military with appointments like this. Most important, I’m looking forward to supporting West Point as it continues to inspire, educate and train leaders of character, as it always has. It is my honor to continue to serve the Academy and the Army that I love.”

Fulton served as an Army captain and company commander after her 1980 graduation from the academy.

Former captain Mike Piro, who is also a West Point graduate, called Fulton a “remarkable leader who will contribute immensely to the board and to West Point.”

Two Gay Soldiers Hide Identities After Attacked in Possible Hate Crime

The Advocate reports:

Two Fort Carson soldiers who were beaten by a group of men in a possible hate crime are withholding their identities from the military because they are gay, according to KRDO in Denver.
The men had just left a club on Saturday night and were at a fast food restaurant with one of the go-go dancers, who is a friend of theirs, when a group of men began taunting them for being gay, the report said.
One of the victims, a tanker in the military, described being repeatedly kicked in the head and ribs, and he said his right eye had swollen closed. Another victim’s jaw had to be wired shut.
“I don’t need people higher up knowing,” one of the soldiers told KRDO about why he’s decided to keep his identity a secret. “I still have to protect myself as far as on the military side.”
The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is still in effect, with the Pentagon confirming that a total of four airmen have been discharged in the last several weeks. Although the policy’s repeal is expected to be certified in July or August, its impact on this case is obvious and detrimental, according to a group representing gay soldiers.
“We’re concerned that these soldiers may not get the support they need because of the ongoing impact of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’” said “JD Smith,” OutServe’s co-director, who also hides his identity because of the policy. “Will they be investigated for reporting the crime? Or for seeking medical help? These soldiers will have to literally lie at work to hide what’s occurred to them.”

CALIFORNIA: Three Marines Face Charges In Alleged Marriage Scam

Joe.My.God. reports:

Three Marine corporals stationed at Camp Pendleton are facing charges over allegedly sham marriages created in part, those charged say, to evade the restrictions of DOMA.

The scam was hatched when a lesbian couple, one a Marine and the other a civilian, decided to live together off base, according to 1st Lt. Maureen Dooley, a Marine spokeswoman at Camp Pendleton. The female Marine found a male Marine willing to get married, allowing them to collect a $1,200 housing benefit, Dooley said. The civilian woman also eventually married a male Marine and collected government funds, according to officials.

The corporals, assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Camp Pendleton, will face fraud and larceny charges, Dooley said, adding that other charges could come later. It was not clear whether the civilian woman would face charges, but the military would not have jurisdiction in such a case, Dooley said. “It doesn’t matter what their sexual preferences are, if they’re violating the law and making fraudulent use of government money, they will be held accountable,” Dooley said. In addition to the charges, the three Marines could have to pay back $75,000 to the military.

The female Marine, Cpl. Ashley Vice, told San Diego’s KGTV-TV Friday that she and her partner, Jaime Murphy, were forced to enter sham marriages because the military does not provide allowances for unmarried couples and they couldn’t afford to live off base without the extra money. She and her partner only wanted to “be a family,” Vice said.

Only legally married military couples are eligible for the housing allowance. Thanks to DOMA, that will not change even with the repeal of DADT. The three Marines face a year in jail.

MINNESOTA: Parents Of Killed Gay Soldier Fight Proposed Marriage Ban

MSNBC On Reversal Of Navy Policy

Photo Of The Week: Seal Member

A Seal member preparing to capture top insurgents in 2007 near Fallujah, Iraq. Members of Team 6 are the elite of the elite.

President Obama: Osama Bin Laden Is Dead

Almost a decade after the 9/11 attacks in New York City, Osama is found and killed. That’s obviously great news, but I’m afraid that the Al Qaeda case is quite similar to the Mexican Drug Cartels’ cases: Not just because you caught the leader, it means that the organization is dead. So I hope the NATO forces are working on a developing plan post-Osama Bin Laden.

Marines Train For Open Gays

Religion poisons everything, I tell ya.