(Update)The Queer State of The Entity Charged With Fighting for Our Freedom
(posted by Mona)
Army Sergeant Darren Manzella is a menace to the armed forces of the United States, as he recently made clear on 60 Minutes. Ok, yes, he:
. . .was twice deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While under fire on the streets of Baghdad, he provided medical care to his fellow soldiers, Iraqi National Guardsmen and civilians. He was awarded the Combat Medical Badge, and also received several other awards recognizing his courage and service.
But you see, he is openly gay, and thus it only reasonably follows that he has been discharged from the Army. Oh, sure:
Sergeant Manzella said, “My sexual orientation certainly didn’t make a difference when I treated injuries and saved lives in the streets of Baghdad. It shouldn’t be a factor in allowing me to continue to serve.”
Manzella, 30, enlisted in the UP.SO. Army in 2002 and was twice deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While under fire on the streets of Baghdad, he provided medical care to his fellow soldiers, Iraqi National Guardsmen and civilians. He was awarded the Combat Medical Badge, and also received several other awards recognizing his courage and service.
We shouldn’t have any troops in Iraq, including Sgt. Manzella. But for those who disagree, conservative James Joyner at least has the sense to observe that with recruiting and retention numbers not being sufficient to the war:
One highly qualified medic who wants to stay in, whose unit members and leaders want him to stay in, is too many [to lose].
But then Joyner goes on to ask:
As to Manzella, personally, though, it’s not unreasonable to ask why the hell did he go on “60 Minutes” to talk about this if he wanted to remain in uniform?
Erm, because he is a living testament to the gross absurdity of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and his courage manifests in the battlefield of public opinion as well? That’s the hell why, James. DADT isn’t going anywhere unless and until gay people are seen as people first, as capable as anyone of heroism in combat situations. Sgt. Manzella is fighting for freedom and justice by appearing on 60 Minutes — and you know, “they” hate us for our freedom, right?
******
Update: Crooks and Liars has Sgt.Manzella’s 60 Minutes interview on YouTube, and adds this:
As Cholene Espinoza, an Air Force Captain who flew combat missions, explained, “Darren is in a critical field. He’s a medic. His commander needs him. He’s a known quantity. He gets along with others. He does what he’s supposed to. He goes above and beyond. Why do I want to lose Darren?”
[...]
I’d just add one thing: John McCain recently said gay people in the military represent an “intolerable risk” to unit morale, cohesion, and discipline.
Yeah, cuz we don’t need so many steenkin’ medics saving lives in Iraq. Not if they have (cue music from Jaws) teh ghey! Bad for morale, man.
July 5th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
[...] http://www.theartofthepossible.net/2008/06/27/the-queer-state-of-the-entity-charged-with-fighting-fo... [...]
July 6th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
[...] in this “time of war” — demonize, ostracize and discharge decorated gay vets who have risked their lives to save other soldiers and civilians. True patriots only hate the troops if they have teh gay. [...]