The United States Air Force wants every installation commander to prepare activities and events centered around celebrating “gay pride” in the month of June. This has drawn condemnation from U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and others.
Yesterday, we asked readers if the branches of the U.S. military should celebrate “gay pride.”
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Here is a sample of the responses we received from our readers after they voted in the survey.
“In my opinion, focus on gender or sexual preferences is a “private matter” more than a “celebration of military consciousness” of individual preferences. Military effectiveness to protect the security of our nation is paramount. Misdirecting energy on collateral concerns that do not relate to the defined mission of our services leads to the deterioration of the disciplines necessary to support our security needs.” – Joe Cordina, Col., USAF, Ret.
“As a former Air Force commander who retired recently, it was the woke climate that drove me out. The promotion of LGBTQ as something to be celebrated is undermining the principle of Service before Self. We were always the same in our uniforms; we gave up our “selves” for the Nation. That is crumbling, and it’s heartbreaking.” – Lenore Hackenyos, Lt. Col. USAF Reserve, Ret.
“You’re kidding me, right?!” – Joseph Tortorice
“It’s that slippery slope again. First, you just have to accept aberrant behavior, then you have to celebrate it. How long before you’re punished by losing your job for not actively celebrating ‘gay pride’? I think we’re almost there.” – Cindy Armstrong
“After having served in the U.S. Air Force for over 38 years, I don’t recognize it anymore. I fear for the security of our country…” – Chuck Breedlove
“Isn’t it strange that LGBTQ Pride gets a full month, while Veterans only get a day?” – Allan Toole
“The object of the military is to kill people and break things. Not social engineering!” – Bob Davis, USN, Ret.
“If taxpayer money is spent to ‘commemorate the contributions of LGBTQ Americans,’ it means that too much taxpayer money is being collected.” – Tom Camardo
The ONLY way I could support it is if they change the definition of LGBTQ to ‘Let’s Get Biden To Quit.’” – Patrick Bell
“Why is 3% of the U.S. population dictating the celebration, decoration, activities, and in some cases, even attire for the 97%? It feels like the 97% has just about had enough.” – Bob Frapples
“Hell no! That is just stupid. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran having served proudly from 1968 to 1972. Why the pandering to individual groups??” – Dennis Mease
“Politics doesn’t belong in our military, let alone our defense agencies. It just divides us and takes our focus away from the things that really matter. We are all one people under God. Let us move away from the things that divide us; it serves no purpose except for our corrupt government.” – Madeline Bentivegna
“I’m confused as to what exactly it is that they are proud of.” – Rod Jenkins
“No. No, and No. I spent 23 years in the military. Our job was to defend our nation and our interests abroad, not conduct social experiments. The military should take notice of the fact that recruiting numbers are down this fiscal year. The reason: they have gone off the military reservation to join the societal call for this 3% movement. The military is supposed to be representing all of the high ideals of Lady Liberty, not lowering itself into the swamp of confusion.” – Greg Reinhart
“The ONLY legitimate use of the military is to destroy the enemy.” – David Crouch
“Just shows how much this country has been politicized when the military takes on programs promoting LGBTQ. The only purpose of the military’s existence is the defense of our country. Any general authorizing this stuff needs to be given a dishonorable discharge.” – Alan Smith
“Pride is the root of all evil and the deadliest of all sins.” – Chris Vizi
“The Air Force is and should only be a defense/offense-only taxpayer-funded organization and should never stray from that priority. Especially on social issues. Second, I don’t understand what you are proud of. This is a sexual preference. That’s it. You didn’t win a race or discover a new medicine. You’re not even a nationality.” – Mike Masterson
“As long as gays are serving in the Air Force, and as long as the Air Force celebrates Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Month, etc., then why not Gay Pride Month too? Now, if you want to redirect the money for all those events into something improving readiness, I’m with you.” – Jerry Harben
“I miss the ‘good old days’ of ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell.’ Ha.” – Tony Anderson
“The military should be apolitical and unconcerned with the social mores of the day. They are trained to fight and defend. They are best at blowing up things and killing the enemy, not waving silly rainbow flags that represent less than 10% of the population. I don’t expect a military parade on St. Patrick’s Day, nor should there be one.” – Steve Sullivan
“Do drag shows for children qualify as ‘contributions’ to be ‘commemorated’ by our military?” – Anne Hedleston
“And July will be Straight Pride month, right?” – Corey Mayou
“This insane pandering to a very tiny minority has to stop. I don’t care what you do in your private life, but the military is not the place for these celebrations.” – Diana Firestone
“Absolutely not! It’s the Department of DEFENSE, not the Department of Sexuality.” – Dirk P. DeKoch
