The newly-minted Commandant of the U.S. Marines, General James Amos, who provided the final fuel to GOP efforts to scuttle the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal bill allowing gay men and lesbians to serve openly, has gotten in line and moved past, it seems, at least for now, his previous insubordinate statements. You’ll remember Amos, stating that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal would cost lives and limbs, said,
“When your life hangs on a line, on the intuitive behavior of the young man … who sits to your right and your left, you don’t want anything distracting you.”
“I don’t want to lose any Marines to distraction. I don’t want to have any Marines that I’m visiting at Bethesda with no legs.”
“Mistakes and inattention or distractions cost Marines’ lives. That’s the currency of this fight.â€
Well, Amos came out yesterday, the day after the Senate voted to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” with this statement:
“I, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps [Carlton Kent], will personally lead this effort, thus ensuring the respect and dignity due all Marines,†Amos said. “On this matter, we look forward to further demonstrating to the American people the discipline and loyalty that have been the hallmark of the United States Marine Corps for over 235 years.”
We’ll all be watching, General.
(H/T to Towleroad)
The New Civil Rights Movement
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