Comments on: Duffy: Suicide – the soldiers left behind

By: bellablanca

bellablanca — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:28:28 +0000

I am appalled, that a country that sees itself as a world leader, that it is so strong on it’s beliefs in freedom and liberty , for not only their on country people but others around the world, can be so obtuse, cruel and narrow minded when it comes to the people that defend them. People that put their lives on the line on a daily basis, to ensure that the rights of others are heard and respected. Service people that belief and love their country enough to die for it. I am in utter disbelief that in this day and age, America still has a don’t ask don’t tell policy in the military or anywhere else for that matter….. Where are those principles of freedom and protection for its people?? How can you promote the rights of others and deny their rights of your own?? Where is the logic and reason in that??? Its a hypocrisy, a travesty of what America stands for, or at least what it should stand for. How can an entity like the military be such a hate mongered, discriminatory and unjust radical part of that society? How can systemic violence, abuse, harassment and hatred for gay and lesbians be allowed, condoned and incited??? Is that American??
If that is the case, I have no respect for that part of America that denies and repels a part of their own culture. Have your own beliefs, judge if you must but please don’t hurt those who keep you from harm and allow you to live in a world that promotes and supports your right to freedom. I beg of you, “Land of the Free”, in the name of reason and social justice, to come to your senses and reject a policy that only serves the purpose of bigoted, self indulgent, ignorant and deluded few. Dont prosecute, terrorise and victimise those that ensure your rights are protected, respected and upheld just because they are true to themselves and to whom they love.

By: Amym440

Amym440 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:18:09 +0000

Michael I am a Transsexual Veteran and The VA is fully aware of it they provide me my hormones.For things to get better for lgbt Vets we must stand up for our rights as Veterans.Honestly I’ve had problems dealing with the VA and have faced prejudism but I’ve also found people within the system that actually do care about you and don’t care if your lgbt.A good place for you to alleviate your fears is by talking to your local VA patient advocate it’s their job to make sure patients are treated properly and they will be aware of the policies at that facility.Many times I’ve said to people within the VA no matter where the miltarys at you have to be prepared for the lgbt vets who served under Don’t ask don’t tell.If you are an honorably discharged vet who qualifies for VA medical benefits you are no longer required to be silent nor should you be.Good luck to you and may you find the assistance you need.Thank you for serving Amy

By: Jaxxy

Jaxxy — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:50:57 +0000

I am feeling like a US Basher right now and in no way am I. I love Americans but shake my head at your government. In Canada the military has a booth at Toronto Pride actively recruiting gays and lesbians as are all the major police forces….they say it’s good to reflect service with the members of the community we serve. Imagine that….forward thinking government,,,,shouldn’t Obama take note??? We can show him how to run a country. Hugzzz to my American gay and lesbian brethren.

By: Michael Duffy

Michael Duffy — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:29:28 +0000

I’m happy to see people can relate to this article. I am still in the military on the reserve side now- I would like to continue being in the military considering I have only 8 years left before I can get a pension. (20 years) Lets see if that “time” Obama’s peeps talk about comes quick enough before I am ‘found out’!

By: Yagmai79

Yagmai79 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:51:00 +0000

MadMatty, unfortunately that is how the military operates when dealing with us. They shove us into a room full of people and expect us to pour our hearts out in front them. It is simply the military’s way of covering their ass so that when one of us does commit suicide they can say that they offered counseling and play the “we made help available” card. When we join the military we give up many of the rights that civilians enjoy. Some of which don’t become evident until after one has enlisted for several years. We become a soldier/sailor, a weapon, a number. It is part of the many sacrifices we make to defend our country and our interests abroad. The truth is as long as our superiors offered some form of help, they are comfortable thinking they did what they could. I may die out here tomorrow and I will simply be replaced by someone else. Unfortunately it’s just the part of what we deal with everyday.

By: MadMatty

MadMatty — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:50:54 +0000

Michael this is an incredibly powerful story. As a gay man and a counsellor, I think the position you were put in in that room with the group was unfair. Were you asked if you wanted to do that first? Anybody that wants counselling has the right to determine if they do it in a group or one on one with a counsellor. To me, what was done to you was uneducated. An ethical counsellor/psychologist or other professional in that field, would not subject you to it if it was not in your best interests. Counselling should always be about the client, and to me it seems like someone other than the soldiers thought this was a good idea!

By: Kelson

Kelson — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:45:16 +0000

It was stated by an assistant Secretary of State that the objective of beginning a dialogue with the government of Burma is to encourage the government to open the country up to liberty and freedom for their citizens. What happened to opening up this country to liberty and freedom for ALL of its citizens? Maybe if we closed the religious organizations and removed that mythical book called the Bible from book shelves we just might achieve liberty and freedom for ALL of our citizens. Unfortnately, as long as the Christian Taliban has the influence that it has over our government that will never happen.

By: Bryan Evans

Bryan Evans — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:06 +0000

Joey ENDA would exempt religious organizations and the military.

By: michaelnDallas

michaelnDallas — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:42:48 +0000

interesting how they choose a black man and a woman to speak. And then bring up integration of those previously not accepted and talk, not confidentially about issues leading to suicide. or encourage you to speak when we know speaking means dismissal. FOOLS!

By: Joey in CT

Joey in CT — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:07:36 +0000

One wonders…with the very near passing of ENDA, would this Non-discrimination law also apply to the U.S. Government as an employer? Just curious…? Seems to me that new legislation, such as ENDA, would contradict their discriminative policies on Gays serving in the military. They employ the soldiers, and pay wages and medical insurance, etc…so what would make them untouchable in a court of law when the law will clearly state that it is unlawful to not-hire, or fire, or whatever to anyone based on sexual orientation and gender identity.