Roy Exum: Is Serving A 'Right'?

  • Sunday, August 6, 2017
Roy Exum
Roy Exum

More than 50 Democrats in Congress have sent a scathing letter to General James Mattis following the President’s proposed ban of transsexuals in the military. They wrote to the Secretary of Defense on Friday with the opening paragraph reading:

"As Members of Congress with an abiding interest in our nation’s military and its policies towards the LGBTQ community, we write to not only express our strong opposition to President Trump’s recent tweets seeking to ban transgender individuals from the military, but to remind you not to comply with any unconstitutional directive which may ultimately be issued," Democrats wrote in the letter. "We reject the premise that the presence of transgender troops interferes with the morale or combat readiness of our armed forces."

Ironically, there is a statement swirling on the Internet that is attributed to my favorite politician these days, South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy. As the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Gowdy is so good at handling "snowflakes" I sometimes go to YouTube and giggle over re-runs of his ‘greatest hits.’

With his brilliant grasp of the Constitution and a steady supply of the pompous ones who dare the former criminal prosecutor, I love his moxie and already I’m a "Gowdy for President" guy. The anonymous Internet viral claims its words are what Gowdy said about transsexuals but I can find nothing on Snopes or Fact-checker to confirm that. I don’t even know this was a response about the LGBTQ situation.

For that matter, Trey Gowdy may have never said this but the wisdom and common sense sure does sound like him. Gowdy can make a legal point better than anyone I have ever seen.

What’s more, no matter who said or wrote what you are going to read, I agree and vigorously support every word:

* * *

NOBODY HAS A ‘RIGHT’ TO SERVE IN THE MILITARY. NOBODY.

What makes people think the Military is an equal opportunity employer? Very far from it.

The Military uses prejudice regularly to deny citizens from joining for being too old or too young, too fat or too skinny, too tall or too short.

Citizens are denied for having flat feet, or for missing or additional fingers. Poor eyesight will disqualify you, as well as bad teeth. Malnourished? Drug addiction? Bad back? Criminal history? Low IQ? Anxiety? Phobias? Hearing damage? Six arms? Hear voices in your head? Self-identify as a Unicorn?

Need a special access ramp for your wheelchair? Can't run the required course in the required time? Can't do the required number of pushups?

Not really a "morning person" and refuse to get out of bed before noon?

All can be reasons for denial.

The Military has one job. War. Anything else is a distraction and a liability.

Did someone just scream "That isn't Fair"? War is VERY unfair, there are no exceptions made for being special or challenged or socially wonderful.

YOU change yourself to meet Military standards. Not the other way around.

I say again: You don't change the Military... you must change yourself.

The Military doesn't need to accommodate anyone with special issues. The Military needs to Win Wars.

If any of your personal issues are a liability that detract from readiness or lethality... Thank you for applying and good luck in future endeavors.

Who's next?

* * *

Should transsexuals be allowed in the military? I believe the only answer that should count is from the military. Remember that Donald Trump is, in fact, America’s top military official. He’s our Commander-in-Chief. What 50 Democratic members from Congress believe is moot. They shouldn’t have a thing to do with it.

royexum@aol.com

Latest Headlines
Opinion
Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 28
  • 3/28/2024

Budget becomes central focus in final weeks of 113th General Assembly Members of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee this week were briefed by Finance and Administration Commissioner ... more

Senate Republican Caucus Weekly Wrap March 28
  • 3/28/2024

This week on Capitol Hill lawmakers were hard at work passing meaningful legislation to improve the lives of Tennesseans as the General Assembly begins to wind down. Public safety was a big focus ... more