DADT Would Like to Share this Article With You! Stay tuned for a "Didn't Ask, Didn't Tell" Blog post coming soon.....
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Republican amendment unlikely to delay DADT repeal - News - Stripes
Republican amendment unlikely to delay DADT repeal - News - Stripes
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
President Obama Should Head Home! NOW!!!
I support President Obama in everything he does; he is my Commander In Chief!
However, I really believe he should end his trip to Europe and head home immediately. There is nothing like the leader being absent during a natural catastrophe. Remember Katrina? Remember how people reacted to the time it took President Bush to get to new Orleans? Will President Obama receive that same criticism?
Perhaps I missed it but I haven't seen anyone from the white house senior leadership in Joplin since the storms hit. I did see where the FEMA representative went to Joplin (as a representative for the President); however, that's simply not the same. Its a bit distasteful for the news and other media outlets to show President Obama toasting to his Irish roots when the death toll continues to rise in Joplin.
Subsequently, I believe President Obama should get on Air Force One and head directly to the nearest flight line where he can land closest to Joplin.
However, I really believe he should end his trip to Europe and head home immediately. There is nothing like the leader being absent during a natural catastrophe. Remember Katrina? Remember how people reacted to the time it took President Bush to get to new Orleans? Will President Obama receive that same criticism?
Perhaps I missed it but I haven't seen anyone from the white house senior leadership in Joplin since the storms hit. I did see where the FEMA representative went to Joplin (as a representative for the President); however, that's simply not the same. Its a bit distasteful for the news and other media outlets to show President Obama toasting to his Irish roots when the death toll continues to rise in Joplin.
Subsequently, I believe President Obama should get on Air Force One and head directly to the nearest flight line where he can land closest to Joplin.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Sexual Abuse, Homosexuality, And The Black Community
This past week Don Lemon effectively "outed" himself on national television.
I just watched his interview with Dr. Drew on HLN, and Mr. Lemon discussed his childhood and the sexual abuse he experienced growing up. While I was disappointed to hear Mr. Lemon say his book is actually NOT about his coming out, but more about his journey to "success," I applaud him, nonetheless. The fact that he's playing a key role in starting the discussion about such controversial topics is what is relative at this juncture.
Interestingly, I just finished reviewing/editing the first two chapters of my book, Didn't Ask, Didn't Tell™ (©2010) which is my memoir and I discuss the many instances of DADT that occurred throughout my life to include serving the military in the "closet."
What I found particularly interesting while watching HLN this evening was the discussion between Mr. Lemon and Dr. Drew concerning the Black community and the discussion (or lack thereof) of homosexuality and sexual abuse. I too, am a victim of sexual abuse and I, sadly, have to concur with Mr. Lemon. The Black community does not openly discuss either sexual abuse or homosexuality in a healthy manner. Though there is much blame and finger-pointing, the environment for healthy and open debate is, in my opinion, nonexistent.
I actually discuss sexual abuse and my horrifying experience in my upcoming novel. I reflect on the fact that I now think my failure to deal with my sexual abuse has impacted me mentally, physically, and spiritually, over the past several years. The sad thing is the Black community (speaking in very general terms) often relates homosexuality and sexual abuse, suggesting the former is caused by the latter. The Black community is doing itself a great dis-service.
Though two very different topics, sexual abuse and homosexuality are often inter-related, especially when people are trying to find "blame" for one's sexual preference. However, as Mr. Lemon has mentioned in his TV interviews recently, the two topics are not related for some homosexuals. I'm not a professional and I dare not attempt to suggest whether there is a correlation between the two.
What I will do, however, is challenge the Black community to begin to have an open dialogue about sexual abuse and homosexuality. This discussion (not debate) should take place in the community, churches, and other professional organizations.
As I tweeted a few days ago, I applaud Don Lemon for "outing" himself in such an open forum. He has opened the door for discussion and truth.
I just watched his interview with Dr. Drew on HLN, and Mr. Lemon discussed his childhood and the sexual abuse he experienced growing up. While I was disappointed to hear Mr. Lemon say his book is actually NOT about his coming out, but more about his journey to "success," I applaud him, nonetheless. The fact that he's playing a key role in starting the discussion about such controversial topics is what is relative at this juncture.
Interestingly, I just finished reviewing/editing the first two chapters of my book, Didn't Ask, Didn't Tell™ (©2010) which is my memoir and I discuss the many instances of DADT that occurred throughout my life to include serving the military in the "closet."
What I found particularly interesting while watching HLN this evening was the discussion between Mr. Lemon and Dr. Drew concerning the Black community and the discussion (or lack thereof) of homosexuality and sexual abuse. I too, am a victim of sexual abuse and I, sadly, have to concur with Mr. Lemon. The Black community does not openly discuss either sexual abuse or homosexuality in a healthy manner. Though there is much blame and finger-pointing, the environment for healthy and open debate is, in my opinion, nonexistent.
I actually discuss sexual abuse and my horrifying experience in my upcoming novel. I reflect on the fact that I now think my failure to deal with my sexual abuse has impacted me mentally, physically, and spiritually, over the past several years. The sad thing is the Black community (speaking in very general terms) often relates homosexuality and sexual abuse, suggesting the former is caused by the latter. The Black community is doing itself a great dis-service.
Though two very different topics, sexual abuse and homosexuality are often inter-related, especially when people are trying to find "blame" for one's sexual preference. However, as Mr. Lemon has mentioned in his TV interviews recently, the two topics are not related for some homosexuals. I'm not a professional and I dare not attempt to suggest whether there is a correlation between the two.
What I will do, however, is challenge the Black community to begin to have an open dialogue about sexual abuse and homosexuality. This discussion (not debate) should take place in the community, churches, and other professional organizations.
As I tweeted a few days ago, I applaud Don Lemon for "outing" himself in such an open forum. He has opened the door for discussion and truth.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama Bin Laden's Capture and Killing...
My thoughts on the capture of OBL...
It actually disappointmented me to see people cheering in the streets of DC last night. I felt a bit numb about the situation, I guess. From a strategic perspective, it doesn't, in my opinion, deter, reduce, or prevent terrorism. In fact, I think it exacerbates the tension right now. Rest assured that over the last 10 years, at least 100 OBL's have been nurtured.
Though it may seem a victory in some people's eyes, its actually very serious for military personnel. Our force protection level was raised around the world at all military bases yesterday morning. I had no idea why but wondered. Of course, nothing I could share with any of my civilian friends or family at the time. His death probably comforts people who experienced personal loss on 9/11; however, it provides an opportunity for terrorist groups to begin plans for retaliation. I, unfortunately, think that's inevitable. I hope I'm wrong.
I think its a time for prayer, not celebration.
Blessings,
DADT Novel
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