The American Family Association of PA, run by Diane Gramley is at it again, this time attacking the first Iraq war veteran elected to the US Congress, Patrick Murphy. Murphy is the sponsor of legislation to overturn the military’s practice called Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). The legislation was originally meant to be a compromise between President Clinton and Congress, when he totally botched an attempt to repeal the military’s ban on allowing gay and lesbians to serve openly in the military. Theoretically, the plan looked feasible- men and women could serve without fear of witch hunts and court martial by not telling, and no one would ask. In other words, a commander might know that there is a gay or lesbian serving, but he, the commander doesn’t ask, and the serving officer doesn’t tell, and everything goes on just fine. That isn’t how the law has played out and as a result an alarming number of women and men have been removed from the military, including a high percentage of those with specific skills needed in our current military endeavors like the war in Iraq.

I know Gramely best for the AFAPA newsletter I receive which is always filled with stuff that range from misinformation to lies- anything that she feels will advance her personal war on gay and lesbian people. She has a tendency to state things as fact that are really just one person’s opinion, and often that opinion is based on nothing more than homophobia. Onenewsnow labels her as “pro-family” which may be true, but a more accurate label is anti-gay.

It is no surprise this story appears on onenesnow, and contains the same type of stuff from the newsletter. The article says:

Gramley admits she sent a letter to Murphy, pointing out the national security risks of changing the policy. “It’s a national defense issue, and we mentioned that in the letter. Because if you get homosexuals in the military, you are then putting additional pressure upon our troops because they’re being housed in very intimate situations with individuals who are sexually attracted to them,” she adds.

But who better than a veteran to know how much of an additional pressure that might be? Murphy has direct experience with it, yet Gramely is certain that she knows more than he? Gramely says:

she cannot understand why Congressman Murphy has ignored a letter sent to President Obama and every member of Congress from a group of more than 1,000 retired flag officers who support the 1993 law.

Most likely he didn’t ignore it, but recognizes that there are differing opinions on the issue. And rather than consider the opinion of 1000 retired guys the final word on the issue, it is important to examine the facts and make choices for the security of our country based upon facts and not irresponsible bull shit.

Many national militaries around the world allow gay and lesbians to serve openly, and yet the problems Gramely argues about, do not exist. Gays and lesbians already serve, and do so with honor, professionalism and courage. The first soldier wounded in Iraq is a gay man, and a long list of highly qualified and needed individuals can be made to demonstrate how this policy has harmed our ability to have a strong and successful military force.

It isn’t hard to find current news stories that address this issue. The easy ones to cite are those of courageous men and women like Dan Choi. But an other more morbid story is worth pointing out. A gay sailor, August Provost, was recently murdered and over the last few days his killer has committed suicide. His sexual orientation was known, yet, according to the military played no part in what happened. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and found himself in the way of a guy on a crime spree. Gay men and women , today, serve and serve our country well.

The military needs people. If she is so adamant about keeping gays out, I’d like to suggest that Gramely enlist, and then let’s talk.