I have often wondered in recent years what my dad — a U.S. Marine who was 21 years old when he drove a tank onto the black sandy beach of Iwo Jima on Day One of what some historians would consider “the bloodiest battle” of WW II — would think about the state of today’s U.S. Military, let alone the state of the country he and his fellow service members fought for, some of whom paid the ultimate price so that we may be free.
Like it or not, freedom means being free to live and behave as we choose, without regard to the thoughts or feelings of others, as long as our freedoms don’t impinge on the rights or freedoms of others. The subject of this article is perhaps a perfect example on both counts.
The U.S. Marine Corps went full-metal woke on Wednesday, the first day of June, acknowledging “Pride Month” with an image of a combat helmet decorated with bullets painted in rainbow colors placed on a strap, on which the words “PROUD TO SERVE” were emblazoned.
Throughout June, the USMC takes #Pride in recognizing and honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ service members. We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and [we] defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect.
#PrideMonth #USMC
Not to nitpick, but one wonders if there are LGBTQ Marines or other members of the Armed Services LGBTQ community who are offended by deadly ammunition “dressed up” in rainbow colors. These things must be thought through very clearly, you know.
Throughout June, the USMC takes #Pride in recognizing and honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ service members. We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect.#PrideMonth #USMC pic.twitter.com/MOyvFmyJiB
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) June 1, 2022
Multiple denizens of the Twittersphere did not take kindly to the Marine Corps’ stunt — yes; it was a woke stunt; solely meant to pander to the wokified among us — and were far from amused.
“Harri” nailed it:
Maybe focus on what’s actually important to the nation’s defense. China and Russia are bolstering up their ranks with masculinity, understanding it’s necessity, while we seem to be celebrating sexual choices and gender changes in our military.
Harri was right. As Rush Limbaugh often said, the purpose of war is twofold: to kill people and to break things. Ridiculously painting ammo in pretty colors accomplishes neither.
Maybe focus on what’s actually important to the nation’s defense. China and Russia are bolstering up their ranks with masculinity understanding it’s necessity, while we seem to be celebrating sexual choices and gender changes in our military.
— Harri (@HarriNB) June 1, 2022
Not to be outdone by the Marines, of course, was Joe Biden’s State Department, headed by the most inept secretary of State in recent memory, Antony Blinken.
June is #Pride Month! For over 50 years, people around the world have come together to celebrate, promote, and fight for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons. The Department proudly supports LGBTQI+ persons around the world. #Pride2022 🌈
Almost giddy?
June is #Pride Month! For over 50 years, people around the world have come together to celebrate, promote, and fight for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons. The Department proudly supports LGBTQI+ persons around the world. #Pride2022 🌈 https://t.co/8VIMW7pwCY pic.twitter.com/AN2iBUmla6
— Department of State (@StateDept) June 1, 2022
Via the State Department’s celebratory proclamation:
One of the leading human rights issues of our time is the treatment of LGBTQI+ persons around the world. LGBTQI+ communities continue to live with unacceptable violence and discrimination. Those who seek to promote and protect the rights of LGBTQI+ persons are especially vulnerable to attack.
In too many countries today, access to LGBTQI+-related information is restricted and representation of LGBTQI+ issues is censored. Too often, Pride events themselves are banned by governments or violently disrupted by those motivated by hatred.
The Department is working to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in line with President Biden’s Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World. The State Department updated U.S. passport application policies to allow for gender self-certification and offered an “X” gender marker option.
[…]
We conduct all of this work recognizing that Americans have much work to do to ensure equality and dignity for LGBTQI+ persons at home.
In celebration of Pride Month, the U.S. Department of State recommits to protecting and promoting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world.
Again, not to nitpick, but the question has never been about the “human rights” or “equal rights” of the LGBTQI+ community, or at least it should not be, assuming that old prejudices still exist.
That said, there is a difference between acceptance and acknowledgment of the rights of those who live different lives than others, and attempting to force those “others” to “celebrate” or “champion” lifestyles or behaviors with which they disagree. Sounds a little bit like forced anti-racism, huh?
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