I think this is just Trump trying to "apologize" to his feeble-minded base after he ticked them off by going after their beloved Jeff "Confederate" Sessions. He felt the heat coming down on him from a slew of GOP senators and took their warning: "Don't go after our Alabama Man."
1
Trump is the instrument of Religious Conservatives, 85% of whom voted for him. I always thought Abortion was priority #1, but attacking Gays, immigrants and minorities I guess has moved up on the list.
Those who volunteer to serve are victims of the power play, being a Patriot matters not, being Gay really matters with these people, they also have money to give and thus power, and at the moment Trump's ear.
Even Sessions is getting in on the act, filing briefs against Gays in a NY case involving civil rights (mentioned today in the NYT)
It may be time to make a stand before you are told to leave....
Those who volunteer to serve are victims of the power play, being a Patriot matters not, being Gay really matters with these people, they also have money to give and thus power, and at the moment Trump's ear.
Even Sessions is getting in on the act, filing briefs against Gays in a NY case involving civil rights (mentioned today in the NYT)
It may be time to make a stand before you are told to leave....
1
Those transgenders who are already serving should be allowed to finish their jobs because to make them resign would be unfair . Obama is the culprit and they should not be punished for his sins.
Growing up in a small town in Western Canada I was taught by some remarkable American draft dodgers from the War in Viet Nam. I always thought it would be an interesting study to see how many of those people ended up as teachers and how their influence effected a generation of Canadians. I wonder there will be a similar movement of people to Canada, and what effects they could have on Canadian society.
More importantly and less cerebral, what is the outcome once you declare a group of people less equal? Do we look to Europe in the second world war for an example of how that type of misguided logic plays out?
More importantly and less cerebral, what is the outcome once you declare a group of people less equal? Do we look to Europe in the second world war for an example of how that type of misguided logic plays out?
1
trump told us during the election that he knew more than the generals. I guess that's why he didn't discuss this before throwing transgender troops under the bus.
1
First Trump tweets to throw transgender troops out of the military for no reason other than their being transgender. Who is to say he will not eventually do the same to African-Americans and women and homosexuals serving in the military? After all, in earlier times, the United States discriminated against these people, too.
5
This has to be seen for what it is; just another distraction from Trump's Russian investigation woes. Mr. Trump searches his brain for something with enough shock value to call our attention away and sends out a Treet that sends all of us spinning. Transgenders in the armed services is a non issue; they are there and will stay there unless the Congress cooks up some reason for them not to serve. In the meantime, we must watch what Mr. Trump is doing, not what he's saying.
3
Trump is flailing and so desperate for a 'lift' from his base, that he is willing to stigmatize and demonize transgenders, even those who are courageously serving in the military [unlike himself, the bonespur chickenhawk]. So sad. How about simply equal rights for all, and freedom from discrimination, violence and/or death, just for being who you are? Every American deserves this, and especially ALL of our brave and heroic men and women in uniform. Suffice it to say that no one will call him brave or heroic, ever. Like all bullies, he is a coward at heart.
6
If this country is attacked, the person I want in the trenches next to me is any current transgender service person and most asssuredly not Donald Trump. Talk about someone who doesn't have your back! I am so ashamed and apologize to any military volunteer whose personal goals are being thwarted by that Twit Trump. Don't take it personally; he's just making a personally expedient and thoughtless decision again.
5
140 Twitter characters is 140 more of the character demonstrated by our unspeakably shameless Bigot-in-Chief, who wouldn't put so much as a hangnail on the line for anybody or anything but himself. Turning away Americans willing to put their lives on the line for their country is outright obscene, given the heel spurs that kept our pretend-president out of harm's way when he might have served.
4
Brave leaders make bold decisions. Trump could not care less what the upper west side NY Time's elitists think. He is interested in creating a military that can win a war, not a beauty contest.
5
"A military that can win a war" means a military composed of soldiers who meet its physical and psychological standards - black, white, brown, male, female, gay, straight, or trans. Trans servicemembers, and trans people who want to join up, are not interested in a "beauty contest" - they are the bravest Americans who are willing to lay down their lives for this country. We should let them, and be grateful for it.
6
People do not "choose the trans lifestyle" to be more beautiful, Steve, there was something missed in translation when you researched the phenomenon. You seem pretty sure, though, that the Vietnames war would have been won and Afghanistan successfully nation-rebuilt if only those G.I. trans beauties hadn't been present. Coppola left that out in "Apocalypse Now".
1
Well, then we have to figure out how to bring back FDR and Harry Truman since they were in charge the last time we won one.
Does he stay awake all night and make this stuff up? Trump needs to go - now!
The answer of course is the latter. This was a nasty bone for the haters he calls his base. The man has no conscience to begin with. When you combine that with the fact that he's getting increasingly desperate to change the subject from Russia you get a child on the edge. Believe me the closer Mueller gets the more radical he will become and that is one scary thought. Do I think he'd attack another country in order to change the subject.....Yes I Do.
3
@ Jenifer: " Do I think he'd attack another country in order to change the subject.....Yes I Do."
So do I. I believe he'd bomb just about anyone without a Trump Tower to distract us from his Russia problems.
My hope and prayer is that there are people in the military who are prepared to refuse a direct order from this vile man to save the lives of many innocent civilians and many of our brave men and women in uniform. The idea that the nuclear arsenal is set up to be deployed on the direct and sole orders of the president is insane when you have a vile and crazy person as president.
So do I. I believe he'd bomb just about anyone without a Trump Tower to distract us from his Russia problems.
My hope and prayer is that there are people in the military who are prepared to refuse a direct order from this vile man to save the lives of many innocent civilians and many of our brave men and women in uniform. The idea that the nuclear arsenal is set up to be deployed on the direct and sole orders of the president is insane when you have a vile and crazy person as president.
Rosenthal makes some damning points. His speculation in the last paragraph is especially scathing. Unfortunately it could certainly be correct. However my favorite hypothesis is that Trump wouldn't need to call in Scaramucci and Bannon for suggestions. Most nights Trump comes up with something villainous to tweet all by himself.
2
Perhaps this was what Trump and Putin were discussing at the G20 summit in their hour-long private meeting.
Putin exploits anti-LGBTQ hatred in Russia much as Hitler exploited antisemitism.
Putin is Trump's paymaster. He talks, Trump tweets--or do the tweets come from his paymaster.
At any rate, Sarah Huckabee Sanders was totally unconvincing in explaining this stupid policy as well.
I believe it is designed to kill the troops' spirits, destabilizing our armed forces far more than integration of other races, sexes, or sexual orientations. The armed forces had been a great equalizer. Trump now wants to turn them into his own private army or, wait!, hire mercenaries provided by the connected
Erik Prince (formerly of Blackwater), brother of Betsy DeVos.
Putin exploits anti-LGBTQ hatred in Russia much as Hitler exploited antisemitism.
Putin is Trump's paymaster. He talks, Trump tweets--or do the tweets come from his paymaster.
At any rate, Sarah Huckabee Sanders was totally unconvincing in explaining this stupid policy as well.
I believe it is designed to kill the troops' spirits, destabilizing our armed forces far more than integration of other races, sexes, or sexual orientations. The armed forces had been a great equalizer. Trump now wants to turn them into his own private army or, wait!, hire mercenaries provided by the connected
Erik Prince (formerly of Blackwater), brother of Betsy DeVos.
1
The only one who shouldn't be allowed in the military is Donald 'the liar' trump.
A coward and draft dodger. The set the record straight I served in the air. Force
For 4 years. I have really had it with this insane so called president.
A coward and draft dodger. The set the record straight I served in the air. Force
For 4 years. I have really had it with this insane so called president.
2
I want my taxpayer dollars to fund a military for either combat-ready personnel or administrative personnel who are the backbone of combat readiness. The jobs are difficult and we have many veterans suffering from PTSD today without the added burden of gender dysmorphia getting introduced into the equation.
Transgendered people, unlike those of different genders, races, and sexual orientation, need psychological counseling as well surgical intervention for treatment to make them feel comfortable enough in their own skin. Our combat troops should not be put at risk while transgender individuals embark on such a journey.
We already have a fine example of what happens when they're admitted to the military: Chelsea Manning, who became mentally disturbed, handed classified information to Wikileaks, was prosecuted and jailed, pardoned by Obama, and handed a photoshoot like some lauded hero by the NY Times. No, thank you.
Transgendered people, unlike those of different genders, races, and sexual orientation, need psychological counseling as well surgical intervention for treatment to make them feel comfortable enough in their own skin. Our combat troops should not be put at risk while transgender individuals embark on such a journey.
We already have a fine example of what happens when they're admitted to the military: Chelsea Manning, who became mentally disturbed, handed classified information to Wikileaks, was prosecuted and jailed, pardoned by Obama, and handed a photoshoot like some lauded hero by the NY Times. No, thank you.
3
Well, I want my tax dollars paying for roads, bridges and infrastructure which would employ lots of out-of-work Americans, and to support Medicare so Americans aren't dying just because they are too poor for health care. If a transgendered person wants to put him or herself in harm's way on my behalf, I say thank you and God-speed. And I certainly don't want my tax dollars spent on posting numerous Secret Service agents around golf courses several times a week, or shutting down the Potomac River so our lazy bum-in-chief can play while the country stumbles along. Don't recall my Republican representative in Congress asking my priorities, or asking that the so-called president get back to work on the nation's business.
1
Andrew there are not "thousands" of "trans" ppl in the military. This is a figure compiled by the Williams Inst who once claimed allowing gays to donate blood would cure x number of needy transfusion candidates. The trouble was "x" exceeded the yearly mortality rate so they kind of rounded up like they did here. Like all things trans and most things gay we are not making public health policy based on medical science but instead politics. In the case of the military my goodness the insanity had to stop somewhere. Women in the military reduced retention rates because long term enlistees had to give up their birthing areas for women and move in with kids who had no interest in making it a career. As for gays, you now have g.i.'s figuring out times to bathe which won't include known gays. Neither life on earth nor the American military exists to make so that lgbt-ers can have a rewarding experience- that's the way it is for everybody else.
1
I winced at the use of "my generals" as I read it. Trump is a freeping lunatic.
Thank You,
That Is All,
Carry On
Over and Out
Thank You,
That Is All,
Carry On
Over and Out
2
Mr. Trump does not recognize the humanity of transgender people. He does not because he cannot: He is a sociopath.
Is he actually a sociopath, or does he just display sociopathic behavior? The question is of no significance to me.
Is he actually a sociopath, or does he just display sociopathic behavior? The question is of no significance to me.
2
A chicken hawk draft dodger with Russian ties attacking people who are either serving or wanting to serve their country. How despicable this con man is and how much more do we need to endure until he is finally gone.
2
"There is no evidence that allowing transgender people to serve openly in uniform would interfere with the “decisive and overwhelming victory”..." You expect that this gang that couldn't shoot straight believes anything related to science? Don the Con has only one modus operandi and that is he has to win. And, in his game, for him to win, someone else has to lose. So far, the losers are the U.S. citizens.
1
Benedict Donald's daily deflection and disruption. Nothing more, nothing less. Typical of a cowardly bully. Pick on the most vulnerable and the least powerful segment of society. Do nothing to improve society. He continues to manufacture and us the Big Lie technique any time he can. What a truly despicable person.
1
The Pentagon will spend more on Viagra than it would have spent on care for trans service people: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/The-military-spends-five-times-as-muc...
1
Why is Viagra coveted by THEIR medical insurance? It is NOT covered by Medicare, when men are at the age when it is a heck of a lot more likely to improve their quality of life!
What is wrong with Trump? Let us count the ways. One must remember, everything Trump says has no credibility, everything. What he states on Monday as an absolute may be reneged on Tuesday. Trump has a mind like a sieve. Not much takes holds. Trump has almost no recollection of what he said previously. And if he does, he has no qualms about disregarding them. He calls it thinking on his feet. Trump's thinking is a misnomer. Trump does not think, never has, never will. He is a precocious spoiled brat who always gets what he wants, and when he doesn't, he grimaces, smirks, broods, and stomps his feet. He wants what he wants, now. Trump reacts to events, he does not control them. And the actions he takes he has no sense of time and space and the consequences for those actions. He can't see beyond today, let along tomorrow. Trump is the White Trash president, the president of the reactors, the angry White mob who is looking for someone to lynch for their problems. They, like Trump, need look no further that into the mirror.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
It's high time that we stopped waking up every morning and asking anyone within earshot "What's wrong with this guy"? He has absolutely no respect or regard for anyone but himself. As ill informed, ignorant, impulsive and malicious he is, the the real issue is the danger he poses for America, democracy and the rest of the world. Catering to his racist, homophobic base is unconscionable. He needs to be gone sooner rather than later. The longer we wait, the more damage he'll do, some of it irreversible. Even the cowardly GOP should realize by now that his status as "useful idiot" has worn thin.
1
I think MIKE Pence got tired of not being able to implement his agenda and decided to throw his weight around.
He must be so proud of himself now.
Jesus would be aghast.
He must be so proud of himself now.
Jesus would be aghast.
So, if a transgendered person is an excellent soldier willing to sacrifice for an overwhelming and decisive outcome, that's not enough? Pathetic
6
Trump is aligning himself with autocratic rulers like the murderers Putin and Duterte;discrimination, lies, the stepping stones of the dictator obsessed with power and self-aggrandizement.
The rape of our democracy continues. I go with the red meat theory. He also needed to distract from his appalling appearance at the Boy Scout Jamboree. Already this outrage is replacing that one. Meanwhile, Congress not only gets nothing done, it can't even get undoing done. This distracts from that as well. Well done, Trump.
Unfortunately, this clown is the Commander and Chief of the United States Military. He can do this on a whim and in a tweet, and really can’t be stopped by any court. He could re-segregate the military if he wanted to, and would anyone come to the rescue if that happened? (aside from a probable tidal-wave of 7 decades of public opinion) Nobody will raise a finger for this little group of 2,500-ish service members, so sad.
Trump was too weak to join the service, too wimpy to pass boot camp and too much of a coward for me to trust him with my back in a combat situation. I don't care what your sexual orientation is and frankly it is none of anybody's business either. What matters is devotion, loyalty, honesty, courage, perseverance, bravery and team spirt: all qualities our current commander in chief is serenely lacking. This is a homophobic attack on the patriots that serve our defense. It is despicable and cowardly. How dare you Mr. Trump.
Will the armed forces pay for Botox injections and plastic surgery for those who request it? It would certainly cost a lot less than transgender surgery per individual and is just as necessary for those who need it. This has beneficial benefits and is necessary for a soldier's well being. Fair is fair.
A patriot wouldn't serve trump no matter their gender.
"Trump’s comment about medical costs is equally ludicrous. ... That’s a couple of Trump visits to one of his golf resorts, and at most about 0.001 percent of the Pentagon’s nearly $600 billion budget".
Trump misses no opportunity to exhibit his disconnect from reality, to reiterate his hatred for Obama, and to indulge his own bigotry for political profit.
Who will Trump gratuitously victimize next?
Trump misses no opportunity to exhibit his disconnect from reality, to reiterate his hatred for Obama, and to indulge his own bigotry for political profit.
Who will Trump gratuitously victimize next?
Horrible! Horrible! Can it get any worse?
This is another chutzpa outburst (by tweet of course-he has too short attention span for anything longer) from the Putin's gift to us. How does a draft dodger who never served anyone but himself know anything abut the military? Supposedly he asked generals as one tweet says but then the Pentagon and Joint Chiefs did not anything about it. Some Commander in Chief!!!
This is just the start. What's next? "All LGBTQ individuals must wear a rainbow-striped arm band?" A decree sent out via Twitter, to appease his base, which is all he really cares about?
Ominous and bone-chilling. Even worse is Mattis' silence.
Where does it end?
Ominous and bone-chilling. Even worse is Mattis' silence.
Where does it end?
8
Every time I hear this clown refer to "my generals" he sounds like a 12 year old playing war games. Trump is a certified draft dodger (5 times). No Trump has ever served in the armed forces his grandfather was kicked out of Germany for avoiding military service, his father stayed home in WWll and made millions building housing and warehouses for the US gov't. His sons don't do military unless you consider killing elephants in Afrika. I guess it must be in the Trump genes. I'll take a transgender soldier to serve with anytime before anyone from that crew. Me,my father,my brother and all of my uncles (seven) all served and I had friends die in service to this country.
They're all this same. in NYC and NJ is cut from the same cloth as the alleged subway and commuter rail "fixes" in mass transit. And Rosenthal now thinks he knows more about the military then the Secy of Defense (who also served 30 years or so). "make smoke"
Men that don't want to be men and women that don't want to be women will one day not want to be Americans. They have no place in the military. They should also not have any place in our country. President Trump the Great should expel them. Make America great again!
The first two paragraphs are brilliant writing.
"Thank you to the LGBT community! I will fight for you while Hillary brings in more people that will threaten your freedoms and beliefs." - Donald Trump, June 2016.
Just one more broken promise from this hollow shell of a man.
Just one more broken promise from this hollow shell of a man.
5
Technically, I am not sure when a 'tweet' became an enforceable Executive Order. Are there no physical documents to be sent to the various branches of the military? And what is to happen to transgender citizens currently serving? The 'tweets' haven't addressed that fact.
Trump spoke to his generals about this?
And what do all the people -- yes, even on the left -- who approved of Jeff Mattis have to say? What does Mattis have to say about this?
And what do all the people -- yes, even on the left -- who approved of Jeff Mattis have to say? What does Mattis have to say about this?
As an expatriate American for 14 years in Provence, I can attest that my European neighbors are speechless in the face of Americans electing a creature like Trump who oozes hateful negativity from every pore.
Every day Trump is in office he saps vital energy from the populace that could otherwise be directed toward a more positive daily existence!
Every day Trump is in office he saps vital energy from the populace that could otherwise be directed toward a more positive daily existence!
2
Make no mistake about this latest display of egregious love of one's self.
This has been called malignant narcissism by professionals. Their description
states that: Malignant narcissism is a psychological syndrome comprising an extreme mix of narcissism, antisocial personality disorder, aggression, and sadism. Often grandiose, and always ready to raise hostility levels, a malignant narcissist undermines the very organizations in which they are involved, and dehumanizes the people with whom they associate.
Moreover, most countries today read the same medical literature. It makes
sense that Putin knew very well the delayed bomb he set off in Congress.
Republicans like mcconnell and Ryan have propped up this mental illness.
The Republicans are to blame for allowing the acts of an ill man to go on.
Thus a new political diagnosis might be named: "Political Termitism."
It has eaten away our country's foundation of morals and ethics.
This has been called malignant narcissism by professionals. Their description
states that: Malignant narcissism is a psychological syndrome comprising an extreme mix of narcissism, antisocial personality disorder, aggression, and sadism. Often grandiose, and always ready to raise hostility levels, a malignant narcissist undermines the very organizations in which they are involved, and dehumanizes the people with whom they associate.
Moreover, most countries today read the same medical literature. It makes
sense that Putin knew very well the delayed bomb he set off in Congress.
Republicans like mcconnell and Ryan have propped up this mental illness.
The Republicans are to blame for allowing the acts of an ill man to go on.
Thus a new political diagnosis might be named: "Political Termitism."
It has eaten away our country's foundation of morals and ethics.
Trump is genius at laying traps, and as always, the liberal media falls for it.
Things aren't going well for Trump with the whole Russia thing and Sessions. So what does he do? Change the subject to transgenders. Let's face it, 0.01% of our population or something minuscule is transgender. No one REALLY cares about bathrooms or transgenders in the military. The vast majority of military members are republicans and Trump supporters.
The Russia storm isn't in Trump's favor so he creates (with the medias help) another storm that is much more in his favor. Brilliant.
Things aren't going well for Trump with the whole Russia thing and Sessions. So what does he do? Change the subject to transgenders. Let's face it, 0.01% of our population or something minuscule is transgender. No one REALLY cares about bathrooms or transgenders in the military. The vast majority of military members are republicans and Trump supporters.
The Russia storm isn't in Trump's favor so he creates (with the medias help) another storm that is much more in his favor. Brilliant.
Trump does not see himself as a temporary occupant of the oval office. He aspires to be Putin.
He is our "bone spur" President, who is growing weaker and more desperate by the day. Many transgenders are already serving well in our military. He himself was rejected by our military, and they undoubtedly had good reasons for doing so.
1
Our president is a avid and jingoistic supporter of the military. Fine.
But how come he or none of his 4 adult children never served a day themselves? Does the whole family have heel spurs?
But how come he or none of his 4 adult children never served a day themselves? Does the whole family have heel spurs?
6
It's not about punishing transgender patriots. It's about punishing and undoing anything that Obama did. Transgender patriots and anyone else not loyal to Trump is, in his mind, necessary collateral damage. Trump: motivated by spite.
I don't know the truth.
I am sure this article doesn't have it.
Rosenthal only gives us information that he wants us to know.
I am sure there is information that support the other side
Obama was President for eight years.
He did nothing until his last year in office.
If this issue does not have two sides why did it take him so long to act.
.
I am sure this article doesn't have it.
Rosenthal only gives us information that he wants us to know.
I am sure there is information that support the other side
Obama was President for eight years.
He did nothing until his last year in office.
If this issue does not have two sides why did it take him so long to act.
.
1
stone: because he wanted to get reelected.
1
You have a strange definition of "nothing." I guess that would be the definition of the entitled generation. Check what's been happening in Mosul and Raqqa. Check the growing support for Obamacare.
Actually, there isn't anything to support the other side. No study that makes this conclusion.
Trans gender people have already been serving with no problem.
And the cost of gender assignment surgery for the military is estimated to be one-fifth the amount the military currently pays just to provide Viagra.
Trans gender people have already been serving with no problem.
And the cost of gender assignment surgery for the military is estimated to be one-fifth the amount the military currently pays just to provide Viagra.
1
Mr. Rosenthal - I am in favor of letting anyone join the army who chooses to do so. Pick any demographic group you like.
What I am not in favor of is the knee jerk referencing of these folks as 'patriots'
They are not patriots. They are people who have weighed their options, spun the wheel and had it come up - military.
Which is fine.
These people have been taken advantage of since the beginning of time, and they will continue to be used as cannon fodder in all our future glorious wars.
The lucky ones will emerge intact. As for the rest - good luck to them.
What I am not in favor of is the knee jerk referencing of these folks as 'patriots'
They are not patriots. They are people who have weighed their options, spun the wheel and had it come up - military.
Which is fine.
These people have been taken advantage of since the beginning of time, and they will continue to be used as cannon fodder in all our future glorious wars.
The lucky ones will emerge intact. As for the rest - good luck to them.
3
If Mr. Rosenthal's use of "patriot" in reference to transgender soldiers is so offensive to you, then I would imagine its use in reference to ANY "run of the mill" soldier is equally as offensive to you. Otherwise you would be exhibiting blatant discrimination.
And do you have any issue with calling everyone who dons a uniform an "American hero," as is done constantly by right wing "patriots?" Or do you limit your offense in that context once again only to transgender soldiers?
And do you have any issue with calling everyone who dons a uniform an "American hero," as is done constantly by right wing "patriots?" Or do you limit your offense in that context once again only to transgender soldiers?
Thank you for saying this. The glorification of our military personnel is destructive to the health of our nation. For most people, it is a job, for many they see it as a way to get training for a future life, for some it is a way to get health benefits, accrue a pension, and fill up some time before next steps. Obama continually called them "Americas best young people." Oh really? "Better" than scientific researchers, social workers, people who care for the disabled? Referring to them "heroes" is another example of faux-patriotism. The platitude "thank you for your service" is usually spoken by right wing macho posers who would never send their children off to the "future glorious wars."
Unpatriotic Trump continues to do Putin's bidding by weakening our military through his bigoted hate tweet to demoralize a group of Patriots easy to scapegoat, humiliate and victimize by the conservative immoral minority.
Our current commander-in-chief is the worst possible person to be giving our military orders. I dread the thought of an emerging foreign event that requires a competent and thoughtful commander in chief to lead us and our military through.
Our current commander-in-chief is the worst possible person to be giving our military orders. I dread the thought of an emerging foreign event that requires a competent and thoughtful commander in chief to lead us and our military through.
3
The military rejects about 80 percent of applicants. It routinely rejects recruit with medical or psychiatric problems. Gender dysphoria is a psychiatric disorder that typically requires both psychotherapy and pharmacologic treatment therapy. Treatment includes mental health counselling, hormone therapy to reduce or increase muscle mass, speech and language therapy to align voices with gender identity, hair removal treatments, and, in some cases, therapeutic surgery to remove and replace genitalia and reproductive organs. These treatments are difficult to deliver in combat conditions. Transgender recruits who opt for surgery will spend a significant percent of their four-year enlistment in recovery and rehab.
2
Transgendered individuals who wished to enlist had to have transitioned already and lived as their preferred gender for 18 months. The policy was reasonable and humane, as was Trump's predecessor.
4
You're so wrong. It is no longer considered a psychiatric disorder, any more than being gay is. It doesn't necessarily require any psychological counseling. Many transgender individuals live happy, fulfilled lives -- or they could, if society let them.
Get in the 21st century, Mr. Case.
Get in the 21st century, Mr. Case.
2
William, Trump is not "military." He's a low-level entertainer, a con-man, a serial bankrupt and serial adulterer. Anyone who accepts that Twitter is an acceptable way to spring any major policy change on Congress and on serving members of the military has accepted crass behavior as normal.
This breaks my heart. I recently had a transgender student ask me if she could be part of her high schools JROTC. I assured her she could.
On the authors comment that Trump announced this travesty "on Twitter, of course, because it’s vital to reduce all of his thoughts to short outbursts on social media". I see no evidence that he can think at all and 140 characters is pushing his limits.
On the authors comment that Trump announced this travesty "on Twitter, of course, because it’s vital to reduce all of his thoughts to short outbursts on social media". I see no evidence that he can think at all and 140 characters is pushing his limits.
6
Not a single line not tempered by almost distorting restraint. Come to the people, and put the question to us: How much more of this?
What? Stop talking in riddles. Say what you mean to say.
How much more of what - Trump or transgender individuals? I think I know the answer.
How much more of what - Trump or transgender individuals? I think I know the answer.
It's the don's show. The regulators are threatening to shut him down. To distract from his woes he deflects with twin stories, the unfairness of Jeff Sessions as his choice for AG and attacking a bunch of people who really just want to be happy with who they are. He can't wait for the ultimate orgasmic pleasure of saying, " You're fired." And then back to some TV and the next episode of the don show.
5
Why does DJT enjoy being cruel? Apparently today's tweet was triggered by a few House conservatives. They had proposed an amendment to a defense authorization bill banning funding for gender reassignment surgeries and treatments for active duty trans gender personnel. This amendment was voted down by a bi-partisan majority in the House. Miffed, the frustrated supporters of the amendment turned to the White House for help. And DJT responded with relish. He not only savors being cruel, he makes a point of demanding things that few people want. The anti-trans amendment was voted down by both Republicans and Democrats. The Pentagon has not asked for any action on transgender policy. It's like the ACA repeal. The clear majority of Americans don't want the ACA repealed, they want it shored up and repaired; but DJT goes ahead threatening and snarking that the Republicans in the Senate have to approve something (and they don't even know what that might be). It gets harder and harder every day not to suspect that DJT is truly a psychopath.
8
"The decision, which prompted congratulatory comments from his supporters on the far right, was camouflaged as a carefully considered effort to ensure that military is at its full fighting potential".
Well, when considering that the Pentagon spends about a cool 60 + million for providing their alpha male fighters with Viagra and Cialis, it can be assumed that they are indeed in full 'fighting potential' 24/7.
Well, when considering that the Pentagon spends about a cool 60 + million for providing their alpha male fighters with Viagra and Cialis, it can be assumed that they are indeed in full 'fighting potential' 24/7.
9
The answer to your question is: yes, he's throwing red meat to his base. Nothing official and nothing legal has happened. Unfortunately, The Donald has a history of trying to retrofit reality to his outrageous blurts. So, look for him to push someone (Mattis??, Congress??) to actually change policy. Meanwhile, the military is confused, and the trans members of the military are scared.
5
I suppose we shouldn't ever be surprised at what new transgressive policy this individual chooses to embrace and tweet about. But you'd think that -- with his 'agenda' tanking, his credibility shot, his polls sinking almost daily, his administration under legal scrutiny for possibly illegal collusion with a foreign government, and the congressional members of his own political party increasingly disregarding his tantrums -- Trump might wish to avoid antagonizing at least one sector of the citizenry aside from his ever-dwindling 'base.' Apparently not. Mr. Trump would do well to remember that the LGBT community has been down in the political trenches for much longer than he has and that we have, over the years, acquired political skills and savvy that he cannot even begin to imagine. He won't win this fight. And he has insured that not a single LGBT voter will ever pull the lever for him again.
4
This is not punishment, it is the correct course for the military. A battlefield is not the place (and this is not disparagement) for a mentally unsettled, conflicted...I do not know the correct word... but surely someone with other things on their mind to be.
3
You have a point which even if is true some of the times certainly isn't true all the times.
This issue clearly has two sides.
You are only looking at one of them.
First very little fighting takes place on a battle fed.
Your premise is therefore not valid.
It is my opinion that being Trans gender can in some cases be a problem but
in most cases is not.
To treat it as there never is a problem is just as bad as to say there always is a problem
.
This issue clearly has two sides.
You are only looking at one of them.
First very little fighting takes place on a battle fed.
Your premise is therefore not valid.
It is my opinion that being Trans gender can in some cases be a problem but
in most cases is not.
To treat it as there never is a problem is just as bad as to say there always is a problem
.
When asked if he thought John McCain was an American hero, Trump jauntily replied that McCain isn't a hero because he prefers military servicemen who weren't captured. He also doesn't prefer military service personnel who happen to be transgender patriots. This comes from a draft dodger. What a disgrace that a president who evaded military service has the authority to ban people willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in serving our nation. Just another notch in the pattern of horrible decisions made by this man.
6
This is obviously a shiny object to dangle in front of the media and the American public to distract us from the investigations into Trump's finances and his indebtedness to the Russian Government. Boy - What he is trying to hide must really be stunning (aside from the fact that he is a very ill man).
I wonder if Congress will finally act when he tweets recipes for cooking babies.
I wonder if Congress will finally act when he tweets recipes for cooking babies.
7
What a coward. Can't even admit the real reason for this. Medical costs?
Does anyone over the age of 9 believe that one? Once again the bar is lowered.
Does anyone over the age of 9 believe that one? Once again the bar is lowered.
4
Legitimizing prejudice by the US empowers the worst actors in the rest of the world to act with impunity towards anyone who is not heterosexual and puts their lives at risk. One cannot be for the right to life and against the right to serve.
3
This is the work of a very small man. The fact that he is facing all those military personnel, a draft dodger, is disgraceful. They are too respectful of their "commander in chief" to call him what he is to his face, a respect he certainly doesn't show them in return.
How does he look at himself in the mirror?
How does he look at himself in the mirror?
3
I don't think there is any strategy involved in (unjustly) banning transgender people from serving their country in the armed forces.
It's just Trump being Trump: capricious, cruel, and downright crazy.
It's just Trump being Trump: capricious, cruel, and downright crazy.
3
ALL this is - a cynical attempt to pretend he's doing something and to divert attention from everything that's falling apart. Shameful.
6
Trump, knowing the end is coming soon for his presidency, is attempting to make everyone look away from the legal avalanche that is headed his way from his collusion with Russia.
2
Gosh I hope you are right. I can't stand much more of this presidency.
1
Even without regard for the costs of transition, a transgender individual often suffers from gender dysphoria which can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental afflictions if untreated. Given that people are denied the opportunity to serve their country for ADHD or other mental health issues, why should special exception be made for transgender people? If they are free of any of these symptoms, I see no reason why they should not. In at least one study (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/psychiatry/2014/971814/) 62% of people with Gender Dysphoria had at least one other psychiatric comorbitity (mostly major depression). A study in 2014 (Heylens et al.) found 70% of the people with GD studied had at least one DSM-IV-TR Axis 1 comorbidity.
At the very least, the high correlation of gender dysphoria with disqualifying conditions merits additional scrutiny paid to the mental health of potential enlistees with dysphoria.
At the very least, the high correlation of gender dysphoria with disqualifying conditions merits additional scrutiny paid to the mental health of potential enlistees with dysphoria.
3
Trump is trying to divert the discussion from Russia, Sessions and mostly his fear that Muller is starting to look closely at Trump's finances.
I refuse to believe that Trump really loves Putin, it's simply ridiculous when Putin is lighting every fire he can under the West.
I hate to say it, but where there is heavy smoke continuously over 6 months, there could very well be a large fire burning.
The transgender "issue" is something which the Pentagon is looking at and a report is due in 5 months time, why is Trump raising it now?
Answer - it's a smoke screen.
I refuse to believe that Trump really loves Putin, it's simply ridiculous when Putin is lighting every fire he can under the West.
I hate to say it, but where there is heavy smoke continuously over 6 months, there could very well be a large fire burning.
The transgender "issue" is something which the Pentagon is looking at and a report is due in 5 months time, why is Trump raising it now?
Answer - it's a smoke screen.
4
For someone who boasts so loudly that "I have the best words," all that I can hear is an uncouth, ignorant buffoon. A person with "the best words" would not behave as Mr. Trump.
The government and the military in particular operate with a sometime
Lack of civility as human feelings can be ignored in the daily slog. It is a large organization. But given the small numbers of soldiers affected, acting like a fat bully demeaned the man issuing it by casual tweet.
But by utterly ignoring the chain of command, Trump wanted to be sure his followers know he had done it, that there is no record supporting his decision or that an appropriate analysis was made. He was pandering to the hardest core of his shrinking base as his perfidy becomes more and more apparent.
In fact a study was done and found no detriment. He claimed to have talked to "my generals" but neglected General Mathis, the head of the Defense Department who said he was. It consulted. Mr. Maths is said to be disturbed.
It would be wiser to circulate a directive in a manner not intended to insult those who serve - something the son of privilege so carefully evaded.
Trump is almost certainly lying entirely about having "talked with MY generals" and "military experts.
He is, I believe, trying to stoke his shrinking base.
Trump is beleaguered by the Russian Affair because it is increasingly obvious that his dishonest, treasonous actions are far worse than the American public will tolerate.
The government and the military in particular operate with a sometime
Lack of civility as human feelings can be ignored in the daily slog. It is a large organization. But given the small numbers of soldiers affected, acting like a fat bully demeaned the man issuing it by casual tweet.
But by utterly ignoring the chain of command, Trump wanted to be sure his followers know he had done it, that there is no record supporting his decision or that an appropriate analysis was made. He was pandering to the hardest core of his shrinking base as his perfidy becomes more and more apparent.
In fact a study was done and found no detriment. He claimed to have talked to "my generals" but neglected General Mathis, the head of the Defense Department who said he was. It consulted. Mr. Maths is said to be disturbed.
It would be wiser to circulate a directive in a manner not intended to insult those who serve - something the son of privilege so carefully evaded.
Trump is almost certainly lying entirely about having "talked with MY generals" and "military experts.
He is, I believe, trying to stoke his shrinking base.
Trump is beleaguered by the Russian Affair because it is increasingly obvious that his dishonest, treasonous actions are far worse than the American public will tolerate.
3
For that matter a person with "the best words" would not describe himself as having "the best words".
Smoke screen, temper tantrum, response to last conservative whisper? This, another assault on civil rights, becomes the latest marker of Mr. Trump's return to the 20th century. He does have rabid conservatives nearby, people who deny the human rights of all in the LGBQT comunity along with the reproductive rights of all women. These hate-group members have served in other Republican administrations, but have come out of the woodwork for this one. We, with family members in the LGBQT community reject this latest ham-fisted, knee-jerk, attempt to turn back our equality timeline to something more resembling that of third-world countries. How can our young people become confident in our leaders, and the constitutional process, if the sitting President continues to flail wildly at perceived enemies over his own complicity in a democracy that is now as vulnerable as Mr. Trump's adolescent ego? Now we have to tell our transgender relatives that they are no longer welcome in the armed services. And then, they came for thee.
2
I was afraid that Trump would be a disaster if he were elected president. I was wrong. He is worse.
The U.S. military rejects about 80 percent of applicants. It routinely rejects recruit with medical or psychiatric problems. Gender dysphoria is a psychiatric disorder that requires both psychotherapy and pharmacologic therapy. Treatment includes mental health counselling, hormone therapy to reduce or increase muscle mass, speech and language therapy to align voices with gender identity, hair removal treatments, and, in some cases, therapeutic surgery to remove and replace genitalia and reproductive organs with replicas. These treatments are difficult to deliver in combat conditions. Transgender recruits who opt for surgery will spend a significant percent of their four-year enlistment in recovery and rehab.
1
Is there no end to this national nightmare? How long, how long, will the Republic endure with such a creature as Trump who thinks he is Emperor?
"The Emperor has no Clothes". Republicans and Democrats...and all who love our democracy, must recognize the tragic truth of our situation--- we must come together and invoke The 25th Amendment for the 45th President....he is unfit for his high office. I am questioning at this point, his mental state. I do not think I am the only citizen who is consumed with anxiety for our beloved country.
"The Emperor has no Clothes". Republicans and Democrats...and all who love our democracy, must recognize the tragic truth of our situation--- we must come together and invoke The 25th Amendment for the 45th President....he is unfit for his high office. I am questioning at this point, his mental state. I do not think I am the only citizen who is consumed with anxiety for our beloved country.
The $2.4 to $8.4 million is a rounding error in Pentagon budgeting. They can't estimate things that closely in a $600 billion total budget. That means Trump's excuse about cost is just another one of his lies. What this is about is Sessions, the Russians, and all the rest. This action binds Trump's deplorables even closer to him. It is not about national security. Is it about Trump job security.
Taken one at a time: the ruling on transgender people in the military; the drama pitting the President (no adjectives seem quite adequate) against the certified racist Sessions and the potential threat to the Constitution; the appointment to head key agencies of men whose careers have been devoted to undermining those agencies; the threats to the fundamental rights to health care and a healthy environment--the list is longer, of course. But taken one at a time, they are horrific and should be fought with everything one has at hand. But Trump, or his minions, have chosen to use a shotgun and the resulting noise and smoke, bad aim and widely scattered buckshot are not as easy to see, let alone fight. This is a very frightening situation in which those of us inclined to do battle with evil (and I have no reservations about using the word), are hard pressed to see it clearly enough or make it stand still long enough to take aim with the 22's we learned to shoot as girls. I don't think I have ever experienced an administration, or a political situation, in which there was so much noise. It's like trying to think at the Mall.
No one is punishing transgenders, whether patriots or not.
What President Trump's order does is save the military from granting extraordinary surgical intervention to a miniscule number of members, most of whom remain closeted.
The only folks hurt by this are those who are unable to wait a few years before returning to civilian life to undergo their gender transition.
Where genderr identity matters are best addressed anyway.
What President Trump's order does is save the military from granting extraordinary surgical intervention to a miniscule number of members, most of whom remain closeted.
The only folks hurt by this are those who are unable to wait a few years before returning to civilian life to undergo their gender transition.
Where genderr identity matters are best addressed anyway.
1
In attacking the transgender community, he is attacking serving members and patriots in the military. Will the commanders and generals stand by while their commander in chief attacks their own colleagues and the American service men and women that serve under them? Trump has no qualms about ripping away their patriotic sacrifice to their grateful nation while being a coward himself. Trump doesn't have a patriotic bone in his body and is only willing to sacrifice others to his exclusive glory.
Remember Trump's response to a Gold Star Family that lost a Muslim son, where he states "I've Made a Lot of Sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I've had tremendous success. I think I've done a lot."
What is next? A Muslim in the military ban too?
Remember Trump's response to a Gold Star Family that lost a Muslim son, where he states "I've Made a Lot of Sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I've had tremendous success. I think I've done a lot."
What is next? A Muslim in the military ban too?
Someone hiding being transgender is a security risk who could be targeted for blackmail. An openly serving Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine is not.
I am a veteran of 8 years honorable active service and the only standard that should apply is can this person do the job. Do they have the mental ability, the physical ability, the strength of character and the dedication to duty to be entrusted with the obligations of military service? If the answer is yes then we should sign them up regardless of them being transgender.
I am a veteran of 8 years honorable active service and the only standard that should apply is can this person do the job. Do they have the mental ability, the physical ability, the strength of character and the dedication to duty to be entrusted with the obligations of military service? If the answer is yes then we should sign them up regardless of them being transgender.
4
Sarah Sanders claimed there was extensive consultation with the Pentagon before he catapulted that tweet out into the ether. But a few hours notice, if that, do not constitute consultation. This man's disconnect is appalling. I can imagine there are many who take pleasure in the punishment of "sinners," but on this issue, Trump has done another about-face, underlining the opportunism and hypocrisy that are unavoidable parts of his make-up. Is he motivated by blow-back, as on the Boy Scout farce and on the Sessions issue? So now, he's dissed more of our fellow citizens and has drawn a distorted cartoon of America. God help America!
1
I hate to say it, because I despise everything about Trump, but this was an utterly genius move. Its horrific and inhumane on a moral level, but politically I didn't think Trump had such a smart move in him. The democrats now own the transgender issue come election time in 2020 and you can guarantee no-one in the rust belt, or any swing state, cares about the transgender issue, absolutely no-one, the democrats will have to own it nd run with it. I think Trump has just cemented his place as the true favorite for the 2020 election, I can't see anyone stopping him and that is terrifying. His political instincts are too good, totally opposite to his human and moral ones.
2
"you can guarantee no-one in the rust belt, or any swing state, cares about the transgender issue, absolutely no-one"
Perhaps trans people living in those states, and their friends and families and colleagues (including people in the military), might care. And public opinion can be changed.
It's a long way to 2020 - a political eternity. Four years before Barack Obama, who could have predicted that a black man would decisively win enough states - INCLUDING swing states and rust belt states - to become President? Four years before the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, who could have predicted that the public would become so overwhelmingly supportive of it? Trump may operate on the instincts of the moment, but whether his atrocious decisions will help or hurt him in four years remains to be seen.
Perhaps trans people living in those states, and their friends and families and colleagues (including people in the military), might care. And public opinion can be changed.
It's a long way to 2020 - a political eternity. Four years before Barack Obama, who could have predicted that a black man would decisively win enough states - INCLUDING swing states and rust belt states - to become President? Four years before the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, who could have predicted that the public would become so overwhelmingly supportive of it? Trump may operate on the instincts of the moment, but whether his atrocious decisions will help or hurt him in four years remains to be seen.
This isn't about cost or physical fitness, it's about whether the military should make an exception for a cognitive illness and its 40-50% suicide rate along with numerous other associated psychological conditions like depression. The military excludes groups with similar afflictions to Gender Dysphoria, like schizophrenics, bi-polar, and anorexic. The identity politics of the left has attempted to recast a cognitive illness as a normalized identity, which it's not, and which undermines the pursuit of serious treatment. Transgenders should never have been allowed to serve in the first place.
2
A few thousand are already serving in the military. Tens of thousands have served and hopefully millions will serve in through our hopefully long future.
I am.a transgender woman who served in the Navy. My good friend is a transgender woman on 75% disability because of wounds she recieved while serving in the Army in Iraq.
We deserve to serve if we are physically fit. Check out I Deserve to Serve on FB. This is a distraction to you, but it is a fundamental desecration of our collective service and desire to serve for us.
I am.a transgender woman who served in the Navy. My good friend is a transgender woman on 75% disability because of wounds she recieved while serving in the Army in Iraq.
We deserve to serve if we are physically fit. Check out I Deserve to Serve on FB. This is a distraction to you, but it is a fundamental desecration of our collective service and desire to serve for us.
3
There are already thousands of serving transgender members of the military. They couldn't serve if they hadn't passed physical exams and rigorous training.
I have friends still serving in the military, and they unanimously say that what they care about in the people they serve with is military competence - the sense that their fellow soldiers know their stuff and have their back.
I have friends still serving in the military, and they unanimously say that what they care about in the people they serve with is military competence - the sense that their fellow soldiers know their stuff and have their back.
8
The typical "deflect" defense of Trump. Whenever one of his obvious failures, in this case repeal and replace of the Affordable Care Act, is receiving too much media attention, he Twitters something to catch the media's eye in order to turn their attention elsewhere. Sorry, Trump, we're onto you. And shame on you, for turning your back on Americans who have only asked to serve our country.
16
Its amazing that all the people in the fake news peanut gallery want to take on this issue without zero experience of service, the military and the ins and outs of service life. It would do the media a great service to interview young officers who have to manage these issues among their troops and their units in real time as well as trans service members who went through this change in their lives during their service and not post, also seeing how it affected the relationship with their fellow soldiers. It strikes me this is a more poignant issue among the young in the service who are in harms way on operations rather than the middle to high ranking officer corps in desk life.
2
In other words, you support bigots in the service who don't want to be around trans-gender soldiers. You haven't got one iota of data to back up anything you say about readiness or emotional well-being. You are right on track with Trump. Which is to say - nowhere.
Most definitely red meat to his most deplorable base.
When even war hero John McCain speaks out loudly and angrily about this sudden "tweeted" reversal, denying people who have the courage to put their lives on the line, you have to wonder how our Draft Dodger in Chief has the requisite knowledge to measure what constitutes valor.
I'd love to be a fly on the wall should John McCain--and "his generals" (no, Donald, you don't own these decorated men)--take this up with him.
They might apprise hm of what constitutes service, courage, and a strong fighting spirit, to a man who never set his heel spur on a battlefield.
When even war hero John McCain speaks out loudly and angrily about this sudden "tweeted" reversal, denying people who have the courage to put their lives on the line, you have to wonder how our Draft Dodger in Chief has the requisite knowledge to measure what constitutes valor.
I'd love to be a fly on the wall should John McCain--and "his generals" (no, Donald, you don't own these decorated men)--take this up with him.
They might apprise hm of what constitutes service, courage, and a strong fighting spirit, to a man who never set his heel spur on a battlefield.
18
Extremely well said, and I appreciate the anger that seeps from between the lines. Being concerned about our democracy, and worried about the Republican's systematic chipping away at the cornerstones of freedom, your piece seems rightly timed.
11
Thank you New York Times for inclusion of this challenging piece. In troubled times the least visible icons being recognized is essential. An inclusivity is needed in our fragmented culture. With the current splintered sensibilities it is time to be curious about interdependence & alternatives to the traditional & conventional Outrageous times may need outrageous magick to heal all. A new theater arts = grassroots, resistance, experimental = can deal with various permutations of problems. Innovative, multidimensional thinkers are needed to become instantaneous dramatists to catch the rhythms of these times. Questions must be raised as frequencies are raised. Transformations & transfigurations can happen with informed theater arts. Time now for new paradigms.
I really feel like the armed services should hold their own elections to determine matters such as this. It really should not be left to either the civilian population, or to political figures, to be determining who should be allowed to serve.
3
Think what would have happened if we'd allowed the military to decide whether or not to integrate the troops after WW2. Fortunately Truman understood that it was incumbent upon him as president to force the issue, and he took a lot of blowback for it. Too bad we don't have anybody of that moral caliber or leadership qualities in government today.
5
No, this needs to be decided by the civilian political leadership.
One of the first things new recruits are taught is this:
“We are here to defend democracy- not practice it.”
Every member of every branch is instructed to treat every citizen with respect. To be a Soldier is to be a servant, sworn to obey lawful orders.
One of the first things new recruits are taught is this:
“We are here to defend democracy- not practice it.”
Every member of every branch is instructed to treat every citizen with respect. To be a Soldier is to be a servant, sworn to obey lawful orders.
2
I find it the height of chutzpah that a man who for all intents and purposes was a draft dodger should unilaterally determine who does or doesn't make a good, brave soldier.
Of course this is a bone to his base who hates anyone not exactly like them. When a true war hero like John McCain or a longtime conservative like Orrin Hatch criticize this sudden and ill-conceived decision, you have to scratch your head.
I went to a lecture by Kristin Beck, a much decorated Navy Seal before retiring to private life and the life she was born to, and it was extremely powerful. Absolutely no doubt her transgender destiny in no way impeded her bravery or performance as a Seal.
As for "my generals," the last I looked, our military are not the private property of the president.
Of course this is a bone to his base who hates anyone not exactly like them. When a true war hero like John McCain or a longtime conservative like Orrin Hatch criticize this sudden and ill-conceived decision, you have to scratch your head.
I went to a lecture by Kristin Beck, a much decorated Navy Seal before retiring to private life and the life she was born to, and it was extremely powerful. Absolutely no doubt her transgender destiny in no way impeded her bravery or performance as a Seal.
As for "my generals," the last I looked, our military are not the private property of the president.
69
It's no accident Trump made this announcement today -- a shiny bauble to distract, inflame and mollify the base, while his co-conspirators in the Senate tie themselves in knots trying to strip millions of members of that very base of health insurance.
31
I served in the U.S. Navy during the early 60’s. During that time I witnessed four shipmates being arrested and charged with homosexuality, and then drummed out of the service with dishonorable discharges. One I knew well, an African-American Yeoman. A wonderful, personable and as hard working a sailor as anyone else on board.
The entire crew knew these were good people, but the rules are the rules and they were discharged for cause. In 2016 President Obama crossed that last hurdle and allowed transgenders to serve openly, they along with the others of the LGBT community. What President Trump did today was s take us back to a more discriminatory time. It’s not right, our country is about equality, equal rights for all, including the right to serve our country.
These individuals are serving our country in an honorable way, many have dangerous assignments. Why in God’s name wouldn’t we want them to help protect us when their fully qualified and capable. What happened today is tragic.
The entire crew knew these were good people, but the rules are the rules and they were discharged for cause. In 2016 President Obama crossed that last hurdle and allowed transgenders to serve openly, they along with the others of the LGBT community. What President Trump did today was s take us back to a more discriminatory time. It’s not right, our country is about equality, equal rights for all, including the right to serve our country.
These individuals are serving our country in an honorable way, many have dangerous assignments. Why in God’s name wouldn’t we want them to help protect us when their fully qualified and capable. What happened today is tragic.
63
Next he'll bar all those with heel spurs.
1
I find this latest development reprehensible. But the question is not only is it red meat for his base. Was it also a deliberate toss of a bone to his opponents to gnaw on to distract them from the Muller investigation and his inability to move ahead on health care, tax reform etc. Certainly changed a lot of news focus today. Which of course would make it even more reprehensible - turning people's lives upside down to help protect that fragile ego.
56
I am getting tired of all this winning. I really am.
60
Winning? Not clear what you mean.
I didn't serve in the military, so I'm reluctant to cast stones. One of us "draft dodgers" should be ashamed of using as a political tool a group of people who are risking their lives to defend our freedom. To borrow a phrase "SAD".
40
Enough with the transgender issue featured daily on your front pages, enough already. It is the actions of Trump and his cabal that are bringing our country down, focus on him and them. What is it with your obsession with this? Transgender Patriots? That is not the issue, it is Trump's escalating bizarre behavior that is the issue. Try the headline "Trump Issues Bizarre Edict via Twitter" and focus on him, his weirdness, his ignorance, the threat he poses to the entire planet. The gender confusion of a tiny segment of the population is of zero importance to this critical problem.
17
Why would you deny the patriotism of Americans who have chosen to serve our country?
Thank you for publishing the actual estimated costs of covering those benefits. It is a fraction of a drop in the bucket of military spending and demonstrates that the "it's the costs, stupid" argument is just a veil for discriminatory intent. (Not to mention -- what about the cost of sending soldiers to college on the GI Bill? We don't complain when people sign up for the military as a way to get to college, but somehow if someone is signing up to get gender reassignment surgery covered -- itself a dubious proposition at best -- it's a "problem". I say, people who step up to serve deserve all the benefits we can provide.) If it was really about the costs, Trump would have rescinded coverage of those benefits -- no need for an outright ban on service.
Trump's tweet -- itself a ridiculous disservice to transgender men and women in uniform who deserved a lot better than to find out over Twitter that their country no longer wants them -- is just a desperate attempt at distraction from the very REAL healthcare costs the GOP is about to impose on the entire country.
Trump's tweet -- itself a ridiculous disservice to transgender men and women in uniform who deserved a lot better than to find out over Twitter that their country no longer wants them -- is just a desperate attempt at distraction from the very REAL healthcare costs the GOP is about to impose on the entire country.
42
If it were a matter of the president's concern for cost, the president would have provided the money himself to secure Trump Tower and this and that limousine they traveled in while his wife and child were living in NYC by choice, just like he had before he was president. Of course, it's not about cost. It's not about the fitness of the transgender member of the armed forces to serve. It's about distracting from real issues in the news, only these distractions are so frequent that they are beginning to lose traction as dis-tractions and turning into ever-weaker, pathetic efforts to control the news. Even his supporters are surely forgetting what four distractions ago was about.
And what about the money we've invested in these Trans folks who will now be thrown out for no reason.
I suspect that President Truman was given similar advice when he decided to integrate the military. Also, i recall so many comments that allowing gays in the military or women in combat would be unworkable, disruptive and damaging to morale. How is it then that our great American companies thrive with a diverse workforce? Is the implication of President Trump's action that our companies would do even better with no trans employees? This is one more bad decision by our president. It is wrong for a variety of reasons, but from a purely selfish perspective, I would point out that in the absence of the progress we have made starting with Truman, my white, hetero, cis sons and grandsons would be about four times more likely to see combat.
7
This ludicrous and awful new development only serves to continue to rile up his base and to distract them from his ability to pass any legislation. His constituents will take any morsel they can get, even when it's discriminatory and (I believe) unconstitutional.
17
Hormone therapy for the small number of transgendered soldiers has not cost much to date. Sex reassignment surgery will cost $100,000 to $200,000 per soldier. That is not a reasonable cost for the taxpayer when individuals enlist for two to four years in order to get their surgery paid for by the taxpayer.
6
Is it not reasonable? People give up their lives to protect their country, let them have health insurance and let them have the lives they want. $100,000 is NOTHING compared to the rest of the military budget. We give remarkably little to our veterans in terms of health care. What gives us the right to say they don't deserve the scraps that they get?
Ok, so don't pay for the surgery. Totally unnecessary to ban trans people altogether.
2
People have been enlisting to get money for college for years, do what is the big deal?
Rosenthal is wrong that Trump has not succeeded in breaking up families by deporting people. I read of cases of it, it seems, weekly, and I don't follow the issue closely.
7
I guess he did not get 'enough' cheers last night at his big rally.
Woke up and felt angry, had to find a scapegoat.
Transgender patriots were next on the list?
It's HIS army right? Putin told him he had the power to make changes.
140 character "policy' is all Trump is capable of and he got to be really mean so it made him feel better.
The Presidency in a nutshell.
Clueless, mean and unfortunately holding the reigns of power.
Woke up and felt angry, had to find a scapegoat.
Transgender patriots were next on the list?
It's HIS army right? Putin told him he had the power to make changes.
140 character "policy' is all Trump is capable of and he got to be really mean so it made him feel better.
The Presidency in a nutshell.
Clueless, mean and unfortunately holding the reigns of power.
26
Thank you for your service, PERIOD. Americans are grateful for your sacrifices, regardless of the President.
43
Are the generals and admirals going to keep silent? Disassociating the military from Trump's actions would only help enlistment.
12
Please read:
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/trump-gay-rights-immigration...
During his 75-minute speech at the Republican National Convention in July, Donald Trump looked genuinely surprised at the roar of applause when he said, “As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect LGBTQ citizens.”
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/trump-gay-rights-immigration...
During his 75-minute speech at the Republican National Convention in July, Donald Trump looked genuinely surprised at the roar of applause when he said, “As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect LGBTQ citizens.”
8
It's really unfair to suggest that Trump reduced all his thoughts to short outbursts on Twitter. His announcement filled three entire tweets! Therefore we can be confident that it represents the full extent of Trump's thoughts, without the slightest reduction in either form or content.
16
And here you are people. You are looking at and reading about the pure face of evil..Your president
21
I think the reasoning stated here is exactly right - Trump couldn't get so much else done that he's resorted to banning transgender people from the armed services. The man is so small it's astounding. He's had such a string of losses that he has to try, once again, to marginalize a group of our citizens, veterans and potential veterans at that. Well, let's watch as that string continues to grow.
17
The squatter living in the White House--because that's really what Trump is--never ceases to demonstrate just how spineless and odious a human being he is at his core. He hasn't shown an ounce of genuine patriotism.
It's truly sickening what Trump is doing to the United States of America. I am very worried for my beloved country and my fellow citizens, and for the world itself.
It's truly sickening what Trump is doing to the United States of America. I am very worried for my beloved country and my fellow citizens, and for the world itself.
46
This smells like Pence. The same man who conjured up fears over non-existent transgender predators in bathrooms.
The Trump White House is filled with low characters who know only how to scapegoat others.
The Trump White House is filled with low characters who know only how to scapegoat others.
57
I think it's Bannon. It's a pure political move - to distract and play to the 'base'. I don't think Pence has much say in this Administration.
But, be thankful that Pence doesn't have dinner with a female without his wife present. Think how safe that makes us. Less he wander into a men's room alone...
Besieged on one side by scandals that are threatening his presidency and one the other by a stalled legislative agenda, Donald Trump just "wagged the dog" in tweeting his discriminatory policy that bars military service for transgenders. Since his political scandals and legislative difficulties are only likely to get much worse, the obvious question is: how far is Trump prepared to "wag the dog" to distract from his mounting domestic troubles? Invade another country...?
23
I think your last paragraph says it all.
2
Why be rational and fact-driven about trans people serving in the military when you can be bigoted, cynical and hypocritical? Trump is a monster.
10
trump's idea of making America great again is to reinstate all the social ills we've spent generations correcting.
15
Let's see: he's banned Muslims, declared Hispanics rapists and drug pushers, charged inner city Black youth criminal and now, he has created a safe space for military personnel to discrimination against gays and transgendered people.
trump is consistently consistent: he hates anyone who's not white, rich, and just as biased as he is.
trump is consistently consistent: he hates anyone who's not white, rich, and just as biased as he is.
21
Discrimination is discrimination no matter how it is dressed up. This draft dodging POTUS makes vacuous policy via twitter while dishonoring thousands of people who have served, or are serving, this country with honor and distinction. I forget though this President has no concept of service, honor or distinction.
12
See the related coverage in Politico http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/26/trump-transgender-military-ban-.... It seems Trump was blackmailed by a group of Congressmen threatening to withhold votes on a spending bill that included funding for the "wall". It is just another of the many Trump promises made during the election and now discarded. Does anyone really believe he consulted with "my generals"?
23
The longer he's in office, the less in touch with reality.
9
Good for you. Increasingly, it seems, the only attitude one can have towards Trump is contempt.
9
Yes, that's true. And there are valid reasons for that.
1
Or, one could say that Mr. Trump opened a diversionary front, despicably using a few thousand transgender patriots as a distraction, so that writers like Mr. Rosenthal would devote today's column to their travails instead of to the tens of millions of Americans (black and white, men and women, gay and straight, Christian and Muslim and everything else) who may be about to lose health insurance or see their existing insurance plans rise in cost and cover less.
9
"Or did he just call in Steve Bannon and his new communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, and ask them for a way to throw some red meat to his most intolerant supporters while the health care bill flounders on Capitol Hill and new revelations come out almost daily about his campaign’s strange dealings with the Kremlin?" Yes, that's most likely it, along with needing an ego boost from his base since the healthcare debacle isn't going his way.
19
So when impeachment proceedings finally begin (hopefully before January 2019), should the House of Representatives alert Trump via a tweet?
9
OK, let's not get diverted by Trump scapegoating a very small subset of American heroes. Keep your eye on the ball: he is trying to distract us from his goal of transferring wealth and power from the 90% to the 10% to the 1%, and he wins if we go down the rabbit hole of endlessly defending the 0.1%. He would not be there if we had spent more passion on our industrial base and less on re-labelling bathrooms.
3
Kudos to POTUS for having the courage to put our nation first. He is commander in chief not the Provost at Cal Berkley.
4
Because LGBT people aren't American and so can't come first. Thanks Steve.
5
You know who puts our nation first? LGBT soldiers, who are committed to fight and die for it. Banning them weakens our military and insults the American ideals they are fighting to protect.
Can we at least have a rational discussion about the fact that this transition costs about $35,000 per person? I don't see why the American taxpayer should pay for this. And I am a lifelong Democrat and Hillary Clinton voter, and I abhor Donald Trump with every fiber of my being.
11
"Can we at least have a rational discussion about the fact that this transition costs about $35,000 per person?"
Sure, the discussion is; only genuine transgender people, certified by at least one psychiatrist, are eligible for gender reassignment services. The U.S. provides healthcare services to men and women of the armed forces who sacrifice a lot, many of whom are maimed or killed protecting the U.S. Gender reassignment is a healthcare service. You wouldn't deny random other healthcare services to our armed forces, like obstetrics, mental health treatment or physical therapy, would you?
See, discussion had.
Sure, the discussion is; only genuine transgender people, certified by at least one psychiatrist, are eligible for gender reassignment services. The U.S. provides healthcare services to men and women of the armed forces who sacrifice a lot, many of whom are maimed or killed protecting the U.S. Gender reassignment is a healthcare service. You wouldn't deny random other healthcare services to our armed forces, like obstetrics, mental health treatment or physical therapy, would you?
See, discussion had.
38
If I may please contribute to the discussion, at my place of work, one of our employees is about to have gender confirmation surgery and a long absence (I know this because I work in HR). And yes, surgery and hospitalization costs will drive up our experience rating when we are up for medical insurance renewal at the end of this year. But, even as a not-for-profit agency, we still treat employees' medical concerns respectfully and without discrimination. Surely the world's most powerful, most monied military can do likewise.
31
Your assessment about cost is absolutely correct, not to mention other ramifications and consequences.
I've asked repeatedly what the military's response would be when, and not if, Trump/Putin issue illegal/immoral orders. Well, it's about time to see that response since the order to the Navy at the USS Gerald R Ford commissioning about voting for Trump endorsed legislators/legislation and now this despicable transgender order.
You'd think the Secretary of Defense might want to truncate his vacation and come back to work.