Uniform Policy Hits Clothes to Home
July 20, 2012 - Friday
At San Diego's gay pride parade, it won't be the people who aren't wearing clothes that attract attention--but the service members who are. In a decision that would have been unthinkable ten months ago, the Pentagon has bowed to pressure and granted a "one time" exception to the military dress code. For the first time in history, our troops will be allowed to march in tomorrow's parade in full uniform. It's a radical departure from the long-time policy which states that uniformed soldiers cannot provide a platform for a "political message."
What could be more political than rallying alongside half-naked men, women, and drag queens? According to the Associated Press, Pentagon officials only agreed to the exemption because event organizers were encouraging soldiers to march in uniform, and they were concerned about all the national attention. Who suspends the rules because they're worried someone might break them? Not the military I served in. In fact, why bother with a uniform policy at all if leadership is just going to ignore it at the first sign of dissent? Defense Department officials insist the allowance is for this event only--but many think there will be "no going back" after Saturday.
Just when we thought the Obama administration had exhausted the ways it can pander to homosexuals in the military, it does this. What else could the White House possibly do to accommodate gays and lesbians? Our troops have been disarmed of their faith, their speech, religious symbols, and now the fair enforcement of Pentagon policy. The administration is now ordering its military to yield, not just to the special rights--but demands--of homosexual activists. And while they may be willing to bend the rules for this fringe, you can bet Christian soldiers wouldn't enjoy the same "exemption" if they wore their uniforms to a church voter drive. Unfortunately for them, the administration's idea of "equality" is a one-way street.
Meanwhile, no one is enjoying the Pentagon's favoritism more than the 300 service members signed up to participate in Saturday's event. "[T]o be able to march in uniform--Wow!" said a happy Air Force recruiter. "I'm speechless." Believe me, so are we.
Return of the King
The Obama Pentagon may not mind dodging the rules, but Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) sure does. Yesterday, the Iowa Congressman did what he could to restore some accountability to the Defense Department on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Pentagon officials may not pay attention to Congress, but it certainly pays attention to its budget--and that's exactly what the House is threatening if DOD persists in ignoring federal marriage law. Just this week, a second military base confirmed a same-sex "wedding" on government property--this time in New Jersey. And according to the happy couple, "We did not get any push back from the base or leadership."
That's about to change, if Rep. King has anything to do with it. By a 247-166 vote, the House agreed to block money for any activity that violates DOMA in the military as part of the Defense spending bill. (Members adopted a similar amendment to the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill in May.) Rep. King's measure passed easily--thanks in part to the number of Democrats (17) who supported it. "We saw the President of the United States make some statements along the way that his position was evolving on marriage. That seemed to be a signal to the Department of Defense, who issued two memorandum [defying DOMA]." Under this bill, no one is above the law--not even the people defending it. As Rep. King said, "[This is a] pretty simple statute being contravened by the directives of the President, as exercised through the Secretary of Defense."
iPledge... Do You?
If you think you're powerless to change the direction of our country, think again. Make plans now for your church to join me for a nationwide simulcast, Sunday night September 9. Join with hundreds of churches from across the nation for a call to faith, family and freedom. Never in our history has there been a greater need for engaged, informed Christian citizens to stand up for their biblical values. If you'd like your church to become a simulcast host site, we make it easy. Just click on this link for iPledge Sunday and learn how your congregation can get involved.
A Dark Night Rises
The violence on screen became a horrific reality early this morning in Colorado, as a theater full of people were gunned down at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises. At least 12 are dead and dozens more are wounded in Aurora, Colorado--a state that's already endured its share of heartbreak this summer after catastrophic wildfires. While the nation tries to recover from the shock of the shooting, we send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Please join us in praying for those who were injured or affected by this senseless tragedy.
** Don't miss this edition of Washington Watch Weekly with special guest Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) who will stop by to talk about the U.N. Treaty on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Also, FRC's newest face, Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin (U.S. Army-Ret.) will join the program to discuss his role as our Executive Vice President. For more information or to find a radio station near you, visit FRCRadio.org.
*** If you're in the Baton Rouge area, join us this Sunday at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church (19421 Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell Springs, Louisiana) for worship. I'll be preaching a message called, "A Nation under God" at the 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.