Don't Ask Don't Tell...President Obama e-mails message! Senate repeals law!

Earlier today, the Senate voted 65 to 31 to repeal the controversial United States military policy - "Don't Ask Don't Tell" - which banned gays from serving openly in the U.S. forces.

The law was orignially endorsed by the Clinton Administration a scant few years ago - and has been under fire - ever since.

The lifting of the ban - a historical act on the part of the House - was made possible earlier today when six Republicans joined Democrats in a procedural vote that brought the measure to the floor.

Shortly after the news filtered in to the Tattler, I received a personal message from President Barack Obama, applauding the Government action.

The message read as follows:

Friend -


Moments ago, the United States Senate voted to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."


When that bill reaches my desk, I will sign it, and this discriminatory law will be repealed.


Gay and lesbian service members - brave Americans who enable our freedoms - will no longer have to hide who they are.


The fight for civil rights, a struggle that continues, will no longer include this one.


This victory belongs to you.

Without your commitment, the promise I made as a candidate would have remained just that.


Instead, you helped prove again that no one should underestimate this movement.

Every phone call to a senator on the fence, every letter to the editor in a local paper, and every message in a congressional inbox makes it clear to those who would stand in the way of justice: We will not quit.


This victory belongs to Senator Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and our many allies in Congress who refused to let politics get in the way of what was right.

Like you, they never gave up, and I want them to know how grateful we are for that commitment.


Will you join me in thanking them by adding your name to Organizing for America's letter?


I will make sure these messages are delivered - you can also add a comment about what the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" means to you.


As Commander in Chief, I fought to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" because it weakens our national security and military readiness.

It violates the fundamental American principles of equality and fairness.


But this victory is also personal.


I will never know what it feels like to be discriminated against because of my sexual orientation.


But I know my story would not be possible without the sacrifice and struggle of those who came before me - many I will never meet, and can never thank.


I know this repeal is a crucial step for civil rights, and that it strengthens our military and national security.

I know it is the right thing to do.


But the rightness of our cause does not guarantee success, and today, celebration of this historic step forward is tempered by the defeat of another - the DREAM Act.

I am incredibly disappointed that a minority of senators refused to move forward on this important, commonsense reform that most Americans understand is the right thing for our country.

On this issue, our work must continue.


Today, I'm proud that we took these fights on.


Please join me in thanking those in Congress who helped make the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal possible:


http://my.barackobama.com/Repealed


Thank you,


Barack

Congrats Mr. President!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

GIANTS...boost local economy! Big week in Frisco!

The San Francisco GIANTS not only scored big with fans when they maneuvered a lucky strike and landed a coveted spot in the playoffs over the weekend, but also won over a posse of the locals, who are hailing the athletes as heroes for boosting San Francisco's otherwise ailing economy.

Since lightning struck on Sunday, business owners - at pubs and trendy restaurants situated in the bustling city streets next to the stadium - have elatedly been boasting that sales receipts have soared.

One  thrilled Hotel managed noted that they were booked to near capacity days before the much-anticipated game on Thursday loomed closer on the horizon.

A waitress at one eatery was also forced to run ragged in the wake of the big win.

"Diners have doubled in numbers," she beamed.

Of course, for her, that equates to a surge in cash tips!

Memorabilia sales for the GIANTS are pretty brisk, too, according to sources.

And, of course, ticket sales are going through the roof!

Some prized seats are garnering $1200 a pop at last count.

By the end of the week, San Francisco will be sitting pretty, especially when you figure in the Blue Angels.

The jets - a popular draw for tourists and locals alike - flew a test run over the city's picturesque skyscrapers the other evening - and touch down for closer scrutiny this weekend.

A scheduled "wirless" convention - slated to attract 15,000  - should end up filling the last suite available in the downtown city core.

I expect the johnny-come-lately's will have to lay out a bed roll under a canopy of stars!

Life is good!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Don't Ask, Don't Tell...struck down by Senate! President blamed for miscalculating!

It wasn't even a squeaker!

Short of sixty votes, Democrats were forced to admit defeat today, when their bid for a repeal of the controversial Military policy - "Don't Ask, Don't tell" - was shot down by vigilant Republicans who gained the upperhand just moments ago once the votes were tallied in the Senate.

The outcome was a stinging blow to Senate Democrats and rights advocates who fought tooth-and-nail over the past year to have the military's stance on the issue of gays serving in the military overturned on Constitutional grounds.

The Bill's failure to pass means that an allotment of  $726 billion for defense programs - including a pay rise for the troops - slips through the cracks as well.

Politicians plotted to include the provisions for repeal  in the defense bill - with the hope that the Senate might vote "yeah" - if  only to save essential  military programs that legislators were not opposed to.

"The whole thing is a political train wreck," whined Richard Socarides, a former White House adviser on gay rights (who served with the Clinton administration).

Slick Willy was in the oval office when the policy originally went into effect, if you recall.

Socarides also accused the President of  outright "miscalculations" when the issue of the Pentagon's alleged bid for repeal was first raised.

The disgruntled activist took a swipe at the Democrats, too.

"If it was a priority for the Democratic leadership, they would get a clean vote on this," he said.

Interestingly, according to insiders, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) voted against the measure as a procedural tactic.

Under Senate rules and regulations - casting a vote with the majority of the Senate bench-warmers - will enable the crafty politician to revive the bill at a later date if he so chooses.

He'll probably play the card for all its worth 'til then!.

In fact, Jim Manley - a Reid mouthpiece - has already conjectured that the Senator would be willing to allow more debate on the bill after the November elections.

"Today's vote isn't about arcane Senate procedures," Manley said.

"It's about a GOP's pattern of obstructing debate on policies important to the American people."

Indeed!

Since the policy was first made law in 1993, 13,000 soldiers have been discharged - for either openly admitting their homosexuality - or because they were outed by anti-gay troops in the ranks.

I did not have sex with that soldier!

http://www.thetattler.biz

"Don't ask, Don't tell" unconstitutional rules Federal Judge!

The ongoing policy to ban soldiers from professing the love that once dare not speak its name - in the Military, at least - was struck down on Thursday by a Federal Judge in Southern California.

In so many words, Her Honor - Judge Virginia Phillips - declared that the Government's - "Don't ask, Don't tell" - policy was unconstitutional because it violated the 1st Amendment rights of gays and lesbians.

Although Phillips granted an injunction to halt the long-standing policy, that will not be the end of it, according to a spokesperson at the White House.

Naturally, the U.S. Department of Justice will lodge an appeal in a higher court, and a whole new round of legal wranglings will commence with God speed.

Judge Phillips asserted that the controversial policy (enacted when Bill Clinton was in Office at the White House) did not help military readiness - but rather - had a direct and deleterious effect on the armed services.

The injunction push - the biggest of its kind in recent years - was brought by the Log Cabin Republicans which is purported to be the largest political organization for gays in the GOP.

The membership currently stands at approximately 19, 000.

The Executive Director - R. Clarke Cooper - was understandably elated at the outcome of the litigation at its current phase.

"As an American, a Veteran, and an Army reserve officer, I am proud that the court ruled that the arcane - "Don't ask, Don't tell" - statute violates the constitution," he beamed on the heels of the ruling.

He also took the occasion to note that the ruling was not just a big win for Log Cabin Republicans, but for all American Service members.

Government legal eagles responded quickly by asserting that Judge Phillips lacked the authority to issue a Nationwide injunction, however.

The policy - arcane or no - should be decided by Congress they sniffed.

The - "Don't ask, Don't tell" - policy prohibits the military from quizzing soliders about their sexual orientation and requires a discharge of those who acknowledge being gay (or who have been discovered to have engaged in homosexual activity on-or-off base).

The U.S. House voted in May to repeal the policy and the Senate  - if you believe what those who have their ears close to the wall say - is expected to follow suit in the next few months.

In that event, all pending litigation on the issue would be rendered "moot".

Rainbow Prez

(he's the one who didn't inhale)

http://www.thetattler.biz/

General McChrystal...retiring from military! News alert!

On the heels of a forced "resigntion" last week (some blatantly allege it was a veiled "firing") General McChrystal - once top dawg handling military maneuvers in Afghanistan - has informed the White House of his intention to retire from the forces.

Inside sources note that the General has not lodged his retirement papers, yet, but intends to do soon.

The future for the General?

Well, he could always hire himself out (everyone prostitutes themselves these days in one form or another) with one of the Hollywood studios as a Military consultant for War films, Movies of the week on Terrrism,  and the like.

What about the Rollling Stone article?

Heck, Tinseltown will welcome him with open arms; after all, a juicy candal is often the scurrious prequisite for getting a foot in the door!

There's no life like it!

http://www.julianayrs.com

General McChrystal...Rolling Stone editors cull notes for smoking gun!

 

General transfixed by coverage documenting end of career!

As the Internet whipped itself into a frenzy, and an astute reporter boasted about a tawdry tell-all-tale about a "Runaway General" he orchestrated for publication, a managing editor at "Rolling Stone Magazine" (Eric Bates) hinted that there may be a smoking gun or two lurking in material that was edited (left out).

Background Story

Post:  06/22/12

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/06/general-mcchrystalgets-sack-according.html

Just maybe, President Barack Obama should hold off on any decision pertaining to General McChrystal's future fate with the military (if it leans towards a slap-on-the-wrist-only kind), until all the (sordid?) details have been ferreted out.

Otherwise, Obama may rue the day he allowed the General to outfox (psyche-him-out), in high-stakes maneuvers that come naturally for a decorated soldier of such high rank.

News at 11!

Showdown @ OK coral!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Las Vegas...spanking new military community! Perks of a serviceman...

I was cruising up Craig Road in North Vegas - just south of the Nellis Air Force Base - when I was suddenly thrust headlong into a spanking new community that was comprised of a smattering of cookie cut-out architectural lay-out plans (and upscale fascades) that were appealing my design sensibilities.

No trees, though.

Just houses row-on-row (echoes of Daily City?) with neatly-manicured lawns and a sprawling rustic moutain backdrop beyond that rustled up picture-postcard images of the all-American kind.

When I popped into a local cafe for a bite to eat, the friendly outgoing waitress (a rarity for these parts, but as it turned out the down-to-earth gal was originally from San Diego, so go figure) informed me that developers just tore down a host of unsightly old buildings this past year to make way for these military homes.

Quite a perk for serving your country, eh?

Farther up the way, at Walmart, I spied a posse of soliders in uniform shopping carrying out the maneuver with military-style precision.

There's no life like it!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Don't Ask Don't tell...to be repealed! 78 percent of Americans say "no problem"...

In a  vote in the House Thursday evening, lawmakers gave a nod to an amendment that would repeal the - "Don't Ask  Don't Tell" - policy which has been tearing apart the Military.

In what is condsidered a party-line vote, 234 Democrats were in accord with the bid for a repeal, while 168 Republicans stood opposed (in addition to 26 Democrats who jumped ship to vote nay).

Behind closed doors, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted 16-12 to repeal the screwy policy which has been a bone of contention over the years.
 
The amendment requires a seal of approval from the full Senate before becoming Law.
 
The reaction on the Internet has been favorable in respect to the lifting of the ban.

"'Don't ask Don't tell" is a policy based on bigotry and ridiculous stereotypes," one CNN Blogger accused.

A CNN poll found that 78 percent of Americans have no problem with gays serving in the military.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

"Don't Ask - Don't Tell"...Soldiers have right to shower free of intrusion! Policy changes...

The battle rages on - not on the front - but in the locker rooms on military bases around the globe.

Once again, the Government was pressured to re-visit the controversial - "Don't Ask - Don't Tell" - policy which has rankled many in the ranks from day one.

Under the current rule of Law, originally enacted during the Clinton Administration, Military officers are barred from asking service members about their sexual orientation (or trying to determine it by dubious means).

Likewise, the Military's charges are required by law to keep their sexual orienation to themselves (not flaunt it or openly practice their sexual preference on base).

Although Barack Obama made a promise to take a second look at the policy on the campaign trail - with the aim of ending an on-the-fence "wish-washy" concept (typical of Bill Clinton) many found ludicrous - the President has stopped short of fulfilling it.

This past week, the Government appeared to be going in that direction, when the Department of Defense implemented stricter guidelines in respect to the thorny issue of discharging gay and lesbian soldiers under the "Don't Ask - Don't Tell" policy.

In a nutshell, the changes (effective immediately) raise the standard for charging that someone is gay.

Now, only Generals have the authority to approve discharges.

Insiders note that the revisions are basically a "stop gap" measure designed to maintain the status quo until Congress has the opportunity to debate whether the "Don't Ask - Don't Tell" law (instituted in 1993) should be repealed.

In recent days, some officers (who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation) complained that if an officer didn't "like you" - a rumor might be launched with military-style precision - with the ultiimate aim of ousting the "accused" unjustly.

Under the new guidelines, clandestine accusations from the shadows, would not hold any water.

Someone who charges that a service member is gay or lesbian must  now testify under oath.

Only an officer can begin an investigation, lead one, and dismiss a service member if it is determined the allegations are true.

Under the old policy, Homosexuality (for either sex) was defined as "demonstrating a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts."

Now, the law stipulates that "the love that once dare not speak its name" arises from "engaging in or attempting to engage in a homosexual act or acts" or a statement by the individual that he or she is gay.

The changes apply to all "open cases" currently under review, too.

Since "Don't ask - Don't tell" went into effect military records reflect that thirteen-thousand members have left service.

"I believe these changes represent an important improvement in the way the current law is put into practice - above all - by providing a greater measure of common sense and common decency to a process for handling what are difficult and complex issues for all involved, " defense secretary Robert Gates asserted in a press conference on Friday.

Of course, the logistics of co-habitation - on the base and in the trenches - remains a touchy one for all military personnel.

Straight soliders complain about the prospect of having to share quarters with a homosexual.

And, likewise, have been quite vocal about their reluctance to shower with a soldier who is a sexually active gay man or woman.

Personally, I am inclined to take sides with the heterosexual soldiers when it comes to the issue of the body politic.

If I was a blond bimbo babe in uniform, I wouldn't warm up to the idea of showering with a bull dyke, for obvious reasons.

A straight solder also has a right to shower in privacy (or alongside a fellow straight dude) without fear that some gay guy is surreptiously stealing glances at his naked studly bod.

The situation is comparable to straight guys who constantly "cop feels" with women they're attracted to.

It's common sense!

If a male employee in a company in anywhere (USA) kept ogling the "boobs" of a secretary at the water cooler, he'd be brought up on charges of sexual harassment (I dare say!).

The critics who chuckle that straight soldiers need to "grow up" are the ones that are missing the point.

Even the military appears to hold the view that I do, when you consider the fact that an official put forth the notion that housing arrangements (two to a room), should be overhauled, too.

In fact, the top Officer at the Marines - General James Conway - announced this past week that he would not force Marines to share rooms with gay service members if Congress repeals the loopy "Don't ask" policy.

The General asserted for the record that an "overwhelming" number of Marines would be opposed to bunking with someone of a different sexual orientation.

Did he poll the officers or has he arrived at the numbers off-the-cuff, though?

"The Marine Corp may be inclined to phase out double-bed bunking accommodation in favor of single rooms for service members," he stated  matter-of-fact with no qualms about it.

Conway has been an outspoken opponent of the call for a repeal of the "Don't ask - Don't tell" law.

Why?

"I think the policy works," he testified at the Senate Armed Services committee meeting last month.

3 Star commander Army Lt. General Benjamin Mixon was rebuked for urging service members and their family members to lobby their elected officials against the changes in effect now.

If my memory of history serves me right, the Greeks actually promoted the practice of "gays" in the military on the assumption that homosexual men would fight valiantly (and fiercely) to protect their country and their male lovers on the battlefield.

Conway, on the other hand, argued that Marines worried that allowing gays to serve openly would harm unit cohesion and discipline.

Personally, I hold the position that if a soldier can pass muster on his or her capabilities alone, he or she should be allowed to serve.

As is the case in the heterosexual community, sexual misconduct would not be tolerated in the "gay" ranks, and would warrant discharge if proven in a fairing hearing in a court of law.

Yeah, there's no life like it!

http://www.thetattler.biz

http://www.facebook.com/julianayrs

Hurt Locker...disqualified from Oscars? Ouch! 11th Hour controversy...

In the 11th hour just before the Oscar vote count (ballots are due in on Tuesday March 2nd) "Hurt Locker" has conceivably been dealt a couple of blows that may affect the outcome of the Oscar race.

One of the producers of the nominated film (directed by Kathryn Bigelow) was roundly criticized overnight in many quarters for zipping off an e-mail to family, friends, and supporters (a handful of  which were Academy Members) urging that eligible voters snub the "$500 million-dollar flick" (Avatar?)  in favor of  "Hurt Locker".

According to the rules of the Academy, filmmakers are barred from engaging in negative campaigns against competing nominees.

The producer in question - Nicolas Chartier (one of four involved with Bigelow's directing effort) - fired off a second e-mail later in the week, however, when he learned for the first time (he swears!) that his actions were a violation of Academy policy.

Chartier cited naivete, ignorance of the rules, and plain stupidity for the gaffe.

Meanwhile, eleswhere on page one of the Los Angeles Times this morning, journalists reported that Military personnel were inclined to pooh-pooh "Hurt Locker" on the grounds that it did not accurately depict the subject matter.

In sum, a number of soldiers on duty currently (and veterans, too) say the film amounted to sheer fantasy.

"The filmmakers have portrayed the soldiers as renegades while failing to represent details about combat accurately," they lamented in so many words.

In particular, one consistent complaint pertained to the Army's Explosive Ordinance Disposal team and procedures for disarming stray or planted (concealed) explosive devices.

Some military critics quipped:

"The Hurt Locker is a good action movie if you know nothing about defusing roadside bombs or the military."

Sgt. Eric Gordon (Air Force EOD) wasn't inclined to pussy-foot around the issue.

"I would watch it with other EOD people and we would laugh," he chuckled.

At issue was one scene where the lead actor diffused a bomb with simple wire cutters.

"It's similar to having a firefighter go into a building with a squirt bottle," he added distastefully.

In my own review, I noted that the film was "flawed".

From a technical standpoint, there were obvious errors made in respect to editing, for example.

Also, I felt that Mark Boal's script was too pat and predictable and not of Oscar calibre.

Hurt Locker Movie Review

Post:  11/19/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/11/hurt-lockerintense-flawed-film-director.html

In addition to the authenticity question, Military personnel also griped that Bigelow and the producers deviated from (and shot scenes) not approved by the Government.

Lt. Col. J. Todd Breasseale accused the production outfit of shooting a scene in which soldiers acted violently towards detainees.

On that issue alone, the Government was forced to back out of its agreement to assist on the project, because the military does not provide help to films which depict violatons of laws of war (unless the producers also follow through on the consequences of such wrongful acts).

Breasseale has taken the position on record -  that the film is a great story and a "spectacular-looking movie" -  but summarized the project this way:

"If you're looking for realism and how military relationships really work, I believe she missed the mark."

Pentagon staff gave Bigelow and her creative team a slap on the wrist as well.

"The filmmaker's interest in drama and excitement exceeded what we felt were reasonably realistic portrayals," added Phillip M. Strub (Special Assistant Pentagon for Entertainment Media).

Meanwile, the Academy will have to wrestle with the Chartier breach of policy and determine if the incident cries out for disciplinary action.

Worse case scenario at press time?

The Academy may consider removing the film from best picture contention.

In the event Chartier and the Bigelow production escape that fate, in the end scenario there still may be one niggling hurdle to overcome.

Why, the almighty ballot, of course!

How will Academy members react to the controversy on the eve of the vote count?

We'll know come Oscar night when the winners are ceremoniously announced on March 7th.

Director Kathryn Bigelow at the helm!

http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco...military to ride free on BART! $50,000 earmarked for project...

Bart officials announced this week that they have earmarked $50,000.00 in their budget so that military personnel on leave from Iraq and Afghanistan may go on tour about the city on the underground trains for free.

Not surprisingly, San Francisco's public transportation system is the first of its kind to take such thoughtful measures to make life a little easier for the servicemen, who fight the good fight daily in the name of Democracy and freedom.

Can other cities be far behind?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Spy Plane...Sentinel the "Beast of Kandahar! Stealth aircraft remotely controlled...

Is this the "Beast of Kandahar"?

The wingspan, length, engine type - in fact, all relevant details about the RQ-170 Sentinel - are unknown (beyond the ultra top-secret hangars where they are stored somewhere between the Tonopah Test Range and Creech Air Force Base in Nevada).

But, one thing is certain.

The remotely-piloted spy plane (nick-named the "Beast of Kandahar") is cut-out for its job as a stealth fighter jet!

The RQ-170 Sentinel - as it is officially known in military circles - is the latest hi-tec aircraft developed for reconnaissance surveillance to support combat forces.

Unlike the propeller-drive unmanned aerial systems installed in the Predator and Reaper, the Sentinel has a jet-powered platform, according to insiders.

Andy Bourland - Chief spokesperson for the Air Force Press - was pretty mum when it came to disclosing details about the aircraft and downright reticent about releasing a publicity still or two ( for obvious reasons).

The information that was offered up was pretty dry in the final analysis.

"The RQ-170 Sentinel, a low observable UAS, was built by Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs. The fielding of the RQ-170 aligns with Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates' request for increased intelligence surveillance and intellligence support to the Combatant Commanders and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz's vision for an increased reliance on unmanned aircraft," a statement from the office of Mr. Bourland summed up.

According to informed sources, the "Beast" has been flying classified  missions over Afghanistan, and has only been photographed twice.

A trade journal (Aviation Week & Space Technology) has described the novel spy plane as a "tailless flying wing" with a wingspan similar to that of the rear propeller-driven MQ-9 Reaper (wingspan 66 feet).

Sources close to the upper echelon have whispered that the Sentinel appears to be powered by a single jet engine so that it can fly at high altitudes and monitor large areas.

The "Beast" is likened to a scaled-down version of the B-52 Spirit Bomber which can effectively evade radar detection.

John Pike (a director @  http://www.globalsecurity.org/) speculated that it would make sense for the Sentinel to use persistent surveillance like the predator does out-of-sight and high above its targets below at wider ranges.

Due to its unique capabilities - ultimately - the Sentinel may be facilitated as a regional surveilance system to cover terrorists activities across a far-reaching terrrain which may include countries such as Yemen, Somalia, Iran, and Pakistan.

A "polecat" or elusive RQ-170 Seninel?

http://www.julianayrs.com