Gays Serving In The Military
By: Karen Lewis
I have not served in the military but the military lifestyle is something that I know very well. I was the wife of a Marine for 16 years, I was the "significant other" of a Marine for five (5) years and my son is currently serving in the Marine Corps.
I can only speak for myself, now as a mom, that I don't care who someone is involved with personally as long as they have my son's back.
I would hate to think that my son is brave enough to defend our freedom against terrorists who have no regard towards human life but would be "afraid" to serve with a gay Marine.
It's ironic that the military defends our rights which includes freedom of speech yet doesn't allow their own members to speak of their sexual preference! It was once thought that the alternative lifestyle could be used to blackmail a military member and jeopardize security. Couldn't the same be said of a Marine who is involved in domestic violence or child abuse? Is that a "don't ask, don't tell" issue as well!?
Please do not say that domestic violence or child abuse does not occur in the military. I was serving on a base task force that dealt with these issues so I know of which I speak.
So, feel free to say that you abuse your spouse or your child but hold your tongue if you are a loving partner to someone of the same sex!
Friday, February 26. 2010
Gay Adoption Rights: Gay Men Adopting Babies!
By: Karen Lewis
When I first learned that my brother was gay, I was very supportive of his choices and his choice to share this knowledge with the world. I knew his was gay before he told me. I saw his struggle to adapt to the "norm" of society. What a waste of time, what a waste of love!
My brother had heterosexual relationships that always ended up badly. He would try to "walk the walk" and "talk the talk" but his life was miserable. It was awkward to be in his company with a "girlfriend" when I knew that he was just going through the motions. However, when I first saw him with his partner, I felt awkward. I thought to myself how hypocritical I was being since I support gay rights. I analyzed why I would feel that way in their presence. I discovered that it wasn't them at all, it was the reaction of the people around us that made me feel awkward; the glances, the stares, the whispers! This was my baby brother that was being gawked at and made fun of.
My brother and his partner have talked about adopting a baby. You can imagine the discussion even among members of my own family. I support his decision for so many reasons! I was raised without a Dad which was not the "norm" for a baby born in the late 50's. I was surrounded and raised by people who loved me; my mom, my grandparents and my extended family.
Divorce was against my mom's religion and excommunication from church was hanging over her head. Religion nor the opinion of the "moral majority" was not taken into consideration. What was taken into consideration was whether our would be better off without my biological father. It was her decision to make and public opinion didn't matter because the public did not know her situation. I believe that she made the right choice. I was not confused by the fact that there wasn't a dad in my life. My mom was very honest with me when I asked her why my friends had both parents in their life and I didn't. She explained that this was a CHOICE! She instructed me that there were many lifestyles to choose from and one had to follow their heart!
I believe that the decision to adopt a baby should be between the people who have enough love for EACH OTHER that they can bring the child up in an environment of love. In my opinion, fidelity of partners should be the foundation on which a child is raised not the genders of the partners.
Now I am looking forward to being an Aunt someday!!!
The views expressed by this author are that of the author alone and in no way reflect the views of Metro Goup Inc.
When I first learned that my brother was gay, I was very supportive of his choices and his choice to share this knowledge with the world. I knew his was gay before he told me. I saw his struggle to adapt to the "norm" of society. What a waste of time, what a waste of love!
My brother had heterosexual relationships that always ended up badly. He would try to "walk the walk" and "talk the talk" but his life was miserable. It was awkward to be in his company with a "girlfriend" when I knew that he was just going through the motions. However, when I first saw him with his partner, I felt awkward. I thought to myself how hypocritical I was being since I support gay rights. I analyzed why I would feel that way in their presence. I discovered that it wasn't them at all, it was the reaction of the people around us that made me feel awkward; the glances, the stares, the whispers! This was my baby brother that was being gawked at and made fun of.
My brother and his partner have talked about adopting a baby. You can imagine the discussion even among members of my own family. I support his decision for so many reasons! I was raised without a Dad which was not the "norm" for a baby born in the late 50's. I was surrounded and raised by people who loved me; my mom, my grandparents and my extended family.
Divorce was against my mom's religion and excommunication from church was hanging over her head. Religion nor the opinion of the "moral majority" was not taken into consideration. What was taken into consideration was whether our would be better off without my biological father. It was her decision to make and public opinion didn't matter because the public did not know her situation. I believe that she made the right choice. I was not confused by the fact that there wasn't a dad in my life. My mom was very honest with me when I asked her why my friends had both parents in their life and I didn't. She explained that this was a CHOICE! She instructed me that there were many lifestyles to choose from and one had to follow their heart!
I believe that the decision to adopt a baby should be between the people who have enough love for EACH OTHER that they can bring the child up in an environment of love. In my opinion, fidelity of partners should be the foundation on which a child is raised not the genders of the partners.
Now I am looking forward to being an Aunt someday!!!
The views expressed by this author are that of the author alone and in no way reflect the views of Metro Goup Inc.
Monday, February 22. 2010
PETA DOES NOT STAND FOR PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS
By: Karen Lewis
When I inform people that I am a member PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), I am met with the same cliché over and over again...Oh, People Eating Tasty Animals accompanied with a hearty laughter. I am neither amused nor surprised by that reaction. Why? Because it is the only reaction I ever get! If you don't believe me, try it for yourself!
The PETA motto is "Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment". PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events,celebrity involvement and protest campaigns. PETA is very often criticized for their campaign methods and for their "extreme" tactics.
Just once.....and I sincerely mean just ONCE, I wish that the person I was talking to would be able to mention just one of the many good things that PETA does. Contrary to popular believe, PETA members do not carry around a spare vial of blood to throw on unsuspecting women who are wearing furcoats. Their activism is reputed as "stunts" is a negative connotation even when the motivation and end result is good!
I chose to join PETA because I took notice of all of the the good that this organization has accomplished on behalf of animals and animal lovers. I lived in North Carolina and one of the most unique sights that the Outer Banks has to offer is the Corolla Spanish Mustang Horses In January of 06, investigators were looking for information about the shooting death of a pregnant wild horse . Investigators would not say what type of firearm was used to shoot the horse.The most serious charge would be felony animal abuse. The horse was six to seven months pregnant. PETA stepped in to offer a monetary reward for information that led to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for this tragic event. No where in the media was this known. Yet when PETA planned a boycott of KFC, there was a media alert!!! PETA conducted a very civil and peaceful march outside of area KFC establishments, keeping within the legal boundaries. It was KFC staff and customers that caused problems that needed police intervention. Yet, the media portrayed PETA as the disruptive entity. I know of which I speak, because I was there!
I was involved in many non-extreme events planned by PETA so I can speak from experience that the bad rap that this organization gets should be tempered by the animals that it saves and the good and moral conduct of so many of its members.
With PETA, it is wise to remember that character is more important than reputation; the former remains in control of the organization, the latter is at the mercy of the public and is very subjective!
When I inform people that I am a member PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), I am met with the same cliché over and over again...Oh, People Eating Tasty Animals accompanied with a hearty laughter. I am neither amused nor surprised by that reaction. Why? Because it is the only reaction I ever get! If you don't believe me, try it for yourself!
The PETA motto is "Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment". PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events,celebrity involvement and protest campaigns. PETA is very often criticized for their campaign methods and for their "extreme" tactics.
Just once.....and I sincerely mean just ONCE, I wish that the person I was talking to would be able to mention just one of the many good things that PETA does. Contrary to popular believe, PETA members do not carry around a spare vial of blood to throw on unsuspecting women who are wearing furcoats. Their activism is reputed as "stunts" is a negative connotation even when the motivation and end result is good!
I chose to join PETA because I took notice of all of the the good that this organization has accomplished on behalf of animals and animal lovers. I lived in North Carolina and one of the most unique sights that the Outer Banks has to offer is the Corolla Spanish Mustang Horses In January of 06, investigators were looking for information about the shooting death of a pregnant wild horse . Investigators would not say what type of firearm was used to shoot the horse.The most serious charge would be felony animal abuse. The horse was six to seven months pregnant. PETA stepped in to offer a monetary reward for information that led to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for this tragic event. No where in the media was this known. Yet when PETA planned a boycott of KFC, there was a media alert!!! PETA conducted a very civil and peaceful march outside of area KFC establishments, keeping within the legal boundaries. It was KFC staff and customers that caused problems that needed police intervention. Yet, the media portrayed PETA as the disruptive entity. I know of which I speak, because I was there!
I was involved in many non-extreme events planned by PETA so I can speak from experience that the bad rap that this organization gets should be tempered by the animals that it saves and the good and moral conduct of so many of its members.
With PETA, it is wise to remember that character is more important than reputation; the former remains in control of the organization, the latter is at the mercy of the public and is very subjective!
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