Michigan Radio asked Michigan's representatives for their comments. Each Republican who responded said, "No Comment"-- One more example of the Republican Congress members' abdication of their responsibilities as one of the co-equal branches of our constitutional system.
7
President Trump is not above the law, nor has the right to impose his personal value-driven judgments as that of "the people.". His intolerance of his transgender citizenry who pay taxes, vote, serve on juries, work and contribute to society, is outrageous. The fact that he chooses to distance himself from members of his citizenry actual indicates a chess move toward tyranny. Trump will no succeed in "checkmating" the people of this country, nor thwarting the framework of democracy to his personal will. His disrespect for the Department of Defense's position on this issue is equally disturbing. This issue is clearly not about surgical procedures -- sex change operations -- it is about a hidden subversive hatred of others that is slowly creeping into the White House. Transgender people will serve proudly in the future without fear of reprisal from a tyrannical President... period!
5
Mattis should resign but he won't because he squandered
his integrity to serve the lying Occupant
his integrity to serve the lying Occupant
1
Back to the future? Is Trump revisiting the don't ask don't tell debate of the Clinton era? it seems to me Trump is using the office of the presidency to play around controversial topics of past decades as a diversion from serious policy topics of today.
4
President Trump is trying to distract the people from the whole debacle over the healthcare concerns. He did this by drawing attention to transgender people who serve in the army in a negative way. There is a fight starting over whether to not our money should cover the costs of gender transitioning and hormone therapy for transgender service members. I believe Trump's solution to resolve what would've been a fight over personal issues was not right. He went about the situation in an immature, unfair, and completely irrational way. I agree that this issue over who pays for their needs might seem like a disruption to the regular costs of our service members. Overall, I believe that the people themselves should pay for their own transition and hormones. That doesn't mean anyone, including the President of the United States, should ban them from doing what they love which is the base of protection for us and Trump himself.
Trump is right. If TG's want to serve the country - do it in another capacity. The military does not need the distractions of the majority of the members from the actions of a few. Military action is dangerous and stressful - transgenders need not apply.
4
Trump did not run as a right wing reactionary but he is governing as a right wing reactionary, serving up executive orders and policies which would have seemed middle of the road in the 18th century but that are distinctively archaic and contrary to democratic principles and strongly authoritarian. The issue of transgender personal identity is to the right just another unholy deviation from decent living as defined by holy scripture and to those with any knowledge of the facts a real variation in how people identify themselves, something which is not what average people feel but nothing but a natural exception from the norm. Those who must believe in certainties about what things are because they believe not in what is but in what they have been told should be incapable of seeing transgender as anything but wrong.
1
That will teach the secretary to look the other way. Now we're talking not about the policy but rather how it was announced. Mission Accomplished!
The scoundrel Trump has violated the God given right to serve in the military ! It doesn't matter that there are hundreds of other ways to serve the country -- this one is sacred !
Lions share of the last two days of coverage focused on Trump's twit about transgender people and most of the remaining was split between health care bill and AG Sessions. Very little of Russian interference and Trump campaign's alleged collusion.
Exactly what Trump wanted.
Beware of diversion tactics of Trump and WH.
Exactly what Trump wanted.
Beware of diversion tactics of Trump and WH.
2
Do people with criminal past are allowed to serve in our military? This is what Trump should worry about.
From a comment submitted on this string: The U.S. military rejects about 80 percent of applicants, many of them because of medical or psychiatric problems. Rejecting transgender recruits is no more discriminatory than rejecting applicants who have other medical or psychiatric problems. Men who gender identify as women and women who gender identify as men suffer from gender dysphoria, formerly known as gender identify disorder. The New York Times Health Guide notes that possible complications include depression or anxiety, emotional distress, poor self-concept and suicide. Gender dysphoria requires continuous 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. Transgender recruits who opt for surgery will spend a significant percent of their four-year enlistment in recovery and rehab. All these treatments are difficult to provide in a combat environment.
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gender-identity-disorder/ov...
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gender-identity-disorder/ov...
6
What kind of "social conservative" could be truly happy to see a fellow citizen--and a citizen whose job is to protect other citizens whoever they may be--has their life ruined by a tweet of Head Twit?? How pathetic and twisted could one be? honestly. if i were a christian conservative, i would be offended being characterised as such, and even more offended by anyone who showed joy in such cruel antics. where is the christian in that??
4
The Washington Post reported that the Defense Dept's Viagra bill is five times that of the bill for transgender patients. When Trump goes to Mar-a-Lago, it costs $3.6 million. If he doesn't go just twice, it will pay most of the transgender health bill.
This is pure prejudice.
Interesting I've heard nothing from Trump's LGBT supporters like Caitlyn Jenner, Peter Thiel, and Milo Viannopoulos
This is pure prejudice.
Interesting I've heard nothing from Trump's LGBT supporters like Caitlyn Jenner, Peter Thiel, and Milo Viannopoulos
3
The VA pays for Erectile Dysfunction medications for disabled veterans and active service members. It is a medical condition. But, being transgendered is also a medical condition and apparently there are very few service members who were seeking to transition, anyways.
But, regardless, I don't think it's appropriate to kick all the transgendered out of the military or ban them from enlisting. They could put restrictions on covering the surgery. Like only covering it in the most severe cases.
Trump again shows he is a bully. I thought we had moved forward as a country and we don't tolerate bullying anymore. It can destroy a person's life.
But, regardless, I don't think it's appropriate to kick all the transgendered out of the military or ban them from enlisting. They could put restrictions on covering the surgery. Like only covering it in the most severe cases.
Trump again shows he is a bully. I thought we had moved forward as a country and we don't tolerate bullying anymore. It can destroy a person's life.
So, right before leaving office (Oct 2016), Obama sends an executive order/memo to allow openly Trans military personnel and now everyone is up in arms as if the current admin. is reversing some long term policy?!
The number of executive orders and memos signed by Obama is outrageous, and the number that ocurred in his final 6 months is beyond suspicious. Stop acting like this is something outrageous. Trump? Yes, he's pretty outrageous, but this is not.
Too many want special care and treatment - the military is no place for that, no place to drain precious tax dollars on one's desired surgery, meds, etc. The cost would be astronomical. IF transgenders were willing to carry their own costs, get their operations and meds on their own before going into the military, then great. But the taxpayer should not pay for this nonsense.
The number of executive orders and memos signed by Obama is outrageous, and the number that ocurred in his final 6 months is beyond suspicious. Stop acting like this is something outrageous. Trump? Yes, he's pretty outrageous, but this is not.
Too many want special care and treatment - the military is no place for that, no place to drain precious tax dollars on one's desired surgery, meds, etc. The cost would be astronomical. IF transgenders were willing to carry their own costs, get their operations and meds on their own before going into the military, then great. But the taxpayer should not pay for this nonsense.
3
What about the example of the high treason of Manning, explained in this paper and else where in the media to be partly due to the fact that he/she was confused-angry about her identity does the NY Times not get! Particularly given all the neurotic conspiracy theories now about how some in Trump's family and administration (and probably 90% of our business/gov elites) having some meetings-relationship with Russians might be theoretically blackmailed to do something against the national interest. Many, many other Americans can not serve in the military because of some kind of disability or highly probable unreliability or disruption to unit efficiency caused by having to give special 'accommodation' to some sacred victim group who our usually cowardly political class members want to buy votes from. The fact that we are in this discussion admitting that our military is actually accepting people in this confused and problematic mental-physical state, and then doing gender reassignment surgery on them is an insult to all Americans and taxpayers. And please, please don't insult the intelligence of Americans by implying that WE can't do simple math! A nation that has 320 million citizens can easily do without one or two thousand of whatever the latest PC term is for this latest category of fashionable sacred victims is ... and not lose a war. We simply need to recruit a few more, more normal soldiers who are far more likely to be reliable, not as likely to have emotional crises.
5
Say like, oh, Timothy McVeigh?
3
it is becoming very obvious that this 'President' is determined to become more despotic in his opinions every day.
perhaps his 'friend" in Russia is giving him a few tips in grabbing more political power?
perhaps his 'friend" in Russia is giving him a few tips in grabbing more political power?
6
Our esteemed president, the commander in chief who never served because he was granted exemptions for bad feet ( no problem with the golf game, however) does an end around the military and in particular the joint chiefs. No surprise here, inasmuch as it is the way he does things. What can one expect from someone who believes he is the best president who ever served in the White House.
6
Thanks for clarifying what this is about: a dispute over the use of taxpayer money to pay for gender transition and hormone therapy, which had threatened to kill a $790 billion defense and security spending package. It sounds to me like he's just starting out from an extreme position (banning transgender people) so he can subsequently move on to a position that will appear more moderate in comparison (allowing them to serve but not covering costs associated with gender transition).
1
It is a crime against humanity that Trump thinks he can make decrees on twitter. His White House is falling apart. The smart GOP legislators are distancing themselves from him.
The GOP legislators would be smart to distance themselves from McConnell and Ryan. Tillerson is already in the mode of saving his reputation. Finally, Trump is being Trumped. His house of cards is falling down. Tick, tick, tick
The GOP legislators would be smart to distance themselves from McConnell and Ryan. Tillerson is already in the mode of saving his reputation. Finally, Trump is being Trumped. His house of cards is falling down. Tick, tick, tick
3
Upon observing the pattern of Trump's administrative actions and looking further at what micro-group he his responding to and against, he has become a voice of exclusion.
What is missing is a reasoned, intelligent leader committed to uniting the country. The filter from the White House is very narrow and divisive, in effect showcasing an underlying ugliness.
What is missing is a reasoned, intelligent leader committed to uniting the country. The filter from the White House is very narrow and divisive, in effect showcasing an underlying ugliness.
4
As with the health insurance disaster, we see in the transgender issue why there is no point listening to Trump at all. He has no policies, values, ideas, just impulses. No telling what may have set off this latest reversal on his part, but we can be sure it has nothing to do with the substance of military policy. Something agitated him and he wanted to take a slap at someone, so out came this reversal of policy, to make him feel powerful and important. There is something wrong with a president when we can only say, at least he didn't nuke anyone (yet). His weak impression of a president is not working any longer, and I think he senses his audience is not so easily fooled anymore.
6
It is ridiculous that Trump who lied to avoid military service is criticizing transgender servicemen and women for increased medical costs. Let's save by keeping the clown-in-chief at WH during weekends. It will pay for many times over the increased healthcare cost by the transgender servicemen.
8
Governing the military by homophobic impulse: Trump is unfit to lead and a thoroughly contemptible and inept commander-in-chief.
I also think he is lying about consulting generals and members of the Pentagon (why, you ask? because he does it all the time). No current military officials have come forward to vouch for this claim.
I also think he is lying about consulting generals and members of the Pentagon (why, you ask? because he does it all the time). No current military officials have come forward to vouch for this claim.
8
Eventually, the grifter throws everyone under the bus.
Including America.
Including America.
4
So much for the line of communication, Trump caught lying again in his tweet....he consulted with no one.
4
Should not be releasing such policy on tweeter.
4
He's behaving like a dictator, not a President.
5
For Pete's sake, this president is such a ignorant, narcissistic con man. He has no business occupying this office and declaring the law of the land from his Twitter podium. May he lose this one in court too, and may conservative "Christians" stop trying to shove their beliefs down the throats of the rest of us.
6
Another Trumpster created distraction?
For a guy who so consciously and dishonorably avoided being drafted (heel spurs my foot!), he certainly has bizarre opinions and ideas about an area (the Dept. of Defense) that he hasn't any expertise or experience in.
Unlike Trumpster, there were when you were a young man and there are now men and women who are proud, dedicated, and eager to to serve their country in the armed services.
So Trumpster blindsided his SecDEF and the rest of the command about this, relatively, settled issue? I suspect the armed services are so past this issue because professional men and women don't make an issue of one's sexual preference, so long as one does their job. It's the person's skills and the job that counts not the color of one's undergarments.
For anyone temporary disabled from combat duty (only a fraction of armed services see combat), there are plenty of other important jobs for them to perform. Injured and recovering GIs, pregnant women, and people recovering from illnesses or medical procedures, for example, are removed from combat status and assigned another less stressful job.
Get over it Trumpster! Stop selecting and attacking innocent bystanders who are busy doing their jobs. You remind me of a cowardly school yard bully.
For a guy who so consciously and dishonorably avoided being drafted (heel spurs my foot!), he certainly has bizarre opinions and ideas about an area (the Dept. of Defense) that he hasn't any expertise or experience in.
Unlike Trumpster, there were when you were a young man and there are now men and women who are proud, dedicated, and eager to to serve their country in the armed services.
So Trumpster blindsided his SecDEF and the rest of the command about this, relatively, settled issue? I suspect the armed services are so past this issue because professional men and women don't make an issue of one's sexual preference, so long as one does their job. It's the person's skills and the job that counts not the color of one's undergarments.
For anyone temporary disabled from combat duty (only a fraction of armed services see combat), there are plenty of other important jobs for them to perform. Injured and recovering GIs, pregnant women, and people recovering from illnesses or medical procedures, for example, are removed from combat status and assigned another less stressful job.
Get over it Trumpster! Stop selecting and attacking innocent bystanders who are busy doing their jobs. You remind me of a cowardly school yard bully.
4
Lets see...16 years of warfare in the Middle East and Afghanistan with no end in sight, and our Twitler decides that throwing thousands of currently serving members out somehow enhances readiness and improves morale?
4
What will we do if Trump declares war on North Korea on his twitter machine while taking a dump 6 AM in the morning! The guy is crazy enough to do it! The GOP should have him committed and put in a straight jacket ASAP!
5
Here they go again, to paraphrase Ronald Reagan's debate tactic against Jimmy Carter. Throughout WW2 and the Korean War, African-Americans were religated to non-combat military duties. With the exception of the Tuskegee Airmen who flew America's most advanced fighter at the time, the P-51 Mustang, most African-Americans did kitchen duty, maintenance, hard labor building bridges and roads, etc. It took a long time for these American patriots to be seen as vital elements in our defense structure.
Then, until rather recently, gay and lesbians were unacceptable to military brass as "disruptive, embarrassing, dangerous to morale, blah-blah ...
But that changed. As high-profile fighter pilots flying over Iraq and Afghanistan came out as gay, it became obvious that gays were already high-performing military professionals. There was a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force fighting to keep his job as a squadron commander flying F-16's over combat zones. Obama ended anti-gay restrictions in the military.
Now, of course, we have yet another flurry of scare tactics from the religious right-wing Christians who just can't tolerate "those people." The current announcement by Trump via tweet and a speech, did not originate in the Pentagon. We have a volunteer military system and as time has passed, so, too, have ancient prejudices. Are there pockets of religious bigotry in the military. As with every segment of society, the answer is yes.
This (p)resident must check his twitter at the door.
Then, until rather recently, gay and lesbians were unacceptable to military brass as "disruptive, embarrassing, dangerous to morale, blah-blah ...
But that changed. As high-profile fighter pilots flying over Iraq and Afghanistan came out as gay, it became obvious that gays were already high-performing military professionals. There was a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force fighting to keep his job as a squadron commander flying F-16's over combat zones. Obama ended anti-gay restrictions in the military.
Now, of course, we have yet another flurry of scare tactics from the religious right-wing Christians who just can't tolerate "those people." The current announcement by Trump via tweet and a speech, did not originate in the Pentagon. We have a volunteer military system and as time has passed, so, too, have ancient prejudices. Are there pockets of religious bigotry in the military. As with every segment of society, the answer is yes.
This (p)resident must check his twitter at the door.
6
Whatever Mattis' opinion of the policy, announcing this by tweet without Mattis' involvement is lower than I ever thought Trump would go - an insult on the level of the Sessions tweets. Trump's policy states that thousands of serving soldiers - volunteers who enlisted during wartime - will be drummed out. I doubt that Mattis is very liberal, but I think he is fair and would want facts to inform his decisions. The six month study was designed for exactly that. The military would not want to be used to placate one political faction or to distract from a bad week on the Hill. If these were other times, and we did not have an active war and a looming North Korea, a cabinet secretary would resign over this.
7
"It estimated that health care costs would rise $2.4 million to $8.4 million a year, representing an infinitesimal 0.04 to 0.13 percent increase in spending."
Trump goes to Mar-a-Lago, once- around 3 million.
Trump goes to Mar-a-Lago, once- around 3 million.
6
This is a distraction. Stay focused on Russia and Heathcare.
NYT, what Trump tweets is important to share but should not be at the top of the page. He tweets outrageous things because it distracts us from the damage being done at that moment. Let's be smarter than him by seeing tweets for what they are.
NYT, what Trump tweets is important to share but should not be at the top of the page. He tweets outrageous things because it distracts us from the damage being done at that moment. Let's be smarter than him by seeing tweets for what they are.
3
In other words, the president overreacted. Wow, like that's never happened before!
1
Trump's attempt to ban transgender soldiers is just another way to destroy America from within. The effect of Trump's ban will be to reduce the number of able-bodied soldiers in our military. By weakening our military, Trump weakens our nation. Vladimir Putin will be pleased.
6
So you think it's a bad idea to bar from the military people who are disproportionately more likely, compared to the general populatuon, to have serious mental illnesses and be generally less mentally sound? People with gender dysphoria have been shown to be much more likely to have personality disorders (even without taking into account gender dysphoria), and are several times more likely to commit suicide than the general population.
And the sort of prejudice against transgender persons that you exhibit has absolutely nothing to do with it?
1
I will leave it up to Trump and Mad Dog to decide whether transgendered people should serve in the military. I get the feeling that Trump will reverse his view or it will be quietly tabled without court intervention.
I don't believe that taxpayers should have to pay for anyone's "gender transition and hormone therapy" because these services fall under a broad umbrella of cosmetic surgery and are certainly not medically necessary. If people want to transition and need hormone therapy to maintain their transition, they should pay for it out of their own pocket.
I don't believe that taxpayers should have to pay for anyone's "gender transition and hormone therapy" because these services fall under a broad umbrella of cosmetic surgery and are certainly not medically necessary. If people want to transition and need hormone therapy to maintain their transition, they should pay for it out of their own pocket.
1
So if an enemy attacks our country, conservatives would rather lose their homes or be killed or captured than allow a transgender soldier to save them?
If God really cared that much about transgender, then why isn't "Thou shalt not change gender assigned at birth" in the 10 Commandments?
Apparently God didn't think that was important enough for the Top Ten. Greater importance was attached to coveting and adultery. Both of which are sins proudly confessed to in public by Donald Trump. With no shame and no apology to God. Because he's the kind of man who expects God to apologize to him.
If God really cared that much about transgender, then why isn't "Thou shalt not change gender assigned at birth" in the 10 Commandments?
Apparently God didn't think that was important enough for the Top Ten. Greater importance was attached to coveting and adultery. Both of which are sins proudly confessed to in public by Donald Trump. With no shame and no apology to God. Because he's the kind of man who expects God to apologize to him.
8
Yes it will likely be struck down by the courts. But the deception here is deeper and more sinister. Trump is setting himself up for the next election as the one to put arch conservatives on the Supreme Court, so his base and more so his legacy impact can be assured for generations to come.
5
More news that Trump has no understanding of the process of democratic governing or civilian control of the military. He only wants to issue orders like a king that "his" underlings should implement without him having to know or do anything more.
3
Once again I say to every person who voted for Trump, to every person who didn't vote because Bernie was your candidate, to the third party voters, to those who said Hillary was just as bad, to the electoral college who failed in the one mission the Constitution assigned to you, you own this president.
8
Each day our President and do not be blinded by his tirade against Jeff Sessions to feel any empathy for him; he too is slowly chipping away at our civil rights- both are a danger to American democracy. They both want take us back to a time where anyone who does not conform to what they think are the narrow prescribes of what should define an American, should be tossed aside. Trump because he only wants to serve the only part of America he cares about those that supported him and Sessions, because of the biases that always have been a part of who he is. Please have no sympathy for Sessions, his hatred of anyone different from himself is well known. He should not be in an office that is suppose to uphold the civil rights of all Americans. Losing him would not be any great loss.
5
Losing him would be wonderful, and while it would be for all the wrong reasons, Trump firing him could be a win-win: Sessions, an entrenched bigot, will be gone, and such a move by Trump will alienate more conservatives and provide more fodder for investigating his motives as obstruction of justice., especially if his ultimate goal is to slow down or end mueller's investigation. Timing will be everything to the GOP: House members up for re-election will be walking a tightrope trying to keep their jobs ; if Trump is wildly unpopular and continues to deteriorate in his ability to govern, will they still stand with him back in their districts? I suspect many town Halls getting cancelled; local residents, activists, citizens must keep up the pressure on their Representatives to disavow this insane man.
1
Trump wishes to kick out brave men and women who volunteered to serve in our military when he himself didn't volunteer. Can we "kick" Trump into basic training?
7
The man is begging for someone to put a stop to this folly of being President of the United States, a job that actually takes work and sustained effort and focus, none of which the Donald has ever experienced before. Please won't someone kindly pull the plug on this failed presidency?
7
I do not know much about politics but what Trump is doing is awful. He is banning a whole group of Americans from volunteering to serve and defend their country. Trump is just making snap decisions and not dealing with present problems. This is especially bad because he said it through twitter, which makes it even worse. And what will happen to the transgenders who are already serving? This article caught my eye because I had saw some things about it on various accounts on instagram and I was instantly appalled by Trumps decision. I also saw the protest that is happening around the U.S. on snapchat. This ban is just taking a step backward from equality.
4
Because of health costs? Why not disallow black people because they might have sickle cell disease (or children with it, affecting military family health insurance costs.) And some Asian groups have higher rates of certain disorders. And men have higher rates of alcoholism, which is very costly, so let's exclude men.
5
It's like saying "should we pay for refuge health care"? "oh no, let's just ban refugees altogether". "oh wait, didn't we already do that?" We have an autocratic President
3
Trump flat out lied when he said "my Generals" had given their blessing to discrimination against transgender soldiers.
Every day, another Trump lie.
What's the tally of Trump's lies now? A million? A billion? A trillion?
Has any president ever lied as much as Trump?
Does truth even matter anymore? If not, we should just dissolve the government and descend into anarchy. It seems we are already there.
Every day, another Trump lie.
What's the tally of Trump's lies now? A million? A billion? A trillion?
Has any president ever lied as much as Trump?
Does truth even matter anymore? If not, we should just dissolve the government and descend into anarchy. It seems we are already there.
5
A Hate Driven agenda while ignoring that A If they have Able Strong Bodies are Loyal and Honorable to Our Military then what is the problem with Trans People. After all we are running our of Good Soldiers as we continue to battle Afghanistan, Syria and wherever there is a war that negatively impacts the Lives of People!
We do not have an endless list of Soldiers so if they want to be one, Let them Be! AND BTW TRUMP THEY ARE STILL AMERICANS for you cannot choose and Pick who you wish to represent as You are the President of All Americans whether we like it or not!!
We do not have an endless list of Soldiers so if they want to be one, Let them Be! AND BTW TRUMP THEY ARE STILL AMERICANS for you cannot choose and Pick who you wish to represent as You are the President of All Americans whether we like it or not!!
2
If Trump ever heard of Alexander the Great is open to debate. Although history and statecraft are not Trump's gig, he should be aware that homosexuality was not a concern to Alexander as he conquered the known world. Many of Alexander's troops who composed his elite cavalry and infantry formations were gay. No one questioned their combat effectives, particularly for a commander-in-chief who has never experienced the horrors of war himself. Before Trump pontificates about the suitability of the LBGT community in the military, he should know what he's talking about.
4
Has any of the news media ever investigated why President Trump was "deferred" from military service?
1
3 times, medical, bone spurs, though he could not even remember which foot when it was asked during the campaign. Like most bullies, he's a coward.
1
Trump distracts on a constant basis and the collateral damage is becoming obscene.
3
A lot of people have criticized the Democrats for simply being "anti-Trump." They say that the Democrats need to move beyond this focus on Trump and instead devise a new agenda for America. But when a man so egregious and despicable as this, continues to try to dismantle all that is good with America, how is it responsible to ignore it?
6
The article should have read Military leaders advise to not include transgenders to serve. President Trump is rightly following advice of military leaders. This decision is basic common sense. The article is non news worthy. But everyone alerady knows this..
2
Where is Ivanka when we need her?
Ivanka is busy using her White House position to make money for her business holdings.
What else does she ever do?
What else does she ever do?
1
getting patents in China
1
You are joking, yes? Ivanka is a zero, and has about as much knowledge about governing as her dear old dad, and no more integrity than he does, which is zip. These people are not normal. They can pretend, but it's pretty obvious the apple has not fallen far from the tree going on 3 generations now. Fred Trump refused to rent to black people, while probably taking any tax incentives he could for multi-family developments; Trump 2 is very damaged, the all-mighty dollar is all that stokes this guy's ego. And his children, though they may occasionally appear a little more refined, share the same values. Ivanka's book is so far removed from the reality of what the vast majority of working women and moms experience in the workplace as to be outright laughable, if it weren't so insulting. What a pox on our country.
2
Is the Twitter feed what Americans are to expect major policy decisions to be announced? Crazy is the new normal.
1
Our military population needs to reflect our country.
3
Anonymous advisors are really annoying.
Who exactly are these generals and military experts who advised you Mr. Trump? Or are these the same kind as "many, many people have told me...", etc.
We know you hate when the fake news attribute to "sources say...".
Who exactly are these generals and military experts who advised you Mr. Trump? Or are these the same kind as "many, many people have told me...", etc.
We know you hate when the fake news attribute to "sources say...".
3
They are people. This should be taken to the supreme court. He is out of order to come up with this ban.
1
Every soldier should 'come out' and openly support their brothers in arms.
If enough soldiers 'declared' that they too were transgender - there wouldn't be a military.
They would be defending an American who wanted to serve their country - what could be more important than that !
It would show that the 'policy' is discriminatory - simply declaring that you are transgender disqualifies you to serve.
I think the 'policy' would be quickly dropped as unrealistic.
If enough soldiers 'declared' that they too were transgender - there wouldn't be a military.
They would be defending an American who wanted to serve their country - what could be more important than that !
It would show that the 'policy' is discriminatory - simply declaring that you are transgender disqualifies you to serve.
I think the 'policy' would be quickly dropped as unrealistic.
3
I wonder how his defense department feels about being blindsided by his tweet? Does this man respect NO ONE? I couldn't work for such a person.
I don't even want to read the paper any more or listen to the news. This man is the worst leader we have ever had, bar none.
Transgender soldiers are a blessing and perform a vital service to our nation's defense. If anyone out there does not want a transgender soldier fighting for your freedom, put down the beer can, join the service, and do it yourself.
I don't even want to read the paper any more or listen to the news. This man is the worst leader we have ever had, bar none.
Transgender soldiers are a blessing and perform a vital service to our nation's defense. If anyone out there does not want a transgender soldier fighting for your freedom, put down the beer can, join the service, and do it yourself.
3
The U.S. military rejects about 80 percent of applicants, many of them because of medical or psychiatric problems. Rejecting transgender recruits is no more discriminatory than rejecting applicants who have other medical or psychiatric problems. Men who gender identify as women and women who gender identify as men suffer from gender dysphoria, formerly known as gender identify disorder. The New York Times Health Guide notes that possible complications include depression or anxiety, emotional distress, poor self-concept and suicide. Gender dysphoria requires continuous 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. Transgender recruits who opt for surgery will spend a significant percent of their four-year enlistment in recovery and rehab. All these treatments are difficult to provide in a combat environment.
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gender-identity-disorder/ov...
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gender-identity-disorder/ov...
4
Sessions won't quit. Obamacare repeal can't pass. Those nasty gumshoes continue to pry into the Russian connection. What's a beleaguered monomaniacal bully to do but pick on someone he considers to be easy pickings?
4
Why does this President even have a Cabinet? He has no skills whatsoever is sharing information and he deserves to again have people disobey his edicts, which are like that of a Dictator...
2
The Mueller inquiry must be getting close because Trump sure seems to be unhinged and simply erupting in distractions. Gotta feed the base!
3
Ah, it's the Christians that are behind it via Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council. What would Jesus do? Throw the Family Research Council our on its ear, that's what.
3
Impeach Trump and Pence and save our country form ruin!
2
The transgender ideology demands that the federal government force Americans to accept “gender identity” sex-switching claims made by each person, regardless of scientific data about genetics, biology, and the variety of normal behavior and appearances shown by normal, equal, different, and complementary women and men, boys and girls.
...either you have an Adams apple or you don't...
...either you have an Adams apple or you don't...
3
Surely even the appointees around Trump now know this man will undercut all of them in the end. Trump's only loyalty is to himself (I wouldn't bet even his children are safe from being thrown under the bus if necessary.)
2
Driving America's future via Twitter and FoxNews is simply unbeliveable in a democratic country. From France, I feel very sorry for the American people, and hope for you that your so called commander-in-chief will for good disappear from the white house and politics as soon as possible.
4
Yet another discriminatory, mindless rant from our Commander In Chief Of Disgusted Behavior. And, when did Lyin' Donald buy some Generals? Oh, Donald: the military is not your property,
4
I don't understand - he is not an emperor who can say something and it is instantly so, especially on Twitter. What happens when he announces a 3 am missile strike on North Korea? Does the military follow orders on social media? If he has now moved from bullying, fear mongering, insulting, and lying to governing by tweet decree, then Twitter needs to revoke his account.
3
"He said he had consulted generals and military experts, but Jim Mattis, the defense secretary, was given only a day’s notice about the decision."
So obviously Mattis has no interaction with his deputies. Shame on him.
So obviously Mattis has no interaction with his deputies. Shame on him.
1
A tweet is not a law. This is nonsense. He is not king.
2
When is trump going to be forced by Congress to have a mental evaluation?
3
Normally anyone entering the military must be in good health. Which means able to fight our wars without special treatments or medications. Try and join if you are a diabetic.
2
I beg you, NYT. Don't follow Trump down this road of distraction and deflection. It is painfully obviously to all why he dropped this tweet. Liberals will think and talk of nothing else while they kill people with their healthcare bills. Push this story off the front page NOW and get back to the issues that vitally concern all Americans.
1
Discrimination by tweets. First Muslims, now transgender.
Trump: If Obama did it, I'm against it.
Not just a distraction for today but for the midterm elections. This is a spanner in the works for Democrats hoping to capitalize on Republican disarray regarding Trump in 2018. It plays on the left's well-known hypersensitivity to identity politics and assumes that if you're not 100% in agreement with the left you are part of the corporate, 1%, bigoted agenda and we'll get the same result as in 2016. Well Played President Trump.
If we want to save money lets stop having Medicare pay for ED drugs. It will save a lot of money in unwanted pregnancies as well.
2
Sadly Trump's edict comes too late for the one person who would have appreciated it - Corporal Klinger on MASH
Worst president in history.
Worst administration in history.
Worst White House staff in history.
It's not even close.
Worst administration in history.
Worst White House staff in history.
It's not even close.
3
Someone in the Pentagon has to call him out as a liar, as they were not consulted, and don't necessarily agree with this ban of his. People wonder how the Nazi regime got so far in taking control of everything, this is it. The very nature of the human animal is tribal, and fear of speaking out, as you will be all alone. The Joint Chiefs of Staff didn't know, and just spoke out pretty much ignoring him, and setting up how this has to go forward. However, this administration doesn't have the people or ability to implement this directive.
1
It is interesting the Trump is having fun chumming the waters and watching the sharks fight over the bait while he is stealing the best fish for himself. However, his attention to the game may eventually cause him to lose his balance and fall in and you can be sure he will be eaten by the same sharks he is feeding with his rhetoric.
1
Another example of the mistake-in-chief's impulsive twitter miscalculations.
First he goes after Sessions to get him to resign. But Sessions gave up a a senior Senate seat to become AG so he is not leaving quietly and he has many friends.
Now Trump throws a bone they didn't ask for to those supporting Sessions.
This too will now require another twitter fiasco so people forget about it and focus on the new fiasco.
First he goes after Sessions to get him to resign. But Sessions gave up a a senior Senate seat to become AG so he is not leaving quietly and he has many friends.
Now Trump throws a bone they didn't ask for to those supporting Sessions.
This too will now require another twitter fiasco so people forget about it and focus on the new fiasco.
This is just a tweet. Tell me when it becomes policy.
Aren't we just tickled pink that we gave The Donald our Country to play with?
4
Trump is dead wrong about transgender people being banned from our military. And his MO for this declaration in a tweet, even keeping his own Defense Secretary totally in the dark is beyond reprehensible.This is discrimination personified. However I agree with him on one score. The taxpayer should'nt be paying for gender transformation and hormone therapy.
Do you approve of taxpayers paying for Viagra?
Whatever you think of his policies, this is what you should get out of this (if you haven't already):
Trump is a really poor manager, blindsiding his direct and indirect reports
Trump is a really poor manager, blindsiding his direct and indirect reports
"Erodes military readiness and unit cohesion". Yeah that was the same excuse used to keep gays out. And before that, women. And before that, blacks.
2
I think religion might have just reared its ugly head again, you do not need to look far beyond Trump for the source of that zeal.
"His decision was announced..."
This wasn't a decision. It was an impulsive thought that happened to connect Trump's brain with this thumbs. It's a shame that everytime this man makes a comment off the top of his head it becomes a policy statement just because he's President.
This wasn't a decision. It was an impulsive thought that happened to connect Trump's brain with this thumbs. It's a shame that everytime this man makes a comment off the top of his head it becomes a policy statement just because he's President.
I hear some one say the Costs for Transgender people hormone treatment.
I don't care if you are a man, woman, gay, Transgender or Bi you put your life on the line for America you have earned whatever it costs. On Normandy beach do you think any cared if you were part of the LGBT community?
I don't care if you are a man, woman, gay, Transgender or Bi you put your life on the line for America you have earned whatever it costs. On Normandy beach do you think any cared if you were part of the LGBT community?
3
How news come out that the military will maintain the current policy until being told not to by the Whitehouse. In my point of view, the President is inviting people to humiliate him. How would I trust a President like this? How would I know when he is bluffing?
The Joint Chiefs of Staff have just announced no change in policy until they hear from the Secretary of Defense. It's on Reuters. Get ready for a showdown with Mattis.
2
Trump’s great and perhaps only talent besides rapid fire tweeting, is minute by minute, wrecking whatever he touches. Here is another glaring example.
3
This 6th century, old, rich, white, straight, christian men crusader mentality is certainly ramping up to a frightening level. Bannon pulls the strings and Trump jerks the nation around. Distraction, yes. A new piece of the plan in place, yes. This will embolden prejudiced and hate filled people to scream louder and/or worse – a consistent weapon in Trump's arsenal from the beginning. Slowly, slowly it creeps.
I'm not falling for this distraction. Trump is having a hec of a time getting anything he wants passed and he's angry. He figures he will strike back at anyone who he KNOWS is not in his corner. He figures he can create a twitterstorm by saying this latest rant. It's solely to strike back at the folks he assumes are democrats or liberals and he views them as the reason he isn't popular or succeeding and he is not used to not "winning".
This is a temper tantrum distraction technique so that he can make folks angry and focus on the wrong thing while he does even more harm with his hateful agenda involving healthcare etc. Don't fall for this! Lets just not react!
This is a temper tantrum distraction technique so that he can make folks angry and focus on the wrong thing while he does even more harm with his hateful agenda involving healthcare etc. Don't fall for this! Lets just not react!
3
His underlings are starting to ignore him"
.Joint Chiefs to troops: 'No modifications' to transgender policy"
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/27/trump-transgender-military-ban-...
.Joint Chiefs to troops: 'No modifications' to transgender policy"
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/27/trump-transgender-military-ban-...
1
Trump is more than willing to destroy our country to stay in power and enrich himself. Man is a traitor. Dangerous liar. Needs to go. NOW.
4
I don't have a problem with transgender serving.
But I didn't know taxpayer money paid for surgery, therapy, and transition.
Now I'm opposed to paying but not serving. How much more do we have to borrow from our children's future to fund every aspect of a servicemember's life?
Who's actually serving? Do military service people serve us or are we actually serving them with our higher taxes and useless wars? Feels like Sparta, not Athens here.
But I didn't know taxpayer money paid for surgery, therapy, and transition.
Now I'm opposed to paying but not serving. How much more do we have to borrow from our children's future to fund every aspect of a servicemember's life?
Who's actually serving? Do military service people serve us or are we actually serving them with our higher taxes and useless wars? Feels like Sparta, not Athens here.
Your 'wondering' questions are shallow, mean, and just wrong!
Military personnel volunteer freely to put themselves in harms' way. Many serve 3-4 tours which is like playing Russian roulette- so they can protect our country, freedom, you, and your children's future.
They do not start or support wars - they are but pawns of politicians and military leaders.Their bravery and medical care should never be questioned. And they support and allow you to question and speak freely.
Just wondering if you also complain about public school taxes because you do not have kids or they are out of school ??
Military personnel volunteer freely to put themselves in harms' way. Many serve 3-4 tours which is like playing Russian roulette- so they can protect our country, freedom, you, and your children's future.
They do not start or support wars - they are but pawns of politicians and military leaders.Their bravery and medical care should never be questioned. And they support and allow you to question and speak freely.
Just wondering if you also complain about public school taxes because you do not have kids or they are out of school ??
. annual cost for trans medical care is pegged at 2.5 to 4 million. Dept of Defense currently pays 6.5 - 8 million annually for Viagra and Cialis for service members.
Trump is totally lying!
The Generals would not recommend banning transgenders or gays for one simple reason: they serve and defend the country admirably.
The so called social conservatives are not conservatives - they are right wing religious extremist and basically a danger to America. This bout this one fact: some of our brightest and top cyber security experts in the military are transgender and gay personnel. Without their brains and expertise, we become a lot more vulnerable to Russian cyber warfare and their hackers.
Trump is total insane idiot - unfit for office.
Trump: He dodged the draft FIVE times.....he was too chicken to serve his nation. And here he is turning away true American patriots and preventing them from the serving and protecting the freedom that the idiot Trump and his family enjoy.
The Generals would not recommend banning transgenders or gays for one simple reason: they serve and defend the country admirably.
The so called social conservatives are not conservatives - they are right wing religious extremist and basically a danger to America. This bout this one fact: some of our brightest and top cyber security experts in the military are transgender and gay personnel. Without their brains and expertise, we become a lot more vulnerable to Russian cyber warfare and their hackers.
Trump is total insane idiot - unfit for office.
Trump: He dodged the draft FIVE times.....he was too chicken to serve his nation. And here he is turning away true American patriots and preventing them from the serving and protecting the freedom that the idiot Trump and his family enjoy.
5
If we want to continue living in a democratic country, we need to allow everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, to have access to the same rights. Without actually consulting his team, Trump goes at it again with his emotional tweets. Looking at the numbers, there is not a compelling number of transgender people who occupy the military and the majority of users who are in need of the medical services such as Viagra, are the ones who are retired. Putting their lives on the line and fighting for their country is a choice that members in the military are willing to do and they should be cared for. You have to choose your battles wisely and whichever way you turn, there will be money spent.
2
"My" generals? MY generals! Who does Trump think he is, a warlord or dictator with his own private army, or a Hitlerian figure who demanded personal loyalty from his generals and soldiers? Mattis and the JCOS need to set Trump straight about how our constitutional system works, and about the words in the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
5
More obfuscation by the administration that does nothing but a run a show instead of the country. It takes a special breed and a person wired for the work military folks do. Why exclude people who want to serve their country? Christ!!! Trump's got a history of deferments (four from college, one for feet) ... President is a dodger and he's telling a very small sliver of American society they can't serve. I'll bet if you surveyed generals and GI's (and most GI's) they'll say they don't care. Tremendous medical costs? Really? As a percent of the defense budget, is it really material to warrant all this churn?!
1
Up to $8 million in cost for transgender people...but the military spends $80+ million PER YEAR on erectile dysfunction prescriptions.
The world is whacked.
The world is whacked.
Most of the cost and use of Viagra and Cialis is for military personnel suffering from PTSD which is a main cause of the erectile dysfunction they experience.
This on top of dealing with depression, separation anxiety, suicidal tendencies, alcohol and drug abuse, wounds/injuries, flashbacks, anger, return to civil society, etc.
So I have no problem for this drug use/ source that helps them with confidence, emotional/mental/physical support, and much needed love and enjoyment.
Just like I have no problem with TG people being allowed to serve in our military branches.
This on top of dealing with depression, separation anxiety, suicidal tendencies, alcohol and drug abuse, wounds/injuries, flashbacks, anger, return to civil society, etc.
So I have no problem for this drug use/ source that helps them with confidence, emotional/mental/physical support, and much needed love and enjoyment.
Just like I have no problem with TG people being allowed to serve in our military branches.
Yo Trump's generals. Force your so called President to take a DOD viagra or two a day for a month instead of instigating another Mother of All Morale Busting (MOAMB) tweet storms. And Trump's generals, take them too.
Since Trump apparently did NOT speak to his generals; in referring to "his" generals, is Trump giving us a hint? Putin's Russian generals would be on board with Trump's policy.
1
Can't help but notice that someone "familiar with his thinking" was cited here to defend Trump's position. Trump who says he doesn't like anonymous sources.
Of course, he also says that people who assert their 5th Amendment right to not provide self-incriminating testimony are guilty. Like Michael Flynn. And, soon without a doubt, his own son plus Jared Kushner.
Of course, he also says that people who assert their 5th Amendment right to not provide self-incriminating testimony are guilty. Like Michael Flynn. And, soon without a doubt, his own son plus Jared Kushner.
Would love to know how many of the "social conservatives" feel the need to have their kids enlist in the armed forces and WILLINGLY put themselves in harms way? We would probably see an epidemic of bone spurs. Time to bring back the draft so all get an opportunity to serve. And yes, I am a veteran who served in Vietnam and who enlisted and wasn't drafted.
2
RE: "He said he had consulted generals and military experts, but Jim Mattis, the defense secretary, was given only a day’s notice about the decision."
So if Trump is lying about consulting with "his" generals than he is daring them to contradict him and if they don't then Trump has implemented what he wishes without actually going through the steps he claims to have.
So if Trump is lying about consulting with "his" generals than he is daring them to contradict him and if they don't then Trump has implemented what he wishes without actually going through the steps he claims to have.
1
Once again Emperor Trump has decided to rule by Twitter decree. This action is outrageous on many levels. It is not only discriminatory against transgendered people, it clearly was not thought out at all. It was a mercurial, drunk-dial whim that Trump conceived in the early hours of the morning. He blindsided his own military, and created an instant crisis. Apparently he has no idea how many transgender people already serve in the military, or how inaccurate his assessment of the costs or administrative accommodations have been. Clearly throwing the military in to chaos over this issue is a far worse prospect than accommodating transgender people.
As has been suggested, this is likely a cheap diversion to keep people from focusing on the health care and Russian influence debacles. Paradoxically this is another debacle. So we have debacles trying to distract from other debacles.
This President shows his incredible incompetence every minute he is in office.
As has been suggested, this is likely a cheap diversion to keep people from focusing on the health care and Russian influence debacles. Paradoxically this is another debacle. So we have debacles trying to distract from other debacles.
This President shows his incredible incompetence every minute he is in office.
5
While no one should be excluded from serving their country based on gender identity, I applaud Trump's desire to make himself personal enemies with some of the world's best marksmen.
6
Yet another distraction to prevent people from paying attention to what's going in the Senate as they are destroying health care for most people and the social safety net for all but the most extremely rich.
1
Good Job, Military Brass, for insisting on written orders to make a change like this. My daughter, who is married to an army vet, reports that military vets and "straight" military men are outraged by this tweet just as the majority of us are. Time for military people who disagree with the presidential imposter to go on strike.
The Con Don has no respect for anyone or anything - including OUR military. He seems to think he's playing toy soldiers when, in fact, he has stirred a hornet's nest.
Keep up the resistance to these ridiculous and dangerous Con Don actions who is simply trying to take our minds off the International Mafia corruption investigations going on around the world. Time to throw them and their operatives OUT of OUR government and put them in solitary confinement jail. On second hand, isn't treason an executable offense?
The Con Don has no respect for anyone or anything - including OUR military. He seems to think he's playing toy soldiers when, in fact, he has stirred a hornet's nest.
Keep up the resistance to these ridiculous and dangerous Con Don actions who is simply trying to take our minds off the International Mafia corruption investigations going on around the world. Time to throw them and their operatives OUT of OUR government and put them in solitary confinement jail. On second hand, isn't treason an executable offense?
4
There simply are no words to describe or express ones reactions to Donald Trump's decision making process. Speechless here, once again.
12
Why are posts calling transgender service personnel a social experiment?
Women serve. Men serve. People in transition serve.
The only experiment here is society's tolerance-and that seems to be failing.
Women serve. Men serve. People in transition serve.
The only experiment here is society's tolerance-and that seems to be failing.
11
It is incredibly expensive to change the military to fit the transitioning people. They can go fill a desk job without negatively affecting the serious situations in military service. I am sure the coastal police and fire departments would love to accommodate all these people who want to try.
I wish the NY Times (and other media outlets) would be more clear about what this tweet actually means for our service men and women. My understanding is that tweets still don't substitute for official presidential orders, so this is just a signal of his intention to change a policy (which he may never actually get around to). In this era, it is very important to clearly understand what the president can do (and what he can't).
4
What about the contracts for service and benefits that these people signed with the government? They have fulfilled their duties faithfully, counting on benefits for their service but those benefits take time in service to accrue. Now, through no fault of their own they may not have the required time in service and will have sacrificed that time for no benefits. No healthcare, no pension, no survivor benefits, no life insurance, etc. That is wrong.
7
The question is not whether TG persons should be allowed to serve. The question is whether a medical waiver should be issued to allow them to serve.
1. It is not the mission or obligation of the military to "hire" a person who plans to go through a 3-5 year psychiatric and medical process that will cost upwards of $100k and require thousands of hours of counseling and medical downtime. The military does not knowingly accept people with even the simplest medical conditions. Why should a special exception be made for a TG transition candidate?
2. Consider a TG who has completed the process, is medically and emotionally stabilized and settled for several years. This person is medically required to maintain a lifelong series of hormone treatments to avoid physical and emotional problems. On the other hand, consider a GERD sufferer, or any of a dozen other minor medical conditions requiring regular medication.
In each case, the US military will reject the candidate. Should an exception be made for a TG candidate that is not made for the GERD sufferer? Neither condition affects the person's day to day ability to perform at full capacity, yet both conditions render the person medically ineligible for induction.
1. It is not the mission or obligation of the military to "hire" a person who plans to go through a 3-5 year psychiatric and medical process that will cost upwards of $100k and require thousands of hours of counseling and medical downtime. The military does not knowingly accept people with even the simplest medical conditions. Why should a special exception be made for a TG transition candidate?
2. Consider a TG who has completed the process, is medically and emotionally stabilized and settled for several years. This person is medically required to maintain a lifelong series of hormone treatments to avoid physical and emotional problems. On the other hand, consider a GERD sufferer, or any of a dozen other minor medical conditions requiring regular medication.
In each case, the US military will reject the candidate. Should an exception be made for a TG candidate that is not made for the GERD sufferer? Neither condition affects the person's day to day ability to perform at full capacity, yet both conditions render the person medically ineligible for induction.
People are under the illusion that the majority of our military personnel are field combatants. In WWII only 10% of veterans ever fired a gun because it takes 10 people to support each soldier in active duty combat. Most active duty personnel are involved in information technology, logistics, maintenance, medical care, records keeping, fuel and ammunition resupply, translation services, satellite surveillance and communications, inventory maintenance, cash management, legal affairs, and other non-contact operations such as sitting in an office chair in Utah while controlling a drone in Afghanistan. Most military work could be done by people with disabilities so why not allow transgender and all others to contribute to our military.
4
Taxpayers are footing a larger bill to provide Secret Service protection for Trump's family on overseas business trips, etc. while they busily become richer. I don't have a problem paying taxes to provide medical treatment and care for any transgender person serving in the Armed Forces.
10
And the cost to us for every weekend he travels to one of his properties and usually plays golf.
The cost for the use of the presidential jet and secret service agents is astronomical.
While he makes money.
The cost for the use of the presidential jet and secret service agents is astronomical.
While he makes money.
If Trump is banning transgender troops due to medical expenses and impact on combat readiness, why is he not banning smokers from the military? I have seen studies that place those costs near a billion dollars annually. I have not researched the veracity of those studies, but an educated guess would be the costs and impact of smoking far outweigh the transgender issue.
8
Agree with many here that this is only a distraction technique being used exclusively by Trump. What makes it so excrutiatingly tragic though is how he is using the LGBTQ community negatively, to do it.
He did it all on his own, which is why this man is so horrifyingly dangerous.
Yes, it will probably be struck down by the courts; but that's the thing. It's just more time spent pedaling backwards when there is so much yet to be done legislatively.
Donald Trump believes his command is the only command that matters. Apparently it is, unless we come to our senses and decide to do something about that. Be very scared for we are a country who is becoming everything we stand not for.
He did it all on his own, which is why this man is so horrifyingly dangerous.
Yes, it will probably be struck down by the courts; but that's the thing. It's just more time spent pedaling backwards when there is so much yet to be done legislatively.
Donald Trump believes his command is the only command that matters. Apparently it is, unless we come to our senses and decide to do something about that. Be very scared for we are a country who is becoming everything we stand not for.
20
Always amazes me that the opinions of this forum are so uninformed.
Until you taste, smell and see the horrors of ground combat, you are not qualified to have an opinion.
I served as an infantry man in the mountainous jungles of Vietnam, combat was terrible but the living conditions we endured for weeks at a time would make most people sick and was actually worse than combat.
Now you want to introduce a social experiment in ground combat? The outcome will be higher casualties.
Why don’t we rely on the experience of the experts? i.e. the veterans who actually have experienced ground combat.
Yes modern war is changing, but a day will come again that the infantry will again have to fight in the most brutal environment as in the jungles of Vietnam, the frozen landscape of Korea and many other places where only the strong can do the job.
Gays, transgender, and women do not belong in the infantry.
To do otherwise will get people killed.
Until you taste, smell and see the horrors of ground combat, you are not qualified to have an opinion.
I served as an infantry man in the mountainous jungles of Vietnam, combat was terrible but the living conditions we endured for weeks at a time would make most people sick and was actually worse than combat.
Now you want to introduce a social experiment in ground combat? The outcome will be higher casualties.
Why don’t we rely on the experience of the experts? i.e. the veterans who actually have experienced ground combat.
Yes modern war is changing, but a day will come again that the infantry will again have to fight in the most brutal environment as in the jungles of Vietnam, the frozen landscape of Korea and many other places where only the strong can do the job.
Gays, transgender, and women do not belong in the infantry.
To do otherwise will get people killed.
9
Does that mean since the President never served at all let alone in combat, cannot have an opinion on this issue and, carrying that logic to its conclusion, he cannot make a decision regarding this matter?
I am grateful for your COMBAT service!
A fellow veteran.
I am grateful for your COMBAT service!
A fellow veteran.
6
Dan Newman, it amazes me that you opinion is so uninformed. Many gay and lesbian and transgender people are serving, have served for decades, and have been heros in uniform. If you have actually been in combat, I guarantee you that, statistically, you have had your life saved by an LGBT person. The interesting thing is, you may not have realized it. But it's true.
Until you have met a transgender Veteran and realize that they are a person, a human being, and not a social experiment, then your opinion will be misguided.
I don't think you realize that the "social experiment" you're referring to has been the regulations keeping LGBTQ people from serving openly. Do you really think they haven't been serving all this time?
I don't think you realize that the "social experiment" you're referring to has been the regulations keeping LGBTQ people from serving openly. Do you really think they haven't been serving all this time?
Frankly, I'd rather my tax dollars go toward paying the $2-8 million a year for health care for anyone patriotic and brave enough to defend our country than for Trump's excessive golf vacations, the cost of which dwarfs that which he's using as an excuse for this ridiculously cruel and bigoted move.
56
Obama golfed less than GW Bush ever did and certainly DJT. Trump has golfed more than any president within the timeframe of how long he's been in office so far than any other. But you of course are probably someone who likes things called "alternative facts" too.
1
should the handicapped not be able to serve because of the cost of ramps and rails?
13
They aren't allowed to serve!
Apples and oranges
Trump has shown not only political incorrectness but also more importantly his deeply moral corruptness. He is the one who has done more than anyone to undermined our military readiness and morale by his disruption of national security with his impulsive rule by disorderly tweet decrees. Running the country is not a reality show. The world is watching this dysfunctional White House nosedive this country into no more than a dictatorial third world country isolated from the norms of democratic societies.
17
If this report is accurate, I really wonder if James Mattis has any sense of honor or self-respect. It sure doesn't look that way.
11
it has been T's unfailing fatal flaw, all of his life, to burn every bridge he crosses, to offend and eventually betray every friendship, relationship, partnership and marriage. He used to claim his name was a multi-billion dollar asset. He now shows every day it will forever be thought of alongside Madoff and Ponzi. His kids must be thinking "way to go dad, destroying the brand. What a legacy to leave.
19
BTW, Donald, they aren't YOUR generals.
36
Well... actually he is the commander in chief so yes... they answer to him.
not when he's wrong. UCMJ.
My vote for why Trump made this assertion is not to distract from healthcare, Russia,... but simply because it unwinds a policy that Obama created. For whatever his reason -- I vote bigotry -- it is clear that Trump is intent on unwinding every policy that Obama favored, regardless of the affect.
20
What all soldiers on bases right now need to do is have a "sick day" or a "march for their fellow soldiers being targeted" "We Got Your Back Jack/Jill, something needs to be done to show this bigley excuse of whatever he plays at, people matter. Supporting your fellow servicemen is what you do. What if you spent your life protecting us then were told, sorry but you need to be my weekly distraction. I think , know we are better than him.
5
When he's in deep, deep trouble, Trump always distracted everyone with something very controversial so everyone will go to a new rabbit hole. This has been his MO from day one. Transgender is the new rabbit hole.
22
First:
The way this was handled displays a terrible lack of competence. Everyone and his neighbor seem to be willing to forgive Trump, because he's "new to politics" but that isn't fair; this behavior is simply the wrong way to run any enterprise, whether a business or a government. You don't blindside your staff, and you don't impose a new policy, until you have all the practicalities worked out. Trump gets an F, for failure to capably carry out a businesslike policy change.
Second:
This is yet another example of Trump's version of "loyalty" - yet another example of saying one thing on the campaign trail, and following it with policy initiatives that are 180 degrees opposite of what he says. He made perfectly clear he would be "loyal" to the LGBTQ community and, like so many before, he's now thrown them under the bus. Trump gets an F, for failure to be loyal to those from whom he sought loyalty.
Third:
This is authoritarianism at its best, dividing the populace by groups: race, gender, sexual orientation, perceived loyalty, economic status, religious beliefs, etc. Trump gets an F, for failure to unite the country, and failure to serve *all* American citizens equally, affording each the chance for "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The way this was handled displays a terrible lack of competence. Everyone and his neighbor seem to be willing to forgive Trump, because he's "new to politics" but that isn't fair; this behavior is simply the wrong way to run any enterprise, whether a business or a government. You don't blindside your staff, and you don't impose a new policy, until you have all the practicalities worked out. Trump gets an F, for failure to capably carry out a businesslike policy change.
Second:
This is yet another example of Trump's version of "loyalty" - yet another example of saying one thing on the campaign trail, and following it with policy initiatives that are 180 degrees opposite of what he says. He made perfectly clear he would be "loyal" to the LGBTQ community and, like so many before, he's now thrown them under the bus. Trump gets an F, for failure to be loyal to those from whom he sought loyalty.
Third:
This is authoritarianism at its best, dividing the populace by groups: race, gender, sexual orientation, perceived loyalty, economic status, religious beliefs, etc. Trump gets an F, for failure to unite the country, and failure to serve *all* American citizens equally, affording each the chance for "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
22
Fourth: This is America, not the Mafia. They are not "his" generals. They swear an oath to the Constitution, not to Il Donaldo.
1
“Grant repentance to President Trump and Secretary Mattis for even considering to keep this wicked policy in place,” the Family Research Council said in one of its daily prayers last week. “Grant them understanding, courage and willpower to stand up to the forces of darkness that gave birth to it and wholly to repeal it.”
From Proverbs 11:29 (King James version):"He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart."
When will we learn to stop using religion to foster hate and intolerance? Why does the FRC need to revive the oratory of William Jennings Bryan those years and years ago? How sad!
From Proverbs 11:29 (King James version):"He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart."
When will we learn to stop using religion to foster hate and intolerance? Why does the FRC need to revive the oratory of William Jennings Bryan those years and years ago? How sad!
12
Ironically, on July 26, 1948 another President abolished racial discrimination in the US Military. On July 26, 2017 Trump banned transgender men and women from serving in the armed services. The military is no place for discrimination http://wp.me/p2qifI-41f
12
Another hideous diversionary tactic. Unbelievably mean.
11
President Bannon speaks again. This is far too complex an issue for Acting President trump.
Unfortunately, this is only the beginning.
Unfortunately, this is only the beginning.
11
Morally indefensible and not too good with math. Trump wants to dismiss 6,000 transgender service members to save $8 million in medical costs.
It’s estimated to cost over $50,000 each time we dismiss a service member. $50,000 x 6,000 = $300 million.
No wonder Trump went bankrupt so many times.
It’s estimated to cost over $50,000 each time we dismiss a service member. $50,000 x 6,000 = $300 million.
No wonder Trump went bankrupt so many times.
18
Right, we know it's not about the money....he is doing exactly what he promised the Far-right-religious crowd!
I don't care if they're straight or not.
I do care if they can shoot straight.
I do care if they can shoot straight.
18
It's true that we do not need to have psychologically unstable people serving in the military. So, I recommend that we discharge all those who have an unhealthy paranoia about what type of genitals their fellow troops have, or who worry excessively about to whom their fellow troops are romantically attracted.
6
Another group of people Trump lied to to gain their support during the election just to stab them in the back once he won. Model Operandi for this con man.
8
Modus Operandi*
I find it immensely amusing that the snake in the grass Bannon, whose own sexual preferences mimic those of Trump's without the financial backing of course, is so offended by transgendered people.
Yet, here we have a Frankenstein in the White House not even author, Mary Shelley, could have imagined.
Keep letting Trump do as he pleases and Russian won't be the 2nd language. It'll be the 1st.
Yet, here we have a Frankenstein in the White House not even author, Mary Shelley, could have imagined.
Keep letting Trump do as he pleases and Russian won't be the 2nd language. It'll be the 1st.
11
5 Yr. old Trump shows up again when he doesn't get what he wants on Health Care... he tweets policy in a child's fit of rage... this man's legacy is going to be a farce! The game of I may do this or I may do that... to keep his twitter audience on edge... child's play. An embarrassing fool!
11
Does a President get a legacy after he is impeached ??
What will be next on the list of the President? Separated bathrooms for black and white kids in school? The weaker the leader - the harsher the attacks on minorities. All current "wannabe" dictators of the "Erdogan" class are using this method....and we have a person of comparable aspirations and moral standings in the White House. Time for Republicans to take their duty seriously and defend the country against this unhinged President!
11
I have type 1 diabetes and had not realized that this would bar me from serving in the military. Yes, it's true that without daily insulin injections, people with T1D would die (and grow weak and physically vulnerable in the process), which I agree would be a liability if we were on the front lines of battle. (Much more so than being transgender!) But there are plenty of non-combat jobs in the military, and it doesn't make sense to bar people with T1D from serving the country in those positions. But back to the issue at hand, I'd like to suggest a counter-proposal: that instead of banning people already honorably serving our country, we ban Trump (who has never served) from making decisions about anything involving the military.
6
We shall overcome
3
This ignorant vile bigot occupying the White House has accomplished absolutely nothing... Unless you count the lifetime corporate lackey he and the Republican thieves in the Senate stuffed onto the Supreme Court and the widening political divide based on irrational hate and fear as "accomplishments".
4
More brain gas emitted by USA's mistake-in-chief.
6
Judy Garland once said of "Wizard of Oz" co-star Ray Bolger: "Every movie, every play, same [bleep] dance." It's the same with military bans. Black, Jewish, female, gay... "Too expensive, will destroy unit cohesion, the army is no place for social experiments," etc. Oh, and the ever-popular "Why should [fill in the blank] have to be turned upside-down to accommodate [exaggeratedly small percentage] of the population?" That last one is perhaps the weakest argument: if it is such an infinitesimal blink-and-you-miss-it minority, what's the major fuss about?
But look at it this way, transgender people: you're not likely to see any Trumps serving in the military "in any capacity," either.
But look at it this way, transgender people: you're not likely to see any Trumps serving in the military "in any capacity," either.
4
To all those voters who listened to his "what have you got to lose?" plea for voters..well, now we are all losers. Thanks...
6
So if you are wiling to fight for your country but you cannot be yourself in the process, that is acceptable?
1
On WNYC yesterday I heard that Trump's tweet came 1 hour after Vladinir Putin decreed the same policy in Russia. Did the Putin decree actually happen? If so, why isn't anyone noticing that POTUS is consulting with Putin rather than the Pentagon?
If the Putin decree is false...never mind.
If the Putin decree is false...never mind.
3
Trump is appealing to the ignorance of his Republican base with their red ball caps, "Make America Great Again" and the downward spiral of Trumpism continues!
2
That is so dumb! One should never turn a (potentially) good warrior from the Armed Forces.
The Spartans had homosexual male mates in the phalanx. The impulse to protect one's mate made the hoplite even more fierce. Of the 300 who held off the Persians at The Hot Gates, at least 100 pairs held hands with each other.
The Spartans had homosexual male mates in the phalanx. The impulse to protect one's mate made the hoplite even more fierce. Of the 300 who held off the Persians at The Hot Gates, at least 100 pairs held hands with each other.
7
It's about time.
2
Finally a Commander in Chief who understands that the military is about fighting and winning wars not social experimentation.
4
This has all the hallmarks of a Bannon media distraction ploy:
- Comes out of nowhere
- No more than a tweet
- Completely uncoordinated and undeveloped from an administrative and political standpoint
- Completely distracts left-leaning media (see NYT, NPR, etc.) from other matters
- Alienates only those who already hate Trump
- An easy (perhaps meatless) bone to throw to evangelicals
Wake up NYT - you and the rest of the media are being played
- Comes out of nowhere
- No more than a tweet
- Completely uncoordinated and undeveloped from an administrative and political standpoint
- Completely distracts left-leaning media (see NYT, NPR, etc.) from other matters
- Alienates only those who already hate Trump
- An easy (perhaps meatless) bone to throw to evangelicals
Wake up NYT - you and the rest of the media are being played
9
Diversionary tactic.
1
There seems to be a lot of expense connected with Transgender, It is the special medical expense of someone in the military who want to do sex change. I understand that is very expensive and that is not something that the US military should pay for. Then you can get in all the emotional issues of bathrooms and showers - just as we are having now in schools.
I simply don't think the extra hassle and expense is worth it. Trump made the right call.
I simply don't think the extra hassle and expense is worth it. Trump made the right call.
2
Right, because there's no room for extra expense or waste in the military. It just doesn't happen.
2
Another Trump diversion tactic. He can't implement this as a policy in the military through tweets.
Russian Collusion! Money Laundering! Compromised Administration beholden to a dangerous adversary country! Benedict Trump! HIgh Crimes and Misdemeanors. Treason!
Kushner, DJT JR. Ivanka, Trumputin. LOCK THEM UP!
Russian Collusion! Money Laundering! Compromised Administration beholden to a dangerous adversary country! Benedict Trump! HIgh Crimes and Misdemeanors. Treason!
Kushner, DJT JR. Ivanka, Trumputin. LOCK THEM UP!
3
Waiting nine minutes to complete the sentence begun in the first tweet ("the United States Government will not accept or allow......") is grossly irresponsible. One of these days Trump is going to start a war without meaning to.
1
Trump is mad, but we are all madder to tolerate the destruction of our democratic culture. Why do we tolerate policies for the military, or any other matter, by tweet? How long will we wait to remove him?
5
Transgender cost of medical 5.4 mil yr estimated.
Weekend trip of Donnie and crowd to play golf at Mar largo. 3.1 mil
Annual est cost of erectile dysfunction treatment in military 30 million.
Very nice.
Weekend trip of Donnie and crowd to play golf at Mar largo. 3.1 mil
Annual est cost of erectile dysfunction treatment in military 30 million.
Very nice.
6
What a President!!!! Most, if not all Presidents of the modern era take justifiable pride in giving people rights and assistance. This is the first President who takes delight in taking away rights and denying assistance. All on a whim, without consultation, consideration or due process. First its Moslems, then poor American their health coverage and now Transgender people. Who next, Hillary Clinton, James Comey, Robert Mueller, Jeff Sessions, you and me. Trump's erratic inconserate behaviour will go down in history as America's darkest days since the Civil War. Shame on President Trump, how does he sleep at night?
6
More red meat for his base, and more distraction. Stay focused, people.
1
I'm confident that the loss of military personnel will be made up for with the brave and patriot likes of the straight Trump kids.
7
I think I have figured out what is driving Trump's agenda. I believe since the National Press Club Dinner where President Obama, made Trump the butt of a few jokes, Trump has vowed to eliminate or countermand any action or law that has President Obama's name on it. Boy can this man carry a grudge. If some how they could go to a single payer health care system and call it eradicating Obama care, Trump might very well support it.
5
Good news. Can anyone rationally explain why the US military (taxpayers) should pay for sex-change operations? Exactly how does spending this money on sex change operations rather than military training, additional manpower or ordinance increase military readiness? Just curious, should we also allow military members to choose their gender identity on a daily basis?
3
This is a distraction to get people to look away from the AG/Mueller/Russia business, and the current inability to pass a health care bill. Never mind that military readiness and morale get caught in the crossfire. Allowing transgender people to serve or not might be a legitimate issue, but that isn't what's happening here. They're collateral damage.
4
The armed forces exist to defend the country and advance its military objectives, not to serve the personal interests of its members. It isn't a jobs program. It isn't there to provide opportunities for and enhance the lives of those who enlist. Members of the military sacrifice many of the freedoms the rest of us take for granted, including the freedom to quit our jobs, live where we want and say what we want. If it meets a mission objective, they may be forced into situations that put their very lives at extreme risk. It isn't about what's good for the individual. If the military functions better without recruits who are blind or obese or have flat feet, it will reject them, even if it may thwart their personal ambitions. If enlisting a transgender soldier is a drain on resources and a net negative to meeting the military mission, why is that any different?
4
I think it's legitimate to question whether and to what extent the military should pay for gender reassignment surgery, but it's too broad to ban transgender people from the military altogether. Paying for the surgery becomes a question of health care and what kinds of benefits the government will offer, what kind of precedent it sets, and whether the procedure is medically necessary. Although Trump seems completely non-religious, I suspect based on those who support the ban that he was swayed by religious arguments and made a cold political calculation of what would appeal to his base.
1
According to several credible sources: Healthcare costs on active duty members = $6.27 billion. Estimated cost of military transgender healthcare = $8.4 million (1.34% of active duty member cost). One trip to Mar-a-Lago costs taxpayer approximately = $3.6 million.
6
While the republicans take away healthcare, they put this out there to make sure you have something to distract you from their top priority. It's sad that they mess with the lives of transgender individuals who bravely want to serve their country. Yet, this is what the republicans do. They love to pick on the LGBT community.
Bush ran in 2004 on enacting a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. He won (notably in Ohio where this ploy tipped the scale for him), but shortly after he was elected, all of his other key agenda items, from social security reform, to "winning" the Iraq war quickly began to unravel. The democrats took control of the house two years later, and Bush was basically a lame duck president for about 3.5 years. Today's current healthcare debate isn't going anywhere, even if the republicans repeal it. They offer no solutions for healthcare. They never have. It's not a matter of "if" the U.S. will have the public option, but "when."
While their semantics may be different, Trump and Bush's tactics are really quite similar. Before Bush, there was Reagan, who didn't do a thing to help with the AIDS crisis during the 1980's, despite one of his very good friends Rock Hudson dying from the disease.
The LGBT movement has come a long way because we have persevered despite the tactics of those who oppose us. We will continue to move forward because we have something to offer. The other side does not.
Bush ran in 2004 on enacting a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. He won (notably in Ohio where this ploy tipped the scale for him), but shortly after he was elected, all of his other key agenda items, from social security reform, to "winning" the Iraq war quickly began to unravel. The democrats took control of the house two years later, and Bush was basically a lame duck president for about 3.5 years. Today's current healthcare debate isn't going anywhere, even if the republicans repeal it. They offer no solutions for healthcare. They never have. It's not a matter of "if" the U.S. will have the public option, but "when."
While their semantics may be different, Trump and Bush's tactics are really quite similar. Before Bush, there was Reagan, who didn't do a thing to help with the AIDS crisis during the 1980's, despite one of his very good friends Rock Hudson dying from the disease.
The LGBT movement has come a long way because we have persevered despite the tactics of those who oppose us. We will continue to move forward because we have something to offer. The other side does not.
3
I believe we should be big enough as a society to find a place for everyone who wishes to serve this nation. We are strong to the extent we are inclusive.
Those who fear the effect of people who are "different" on the military's ability to function: not long ago the U.S. armed forces were segregated by race, and now they aren't, and we seem to be doing okay.
It's called evolution. Rescinding the ban on transgender citizens serving their country is the opposite. It plays to our fears and affirms our worst instincts.
It's especially despicable for functioning as a distraction from healthcare, Russia, and many other important topics now in play.
And also, it's just nauseating for the Prevaricator-in-Chief to refer to career military leaders as "my generals" and use his position as Commander-in-Chief to suggest all in military service should actively support his political agenda.
But then what can we expect from someone who thinks health insurance costs $12 a month?
Those who fear the effect of people who are "different" on the military's ability to function: not long ago the U.S. armed forces were segregated by race, and now they aren't, and we seem to be doing okay.
It's called evolution. Rescinding the ban on transgender citizens serving their country is the opposite. It plays to our fears and affirms our worst instincts.
It's especially despicable for functioning as a distraction from healthcare, Russia, and many other important topics now in play.
And also, it's just nauseating for the Prevaricator-in-Chief to refer to career military leaders as "my generals" and use his position as Commander-in-Chief to suggest all in military service should actively support his political agenda.
But then what can we expect from someone who thinks health insurance costs $12 a month?
2
The irony of this stance is that it is giving visibility to an issue that needs visibility.
There couldn't be any better way to make sure this is resolved equitably.
Attributing the decision to a cost is an interesting twist, but in the whole scheme of things is it really too expensive? I'm getting sick and tired of the focus on cost as a way to limit personal choice. What next - denial of mental health care for our military? Here is a tip: everything costs money. Deal with it.
Besides, with better handling of healthcare costs this wouldn't be such an issue.
Make these work Mr President - you can't ignore these things.
There couldn't be any better way to make sure this is resolved equitably.
Attributing the decision to a cost is an interesting twist, but in the whole scheme of things is it really too expensive? I'm getting sick and tired of the focus on cost as a way to limit personal choice. What next - denial of mental health care for our military? Here is a tip: everything costs money. Deal with it.
Besides, with better handling of healthcare costs this wouldn't be such an issue.
Make these work Mr President - you can't ignore these things.
Please ask president for official papers regarding his bone spurs which enabled him to avoid military service & what medical documentation of treatment received. We need to know.
4
Every day another shoe. Every day Putin smiles. This is exactly what he wanted. Upheaval, division and confusion. Helping him is a President who doesn't have a clue about what he is doing and is willing to make a mockery of our Constitution. The destruction he is wreaking through his own ignorance, incuriosity and over inflated ego have us all twisting. This is not what the founding fathers wanted and yet, this is Democracy. We get who we elect. Sadly, for all of us, including Trump's base, we are watching the destruction of our government as we've known it. How do we come back?
I pray that the moderate Republicans in Congress regain their footing, do what's right and begin the bipartisan work that serves "we the people." They must remember they don't work for the Executive Branch, their power is equal to it.
I pray that the moderate Republicans in Congress regain their footing, do what's right and begin the bipartisan work that serves "we the people." They must remember they don't work for the Executive Branch, their power is equal to it.
3
I don't believe you can make policy put laws into affect by tweeting. Not how it works. At this point in this nightmare we should all completely disregard anything tweeted. The whole scenario has become outrageous. Everyone should have the courage to disregard, unfollow the person claiming to be the President for all of us.
Does Trump have the power to do this?
If so, could he ban white males? Citizens not born in the US? People who eat pizza?
Never mind the snide sniping, does he indeed have authority to dictate classes of people that can and cannot serve?
If so, could he ban white males? Citizens not born in the US? People who eat pizza?
Never mind the snide sniping, does he indeed have authority to dictate classes of people that can and cannot serve?
1
How about banning men who have a history of assaulting and demeaning women? What does that do to unit cohesiveness?
6
Mattis was told 1 day before. What was his response? Why does he never speak out against Trump's travesties. Does he truly believe that he works in a military funnel and has no responsibility or obligation to speak morality and common sense to authority? That giving his personal opinion to someone like Trump absolves him of responsibility to do what is right? Homeland Security and Intelligence Director were given to generals and the result has been an unmitigated disaster laced with ethical toxicity. Do we now add the General who runs Defense to this list? This is not the military, Mr. Mattis, where you follow orders from superiors. This is politics and ethics and your obligation is to the American people first and foremost. Your boss is doing serious injury to America. What are you doing?
10
Perkins and his "Family Research Council" are under control of the Antichrist. They are splitting apart our military, just as they have infiltrated the Republican Party, the Right Wing Christian movement, Liberty University and the Boy Scouts and Republican families. It's quite a haul. And Trump is there to encourage the discord.
2
People have no idea what transitioning is. I am a fully transitioned transgender woman and I have been living 24/7 for 5 years. I have had no surgery. I took hormones for 2 months and got my face lazered. I bought a couple skirts and a training bra and I transitioned.
Transitioning isnt some huge expensive painful process. Once I decided I was ready. it only took about $600 to transition. Everyone is talking like transitioning is some million dollar burden. Its not.
I know dozens and dozens of transgender women, and only 1 had SRS. I know almost a dozen transgender men. None of them have had SRS. I dont ever plan to get SRS, even if insurance paid for 100% of it.
The reason? I accept that I am a transgender woman, and I embrace my self. This led me to realize that that I didnt need SRS. Most of my peers are with me.
Transitioning is not the epic burden people think. In essence, transitioning can be accomplished almost fully within the mind, which doesnt cost much. Hormones are generic and cheap. Therapy is cheap. Support and love are cheap.
If you are basing your argument around the cost of supporting a transgender soldier, you should also consider a much larger cost. Pregancies and medical care for children eat up more money than transgender care ever could. If you buy into the cost argument then you should also support the banning of all fertile women from military service.
Transitioning isnt some huge expensive painful process. Once I decided I was ready. it only took about $600 to transition. Everyone is talking like transitioning is some million dollar burden. Its not.
I know dozens and dozens of transgender women, and only 1 had SRS. I know almost a dozen transgender men. None of them have had SRS. I dont ever plan to get SRS, even if insurance paid for 100% of it.
The reason? I accept that I am a transgender woman, and I embrace my self. This led me to realize that that I didnt need SRS. Most of my peers are with me.
Transitioning is not the epic burden people think. In essence, transitioning can be accomplished almost fully within the mind, which doesnt cost much. Hormones are generic and cheap. Therapy is cheap. Support and love are cheap.
If you are basing your argument around the cost of supporting a transgender soldier, you should also consider a much larger cost. Pregancies and medical care for children eat up more money than transgender care ever could. If you buy into the cost argument then you should also support the banning of all fertile women from military service.
22
BLESS YOU JAQUELINE. one of my friends in his 60 s has become female in manner you describe. This individual is a happy, enlightened, well adjusted soul. You need to speak out to help those who don't have resources or know how. They must no longer suffer. May spirit bring you love and light.
1
Happy for you, and happy that you are happy. None of that is compatible with military service.
I hope the DOD would simply ignore Trump's Tweet Order. Really, do they take orders from the commander in chief via Tweet. Until POTUS can follow the appropriate channels they should ignore him and not act on his edicts.
27
So, Ms Representative Hartzler, et.al., does that mean no more military money for erectile disfunction medications? I thought not.
17
To expand on your informative comment. The Pentagon reports that $84 million was spent on erectile dysfunction drugs in 2014 while the RAND Corp. estimated that covering transition related costs to be between $2.4 and $8.4 annually to assist our men and women in uniform. Men and women , who by most accounts , are valuable members of the armed services. Go figure.
2
Thank God, we now have a "president," despite bone spurs, who was able to fight in his own personal Viet Nam.
14
Trump is simply employing a tool from the tyrants' playbook. It is that simple, you must gin up the hatred for the haters in your base. For Hitler it was the Jews. For Stalin it was the kulaks. For Trump it is the very people he claimed he "was good for." The social conservatives hate the LBGT community, none more so than the trans folks in the military. Feed them the red meat, so Trump can fire Sessions while their attention is elsewhere in order to get at Mueller. Focus on "the other," so he can fire Session in order to get at Trump's real objective. In Trump's mind firing Sessions is not personal, but business. But to do that he must redirect his base's hatred, since Sessions is the Right's favorite. The LBGT community has become the new victim in Trump's war on the Russia investigation. In this raging battle, who else will experience Trump's tweets of personal hatred? That should worry all of us, particularly as Trump becomes more unhinged overtime. Will it be Hispanics, Blacks, Muslims, or all of those groups? Only time will tell where this insanity will take us.
28
It's hard to believe there are 11,000.
3
Strange...but where are all the red-blooded, gun-ho patriots who "support" the troops?! Easy to wear big "I love America" pins and fly American flags...not soo easy to lend support when the people who need it don't look like you!
That this out and out abandonment and rejection comes at the hands of the person who is supposed to be the Comander-In-Chief is that much sadder and the manner in which it was done is downright insulting and dehumanizing.
Sad also that the people around the Comander-In-Chief don't seem capable to stand up to him and tell him how wrong this is...
That this out and out abandonment and rejection comes at the hands of the person who is supposed to be the Comander-In-Chief is that much sadder and the manner in which it was done is downright insulting and dehumanizing.
Sad also that the people around the Comander-In-Chief don't seem capable to stand up to him and tell him how wrong this is...
13
How much are U.S. taxpayers actually spending on transgenders in the military specific to their sexual cause? My bet is that one or two weekends of golf and six-word-vocabulary hob-nobbing for Trump at his luxury resort costs more than an entire year of medical support for transgender military personnel.
27
According to the Pentagon, $2-4M. In other words, less than we spend to send President Draft Dodger to play golf in FL for one weekend.
I'm sure Trump's evangelical hypocrites in his base would be interested to know that in Israel, a country it adores for religious purposes, routinely allows and supports transgendered soldiers.
25
The rationale given by Mr. Trump for this latest edict via Twittter – that keeping transgender people in the country’s armed forces causes “tremendous medical costs and disruption” – won’t wash. There is no proof of any disruption being caused by transgender people. And all major studies have shown that the addition health care costs incurred because of certain procedures they have to undergo is “an infinitesimal 0.04 to 0.13 percent” of the military spending.
Mr. Trump is capable of changing his opinion faster than a chameleon changes its color. That doesn’t surprise anyone anymore. The same is the case with his reneging his promise – in this case, the promise he had given to the LGBT community during his campaign that he would defend their rights at any cost. What bothers everyone is: He is making major policy decisions unilaterally, without any input from experts. It’s done only in dictatorships, not in a democracy.
Or is this edict part of his mission to dismantle all achievements of the Obama presidency? In announcing this shortsighted policy, he has not only thrown the careers of nearly 15,000 transgender people serving in the military in jeopardy; he has also tarnished the image of this prestigious institution.
Mr. Trump is capable of changing his opinion faster than a chameleon changes its color. That doesn’t surprise anyone anymore. The same is the case with his reneging his promise – in this case, the promise he had given to the LGBT community during his campaign that he would defend their rights at any cost. What bothers everyone is: He is making major policy decisions unilaterally, without any input from experts. It’s done only in dictatorships, not in a democracy.
Or is this edict part of his mission to dismantle all achievements of the Obama presidency? In announcing this shortsighted policy, he has not only thrown the careers of nearly 15,000 transgender people serving in the military in jeopardy; he has also tarnished the image of this prestigious institution.
9
If he's so worried about costs, perhaps he should consider how much the military spends on Viagra.
1
This is an issue that should be discuss with the joint chiefs first. The joint chiefs did agree to this policy. This is a case of a person who is in a job way over his head. I realize that trump is doing his best to be able to blame someone else when he is removed from office. Congress it is time to act!
2
So who gets thrown under the bus today? He does it so effortlessly.
8
Is it just me or isn't it pretty clear that this was a move to attempt to placate/distract conservatives while Trump attacks one of their darlings, Jeff Sessions???
16
Having served in the military 37 years I find the president's actions despicable. The current policy of requiring trans men and women to have completed transition and being stable in gender for 18 months means that the issue of "psychological instability" has been eliminated as much as possible for any psychological issue that might occur in ANY service member. The estimated costs for medical treatment that is trans-specific are negligible.
Furthermore, this announcement came on the heels of an announcement of the Pentagon beginning a six month study about RECRUITMENT (not RETENTION) of trans personnel. This tweet is a petulant, unthinking action that does nothing to improve the US military, but rather the opposite. I challenge all of those in Congress, social conservative political organizations, and in the Trump universe to replace each and every trans service member forced out (if this stands) WITH A MEMBER OF THEIR OWN FAMILY to enlist and serve a full enlistment. At a minimum put up or shut up. including overseas and combat tours
Furthermore, this announcement came on the heels of an announcement of the Pentagon beginning a six month study about RECRUITMENT (not RETENTION) of trans personnel. This tweet is a petulant, unthinking action that does nothing to improve the US military, but rather the opposite. I challenge all of those in Congress, social conservative political organizations, and in the Trump universe to replace each and every trans service member forced out (if this stands) WITH A MEMBER OF THEIR OWN FAMILY to enlist and serve a full enlistment. At a minimum put up or shut up. including overseas and combat tours
36
It is almost impossible to imagine a transgendered person , or anyone really, volunteering for the military unless they truly want to serve. That is a pretty tough environment for someone who merely wants the medical benefits.
20
Despite what trump says I support ALL of our troops.
11
How many people do you know who fire their weapons with their penis or vagina? This is NOTHING but more xenophobia from the king of xenophobes.
The medical cost Trump is using isn't even a blip on the radar. There are several articles comparing the cost of transgender treatment at precisely 1/10th the cost of erectile dysfunction, which, of course, the military gleefully pays for.
After all, we don't want any military personnel going to war without an effective penis
The medical cost Trump is using isn't even a blip on the radar. There are several articles comparing the cost of transgender treatment at precisely 1/10th the cost of erectile dysfunction, which, of course, the military gleefully pays for.
After all, we don't want any military personnel going to war without an effective penis
16
Anthony Freemont has been elected. Otherwise known as Billy Mumy, this irrational and implacable tyrant once only creeped out the Twilight Zone. What horrible creature will emerge next from the Washington Lagoon?
4
It's a Good Life, indeed
The assumption seems to be that as commander in chief his order cannot be challenged. Question: which of the following could he ban from the military without challenge:
Muslims (national security)
People with relatives living in country Xlamabad (national security - not a ban)
Women (military effectiveness)
Men (women look good in uniform)
Hispanics (to put pressure on Mexico to pay for the wall)
I expect that it comes down to some orders are illegal and some are not.
However, clearly the military has been able to discriminate on the grounds of gender (women have only just been allowed into the special forces), so would the commander-in-chief have the unrestrained authority to ban on the basis of say color?
Muslims (national security)
People with relatives living in country Xlamabad (national security - not a ban)
Women (military effectiveness)
Men (women look good in uniform)
Hispanics (to put pressure on Mexico to pay for the wall)
I expect that it comes down to some orders are illegal and some are not.
However, clearly the military has been able to discriminate on the grounds of gender (women have only just been allowed into the special forces), so would the commander-in-chief have the unrestrained authority to ban on the basis of say color?
3
So far, it's a tweet, not an order. Even if he signs something, the military will fight it. This wasn't their idea.
This is insane. We have the worse President in the history of this country. First, what is the Administration (President) really saying, is the issue that "it erodes military readiness and unit cohesion, and made the decision based on that” or a "tremendous medical costs and disruption” of transgender service members?" Tweeting policies without transparent asccess to those you serve is unacceptable. Believe me, he is not through. He's coming for you, Dem or Repub. This is about the rich. We have ot fill those coffers to pay the privitized military. Secondly, I don't support that the country pay for transgender operations, etc., but we are going to pay one way or another based on this madness. Healthcare and more people to defend our country or Big business who charges crazy sums to provide personal and services by civilians to our military. The sheer lack of tansparency and tweets is enough to say ENOUGH TRUMP.
4
i don't get it. how is a tweet actionable? isn't a more formal process necessary for this to qualify as a ban?
20
All youth should be barred from joining the military. Since Korea we have lost or are losing all wars. Needless suffering and death to our youth. Enough already . To serve in the military is futile and self destructive..
6
If dividing his own people is all this "leader" can do, who is he working for? Certainly not the people.
9
Distraction. Failed President.
24
This poor excuse for a policy sounds as stupid and discriminatory as the Muslim travel.
7
and was executed in the same rapid fashion, causing chaos...the trademark of this administration.
By the way, Donald...where is your tax return?
10
Some enterprising reporter needs to run the numbers on the annual cost of military transgender health care, and compare it to the cost of Donald Trump's weekly golf outings to his private resorts.
10
There are clearly a series of political issues behind Trump's ban of transgendered people in the military, with the primary being (given the timing) a distraction from healthcare.
The minuscule cost of covering healthcare for the transgender could easily be offset if Trump would cut out a weekend or two of golf. His continual trips are costing millions of dollars that would more appropriately be spent on issues other than golfing and advertising Trump's properties.
The minuscule cost of covering healthcare for the transgender could easily be offset if Trump would cut out a weekend or two of golf. His continual trips are costing millions of dollars that would more appropriately be spent on issues other than golfing and advertising Trump's properties.
7
I believe the Army's experience with Chelsea (Bradley) Manning is enough cause to prompt this action.
7
How about Kristin Beck? And the military knew nothing about this "policy change". I doubt if they feel compelled to honor a tweet.
By "generals", I think he means his handlers such as Bannon & co.
4
This is a flash bomb. A distraction. He wants our focus here instead of elsewhere. He's using any weapon he can...he'll soon start throwing butter knives.
9
Every tweet begins or ends with lies. Pentagon was surprised. No preparatory work. Can't speak truthfully and does not care to try.
7
We can now include transphobic as yet another negative adjective to describe T's policies and behavior. Pence has his name all over this one. Extremists have taken over our government.
11
I agree - Pence all the way. It was way too coherent to be written by Trump.
5
So, the base will let Trump kick around their clansman if he kicks transgenders out of the military? I doubt that's going to stop Congress from doing nothing. But this cover is for Jared and family, not Sessions or the base.
5
I sense a Supreme Court case looming.
Problem is that with too many right-wing religious zealots on the court they will mysteriously 'find' a right that doesn't exist for the President to discriminate based on sexual preference.
A sign of the decline of our great nation.
Problem is that with too many right-wing religious zealots on the court they will mysteriously 'find' a right that doesn't exist for the President to discriminate based on sexual preference.
A sign of the decline of our great nation.
7
I'm more hopeful for the Supreme Court.
As an attorney, I [think that even this conservative Supreme court would have a very hard time accepting that discrimination against trans people is constitutional. It is already been held that discrimination do to gender is unconstitutional. trans people do have a gender, just not the one they were born with.
Big words and action from a draft dodger .. distract, deflect, so much going on with this guy .. how bad does it have to get?
9
According to an interview I heard on PBS Newshour last night, the military already spends 10 times more on Viagra and Cialis than it would have to spend for transition surgery if every transgender service member needed or wanted it - which of course is not the case. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/trumps-transgender-ban-mean-active-duty-m...
8
Just when you think this horrible man can't get any worse, he surprises you.
7
I've seen what is required of a transvestite as far as going through the transitional medical procedures. It's long and cumbersome for the individual. At the VERY LEAST, taxpayers should not be financing this endeavor, and I say endeavor, because it does not always end with the desire result. Sometimes the patient changes his or her mind before completion. What does that do to our mission let's say in Afghanistan or Iraq? This is disruptive at best; AND besides the medical procedures, I question the mental status of these people. To think I could have been rejected from service for having FLAT FEET!
3
Your argument is discombobulated at best. For one, Transvestites are not the same thing as Transgendered individuals, the latter of which is what this argument is about. Our military already pays dearly for medical conditions, largely preventable, inside its ranks; including its ~7.5% obesity rate and notably the medical bills of my Army friend who got in a fight while drunk and broke his leg. The question of how the missions in Afghanistan and Iraq will be affected is moot, as Transgendered individuals already serve in the military successfully. This is not just anecdotal, but also reflected in a RAND study that examined this issue.
Questioning the mental status of "these people" is your own personal pejorative. Transgender individuals already live as successful doctors, lawyers, business professionals and function just like anyone in society. Transgendered individuals walk the same streets, shop at the same grocery stores, work the same jobs as you and I, and there is no changing that. You must come to a level of acceptance that not everyone is like you or I and feels comfortable as their birth gender.
Questioning the mental status of "these people" is your own personal pejorative. Transgender individuals already live as successful doctors, lawyers, business professionals and function just like anyone in society. Transgendered individuals walk the same streets, shop at the same grocery stores, work the same jobs as you and I, and there is no changing that. You must come to a level of acceptance that not everyone is like you or I and feels comfortable as their birth gender.
1
"bone spurs" are also a great way to get out of serving. Apparently it's OK to spend a lot more for ED meds as is happening now. The hypocrisy is astonishing.
Flat feet make it hard to march, gender doesn't affect the ability to perform military duties, neither does gender. Every branch of the military has had female general or admirals. who cares what sex one chooses?
I am transgender, age 61. I was born this way, just as you were born a specific way.
You, America, has had a general policy of exclusion, discrimination, and outraged hatred against me my entire life.
Therefore you have stolen my life, and it is too late to resolve.
Today America, you have reiterated your same thoughts, your same policies, and you intensify them.
Let me clear to you: I despise you, your false flag patriotism based on hate. Heterosexuals are vile and their policies are more vile.
You, America, has had a general policy of exclusion, discrimination, and outraged hatred against me my entire life.
Therefore you have stolen my life, and it is too late to resolve.
Today America, you have reiterated your same thoughts, your same policies, and you intensify them.
Let me clear to you: I despise you, your false flag patriotism based on hate. Heterosexuals are vile and their policies are more vile.
4
I can understand how you feel, but I don't agree that America has a general policy against you. I think that the vast majority don't really care what gender you choose.
Since you are not transgender, nor have had your life utterly altered, your thought is not based in fact, experience or reality.
So far Trump has proved to be a mugwump in all other matters. Is it possible that HIS illustrious military career could become an issue?
5
A year ago, the Alt/right began belittling me on this very message board because I said not to trust Trump ignorantly holding a gay flag upside down with lies scribbled on it after he chose Mike Pence as his Vice President. I was accused of being everything but a child of god and berated because I warned Trump would turn his back on LGBTQs and they were fools for voting for him siting Pence's record in Indiana.
Well the pigeons have come back to roost and it turns out I was right... This has Pence's fingerprints all over it.
Well the pigeons have come back to roost and it turns out I was right... This has Pence's fingerprints all over it.
8
POTUS (Psychopath of the US) has once again hidden behind the skirts of his Twitter account and made policy regarding transgenders in the military in a cowardly fashion. Once again he has tweeted out a policy with no consideration of the implications. His half-twit thought process is dangerous to all.
5
Perhaps the cost of transgender transformation surgery. which is approaching $100K all in, plus the aftercare, the continuing hormone therapy etc etc., is simply too much at a time when money is tight. There are over 10,000 currently serving. We already know of one who has had surgery on the cuff of the Army while in custody. If T's continue to enter the service for the intention of transformation, it will take money from much needed arms, training and equipment and divert it to healthcare. Think about the number of 10,000 times 100,000. That's 1 Billion $$. Trump has not banned LGBorQ's.
1
Chelsea Manning did not have surgery when she was incarcerated.
4
Is that $100k estimate using bloated US healthcare costs?
Get our health insurance coverage handled correctly and we can manage these cases more easily.
Look at the big picture.
Get our health insurance coverage handled correctly and we can manage these cases more easily.
Look at the big picture.
Wrong CJ, check out this article in the Military Times
http://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2016/09/14/chelsea-manni...
http://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2016/09/14/chelsea-manni...
Whether for or against in this particular matter, the really stunning fact, to me at least, is the "government by Tweet" aspect of this whole thing. We've reached some ridiculous new low in how we govern ourselves with this person in the oval office. No thoughtful consideration, no open dicussion, no congressional inclusion, public hearings.
Just...a Tweet excluding a whole class of Americans from participating in military service. Who's next?
Just...a Tweet excluding a whole class of Americans from participating in military service. Who's next?
6
I am a retired Army officer and I am outraged. It's a terrible decision on its face, but the way it was announced is almost worse. Twitter? What could be more disrespectful to every serving man and woman in uniform? The SECDEF is on vacation? Really? When was he informed? And I'd like to know which of "My Generals" he consulted. This president is beyond parody.
20
tiresome to read and hear that the US cannot afford 'something'
5
Exactly! Maybe we should cut all healthcare for congress.
This, from the man who dodged the draft during the Vietnam War due to "bone spurs" in his foot, plus four deferments during his college years. Trump couldn't be bothered to serve and wear the uniform. His "personal Vietnam," he told us, was avoiding sexually transmitted diseases while dating women. Donnie really made sacrifices!
And the problem with discrimination is - where does it stop? Given a chance, Trump will discriminate against transgenders, gays, lesbians, blacks, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Asians, Italians, Poles, gypsies, the poor, aged, sick, left-handed golfers, unranked tennis players, and on and on. Forms of discrimination will be without limit. Trump will block and deny military service, employment opportunities, education, housing, healthcare, immigration, legal services, you name it.
Of course the transgender military ban is a distraction from the Russia inquiry, but also reflects the Trumpet's endlessly destructive personality.
And the problem with discrimination is - where does it stop? Given a chance, Trump will discriminate against transgenders, gays, lesbians, blacks, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Asians, Italians, Poles, gypsies, the poor, aged, sick, left-handed golfers, unranked tennis players, and on and on. Forms of discrimination will be without limit. Trump will block and deny military service, employment opportunities, education, housing, healthcare, immigration, legal services, you name it.
Of course the transgender military ban is a distraction from the Russia inquiry, but also reflects the Trumpet's endlessly destructive personality.
7
Can we ban vile, hateful, disgusting old men from serving as president?
12
Sure, don't vote for them.
2
I likely agree taxpayer money should NOT pay for gender transition and hormone therapy for transgender service members, but this tweet is not how that proposal should be handled. Any reasonable person recognizes that. But then, Trump is not reasonable, and furthermore, he likes to "stir the pot." He is a sick man who ENJOYS getting people riled up. Don't fall for it. Let's get this man out of office... SOON.
6
I might not want gender reassignment or an abortion or electroshock treatment, but I'm not going to stand in the way of other people's needs. I won't force my beliefs on others or prevent them from trying to follow theirs. Unless they're radical Islamicists, I have to draw the line.
Make no mistake about it, this is another swipe at Obama's policy to allow transgender people to serve.
Wouldn't be surprise if he gets rid of ' don't ask/don't tell at some point.
Trump has a 'Obama in the head' malady, big time.
If Obama approved it, Trump will get rid of it.
Wouldn't be surprise if he gets rid of ' don't ask/don't tell at some point.
Trump has a 'Obama in the head' malady, big time.
If Obama approved it, Trump will get rid of it.
3
THANK YOU President Trump, for your courageous and commonsense stand on this ridiculous issue!! I am so sick of hearing about "transgender" "rights".
Hey Democrats: keep pushing for the right of men to use women's bathrooms and you'll keep alienating the vast majority of Americans. So please do keep it up.
Hey Democrats: keep pushing for the right of men to use women's bathrooms and you'll keep alienating the vast majority of Americans. So please do keep it up.
4
Its funny how Trump-supporting republicans are consumed about bathrooms, bedrooms and gynecological health. They have no bandwidth for anything not christian, white and male.
1
Says a lot that you consider the rights of other people ridiculous.
1
I admit, I don't really agree with transgendering. I don't think we should play God with our own bodies. But that being said, even if someone makes this decision I don't agree with, it's reprehensible to say they can't be a soldier for that reason alone.
And contrary to what a lot of these commenters say, you do not have to be in perfect health to be in the military. I served in the 82nd Airborne Division one of the Army's most elite units, and they were plenty of people who have medical issues, some of them severe. One of my friends even had a heart condition that he had managed to slip past the recruiters.
They can hide behind the excuse of medical costs but it's just prejudice, pure and simple. In time though, this prejudice will fall just like all the others.
And contrary to what a lot of these commenters say, you do not have to be in perfect health to be in the military. I served in the 82nd Airborne Division one of the Army's most elite units, and they were plenty of people who have medical issues, some of them severe. One of my friends even had a heart condition that he had managed to slip past the recruiters.
They can hide behind the excuse of medical costs but it's just prejudice, pure and simple. In time though, this prejudice will fall just like all the others.
4
Trump's real motivation was glossed over in one sentence: "The dispute had threatened to kill a $790 billion defense and security spending package scheduled for a vote this week." It's all about his BIG MILITARY.
4
If in fact his (and his cronies) concern is health and readiness of military personnel, and military health care costs, why doesn't he just ban SMOKING!!
4
I know this about his wall. I know this is a distraction. But I also know when one man who gains power over an country starts singling out one group after another for "special" treatment the country is in danger.
5
Scammed by the master Snake Oil salesman...
All the love to LGBTQ before the election...
Now, can't stand to be in the room with them...
More lies and more hate.
All the love to LGBTQ before the election...
Now, can't stand to be in the room with them...
More lies and more hate.
4
We can not afford the insanity this administration is demonstrating on a daily, hourly basis. How much longer will this be tolerated and enabled by the Republican party????
4
The only thing I would agree with Donald Trump is that taxpayers should not be paying for "cosmetic" procedures (e.g., hormone therapy...etc.); these are not preexisting medical conditions. If this is the case, why would it be covered under Obama care?
1
Healthcare is 16% of the national economy. Lives are stake. Trump's talking about bathrooms and Hillary Clinton and still lying about those jobs that are never coming back. To everyone who voted for him, now would be a good time to start waking up.
5
Make America Straight Again! No matter that it never was.
5
All serving in the armed forces should announce they
are transgender. Because really, what difference does it make ?
are transgender. Because really, what difference does it make ?
7
Why did this happen? Trump's "decision" on transgenders in the military came like a bolt of lightning out of a clear blue sky. Why?
What medical costs impact the presence of transgender people serving our country? Why would they not be able and prepared to use lethal force against an enemy? Why does Trump have an issue with transgender officer and enlisted, when the armed forces don't?
Spoiler alert: the answer is that Trump needed to distract his base from his failure to repeal Obamacare, and from the plan to sack Sessions, and from his incoherent speech to the Boy Scouts. That's why.
What medical costs impact the presence of transgender people serving our country? Why would they not be able and prepared to use lethal force against an enemy? Why does Trump have an issue with transgender officer and enlisted, when the armed forces don't?
Spoiler alert: the answer is that Trump needed to distract his base from his failure to repeal Obamacare, and from the plan to sack Sessions, and from his incoherent speech to the Boy Scouts. That's why.
5
Maybe it's time for a little presidential handbook on what the president can and cannot do and what the courts are going to censure.
3
Has anyone asked or demanded an explanation as to why this is necessary other than throwing meat to trump's fan base?
3
Actually folks, the news media got it all wrong. The real news release should read: After consulting my Generals, ALL LGBT will immediately be drafted and you will all serve 4 years in the United States Marine Corps.
Our apologies for the error.
Henceforth your drafting will commence at 0600 tomorrow morning! Please leave all garments at home, you will not need them!
Our apologies for the error.
Henceforth your drafting will commence at 0600 tomorrow morning! Please leave all garments at home, you will not need them!
1
And up north, in Canada... all are invited to join the military. Thanks for making this country look like a haven of acceptance.
2
Since when is policy made through tweets?
5
Anyone who is physically able and willing to serve their country should be allowed to join the military. End of story. Possibly the amount of money that will be spent by the government defending lawsuits against this divisive and evil policy will end up being larger than the amount of money it would have spent on trans medical costs.
3
Only one of the transgender soldiers I know in my national guard unit is undergoing gender transition. The others have not and never plan to. They've served our country when deployed and most have office positions at present. They help administer pay and benefits and help with logistics for training courses. They've been there 10 or more years. Are we really going to let them go? From what is mainly an office job? Can he really DO this? I admire these coworkers. They don't hurt anyone. They HELP everyone. I have no idea which restroom they use and do not care. My guess is their annual medical costs are far less than our president's, who is overweight, probably prediabetic, and on an expensive statin for cholesterol. This is so, so wrong. I have never felt such despair.
6
One of today's headlines from a transgender soldier said: I would love for my president to meet me - she doesn't realize fully yet he is not her president. He's the president of a 6-times bankrupted set of bank accounts, and that's it. He'll do anything immoral and amoral to keep himself in cash (with a sense of glee when, Christie-style, it hurts those who do not pay him for the privilege of living in his kingdom.)
6
Every day a new assault on decency and human values. Every day another broken promise. Every day another distraction from the Russian investigation.
Thank you for your service to all of our troops. You are more honorable than your commander in chief or vice president.
Thank you for your service to all of our troops. You are more honorable than your commander in chief or vice president.
4
Tremendous medical costs? And how much did it cost to have Melania and Baron remain in NY out of concern for disrupting an 11 year old's school year?
3
I'll be 60 next month. While not Trans, I did grow up a non-gender-conforming lesbian in the deep south. I moved out of my parents' home my senior year and was dis-owned by them at the age of 20. I hitchhiked to Southern California and spent the next couple of decades there and in Europe. I eventually returned to Alabama, thinking that I had a responsibility to live my true life here and try to effect change in this - still backward - environment. I was beginning to feel optimistic, but looking around today at Trump, Jeff Sessions and Roy Moore (to name only a few) I'm more discouraged than I have been for a long time. If you've watched "Handmaid's Tale" this season and seen the public hangings of gay citizens of the Republic of Gilead you can't help but see how close this administration seems to that one. It is terrifying.
3
Trump's Modus Operandi: I'll say anything, do anything that diverts attention from Russia.
The only surprise is that he didn't wait a couple of days to dominate the Sunday news shows. Sorry, Trump, that "yuge" Russian iceberg is still out there and your presidency is heading straight for it.
The only surprise is that he didn't wait a couple of days to dominate the Sunday news shows. Sorry, Trump, that "yuge" Russian iceberg is still out there and your presidency is heading straight for it.
3
Again President Mulligan McGuffin has managed to divert the attention of the main probe of Russian interference by finding a hot button issue of transgenders in the military. What's next? What group will he vilify? Maybe you or me.
First they came for the immigrants, then the trans-gender in the military, you know the rest. Who will be left to speak for you. Unacceptable!!!
1
It pains me to read Family Research Council described as a "Christian" group. There's nothing Christian about them, and using that label is a slap in the face to true Christians. Let's call them what they really are--a hate group.
5
There are two reasons Trump is barring transgenders from the military. First, allowing transgenders in the military was an Obama directive. Any trace of Obama policy must be totally eliminated. Second, it helps obscure real damage being done by the Trump administration in departments such as the E.P.A, Interior and Education. With the three ring circus going on around the Trump administration the real damage it is doing is largely being ignored by most of the news media.
Suddenly a whole bunch of ex-hippies, pacifists, protesters, professors, club-goers, fashionistas, and Page Six faithful have taken an interest in the military. Wonders never cease.
4
No, thinking, caring, fair-minded people take an interest in civil right -- not just for themselves but for anyone who might be denied theirs. May the pursuit of equality never cease.
This is an attack on transgender people by a transhuman president--a bigoted monster in a human body. Set aside the decoy tactics learned from all the famous dictators of the past and present, this shows his lack of humanity and decency to a T. Meanwhile he's trying to take health care away from tens of millions of Americans and telling them what great care they're in for and use his considerable power to block an investigation into his possible treason. He's a great transhuman but definitely not a human.
1
The unanswered question is ... "WHY?" Is this simply a matter of throwing raw meant to his fan base to help bolster his approval rating? I served with gay individuals on active duty when that was banned - "Don't tell and don't ask!"
was the rule. And what "medical costs" are associated with transgender people?
was the rule. And what "medical costs" are associated with transgender people?
"Skinny repeal" for Senate vote today. 16,000,000 could lose their insurance by NEXT YEAR and we get a Republican base energizer diversion in the form of Trans bigotry. Think maybe Trump is diverting attention while the Senate moves forward with their Oligarch plan for America? If you agree, you took the bate!
What will happen to the many, many trans soldiers already deployed, fighting in US military across the globe.
Did he bother to look at how many very good US soldiers he is about to pre-maturely discharge from service.
Agrre with David - another distraction - don't take the bait - fight it.
Did he bother to look at how many very good US soldiers he is about to pre-maturely discharge from service.
Agrre with David - another distraction - don't take the bait - fight it.
Ricahrd Rorty predicted this in 1998.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achieving_Our_Country
The rise of our Grifter-in-Chief as Donald Trump, the authoritarian strongman and the decimation the rights of minorities.
It only took 18 years...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achieving_Our_Country
The rise of our Grifter-in-Chief as Donald Trump, the authoritarian strongman and the decimation the rights of minorities.
It only took 18 years...
Another poorly and autocratically decision made by Mr.Donald Trump on "Transgender Military Ban." He himself never joined the US army and ignores the good work done by patriotic young men and women working in US army who should have their personal choice of personal social life. When would Senate and House will speak out the truth that White House administration is totally non-democratic and arrogant.
This from the coward in the White House who dodged the draft. What does Trump know about military service?!? I know transgender people who are much braver than this president. Sad.
1
The U.S. military will spend more money trying to weed out transgender people than any of their medical costs. Total red herring issue created by a totally random POTUS.
1
A fully transitioned trans woman, I served for 5 years in an elite paratroop unit between ages 18 and 23, including combat missions. During those 5 years I came 1st in every training course I undertook, among others, radio operator, sharpshooter, mountain warfare, NCO training and a gruelling 6 week special forces training program which took place in a mountain environment under almost continuous sub-zero conditions. Obviously, no one but me was aware of my gender identity issues (with hindsight I think I engaged in such a unit to try and escape from them) but they never prevented me from being a first rate soldier, mentally and physically as tough as anyone else in my unit.
Looking back on that experience, I couldn't imagine trying to transition in such an environment. However, once a transition has been completed, I can't see what the issues could be as the only on-going medication related to the transition is very low level hormone therapy ie. much as same as what is prescribed for a menopaused woman . Otherwise, as a very healthy late middle aged woman, I have personally never had to see a doctor (or a psychiatrist) for any transtion related issue since the surgeries that marked the final step in my own transition.
Given this and what I know about the different types of career available in the armed forces , most of which don't come remotely close to the type of experience I personally went through, I am really curious to know what specific issues are behind this ban?
Looking back on that experience, I couldn't imagine trying to transition in such an environment. However, once a transition has been completed, I can't see what the issues could be as the only on-going medication related to the transition is very low level hormone therapy ie. much as same as what is prescribed for a menopaused woman . Otherwise, as a very healthy late middle aged woman, I have personally never had to see a doctor (or a psychiatrist) for any transtion related issue since the surgeries that marked the final step in my own transition.
Given this and what I know about the different types of career available in the armed forces , most of which don't come remotely close to the type of experience I personally went through, I am really curious to know what specific issues are behind this ban?
1
There are all sorts of people with simple medical issues who are 4-F. Even overweight or underweight people are excluded. Asthma, flat feet, lots of things. Anyone who has a problem they do not have the energy to deal with, recognizing the purpose of the military is to kill, and not advance social agendas, should be excluded. K-I-S-S. Keep it simple, stupid. Transgender people, even only considering controversy and distraction this has created for our military, are too complicated an issue for the Army to deal with. Once society at large has dealt with the issue, and it becomes a non-issue, then let the military follow along. Until then, the military should not be the means by which societal experiments are conducted.
3
cut out paying the $84 million on Viagra, that would save a bunch right there.
4
Trump is feeling the heat from the Republican Rank & File, who must be thinking at this time to rid themselves of this destructive President.His only hope to remain in the White House is to demonstrate support from his constituents , & appeal to his deplorable who are the backbone of his support, Bannon & Company.Thus the tweet about keeping the Transgender's out of the Military.This is the raw meat that put him in office, & his hope it will keep him there.
2
you people are so gullible. You all must have tons of money to not mind footing the bill for those who join the armed services to obtain the hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention the cost of hormone therapy, for the bodily mutilation transgenders must go through. And what if a service person has hot flashes from the hormones, does the battle stop? What about the people who have to share showers with a person of the opposite sex; what does this do to the morale of the troups? I read a paper by a transgender who regrets the sex change surgery and wants to go back to his/her birth sex.
2
You wrote that entire comment and you're calling others "gullible"? Really?
America, we trans people are not reducible to our genitals. We have complex motivations, especially for decisions like risking our lives for your benefit. Believe it or not, those motives don't include extorting funds from your defense budget for sex reassignment surgery. Stop medicalizing our identities to shore up your bigotry. Stop assuming it would be our privilege to die for you. America, you don't deserve our service.
3
Who voted for such a mean-spirited jerk? Trump toxicity, and his narrow-minded and delusional "fans" make me want to move well away from northern North America. Disgraceful leadership such as Trump's will only Make America Stupid Again, over and over, crisis after crisis. Trump should be voted out of office pronto, or, given the boot, before it is too late and something seriously goes wrong in America, and the world. America needs a better President, one with a vision that inspires all, and not just a few wealthy insular jerks who Make America Hate Again.
Yea your gender issues do affect others. Being a transvestite or a homosexual does affect social norms and social cohesion. God bless Trump. A godly man to correct a decadant nation!
2
Doesn't seem to pose problems for the other 19 countries that have transgenders in their armed forces.
1
Mr. Trump referred to advice from "my generals" in his comments.
You know what everyone, there not "his generals" they are our generals.
So it appears that Generals McMasters and Mattis are not in the "my general" group.
Worry, folks. Worry a lot.
You know what everyone, there not "his generals" they are our generals.
So it appears that Generals McMasters and Mattis are not in the "my general" group.
Worry, folks. Worry a lot.
1
"...American forces could not afford the “tremendous medical costs and disruption” of transgender service members."
-----DJT
Well the "tremendous medical costs and disruption" is 0.02% in military health care spending. Trump is a jerk and people betrayer.
-----DJT
Well the "tremendous medical costs and disruption" is 0.02% in military health care spending. Trump is a jerk and people betrayer.
3
But it's ok for the military to spend taxpayer dollars on viagra?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/07/26/the-military-spen...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/07/26/the-military-spen...
2
Re: "...Trump Says Transgender People Will Not Be Allowed in the Military..."
What does it mean when a U.S. Oval Ofc. occupant tweets what he calls a policy change affecting the U.S. military, aka: the simultaneous reduction of the U.S. military, X's 15-20K, yet the Pentagon, (like James Comey), discovers it...via the media?
I'm watching the Tonight Show with S. Colbert.
Michael Moore has just suggested that ALL transgender_military merely say: "I'm NOT leaving!", which would result in a huge, (extraordinarily, negative), photo_op!
What does it mean when a U.S. Oval Ofc. occupant tweets what he calls a policy change affecting the U.S. military, aka: the simultaneous reduction of the U.S. military, X's 15-20K, yet the Pentagon, (like James Comey), discovers it...via the media?
I'm watching the Tonight Show with S. Colbert.
Michael Moore has just suggested that ALL transgender_military merely say: "I'm NOT leaving!", which would result in a huge, (extraordinarily, negative), photo_op!
1
The transgenders in the military are placing their lives in harm's way just like any other soldier, something their commander-in-chief never did because of "bone spurrs" in his feet, that was his copout for having yellow streak a mile wide on his back. Trump should be grateful that transgender people have volunteered to take a bullet to defend our freedom, something he will never do.
1
The more this corrupt and colluding pack of lying dogs is investigated, the daily onslaught of mental instability as noted in the tweets intensifies. The thing that troubles me the most is that 60 million Americans voted for this moron.
2
The Liar-in-Chief claims this decision was made "after consultation with my generals & military experts" What a crock! This decision was made to appease that evangelical bigot Pence, and his radical christian extremist followers. This man is dangerous!
1
When Trump states he arrived at this decision by conferring with his top military advisors, I didn't realize Steve Bannon was in the military. It's becoming clear, no one, absolutely no one in charge of any of the Armed Forces was involved in this decision. What a crock and horribly unpatriotic action to take.
2
Why not tell the Pentagon about this policy before it's adopted, much less announced? Then it can ask questions like: What happens to ones already in the Service? Those in Iraq, Afghanistan etc.? Someday someone in the White House will see the value in thinking through the implications of policy changes.
By the way: 1. I hate this new policy. 2. As a Vietnam-era draftee, I am nauseated by this President, a draft dodger, doing such things.
By the way: 1. I hate this new policy. 2. As a Vietnam-era draftee, I am nauseated by this President, a draft dodger, doing such things.
12
Not aware so many transgendered serving successfully. Do they all choose hormone treatment and surgery? Big question from my point of view as medical writer: what effects do these procedures have on an individual? Military requires optimum performance.
1
Yeah, tell that to the PTSD sufferers who keep getting sent back to Afghanistan and Iraq again and again and again. Or the vets that come home and commit suicide in troubling numbers.
Best thing we can do is have a military draft, then we would see where Americans really stand. Just like the Senators who really didn't want to repeal the ACA, all the war mongers would balk if their children HAD to go fight and lose their lives, even though many of them are "optimum performers" in school.
While we are at it, let's have a temporary progressive tax on all Americans to pay for the wars on a yearly basis, just like a "family budget".
Best thing we can do is have a military draft, then we would see where Americans really stand. Just like the Senators who really didn't want to repeal the ACA, all the war mongers would balk if their children HAD to go fight and lose their lives, even though many of them are "optimum performers" in school.
While we are at it, let's have a temporary progressive tax on all Americans to pay for the wars on a yearly basis, just like a "family budget".
Many do not elect to have surgery but I think most are on some kind of hormone therapy. The effects are pretty easy to research if you are interesting in knowing (which I'm pretty sure the president is not at all interested in since it has nothing to do with him personally---his attitude, not mine.)
Mattis supposedly thinks that the need for regular hormone injections is somehow comparable to a diabetic needing a daily insulin shot, though missing an insulin dose can quickly result in high blood sugar with blurred vision and dizziness--two things that could definitely have a serious impact if they occur during combat or military conditions. Missing a hormone dose is less of an issue, at least from what I have read about it. Like, much less of an issue.
Mattis supposedly thinks that the need for regular hormone injections is somehow comparable to a diabetic needing a daily insulin shot, though missing an insulin dose can quickly result in high blood sugar with blurred vision and dizziness--two things that could definitely have a serious impact if they occur during combat or military conditions. Missing a hormone dose is less of an issue, at least from what I have read about it. Like, much less of an issue.
1
Is this Trump responding to his evangelical base or just Trump rooting around and finding yet one more Obama measure he can reverse, no matter the cost to the people he is sworn to protect. Have we ever had a president whose moral center is so empty? Has the evangelical base ever been more at odds with what Jesus taught?
8
I know a transgendered man who has served 20 years in combat positions in the military. He/she has chosen not to go through gender transition because of his love for his wife and children. However, he/she strongly identifies with being a woman. Should a hero like this suddenly be barred from serving our country? What possible harm is this causing? Let's grow up and treat our military heroes as heroes, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. This is 2017 after all.
15
NO.
Should a person for was extremely carless in the safeguarding and handling of classified information be barred from becoming the President of the United States?
Should a person for was extremely carless in the safeguarding and handling of classified information be barred from becoming the President of the United States?
Why do you refer to her as a He / She. She told you she identifies as a She. She's a She
1
The press and public are again playing straight into this guy's hand by being "outraged" at his trivial antics. Just another timely distraction from the environmental and consumer protection dismantling under way behind closed doors. Noise to diguise the party noise.
5
Trump literally just destroyed the lives of thousands of Americans in uniform with ONE tweet.
It may be the distraction of the day, but it most certainly cannot be called trivial.
It may be the distraction of the day, but it most certainly cannot be called trivial.
1
But not just noise. This also does damage, along with the health care debacle, environmental assaults, treaty abrogations, voter suppression, and general riling up of Americans against Americans.
2
A question: How should the responsible media combine four interlocking stories? The stories are:
1. The marginalization of groups Republicans ignore or hate (expelling transgendered people from the military, disenfranchising Democratic voters, etc.).
2. Weakening America's geopolitical status (pandering to Russia, ceding the western Pacific to China) and economic strength (favoring Big Oil encourages European and Pacific countries to take the lead in developing next-gen green technologies).
3. Assaulting the environment (the Paris accords, favoring coal and oil, rolling back tax breaks for electric vehicles, hindering home solar conversions).
4. Relentlessly attacking science and, more generally, facts.
Each individual article discusses only one story. That's how journalism traditionally works. How can the stories be interwoven?
1. The marginalization of groups Republicans ignore or hate (expelling transgendered people from the military, disenfranchising Democratic voters, etc.).
2. Weakening America's geopolitical status (pandering to Russia, ceding the western Pacific to China) and economic strength (favoring Big Oil encourages European and Pacific countries to take the lead in developing next-gen green technologies).
3. Assaulting the environment (the Paris accords, favoring coal and oil, rolling back tax breaks for electric vehicles, hindering home solar conversions).
4. Relentlessly attacking science and, more generally, facts.
Each individual article discusses only one story. That's how journalism traditionally works. How can the stories be interwoven?
7
As Gail Collins points out today, Trump is terrified by the Mueller investigation. Trump started this fake TG flap as a distraction. He didn't consult with anyone, he just went ahead and tweeted. #ITMFA
7
More idiocy from our Disappointment-in-Chief. What is he running from this time?
5
I love how the New York Times picks the "don't take the bait" comment, but proceeds to put this article on their front page. They got interns picking the comments and self interested publishers
3
I have three words: unconstitutional, divisive, and stupid. His constant need for choas will have him impeached before the next season of Game of Thrones.
5
A scorpion asked a frog to carry him across the pond.
The frog said "Are you crazy? You'd kill me!"
The scorpion said "It would be foolish of me to do so."
The frog agreed, but halfway across, the scorpion stung him and they both began to drown.
The frog said "Why did you do that?"
The scorpion said "What did you expect? It's my nature."
.
The frog said "Are you crazy? You'd kill me!"
The scorpion said "It would be foolish of me to do so."
The frog agreed, but halfway across, the scorpion stung him and they both began to drown.
The frog said "Why did you do that?"
The scorpion said "What did you expect? It's my nature."
.
2
A distraction, maybe, but a disrespectful and vile action from a man who received multiple military deferments for a heel spur on which foot he can't remember.
6
I don't know how many times that Rand study has been cited in these comments. Looks like the Dems while clearing out their desks brought the old stand-by manuals and reports with them in case they would be needed. It's kind of sad like weak signals coming from outer space which is where America put you.
1
Yes Ed, facts always seem to bother Donald. RAND itself is a long held bellwellweather in established conservative think tanks. Except until Trump deems otherwise.
Trump acts like a schoolyard bully.
Ya know what Ed? Eventually everybody turns on the bully.
Trump acts like a schoolyard bully.
Ya know what Ed? Eventually everybody turns on the bully.
2
A biased observation: This announcement may play best in rural, low income areas. Sure, ask me how I know. That is to say, whatever politician planted this disgusting seed into POTUS' brain has picked up major points in his/her backwater district. You get two scoops for the price of one: Cost efficiency (?) and you get to beat up on some folks of whom you think the Bible doesn't approve of. And who can't effectively hit you back. There's an important yes vote in here somewhere, for Trump to go back on yet another campaign promise. As a 30 year military veteran, I saw NO loss of morale, efficiency or war fighting ability when gays were finally openly eligible to join the armed services. I can only think the same “no there, there” applies here. This will not stand. The stain on POTUS will.
6
I do wish he'd stop saying "my generals." He sounds like a decayed autocrat from a faltering Balkan dictatorship.
Beyond that, I doubt he wrote this. The sentence is punctuated sensibly, and though it uses unnecessary capitalization, it uses words not in his vocabulary: "consultation"; "please"; "capacity"; "decisive."
Anyway, the military seems to have been disconsulted or unconsulted, and what's-her-name, the WH briefer mistakenly thought today the 4th of July.
Beyond that, I doubt he wrote this. The sentence is punctuated sensibly, and though it uses unnecessary capitalization, it uses words not in his vocabulary: "consultation"; "please"; "capacity"; "decisive."
Anyway, the military seems to have been disconsulted or unconsulted, and what's-her-name, the WH briefer mistakenly thought today the 4th of July.
6
When will this miscreant be shut down? Is there anyone left in the DC legal and political establishment with enough morality, common decency and rule of law prepared to defend our citizens from this brazen sociopath, bigot, abuser, bully, liar, tyrant, and traitor? It is a daily insult to all educated, civilized human beings to be subject to this madman's parade of egotism and self-appointed status as Master of the Universe.
I came to Europe on the maximum permissible visa of 90 days to escape the blossoming stench of Trumputinland. Here in Europe he (and we by way of being affiliated to the nation that created him and legitimized him) is held in absolute contempt and disgust, and when people learn I am American they shake their heads in disbelief and try to console me of my limitless shame.
I am a Bisexual veteran of the United States Navy. This man has never served his country as I did. He has never and will never serve anyone but his own deformed and diseased ego. I'm afraid we won't repair our international standing in my lifetime. America has become, under his infirm "leadership" a failed state.
Pathetic.
I came to Europe on the maximum permissible visa of 90 days to escape the blossoming stench of Trumputinland. Here in Europe he (and we by way of being affiliated to the nation that created him and legitimized him) is held in absolute contempt and disgust, and when people learn I am American they shake their heads in disbelief and try to console me of my limitless shame.
I am a Bisexual veteran of the United States Navy. This man has never served his country as I did. He has never and will never serve anyone but his own deformed and diseased ego. I'm afraid we won't repair our international standing in my lifetime. America has become, under his infirm "leadership" a failed state.
Pathetic.
6
I'm ashamed. Again.
And yes it's about the drop-in-the-bucket money. And yes it's a distraction trumped up by Bannon or someone else.
And yes it's about the drop-in-the-bucket money. And yes it's a distraction trumped up by Bannon or someone else.
1
In other news, the DOJ has announced that sexual orientation is not covered under civil rights protection. During the 2016 election I was astounded when I found out that a couple of gay family members were voting for Trump. I remember laughing and telling them they were suckers. It's amazing what some people will turn a blind eye to when holding out hope for a minor tax cut.
1
Perversion: The alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.
All great evil is the perversion of a good.
All great evil is the perversion of a good.
No big deal with a fraction of 1% of the population. The libs have us paying for sex change operations. I support the president on this one. And this is a lot over nothing.
1
What happens to the transgenders currently serving?????
Robert Reich says that with all the defeats surrounding them, Trump felt the need to throw his base some red meat and distract them from the fact that they will die after losing their health care. Reality is, this daily angst of dangling torture over the American people will come back to the entire Republican party. Tick tock...
1
Sorry Trump, we're still looking at your dirty deals, your attempt to wreck our healthcare system, your diminishment of our nation's standing all over the world. We're not going to get distracted by the next whatever thing you try to wave in our faces.
3
"It reverses the gradual transformation of the military under President Barack Obama, whose administration announced last year that transgender people could serve openly in the military."
Upcoming tweet: "I unkilled Osama Bin Laden."
NYT - how many more Obama administration policies and actions are left for Trump to pleasure himself with by reversing them? Finally he can't use executive orders any more to delegislate Obama era laws, etc., but there's plenty more for him to excrete a tweet over. Perhaps if we know what's left the nation and the world won't be so shocked/disheartened with the next tweet rape attacking Obama's White House. Then he won't have that afterglow of satisfaction if the world ignores him.
Upcoming tweet: "I unkilled Osama Bin Laden."
NYT - how many more Obama administration policies and actions are left for Trump to pleasure himself with by reversing them? Finally he can't use executive orders any more to delegislate Obama era laws, etc., but there's plenty more for him to excrete a tweet over. Perhaps if we know what's left the nation and the world won't be so shocked/disheartened with the next tweet rape attacking Obama's White House. Then he won't have that afterglow of satisfaction if the world ignores him.
2
Wow!
Our military has been paying for sex change operations?
Our military has been paying for sex change operations?
1
Full of military fantasies and ideas of military parades to show off power and rub off from the bravery of others, but no member of the family has ever served - however rushing to exclude and bully, with a push from the Veep. Afraid to get into a "fist fight" with Putin.
2
Coming to a government near you: Hundreds of millions, surrounded by incompetence in a moral, ethical, and intellectual wasteland. No hope of escape. Time is running out. Just when they thought it couldn’t get worse ………… Welcome to “Trumpkirk”. Rated R (for Repulsive).
2
This was the right move to make, for the sake of military women. Having a transgendered individual in their bunk house and shower is just disturbing and basically wrong. The transgendered individuals are the ones disturbing the peace, in this case, Trump is the one trying to protect the peace. Have some common sense people!
2
If you have never served in the United States military you have no idea what you are talking about if you defend this insanity. Military culture does not correlate to general society.
The Pentagon had no plans under the current administration to implement this. Distraction or not it is entertaining to see heads explode all across the west coast and all the other PC roaches nests.
The Pentagon had no plans under the current administration to implement this. Distraction or not it is entertaining to see heads explode all across the west coast and all the other PC roaches nests.
As a Brit some of you may say I should not be joining in this discussion. The US president is often referred to as the leader of the "Free World" and since I live in the free world I should be allowed to comment.
I feel truly sorry that your flawed electoral college system landed you with this grotesque and vile apology of a President. I hope the Courts strike down the transgender ban as illegal.
I feel truly sorry that your flawed electoral college system landed you with this grotesque and vile apology of a President. I hope the Courts strike down the transgender ban as illegal.
4
Our "Ready-Fire-Aim" pres*dent strikes again.
Deeply disappointed in this decision. Frankly, I don't understand it.
I think Russia is FAKE NEWS...purely politics. But THIS...THIS is real...American heroes are being told they can't serve...AND by a president who claims to so strongly support the military.
It just doesn't make any sense. It appears the 2016 election was a mere bump in the road. Democrats experienced a setback, but in 2018 they will begin a series of wins that will remake America.
I think Russia is FAKE NEWS...purely politics. But THIS...THIS is real...American heroes are being told they can't serve...AND by a president who claims to so strongly support the military.
It just doesn't make any sense. It appears the 2016 election was a mere bump in the road. Democrats experienced a setback, but in 2018 they will begin a series of wins that will remake America.
1
Part 2: Don't get me wrong... if someone want to climb a tree and they want to call it their penthouse, have at it. Its America and you can do what you want, but don't try to foist it on the rest of us that can crack open a science or psychology book and see there's an (800 pound gorilla) problem with the point-of-view that trans is normal. It just isn't. Period. You can change your clothing, take hormones and try to push this as the new-normal, but science and psychology will always say otherwise (its called Gender Dysphoria... it is a mental sickness/disorder). Quite frankly, I think you'd be better off claiming trans as a religion since it utterly lacks any scientific grounding. You don't get much more religious that believing in a God you cant see or possess or believing in a gender you cannot see (on/in your body) and you do not possess. I think the religion of trans would give trans folks better standing under the constitution (freedom of religion) if they want some modicum of legitimacy... but it still shouldn't get you in the military where the (scientifically & psychologically defined) guys bunk with guys and (scientifically & psychologically defined) gals bunk with gals.
3
I want to know who put the notion in the heads of men and women that they are not the sexes they were born --- by God, somebody is up to no good.
1
FYI Mr. President: Chronic serious mental and emotional disorders such as yours, as well as the bone spurs endured by you are reasons for loss of the privilege of serving in our armed forces. Self identified gender assignment is not. These healthy, sane people who self identify as patriots are an asset to all of us. You, on the other hand.........
2
What an awful move. And to announce it on twitter? Twist the knife a littler deeper while you're at it!
1
What an irony coming from a coward who worked so hard to cheat his way out of service to his country. Coward, bully, predator, liar, cheater......can one say anything good about this person?
1
Would you please tell me where my comment is? Thank you.
1
Schoolyard bully in the bully pulpit.
Senate healthcare debate not going my way, so I'll go kick some trans people.
Senate healthcare debate not going my way, so I'll go kick some trans people.
The president with spurs,
Makes spurious slurs,
Of others that serve.
He sure has some nerve,
Female teens he prefers.
Makes spurious slurs,
Of others that serve.
He sure has some nerve,
Female teens he prefers.
I wonder if Jackie Evancho has any second thoughts about accepting the invitation to sing the national anthem at the president's inauguration last January.
Well, that won't keep his attention. Next up, all women in the military, transgender or not. Then any men, transgender or not, who can't prove they voted for him. Is that why he was whipping all those Boy Scouts into a frenzy this week? A recruitment rally?
2
This is a readiness issue. This is an easy call. Grandfather in those transgenders already serving. Lets move on. Trump won. Get over it.
"This is a readiness issue"
Because you say so? Fake news.
Trump won't be around forever, and it's looking like he may not even be around very long. Get over it.
Because you say so? Fake news.
Trump won't be around forever, and it's looking like he may not even be around very long. Get over it.
2
If you agree those already serving should be permitted to continue to serve, then you are conceding that readiness is not affected by our current trans service members. Does it matter what gender a Navy dentist considers him- or herself? How is "readiness" affected if JAG personnel are trans? All these alleged Christians going around worrying about other people's genitals is bizarre. Worry about yourself, not the patriots protecting you.
2
Trump will stop at nothing to get his campaign's Russian involvement out of the headlines. What's next? Will he castigate Melania for wilfully refusing to hold his hand in public? Will he browbeat Baron for not smiling at the cameras or wearing a suit and tie? Will he ridicule the Kush for looking and sounding like a Bar Mitzvah boy?
1
Don the Con, is a sad, pathetic little man. He demeans those who willingly serve our country, when he can't even remember which foot had his fake injury that he used to dodge the draft.
4
I have no respect for Mattis either. If it's true he knew a day ahead of time and said nothing to stop Rump or to encourage others in the military to speak out he's a horrible person and in the wrong job. Putin is having his way with the US, we have become a clown show and international embarrassment within the six months of the Rump Regime. Stay focused on Russia, Russia, Russia. Question, if the CIC is a criminal money launderer and traitor do,we still have to follow his orders?
2
The man literally destroys lives with a tweet.
Thousands of men and women in uniform read that tweet Wednesday, how many will decide to take their lives tomorrow because this man-child needed to create Wednesday's distraction of the day? There are no words.
Well, I can think of a few, but they won't be printed.
Thousands of men and women in uniform read that tweet Wednesday, how many will decide to take their lives tomorrow because this man-child needed to create Wednesday's distraction of the day? There are no words.
Well, I can think of a few, but they won't be printed.
3
These folks are serving our country willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. And what do we do? We boot them out of the service and maybe with a dishonorable discharge like they used to do. And this from a President who fought his own "Vietnam against getting a sexually transmitted disease" rather than serve in the real Vietnam War. Shame on us.
2
It costs a lot more taxpayer money for Trump to go golfing at Mar-a-Lago than it does for transgender surgeries in the military.
3
I guess that Mad Dog Mattis likes his leash and muzzle that Trump just put on him.
2
Trump is smart. This is a classic distraction. Stay the course. Don't take the bait. Hitler was an ace at this. There are a lot of timid people in this world, terrified of "the other" they have never encountered. Don't help Trump scare these people into believing that weird things that will happen when the military is at war because some member of a feared gender minority might do something that freaks out a soldier. Trump is pulling this stunt because he has something up his sleeve -- some trick he wants to execute once the nation is distracted -- something to do with Sessions or Russia or immigration or taxes or healthcare. He is testing the waters. This is Obama birth certificate stuff. He is trying to find something that will scarify people so he can pull a fast one. Romney was right about this guy - I regret that I underestimated him earlier. Trump is a con artist with a lot of experience, unfortunately. He demands loyalty. Does he EVER exhibit it? To the NYT -- do not pursue this news with touchy-feely stories about some transgender soldier who would have re-enlisted if it weren't for her-his-hir feelings getting hurt. This is exactly what Trump wants. Prejudice disappears when one individual has a chance to encounter another individual and see that person as a human being. It takes time to grow up and to have confidence in this truth. People who live in closed, homogenous, slowly evolving communities take a little longer, perhaps. But they have their own integrity.
1
The only one unfit to serve is this despicable excuse for a man, Trump. I will not call him President or Commander in Chief. America is being tortured to death by a psychopath.
3
So, is this to distract everyone from the failed health care bills, the Russian cosy-ness, the numerous diplomatic disasters, the rumours about a mistress in Florida or the dirty old man speech the President gave to the boy scouts? Or is there something else altogether coming down the pipe?
1
Why are huge numbers of Americans so obsessed with who uses which toilet and the gender identities of soldiers? Get over it. The real world is obviously too complex for so many Americans to understand. Sad crowd.
1
So Trumps healthcare plan fails yet again and he decides to take his frustration out on transgender peoples, next comes the rounding up, the internment and then the final solution... history repeating itself circa 1939.
I cannot for the life of me understand the upside of this unseemly and inappropriate obsession with sexual identity and sexuality. People are people and should be dealt with on that basis alone, without preferential treatment and certainly without persecution. That said, this is one of the most idiotic moves Trump has ever made (and that is certainly saying something) and one that I hope will work against him in equal measure to the pain and torment this most unnecessary pronouncement will cause.
4
I know that " . . . sexual identity and sexuality" are coded to mean something. What do they mean--really, exactly? And what would occur in the military if we simply ignored it?
Donald Trump evaded the draft by claiming heel spurs (whatever that is) during the Viet-Nam era. Today, all he would have to do is put on a skirt and talk in a falsetto voice to avoid duty in the military.
We should be happy when young Americans sign up to serve and protect us rather than banning them.
And I heard that even Defense Secretary Mattis was shocked and angered by his boss's tweet. One day they will all rise up in unison against this guy. But, until then, we will have to remain as a strong wall of protest against this malignant narcissist.
We should be happy when young Americans sign up to serve and protect us rather than banning them.
And I heard that even Defense Secretary Mattis was shocked and angered by his boss's tweet. One day they will all rise up in unison against this guy. But, until then, we will have to remain as a strong wall of protest against this malignant narcissist.
3
Mr. Mattis argues that medical accommodations, including hormone injections, could open the Defense Department to claims from other people not allowed to serve, like Type 1 diabetics, who also need regular injections. These two are in no way equivalent. Type 1 diabetics need 2-4 strictly timed injections per day, plus finger sticks to monitor blood sugar, and run the significant and frequent risk of life threatening hypoglycemia, especially during high stress situations like battle, when quick treatment may not be easily available. Transgender hormone injections are needed every two weeks. If an injection is missed, or off by a couple of days, little harm results. If medical costs are a concern, as claimed, diabetic care is expensive and diabetics are at risk for numerous long term serious health consequences, which would be borne by the VA.
1
May we remove from office anyone who displays every day a supreme amount of ignorance--even to the use of language ? I can suggest one major person. Our country is in dire need of leadership in this direction.
2
Blindsided is the key word here. The survival of the Trump administration depends on keeping the focus off of Russia and his financial life. Trump is a con artist who knows how to keep everyone off center. He throws something crazy and controversial out there and everyone jumps on it taking the heat off of what Trump wants hidden. Don't be conned by an experienced hustler. He is protected on the backs of GOP senators and congressman who put their agenda above the country and its people, which tells you all you need to know about the current GOP lineup.
2
This action is obviously political and meant to appeal to his base. He seems to forget that he was elected to be the president of all the people, not just the president for his base.
1
Trump cited the "tremendous medical costs and disruption " as his reason for banning transgender people from serving in the military. Really? A study for the Pentagon last year found that transition-related care would cost between about $2.4 and $8.4 million per year — a 0.04- 0.13% increase. This is nothing, when compared to the cost to taxpayers for the 7 weekends Trump has spent at Mar-a-Lago so far this year, which conservative estimates put at $2 million a weekend.
That's roughly the cost of four of Trump's trips to Mar-A-Lago, GQ noted, even using a conservative estimate of $2 million per trip.
That's roughly the cost of four of Trump's trips to Mar-A-Lago, GQ noted, even using a conservative estimate of $2 million per trip.
3
There is so much spite, hatred, bitterness, anger, and shortsightedness from Trumps's tweets. Can he really give orders to the military to the military through Twitter? That is so scary.
2
"Trump says."
There are still checks and balances in this country.
There are still checks and balances in this country.
Way to go president Trump!!!!! This is the best news I've heard in quite some time :)
4
He's protecting the military from Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It's what the military itself wanted. He's simply taking the advice of his generals which is a wise thing to do.
3
Have you ever noticed that when people like Perkins "pray" they ask god to keep hate alive and well?
9
Please cite an example. Usually you need to back up an serious accusation.
1
If we really cared about sexual identity, Trump the complete hypocrite would never have been elected...presuming he was elected.
A man who rules by presidential fiat is bad enough. When that man is mentally deranged it is a continuing catastrophe.
4
Distraction,distraction,distraction. Please ignore my failings and focus on the scapegoats. The gays supporting Trump: he will come for you, one day.
3
This one has to go to court and the courts must roundly trounce this ignorant president. It is truly unbelievable ignorance and discrimination.
If he wants to cut the budget, I suppose maybe he can, but to just use that as an excuse and cut people out due to their orienation/gender is crazy. These are all US citizens covered by the constitution. No exceptions.
If he wants to cut the budget, I suppose maybe he can, but to just use that as an excuse and cut people out due to their orienation/gender is crazy. These are all US citizens covered by the constitution. No exceptions.
5
I would infinitely prefer to pay the medical costs of a transgender soldier than a nickel for the rent in the White House of any Trump, let alone their excessive secret service costs. Ridiculous.
4
Anyone with the heart to serve their country should be allowed to.
5
Trump was disgusting before he ran for president, even more disgusting when he was running, and with his new found power, there are few words to describe his meanness, racism and contempt for others. But we all know this. By his latest tweet storm, he is trying to distract those who resist him from his collusion with Russia. Don't allow this to happen. Denounce his policy him, file the necessary lawsuits, and refocus.
4
"My Generals".
Need I say more about this dangerously self involved buffoon.
Need I say more about this dangerously self involved buffoon.
11
Tiresome, tiresome, tiresome, the man Trump.
No truth, no content, no loyalty, no plan. A waste of everyone's time.
Waiting for 2018 - hope it comes faster than it is taking Congress to wake up and do its job to protect the country from this nut.
No truth, no content, no loyalty, no plan. A waste of everyone's time.
Waiting for 2018 - hope it comes faster than it is taking Congress to wake up and do its job to protect the country from this nut.
2
If "they" qualify mentally and physically, what's the problem? The military is a great leveler. There are so many things "they" can do.
3
You can be too old, too stupid, too short, too mean, too wimpy, too afraid to be in a army, so much discrimination wanting healthy minds and bodies to protect their citizens from slaughter. War is not a game, armies want only the best.
1
I think it would be fair that transgenders are permitted to serve but have to finance their own transformation. Also the impact on the other service men and women should be taken into account. Special privileges cannot be granted as this would implicate discrimination to the 'cisgenders'.
Maybe take a look at some costs associated to the US Forces.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/ej-montini/2017/07/26/milit...
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/ej-montini/2017/07/26/milit...
Here we go again, I get it the medical insurance thing could be costly but the number is so small it really won't cause that much of a problem. For their willingness to serve ALONE anyone physically fit and able should be allowed to serve. Not all transgender ppl are having expensive procedures and psychological issues. Maybe someone should remind Mr. Trump of the horrible state of addiction our country is in -the mental health crisis and the effects it will have on future enlistees. We're already grabbing at straws for proper soldiers, at the end of the day they all have to wear boots anyway just let them in!! My apologies to anyone serving overseas who was offended. Thank you for your service and pay him no attention no one else does he's just another spoiled rich kid who will learn his lesson the hard way!
2
Now we have government by decree via Twitter. We don't need Congress any longer. I would think that the president would suggest a law and our ELECTED CONGRESS would vote on it. But it seems that this is past practice.
However, I think ALL of the president's decrees by Twitter should be voted by our elected officials.
I would be curious to know what the president is going to do with the transgender military personnel already in service or in training.
If there is a problem with expense in surgery, psycologists, other medi ines for transgender people, what about militry personnel who have diabetes, other issues?
I understand that the defense department spends some $40 million annually on Viagra. Why? Is it necessary for the tax payers to assure a positive sex life to their male miltary personnel. I think this is a truly absurd expense.
However, I think ALL of the president's decrees by Twitter should be voted by our elected officials.
I would be curious to know what the president is going to do with the transgender military personnel already in service or in training.
If there is a problem with expense in surgery, psycologists, other medi ines for transgender people, what about militry personnel who have diabetes, other issues?
I understand that the defense department spends some $40 million annually on Viagra. Why? Is it necessary for the tax payers to assure a positive sex life to their male miltary personnel. I think this is a truly absurd expense.
3
Thank you President Trump for standing tall and protecting our armed services.
2
What exactly is he protecting them from???
Everything Trump tweets is a fake news distraction. Including this latest abomination.
Lets Make America Great Again. Sure, its getting greater.
The article establishes DJT is incapable of nuanced thought or response. He wants a wall so he bans transgender military service. So much for the master deal maker.
If transgenders simply want to "fit in" and be treated like everyone else- then why is there a long DO's and DONT's list to review before speaking with one? It's more protocol than meeting the Queen of England for crying out loud. That's not fitting in at all- that's being reclusive and obtuse. Not for noting The liberals LOVE to conflate transgender with a men who like to wear women underwear and a women who may be a little rough around the edges- there are millions of those in this country but they are NOT transgender.
1
America has barely entered the 21st century, compared to the rest of the world. Now Trump says, hello folks, let's all go back to the 18th century. Maybe 15th century.
You know what the Christian missionaries did when the US occupied Hawaii. They banned mahu.
"Māhū in Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian) and Maohi (Tahitian) cultures are third gender persons with traditional spiritual and social roles within the culture, similar to Tongan fakaleiti and Samoan fa'afafine, and analogous to the Neapolitan femminiello. Notable māhū include kumu hula Hinaleimoana Kwai Kong Wong-Kalu and performer Cocoa Chandelier. In contemporary Hawaiian it is also a commonly used term for transgender persons."
So much for christian enlightenment....they do not understand what being human means. People like Mike Pence pretend to be Christians, what they display is pure sheer IGNORANCE.
You know what the Christian missionaries did when the US occupied Hawaii. They banned mahu.
"Māhū in Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian) and Maohi (Tahitian) cultures are third gender persons with traditional spiritual and social roles within the culture, similar to Tongan fakaleiti and Samoan fa'afafine, and analogous to the Neapolitan femminiello. Notable māhū include kumu hula Hinaleimoana Kwai Kong Wong-Kalu and performer Cocoa Chandelier. In contemporary Hawaiian it is also a commonly used term for transgender persons."
So much for christian enlightenment....they do not understand what being human means. People like Mike Pence pretend to be Christians, what they display is pure sheer IGNORANCE.
3
When will this county remove this lunatic from the oval office. Are we going to wait until he destroys this country completely? WHAT is the matter with the Republican party?? Are they happy supporting this madman? For all the gays, trans and women who voted against Hillary and for this fool HAPPY NOW???
2
I would posit that a good portion of the LGBT community voted for Hillary than for the current occupant of the Oval Office. I'm gay and voted for Hillary.
Let's not blame 45 on the LGBT community.
Let's not blame 45 on the LGBT community.
In three tweets excluding transgender people from the military, Trump demonstrated his incompetence and dishonesty.
He announced a policy without any of the complex and delicate planning that such a policy requires. Nobody in the White House or Pentagon seems to know how they will proceed, so clearly no process of planning or consultation occurred.
Yet Trump's tweets said he acted after consultation with "my Generals and military experts". (Since when are they *his* generals?) Yet clearly the generals were taken by surprise. Trump lied.
In ham-handed fashion, the first of the three tweets simply alerted readers that the government "will not accept or allow..." Accept or allow what? For nine minutes until he finished the sentence with the next tweet, readers in the US military, in North Korea and elsewhere, were left to wonder whether Trump was announcing an attack. Trump is dangerously incompetent.
And he lied about why he issued this ukase so abruptly. The issue is neither morale nor the financial burden. The issue is political. Members of Congress are debating whether the military should pay for medical expenses. That is delaying a bill that also includes spending for Trump's "beautiful wall". His clumsy and excessive solution was to resolve that debate in the most extreme possible way, at the expense of the careers and dignity of thousands of patriotic Americans.
This action bears all the hallmarks of an impulsive fit. Are tweets now equal to executive orders?
He announced a policy without any of the complex and delicate planning that such a policy requires. Nobody in the White House or Pentagon seems to know how they will proceed, so clearly no process of planning or consultation occurred.
Yet Trump's tweets said he acted after consultation with "my Generals and military experts". (Since when are they *his* generals?) Yet clearly the generals were taken by surprise. Trump lied.
In ham-handed fashion, the first of the three tweets simply alerted readers that the government "will not accept or allow..." Accept or allow what? For nine minutes until he finished the sentence with the next tweet, readers in the US military, in North Korea and elsewhere, were left to wonder whether Trump was announcing an attack. Trump is dangerously incompetent.
And he lied about why he issued this ukase so abruptly. The issue is neither morale nor the financial burden. The issue is political. Members of Congress are debating whether the military should pay for medical expenses. That is delaying a bill that also includes spending for Trump's "beautiful wall". His clumsy and excessive solution was to resolve that debate in the most extreme possible way, at the expense of the careers and dignity of thousands of patriotic Americans.
This action bears all the hallmarks of an impulsive fit. Are tweets now equal to executive orders?
2
Mean nasty man. He has no convictions. It is only to please his base.
#MAGA. We must return to the 1950s. Transgender people are out. Next will be homosexuals because they are distracting and have tremendous medical costs (Tricare for their spouses). Women will only be allowed to serve as nurses, nursing aides, and secretaries because those are the limits of their skill sets. Persons of color will be segregated and also limited in their duties because of their skill sets -- for example, on Navy ships POCs will be limited to mess hall and laundry duty. Finally, non-citizens will not be accepted or allowed in the US military.
Seriously, people. What is wrong with this man? Is there no shred of humanity, sanity, reasonableness in this individual? He and a sizable percentage of our nation have gone crazy.
1
Trump must be impeached. He has to go. He is a clown and provocateur who has no business being president. The sooner Republicans accept this obvious truth the sooner we will be rid of the misery he inflicts every day. Get rid of him!
Faint right Donald! Is Mueller getting warmer?
2
Dear Mr. Gamino,
it is mostly with sadness, that we look at what is happening in your country. We hope for a change towards more humanity and respect again. And we keep asking: how could this happen? Why would anyone want such a government? It is not only the President, but the people, who made him become President, that scare us.
it is mostly with sadness, that we look at what is happening in your country. We hope for a change towards more humanity and respect again. And we keep asking: how could this happen? Why would anyone want such a government? It is not only the President, but the people, who made him become President, that scare us.
1
Our president is a malignancy that is destroying our most basic values of human rights.
Too bad we can't prohibit Twits from serving as Commander in Chief.
4
Let's be frank here. You cannot really change your gender. You can get surgery and other medical enhancements and wear the garb of the opposite gender but you are still what you are. Your DNA will always tell the accurate story.
That said I don't care how you identify yourself. If you can do the job in the military or elsewhere so be it.
That said I don't care how you identify yourself. If you can do the job in the military or elsewhere so be it.
2
Par for the course.
This is what the "forgotten" part of the country wanted, right? In addition to coal jobs, warm apple pie and Buicks made in Ohio? That'll be back shortly. Just be patient -- first we'll alter global markets and turn back technology half a century.
Anyway, Trump will continue erode various other social/democratic achievements, all while burning budget and bridges both home and abroad.
Later, he'll effectively elude any blame for anything (to the shock of all of us reasonable people and very solid attorneys within the judicial system) and continue to cause chaos and destruction until there's nothing left of himself or his political party or anyone's sanity or our country's infrastructure, morality, etc. It's like in the background in a Wile E. Coyote cartoon... Round and round and round, same cactus going by again...
Of course, in addition to these appalling Trump forays that destroy civil liberty, faith in government and social progression in our country, a larger issue at hand, that some have identified, is that in the background there's a rouge and disingenuous Neo-Republican movement that's riding the confusion/garbage wake. Do people think that this is not an organized take-over? Seems a bit too ridiculous to be a coincidence. Trump may be the most idiotic individual in history, but it's his handlers that we should be scrutinizing...
This is what the "forgotten" part of the country wanted, right? In addition to coal jobs, warm apple pie and Buicks made in Ohio? That'll be back shortly. Just be patient -- first we'll alter global markets and turn back technology half a century.
Anyway, Trump will continue erode various other social/democratic achievements, all while burning budget and bridges both home and abroad.
Later, he'll effectively elude any blame for anything (to the shock of all of us reasonable people and very solid attorneys within the judicial system) and continue to cause chaos and destruction until there's nothing left of himself or his political party or anyone's sanity or our country's infrastructure, morality, etc. It's like in the background in a Wile E. Coyote cartoon... Round and round and round, same cactus going by again...
Of course, in addition to these appalling Trump forays that destroy civil liberty, faith in government and social progression in our country, a larger issue at hand, that some have identified, is that in the background there's a rouge and disingenuous Neo-Republican movement that's riding the confusion/garbage wake. Do people think that this is not an organized take-over? Seems a bit too ridiculous to be a coincidence. Trump may be the most idiotic individual in history, but it's his handlers that we should be scrutinizing...
2
The expression "you can't push on a rope" comes to mind. I looked it up and among various origin stories, I found this in a business article and thought it was apt: "Sometimes, with the best of intentions, we mistakenly choose people for leadership positions or other important jobs who act like ropes: when we push them, they fold up and become ineffective. But we tend to get really upset with them. These people just can’t perform under pressure; rise to the occasion without being asked; or get the job done and meet agreed expectations when the chips are down. As a result, your customers are upset; your costs are increasing; team morale is low; some good people have left; mistakes are happening; problems are unresolved – and major opportunities are being missed left and right." I think this is a pretty close description of the current president and the impact of his non-leadership. Credit to someone named Russ MInary.
1
A disgraceful decision by a cowardly president who avoided military service, as have his children and son-in-law. Now he insults honorable citizens who would serve with a discriminatory, immoral ruling issued on Twitter in the early hours of the morning. He does not have the experience, intelligence or information that would permit him to make such a decision. All he has is the power which has gone to his head, makes him daily more outrageous and yet is unchecked by sycophants in congress.
1
Earlier this year LGTBQ parades excluded Jews from their parades. Now the LGTBQ community has been told that they are being excluded from military service.
Now let the transgender community understand what it feels like to be excluded from the mainstream. What goes around comes around.
Now let the transgender community understand what it feels like to be excluded from the mainstream. What goes around comes around.
2
Someone should ask Donald Trump's new Troll Doll Pet, Moocher, if we are winning yet?
Never trust anyone that looks like a cheap imitation of "KOOKIE" from the old television show 77 Sunset Strip, especially when he's still using Brylcreem in his hair.
MAGA
Never trust anyone that looks like a cheap imitation of "KOOKIE" from the old television show 77 Sunset Strip, especially when he's still using Brylcreem in his hair.
MAGA
We the American people are in trouble: we have a president who is a lunatic every day of the month and a closet Russian spy every night of the week. HE has problems with our servicemen and women are ARE doing their jobs properly? Mr. Putin, if you can hear me, HELP!
1
Obama created this disaster. Obama injected an immense political football into something that is simple--killing people. That's what the Army does and that is what it is for. The operations of the Army should not be a social laboratory for an ideologue president to foist his political agenda on a group of soldiers. The soldiers are unable to object or have a voice in this. They will be crucified regardless of what position they take. They have a no-win situation. There was a status quo that has lasted for probably at least 5,000 years. First, mind your own business and leave people alone. If you expect to flaunt your beliefs and require other people to acknowledge your position and its validity, you are asking for trouble. If transsexuals have been in the military, they have been pretty quiet about it since the founding of this country. That's the way it should be. Trump is just returning to the status quo anteObama, he is not doing anything out of the ordinary. Obama is the one who stuck the stick into this hornets nest, and his friends are getting stung for it. In the end, I think liberals will rue the day Obama ever stirred the conservative soul of this country. You have not seen the end of it.
3
"My generals"?
President Slump---don't you mean your "Russian beauty pageant coordinators"?
President Slump---don't you mean your "Russian beauty pageant coordinators"?
These Army, Navy & AirForce soldiers have a contract with the USA Government. Some members are tonight on the front lines, in harm's way. These soldiers will lay down their lives for YOU: American Citizens!
Just because the Liar-in-Chief decides arbitrarily and capriciously to abrogate this contract doesn't make it legal, and all citizens should so state, IMHO.
Just because the Liar-in-Chief decides arbitrarily and capriciously to abrogate this contract doesn't make it legal, and all citizens should so state, IMHO.
The pattern is clear: the Russia thing, health care going nowhere, his incompetence becoming more apparent,... throw red meat to "the base"!!
This constitutes discrimination against thousands of transgender people who are serving in good standing in our military right now.
Trump's a mean stupid bigot, pandering to the ignorant evangelical community who dwell in the 18th century.
And this is likely red meat thrown at the most conservative GOP voters who are mad at him for beating up on Attorney General Sessions.
Trump's a mess.
Trump's a mean stupid bigot, pandering to the ignorant evangelical community who dwell in the 18th century.
And this is likely red meat thrown at the most conservative GOP voters who are mad at him for beating up on Attorney General Sessions.
Trump's a mess.
National policy determined by tweet. That's what we've come to.
When he said he wanted America to be great again, he didn't said when it was great, Should the native Indians and the Africans keep their eyes open?
This is a mad man, with some mad people working for him, i don't believe this will end well with this President.
This is a mad man, with some mad people working for him, i don't believe this will end well with this President.
This is coming from The Draft Dodger and Chief himself! He's like the bully who's mad that you have the nerve to come after his family. So I will come after yours and I don't care how it affects the safety of the american people.
Isn't it ironic that the Draft Dodger in Chief bars people who want to serve their country. Those transgender soldiers have more courage and character in their pinkies that trump has in his entire body.
2
Trump happily toys with people's lives the way a toddler might play with a loaded gun. And these aren't any people, but military servicemen and women. The spectacle of this twittering idiot as president is beyond revolting. But he is successfully doing what he promised: creating chaos and disruption to the "system." I blame those naive and thoughtless voters who somehow thought no actual human beings would be hurt, or destroyed, by this china-breaking to civil society and government norms.
1
"I would love to meet my president."
That's your problem; you accept him as your president.
Resistance begins with rejection.
That's your problem; you accept him as your president.
Resistance begins with rejection.
It's your fault, voters — you put this guy into office, so now you have to live with all of the consequences. He will not stop until he makes sure everyone hates everybody — His excuse that it will cost millions in medical costs is a red herring — designed to cover up the fact that he is apparently a very hateful individual.
If you happen to have Apple TV, tune into Skynews out of London. It's a version of CNN, but without commercials and gives a good view of what the rest of the world thinks of this country — and it's not positive.
If you happen to have Apple TV, tune into Skynews out of London. It's a version of CNN, but without commercials and gives a good view of what the rest of the world thinks of this country — and it's not positive.
The cowardly chicken who was afraid to serve in the military now attacks those brave souls who volunteered their lives on behalf of the country.
Another day- another insanity from DT.
Where is the planning strategy for North Korea?
Instead, he is wasting his time banning transgender people?
There are about 7000 transgender people currently serving in the military with honor.
How dare this poser ban anyone from honorably serving in the military?
Whoever served from the Trump family?
This is from a faker who got several fake military deferments so he couldn't be drafted for the Vietnam war.
The DoD didn't ask for this and in fact, they were caught off guard.
This is just another distraction to give red meat to his ignorant support base.
Where is the planning strategy for North Korea?
Instead, he is wasting his time banning transgender people?
There are about 7000 transgender people currently serving in the military with honor.
How dare this poser ban anyone from honorably serving in the military?
Whoever served from the Trump family?
This is from a faker who got several fake military deferments so he couldn't be drafted for the Vietnam war.
The DoD didn't ask for this and in fact, they were caught off guard.
This is just another distraction to give red meat to his ignorant support base.
1
The military does hold a tight reign on who the let into the services. I have psoriasis and was not allowed in the services. I just came up with plan B. Even if your not allowed into the military it is not the end of world.
2
President Trump – it sickens me to put those words together – is not just a national disgrace. He is a monster.
Thousands of trans individuals serve honorably in the Armed Services. Some have risked their lives in defense of the country.
Yesterday, draft-dodger DJT tells them abruptly that they are not wanted. No warning. No apologies. No justification. No process. Apparently no notice to Congress or the Pentagon. Just a gratuitously nasty insult to honorable Americans serving their country, as he never did.
In a Tweet! Dismissing the service of other Americans in 140 characters or less. Despicable.
There are no words to express the outrage at the casual cruelty of this act.
I am appalled that such a vile individual should be residing in our White House.
Thousands of trans individuals serve honorably in the Armed Services. Some have risked their lives in defense of the country.
Yesterday, draft-dodger DJT tells them abruptly that they are not wanted. No warning. No apologies. No justification. No process. Apparently no notice to Congress or the Pentagon. Just a gratuitously nasty insult to honorable Americans serving their country, as he never did.
In a Tweet! Dismissing the service of other Americans in 140 characters or less. Despicable.
There are no words to express the outrage at the casual cruelty of this act.
I am appalled that such a vile individual should be residing in our White House.
3
...And who banned you from military service, Mr. president?...5 deferments?! Really?...I guess you banned your self. (Yes, "lower-case" for "president" in this instance. In my opinion, he doesn't deserve or qualify for "upper-case".)
The one and only thing that we can count on from Donald J. Trump in terms of "truth-telling" is that he will say whatever he feels sounds right for that particular moment in time, whether he means it or not. Then, the very next day, he's likely to say quite the opposite.
I guess some people refer to this trait as mercurial. I do not. I call them "lies". Donald J. Trump -- our one and only fake president -- our "Liar-in-Chief".
The one and only thing that we can count on from Donald J. Trump in terms of "truth-telling" is that he will say whatever he feels sounds right for that particular moment in time, whether he means it or not. Then, the very next day, he's likely to say quite the opposite.
I guess some people refer to this trait as mercurial. I do not. I call them "lies". Donald J. Trump -- our one and only fake president -- our "Liar-in-Chief".
2
Military readiness Trumps the feelings of liberals.
2
And there's no evidence whatsoever that transgender people affect military readiness.
This man is a nightmare on all levels. Surprise! Keep your eye on the prize America and proceed swiftly with all investigations into all allegations. Trial prosecute and swift removal ASAP so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.
Oh, the irony...
Oh, the irony...
1
With Trump there is no right or wrong. Just pass healthcare even if it leaves millions behind, reverse a policy even if it discriminates. Why keep the base happy, because he is weak and in trouble.
The absurdity of it all. A Draft Dodger determines who may serve in the military on the anniversary date of Truman's order to desegregate the military.
1
Why did Secretary Mattis remain silent? Why did he not advocate more publicly for his transgender service members? When the government needs cannon fodder for some future ill-considered military adventure, I doubt it will be checking sexual identity papers.
1
Trump is trying to deflect from his RUSSIA problem with Boy Scouts, Foxconn announcements, and nasty tweets and now transgender people
Wont work RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA
See
Wont work RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA
See
4
Where is Jill Stein now?
And where are the voters who supported her, now?
NYT, interview her or them, asap.
I can't wait to hear their pearls of wisdom.
And where are the voters who supported her, now?
NYT, interview her or them, asap.
I can't wait to hear their pearls of wisdom.
1
Donald Trump asked the question regarding whether he or Hillary Clinton would be a bigger friend to the LGBT community?
While Trump answered the question that he would be, Big Time, we now know that he was again, Lying!
It's obvious then and now, that Hillary Clinton would support the LGBT community in everyway that the Liar in the Whitehouse never would or will............
While Trump answered the question that he would be, Big Time, we now know that he was again, Lying!
It's obvious then and now, that Hillary Clinton would support the LGBT community in everyway that the Liar in the Whitehouse never would or will............
1
According to Trump transgender people are dangerous: a foolish ignorant and last century view he apparently shares with the archaic notions of the misnamed Freedom caucus. Their idea of freedom is subjugation for those who don't share their views and of course such thinking is unChristian in the extreme.
When does law apply after a tweet? that is the bottom line.
2
Another crackpot attempt to flex his muscles when frustrated in others areas of his administration. Good luck trying to implement this one, Mr. Trump! It will be yet another one of your "fails" like most of what you have failed to achieve since moving into the White House. You are a complete and utter failure, a very weak leader and will be out of office as soon as your tax returns are subpoenaed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. And if you think you can simply fire or dismiss Mr. Mueller, think again. It will be the finale
for you and your administration. LOCK HIM UP!
for you and your administration. LOCK HIM UP!
1
So Trump was once an ally of the LGBT community? What a joke. Trump is not an ally of anyone except himself. Anyone of any political persuasion who believes otherwise is delusional.
How has the US become so degraded that the ignorance of one man can shape the entire country? It is sad to watch the US become a regressive, hateful country in such a short period of time. Perhaps it always was and I was just too naive to see it.
I want the four years back that I wasted serving in the US Navy only to protect a country that now disgusts me with it backward behavior.
How has the US become so degraded that the ignorance of one man can shape the entire country? It is sad to watch the US become a regressive, hateful country in such a short period of time. Perhaps it always was and I was just too naive to see it.
I want the four years back that I wasted serving in the US Navy only to protect a country that now disgusts me with it backward behavior.
1
I say he does a 180 when nobody defends his position.. and soon.. 3 days.
2
The only thing Trump is interested in, given his wildly narcissistic and vengeful behavior is to reverse everything that Obama achieved, regardless of its content or substance.
It does seem that the current administration is becoming more and more fascist, day by day. Fascism needs an 'other', - one to blame for current ills. Trump has gone out of his way by now adding gays to his enemies list.
Can we call this new policy a purge? Sounds like what's going on in Turkey. And, the trouble with purges is that once power becomes embolden, purges are expanded without end. Who will be next, Jews?
I can foresee the midterms being devastating to the GOP unless they finally stand up against Trump.
Can we call this new policy a purge? Sounds like what's going on in Turkey. And, the trouble with purges is that once power becomes embolden, purges are expanded without end. Who will be next, Jews?
I can foresee the midterms being devastating to the GOP unless they finally stand up against Trump.
What does Trump know or understand about this, either "Transgender" or "The Military"?
1
Other than the ugly and mean spirited implications of this ban, it clearly violates the 14th Amendment. I do not believe it can withstand challenges in the federal courts.
This is not very far the treatment of Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals as "undermensch" by the Nazi Germany in WWII. Patriotism and fighting skills have nothing to do with sexual orientation of the people. Think of people like Alexander the Great and Caesar and many other great military commanders!
2
This is pathetic. Anyone who is able and will lace up boots and defend the nation should be able to. Trumps ego needs to see a success on his imaginary score card but must his ego need to be fed on American victims that he promised to protect?
1
The president is offsetting his legislative failures with tweet morsels that offend not only our intelligence, but our American values as well. All you have to do is listen to his Scout's speech and measure its abusive nature on those poor minors who had to listen to his rants.
The transgender change is an example of his fascist style.
The transgender change is an example of his fascist style.
The transgender community has one thing in abundance of which the Commander-in-chief is totally deprived - courage.
1
The transgender community will show us, it takes more courage to to be trans in America than it does to sit in the Oval Office and lead our nation on a downward trajectory of fear, hatred, immorality and lack of ethics. Do not underestimate a brave American. The few. The Proud. The Trans.
Mr. Trump, Yes you. The guy who lives in a fools world;
The Health Care Bill, The Health Care Bill, The Health Care Bill.
The Health Care Bill, The Health Care Bill, The Health Care Bill.
people don't understand that Twitter is nothing more but a marketing/advertising outlet that Trump commands successfully. There is nothing social about Twitter other than that everyone across the globe has access to it.
Don't care...what about healthcare.
I would like to believe you cannot just tweet something and it becomes the rule or law. His vision is to distract, his outbursts are to distract, everything he says and does is to distract from his Russian disease, his compatriots using message auto-deleting apps, meeting with Russian bankers...don't let him distract you. Support the LGBTQ community! These people are your children, sister, brother, mother, father, etc. Military spends $84mil yearly on Viagra alone, $4mil on Trans folks, not even a drop in the bucket, so he is not being truthful...imagine that! Support your family and neighbors!
2
Sanity has returned to the military. The military is not the place for social experiments, no matter how much the unicorn cowboys want it. Why should I the taxpayer, pay for someone else's mental disease?
2
Even my 92 year old, WW2-veteran, socially-conservative, dad was angry about this.
5
These brave transgender men and women have put their lives on the line for our country, something our chickenhawk president has never done. He should be ashamed.
4
White and male nostalgia.....
Let's return to the 1950s....when men were men, women were in the kitchen and minorities knew their place....given who Trump represents....it is no surprise...yes, let's celebrate hard working white people...and ensure that they stay in power...the alternative is too scary to contemplate...a diverse society where equality is the objective.
Let's return to the 1950s....when men were men, women were in the kitchen and minorities knew their place....given who Trump represents....it is no surprise...yes, let's celebrate hard working white people...and ensure that they stay in power...the alternative is too scary to contemplate...a diverse society where equality is the objective.
1
Just a nasty cynical trick to get right-wingers to the polls to vote for the do-nothing Republicans and the unqualified Donald Trump. I guess they don't feel they can continue to rely on Putin.
And also to get Russia, Jared Kushner, Republican inability to pass legislation off the front page.
And also to get Russia, Jared Kushner, Republican inability to pass legislation off the front page.
Another Trump diversion.... how's that health care repeal and replace going?
3
". . .could not afford to accommodate them." See, how much does it cost him to go to his Florida White House on weekends to play golf? Maybe he should give that up and then we could easily pay for having these military people remain in our military. Gee what a poor excuse for a human being.
2
God does not make junk. We all count. We are all here for a reason and deserve to be treated with equal respect and dignity. We all have our individual goals and aspirations.
Let's not forget one of our principal principles: "All men (and women) are created equal."
Let's not forget one of our principal principles: "All men (and women) are created equal."
2
In the oath that service men and women take, in the military manuals, in the history books, in the movies, and more than anything in the speeches that politicians make, it is all about the love of your country, of honorable service, of protecting the USA way of life. So why transgender people are denied that right? Haven't they decided to serve and fight when and where their country wants them to (as opposed to the current president)? Isn't their blood the same when it is spilled in the battlefield? Isn't their ability to pull the trigger and kill the enemy the same as the rest? Aren't they as patriotic as the rest?
If you answered yes to at least one of the above then they should serve next to the rest of the bodies in the military!
If you answered yes to at least one of the above then they should serve next to the rest of the bodies in the military!
All I can say is that I advise all you white, straight, Christian men 18 and over to get ready to serve your time in the military. Barring trans-gender men and women is only the first step. Next gays will be unable to serve. Then men and women of color both black and hispanic will be unfit for service and finally women will be unfit as well. Only you white boys will be acceptable battlefield fodder for the Trump-Pence administration. Get ready...
As a side point to the main issue, every Trump future tweet must be considered official and cannot be dismissed. Trump is clearly using tweets to set or propose government policy and no longer can the White House tone down or excuse his statements. He should and must be held accountable for every tweet since he has chosen to issue edicts, apparently with little or no consultation from others.
1
The president just made a hollow and meaningless gesture of support to the right wingers on the Hill who wanted to restrict military spending related to sex changes. That's all. It's another one of his empty "deals."
He's scored his loyalty points, and now this alleged policy will probably slip off the table and be forgotten. The military isn't going to insist that the White House draft policy guidelines, so it will never be developed -- an effort that would bog down as badly as the Muslim Ban. In the absence of a fully developed policy it cannot be implemented.
Trump's narcissism prevents him from understanding that the majority of the country really hate him, and that his fake claims to be a problem-solver are making that problem worse.
He's scored his loyalty points, and now this alleged policy will probably slip off the table and be forgotten. The military isn't going to insist that the White House draft policy guidelines, so it will never be developed -- an effort that would bog down as badly as the Muslim Ban. In the absence of a fully developed policy it cannot be implemented.
Trump's narcissism prevents him from understanding that the majority of the country really hate him, and that his fake claims to be a problem-solver are making that problem worse.
As a decorated combat veteran who served under the most difficult conditions imaginable in Vietnam, I have to say that I don't give a damn about anyone's sexual identity.
If you are technically competent, physically capable and committed to carrying out our mission, then you're welcome on my team. What you do when we're not in the field is no concern of mine nor of the NCOs under my command.
Donald Trump is a fraud, a coward and hopelessly out of his depth. He has no standing to be judging anything whatsoever about the military. I cringe every time I see the Clown-in-Chief fumble his caricature of a salute. Has he no decency?
A Defense Department policy promulgated by Tweet is evidence of a grotesque ignorance of executive responsibilities and/or a debilitating mental impairment.
If you are technically competent, physically capable and committed to carrying out our mission, then you're welcome on my team. What you do when we're not in the field is no concern of mine nor of the NCOs under my command.
Donald Trump is a fraud, a coward and hopelessly out of his depth. He has no standing to be judging anything whatsoever about the military. I cringe every time I see the Clown-in-Chief fumble his caricature of a salute. Has he no decency?
A Defense Department policy promulgated by Tweet is evidence of a grotesque ignorance of executive responsibilities and/or a debilitating mental impairment.
28
First, thank you for serving your country!!! It saddens me tremendously when I see so many service individuals support this outrageous human being, including some of my own relatives!
He frightens me, but he sickens me more!
He frightens me, but he sickens me more!
The cost of transgender hormone therapy for the entire military is less than the cost of security for Trump Tower in New York for his child and his wife who refuse to move to the White House
4
A draft dodger with bone spurs but he can't remember which foot it was in is now president.
Do you know how much money the U.S. Military spends on Viagra? And what about the wives of soldiers who become pregnant. Perhaps those wives should be sterilized so the tax payer does not have to pay for their babies which are born in military hospitals!
At least A GLAAD can carry a rifle.
Do you know how much money the U.S. Military spends on Viagra? And what about the wives of soldiers who become pregnant. Perhaps those wives should be sterilized so the tax payer does not have to pay for their babies which are born in military hospitals!
At least A GLAAD can carry a rifle.
3
Need to be more empathetic. However, no way in hell should we spend more on them than we are willing to on any other soldier. Tough call, but needed.
This is craven:
1) Red meat for his "base" to make them happy though he is trashing Jeff Sessions whom they generally like
2) A dumpster fire or fart in a room (what have you) to distract the nation from the fiasco that is his crime mob family presidency
- his titanic of a presidency after it has hit the iceberg Mueller
Transgender service members are proven by study to not distract from service and to be a net benefit to our military. Trump is too stupid to read a study let alone understand it. This is a craven political move. Who told him to do this? He's not this creative on his own...
1) Red meat for his "base" to make them happy though he is trashing Jeff Sessions whom they generally like
2) A dumpster fire or fart in a room (what have you) to distract the nation from the fiasco that is his crime mob family presidency
- his titanic of a presidency after it has hit the iceberg Mueller
Transgender service members are proven by study to not distract from service and to be a net benefit to our military. Trump is too stupid to read a study let alone understand it. This is a craven political move. Who told him to do this? He's not this creative on his own...
1
With Putin holding the photos, we need a new villain and transgenders fit the bill. Just trying to imagine the next Rocky and Rambo story lines.
2
If Trump were honestly concerned about military costs he'd keep his butt in the White House one of these weekends instead of deploying US security forces to cater to his golf games.
4
This is all about the wall folks. The money saved from banning transgenders from serving will go for the wall. Now if the military stopped paying for Viagra you have some seious money.
1
Bad news
A Fascist Coward orders Brave Americans to stop serving our country. This one is headed to the courts -- how about a judge of Mexican heritage?
2
Russia, Russia, Russia, Money Laundering, Russia, Russia, Russia, Corruption, Russia, Russia, Russia, Treason, Russia, Russia, Russia, Russia, Stolen Election, Russia, Russia, Fascism, Russia, Russia, Russia, Perjury, Russia, Russia, Russia, Delusional, Russia, Russia, Russia, Psychopath, Russia, Russia, Russia, Xenophobe, Russia, Russia, Russia, Racist, Russia, Russia, Russia, Misogynist, Russia, Russia, Russia, Puppet, Russia, Russia, Russia, High Crimes and Misdemeanors. But don't forget Russia.
11
During one of the presidential races there was a cartoon:
Dad: 'We are going to take America back!'
Son: 'How far back?'
They were both wearing 18th century hats with teabags dangling from them.
Dad: 'We are going to take America back!'
Son: 'How far back?'
They were both wearing 18th century hats with teabags dangling from them.
6
Worst President EVER.
8
Transgendered is the new bone spur.
5
"Squirrel!"
4
Another simpleton solution from our simpleton President!
3
here news media....here, here - come fetch this latest bone and stop looking at healthcare and Russia....here public - let's shake this bone around and forget how I'm screwing you.
7
That's exactly what I also think is happening!
Is it possible to bar trump
from twitter, Washington DC,
planet Earth?
Such a crude moron.
A WASP thug.
from twitter, Washington DC,
planet Earth?
Such a crude moron.
A WASP thug.
2
Wow.......
an executive tweet from a chicken hawk......
blatant bigotry from Dear Leader Rushmore,
rash, impulsive,
a decision made in consultation with HIS generals:
General Zhukov
General Kramskoy
General Kvashnin
Just more manifestation of the Great Showman's mental illness.
Another quasar burst of crazy.
an executive tweet from a chicken hawk......
blatant bigotry from Dear Leader Rushmore,
rash, impulsive,
a decision made in consultation with HIS generals:
General Zhukov
General Kramskoy
General Kvashnin
Just more manifestation of the Great Showman's mental illness.
Another quasar burst of crazy.
3
As an eight year Army veteran and certified angry old white man let me just say that when picking privates for a recon patrol give me the girl, the gay guy and the transgender and you keep the video game playing pillsbury dough boys who can't do a pull up or run fifty meters without going anaerobic.
20
Do the research on what a man's body goes through post-op. There is a permanent open wound which must be maintained. You will see that a transgender person will not be running, heavy lifting or doing any pull ups.
1
We need a law barring vulgar, treasonous, lying mentally unstable jerks from the presidency.
19
Since this 5-time Sore-Heel-Deferment Specialist has his own army (led by "My Generals") and they hop to every Twitter command, then he, via Trump International, must own them. Let's see, total compensation for the armed forces this year, benefits and salary, must be approaching $200 billion. If you take only 10% to account for senior officer corps, that's at least $20 billion. Send the bill directly to Donald's accountant -- the one sitting in Pennsylvania Ave. Give them 30 days to arrange for quarterly in-advance payments from Donald's corporate accounts. Penalty for non-compliance being seizure of all his assets and sale at auction.
11
At least Putin's puppet has diverted the discussion from the inevitable breakup of the US because it is mentally ill from the top down.
10
This is all about firing up the evangelical vote.
14
Trump's turning on a lot of people.
Is anyone surprised he's now turning on our troops, some of whom are currently serving in war zones?
Tragic.
Is anyone surprised he's now turning on our troops, some of whom are currently serving in war zones?
Tragic.
11
As a Missourian, I can't fully express the shame/embarrassment of Vicki Hartzler's disgusting, hateful, ignorant actions and ideas. She does not represent me or the vast majority of Missourians, more or less decent people with no axe to grind against transgendered men & women.
To coastal readers: Take a quick sec look at Vicki Hartzler's district (MO4). She is a case study on gerrymandering. Her district resembles a begging dog, built to combine her rural home and the relatively well-educated, relatively affluent retirement populations of mid-central lake region and the relatively well-educated populations of gov't and higher education communities in the state capitol and state flagship university, overmatching us with under-educated, religious extremist rural populations, to destroy the very possibility of representation for roughly 20-25% of Missouri's population.
While much cultural interpretation has been made of why Missouri has lost its bellwether status, if one bothers to look at the vote ratio in the population dense counties in Hartzler's district, the more mechanical explanation becomes evident. At the federal voting district level, rural uneducated Missourians' votes are privileged, & thus we end up w/ the hot, nasty vat of mindless hatefulness that is Vicki Hartzler's inexplicable homophobia.
Be clear, we can't stand her and she does not represent us.
If these hateful bigots control the 2020 redistricting process, our federal gov't cannot continue to exist.
To coastal readers: Take a quick sec look at Vicki Hartzler's district (MO4). She is a case study on gerrymandering. Her district resembles a begging dog, built to combine her rural home and the relatively well-educated, relatively affluent retirement populations of mid-central lake region and the relatively well-educated populations of gov't and higher education communities in the state capitol and state flagship university, overmatching us with under-educated, religious extremist rural populations, to destroy the very possibility of representation for roughly 20-25% of Missouri's population.
While much cultural interpretation has been made of why Missouri has lost its bellwether status, if one bothers to look at the vote ratio in the population dense counties in Hartzler's district, the more mechanical explanation becomes evident. At the federal voting district level, rural uneducated Missourians' votes are privileged, & thus we end up w/ the hot, nasty vat of mindless hatefulness that is Vicki Hartzler's inexplicable homophobia.
Be clear, we can't stand her and she does not represent us.
If these hateful bigots control the 2020 redistricting process, our federal gov't cannot continue to exist.
13
I think it might be worth considering the possibility (probability I would say) that this decision does not reflect Trump's own views but the views of his supporters, in particular, Mike Pence. The real Trump is a mixture of liberal and conservative. He is he ONLY prominent Republican to say something positive about PP and the ONLY prominent Republican to say something positive about the single payer systems in Scotland and Canada. Get rid of Trump and you are going to get Pence. Be clear about this!
3
It is my sincere belief that everyone and everything that exists on this planet has a purpose. Otherwise, it simply wouldn't exist. The world in which we live has a magical way of maintaining perfect balance.
Just take a look at the magnificence of the natural world. Our ecosystem is simply astounding in how it manages to maintain a systemic balance and order. Of course, this applies to people as well. None of us are accidents. If you're here, you were meant to be here. Whatever is responsible for this incredible miracle that we call "life", and however you wish to refer to it i.e. evolution, creation, whatever, it's truly a magnificent marvel.
So, what I am essentially saying is that EVERYTHING that exists on the planet has an essential purpose, otherwise it simply wouldn't exist. We, the people of this world, are not here by accident. Our Founding Fathers realized this when they asserted that "All men are created equal." (Actually, I wish that they had said, "All people are created equal." Then there would be no arguments or debates as to its meaning.
So, what I am essentially saying is that we all should embrace life in its totality. None of us are "accidents". Our very existence is the proof!
Just take a look at the magnificence of the natural world. Our ecosystem is simply astounding in how it manages to maintain a systemic balance and order. Of course, this applies to people as well. None of us are accidents. If you're here, you were meant to be here. Whatever is responsible for this incredible miracle that we call "life", and however you wish to refer to it i.e. evolution, creation, whatever, it's truly a magnificent marvel.
So, what I am essentially saying is that EVERYTHING that exists on the planet has an essential purpose, otherwise it simply wouldn't exist. We, the people of this world, are not here by accident. Our Founding Fathers realized this when they asserted that "All men are created equal." (Actually, I wish that they had said, "All people are created equal." Then there would be no arguments or debates as to its meaning.
So, what I am essentially saying is that we all should embrace life in its totality. None of us are "accidents". Our very existence is the proof!
4
This morning my daughter texted me; HOW can anyone justify that a transgender person is less qualified to fight for America than anyone else? And HOW can America let ONE person make that decision?
I have no answers anymore. Is there an emoji for despair?
I have no answers anymore. Is there an emoji for despair?
12
I find the argument that transgender people are a burden to the military astounding. These people are willing to sacrifice their lives for the country and yet the government isn't willing to support their medical needs.
5
I agree with so many here. It's a distraction, ignore it. It's also NOT policy unless miraculously a social media site makes it one. Check out the Russian connections. He's lashing out like the world's closing in on him and it is. Now's the time for the GOP to impeach the scared little man.
Now's the time for the GOP to impeach the scared little man or we wonder why they're participating in this treason.
Now's the time for the GOP to impeach the scared little man or we wonder why they're participating in this treason.
8
Wonder what all the SEALS who served with the person who is issuing a challenge to Pres. Trump, think? Wonder how THEY would have reacted if this person wanted to serve with them as a transgender? And, transgenders were first allowed in the military in April of 2015, and in 2 years there are suddenly 6500, 11000, 15000, 100 million or what ever number Liberals want to make up, serving? RIGHT.
1
They should include this ugly restriction boldly in the advertisements of the military in TV also.
2
Trump is acting as though the modern Presidency is a dictatorship. Maybe he is right. Who is going to stand up to him?
7
This sort of comment ignores reality. Trump is merely returning to the set of rules that applied for centuries before Obama unilaterally changed them. How is that dictatorial? It seems Obama is the one who dictated the change, not Trump, who is merely rescinding the Obama diktat.
You should really get some education outside of Fox and Friends.
Lowered unemployment 41 % (down 54.45% since 2009 peak caused by the Bush recession)
Has a record 80 straight months of job growth (broke all time record 27 times)
2014 was America's best year of job growth since 1999
Real weekly wages are up 4.2 %
2.65 million jobs added in 2015
Lowered the deficit 66%
DOW rose 150%
S&P rose 205%
NASDAQ rose 277%
Corporate profits up 144%
Auto sales highest EVER
20 million new people got health insurance
3.5 % GDP (Bush left at -8.9%)
Highest consumer confidence in 15 years
Job openings up 112%, job openings are at a 15-year high
15.1 million jobs created
NET 10.7 million jobs (Bush was NET 1 million in 8 years)
Unemployment Benefits Applications Fall To 43-Year Low (lowest since 1973)
Strongest dollar in 14 years
Lowered unemployment 41 % (down 54.45% since 2009 peak caused by the Bush recession)
Has a record 80 straight months of job growth (broke all time record 27 times)
2014 was America's best year of job growth since 1999
Real weekly wages are up 4.2 %
2.65 million jobs added in 2015
Lowered the deficit 66%
DOW rose 150%
S&P rose 205%
NASDAQ rose 277%
Corporate profits up 144%
Auto sales highest EVER
20 million new people got health insurance
3.5 % GDP (Bush left at -8.9%)
Highest consumer confidence in 15 years
Job openings up 112%, job openings are at a 15-year high
15.1 million jobs created
NET 10.7 million jobs (Bush was NET 1 million in 8 years)
Unemployment Benefits Applications Fall To 43-Year Low (lowest since 1973)
Strongest dollar in 14 years
1
You really live in a hole in the woods...
Come on. We've been watching Donald Trump long enough to know how he operates. This controversial Tweet is a diversionary tactic. He knows the Russian investigation is closing in on him and that he's in serious trouble. Hence time for him to try to change the focus.
11
One thing strikes me as I read the pro-Trump comments below, as well as those posted to other opinion pieces. Donald Trump has unleashed the fear, the hatred, the meanness that has festered, for the most part, below the surface of the American people. He has brought out the worst in us.
9
"The president, Ms. Sanders said, had concluded that allowing transgender people to serve openly “erodes military readiness and unit cohesion, and made the decision based on that.”
Trump learned this firsthand through his military service in Vietnam?
Oh, that's right - Trump's dad bought him a phony "bone spur" deferment - people who really have them, know which foot it is.
Trump offends every one and every thing that is decent in America.
Such a small, petty, hateful little man.
My thanks to all transgender military members. Your loyalty and service to our country is greatly appreciated.
Trump learned this firsthand through his military service in Vietnam?
Oh, that's right - Trump's dad bought him a phony "bone spur" deferment - people who really have them, know which foot it is.
Trump offends every one and every thing that is decent in America.
Such a small, petty, hateful little man.
My thanks to all transgender military members. Your loyalty and service to our country is greatly appreciated.
10
Trump's "Chelsea" Manning commutation retort.
2
Although I am a fan of Trump, I am not really happy with his opinion on transgender troops.
Trump is angrier and more frustrated each new day. In Congress, the health policy is repeal failing and Russian sanctions are rising. He is exploding inside and needs to destroy something, hurt someone.
10
The Times blandly describes the Family Research Council as a "leading conservative organization."
In fact, it is a far-Right, extremely bigotted organization that has been characterized by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group — and rightly so.
This kind of "balanced reporting," which leaves out this essential fact, is typical of much of the cautious, cowardly reporting by the mainstream media.
The press owes an obligation to its readers to keep them informed of all the facts, not just the superficial ones with which the media tries to play it safe.
In fact, it is a far-Right, extremely bigotted organization that has been characterized by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group — and rightly so.
This kind of "balanced reporting," which leaves out this essential fact, is typical of much of the cautious, cowardly reporting by the mainstream media.
The press owes an obligation to its readers to keep them informed of all the facts, not just the superficial ones with which the media tries to play it safe.
7
Didn't Caitlin Jenner say she was meeting with Trump to educate him on transgender issues? Looks like that didn't work out too well.
3
Faced with blatant evidence of the inability to even manage his own upper management team, and inability to lead his majority government, the failing DT pr team spins the scapegoat wheel once again - spins past Hillary, Obama, science, compassion, the free press, the cities, civil discourse, the voting majority, Nancy Pelosi, women's bodily integrity, lands on -Transgender!
4
I think its time the church got taxed, that's if they still want to keep influencing policy.
5
It was Billy Graham's crazy and hate-filled son Franklin who urged Trump in this direction. I'm sure Pence approved.
While this would probably be a bait to distract the public, I can't help wondering if this is what Americans want for a leader. Lying about costs for transgender service members and stopping them, as decent people as anyone else, from doing their duty to serve their country, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend even those who detest them - that is nothing more and nothing less than disgusting. Yet another low point for the US presidency. When have we had enough?
5
I had had enough two years ago.
Trump just wanted to say something outrageous to change the headlines. He never discussed any of this with the Pentagon, he just made it up and tweeted. And the only people happy about this are the rabidly bigoted evangelicals who believe everything Trump says.
11
So the draft-dodging, tax evading narcissist in the white house thinks he knows about "cohesion" in the military? He doesn't even have a clue as to achieving cohesion in his staff. As a veteran, I can tell you that a person's gender or sexual orientation means very little. Transgender people are American citizens, patriots, and taxpayers, and as soldiers they are just as capable as anyone. Except Trump, he could never be a soldier, because he would never be loyal or have your back. The man is a walking social experiment, and he is failing.
4
I completely agree. What add another layer of what can be sexual harassment, bullying and lawsuits......general confusion?
The defense of this country isn't a game to see what we can get away with and how weird we can get with it, it seriously business not a reality tv show.
The defense of this country isn't a game to see what we can get away with and how weird we can get with it, it seriously business not a reality tv show.
1
They're already serving and everything is just fine. We got this.
1
The most powerful President will be the one who can ban all war, everywhere.
1
This a simple scheme that was improvised spontaneously by a President who needed to get more money and saw that transgender citizens stood in his way.