Comments on: Duffy: Unnecessary losses

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:22:29 +0000

Michael, thank you so much for driving home the unfairness of the military’s current policies. The blatant discrimination against gay and lesbian soldiers points up the unfairness that permeates so much of our collective experience. This country must live up to its ideals or just admit that most of what we say about equal protection under the law is just jingoins. I am sorry that you are going through so many losses in your family.

By: Michael Duffy

Michael Duffy — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:52:06 +0000

I spoke to the person who will be taking over as my 1SGT in my old company- where I will return when I get back home. He wants me to take over his position as Platoon SGT. I told him that I might not be around much longer if DADT isn’t repealed.

By: mike

mike — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:31:11 +0000

It’s good you’ll be home soon to be with your folks. I’m sorry you didn’t start your column in 365 earlier so we’d benefit from your insights for a longer time. I hope some smart person is sending your writing to our govt reps so they can put a face on your experience.

By: shawn

shawn — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:08:43 +0000

Great things?!? BWAAAaaHAhahaha!

By: Nana

Nana — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:02:34 +0000

My prayers, whatever they’re worth, are with you and your family. You’re doing great things over there.

By: Mena

Mena — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:48:23 +0000

My sympathies on the illnesses within your family. While I’m not in the armed forces, I do worry about my partner having rights if something happened to me. Some members of my family would be just hateful enough to deny her everything they could…

By: Disgusted American

Disgusted American — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:19:02 +0000

The In-Equality os sooo Obvious it Disgusts me! Lets HOPE the OBAMA KEEPS his word on his promises….as for this guys family…while the SWINE FLU gets ALL the nations attention..it amazes me – that people don’t think CANCER is an EPIDEMIC in this country…EVERYONE KNOWS SOMEONE “WITH CANCER”…seriously….an epidemic people don’t even really think about….be safe,til u return home..peace.

By: Mark H.

Mark H. — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:55:56 +0000

In 1995, I worked in Saudi for a year.
A few months into the job, my beloved Grand mother died, near Christmas. Relatives decided to keep the news from me till after
the funeral ( Pre – W.W.Web ). Your post brings back those dificult memories.

Last week, in part as a result of your sharing, I donated $$$ to S L D N. Unlike
many, I have not let Pres. Bill Clinton off the hook for DADT and DOMA. Set us back +/- 20 years. Hope Pres. Obama follows through QUICKLY on DADT repeal to solve your
quandry. I’m afraid to keep Def Sec Gates and other dinosaurs happy, he may punk out.
It is my prayer that Mr. Obama will show the same decisive leadership that Pres. Harry Truman did in 1948 when he unequivically racially integrated ALL military branches.
To this day, their are still some racists in the military, as elsewhere. We are still far stronger for Mr. Truman’s progressive leadership. We will be way better off as a nation when DADT which runs contrary to the military honor (truth) code is history. Other modern militaries such as UK, Canada, Israel and others . . . have proven that DADT rational is a total myth. Will there be change pain ? Of course just as opening the military to woman have. A large majority NOW would not go back on that policy.

Thanks Again for your Service,
Be Safe and Blessings to you and yours.

Mark H. * Long Beach, CA

By: Kristie

Kristie — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:49:46 +0000

Michael,

I’m so sorry about the illness is your family. This kind of thing is hard enough to go through when you can actually be there, but I am sure it must be heartbreaking for you to know it’s all going on and you can’t be there to support your family. Hopefully, soon no GLBT member of the service will have to worry, as you do, that if their parnter is ill they will not be allowed leave to be with them. DADT is a ridiculous policy that keeps good people from being able to serve their country fully and it needs to end. Please stay safe and know that the sacrifices that you are making on behalf of your country (especially at this time of crisis in your family) are appreciated!

By: ALAN

ALAN — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:29:29 +0000

To Michael Duffy,
My heart goes out to you and your family with all this bad news. I know what it is like to loose relatives to cancer and such.
Hopefully you will get back in time to have more good memories of all your relatives that are suffering. Don’t forget to bring your partner to enjoy in those same memories. Bright Blessings to you and all of your family.