Transgender members of the military in other countries
Pictured above: transgender military members from other nations around the world. 18 countries currently allow transgender people to serve openly.

The recent decision by President Trump to ban all transgender people from the military caused quite the stir. Social media immediately lit up with passionate responses on both sides of the issue. Supporters of the ban were thrilled that the president made such a strong statement rejecting the so-called "transgender agenda." On the other end of the spectrum, critics pointed to the move as just another example of the White House seeking to restrict the rights and freedoms of LGBT individuals.

In the wake of the announcement, prominent religious leaders voiced opinions ranging from enthusiastic support to bitter outrage.

Religious Reactions

Among those backing the president's move were numerous Christian groups. Here's Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council:

"I applaud President Trump for keeping his promise to return to military priorities and not continue the social experimentation of the Obama era that has crippled our nation's military."

Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association also weighed in:

"AFA applauds President Trump for his courageous decision to end the usage of our military for social engineering and political correctness. American families deserve a military that is focused solely on readiness and national defense."

But the transgender ban was met with plenty of criticism, too. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, offered a cutting rebuke of the policy:

"It's a sad day when the President of the United States declares that transgender Americans are unwelcome in the United States military. This policy is deeply objectionable it devalues individual Americans and is blatantly discriminatory. We'll fight against this unpatriotic ban of transgender troops. We cannot let bigotry stop Americans from serving their country."

Prominent Jesuit priest James Martin shared a statement of support for the transgender community:

Impact of Transgender Ban

Opinion aside, what impact will this policy have? Well, it's hard to say for sure. Official estimates put the number of transgender people currently serving in the military at anywhere between 1,600 and 15,000. If the president's wishes are carried out, all of them would be forced to leave the armed forces and find employment elsewhere.

Critics say that given their relatively small number (compared to 1.3 million military members in total), it makes no financial sense to boot transgender folks. One of the factors Trump cited in his reasoning to enact the ban was "tremendous medicals costs" incurred by transgender service members.

However, opponents quickly pointed out that the cost increase for transgender medical care would be just $8 million or 0.0014 percent of the total military budget. Based on the cost of training new troops alone, it would be cheaper to let transgender people stay on in the service.

Trump holds an LGBT flag
Members of the LGBT community felt betrayed by the move, insisting the president has reneged on a campaign promise to protect their rights.

From A Soldier's Standpoint

In the wake of policy announcement, scores of former transgender military members have come forward to express their dismay. They say they're just as qualified as anyone else to protect the country, regardless of what may or may not be between their legs.

So, what do current military members think about transgender people serving openly in their midst? A recent poll conducted by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families asked just that, and the answers were revealing. 47 percent nearly half believed that it would have little effect on their unit's readiness for combat. 41 percent thought it would have a negative effect, while 12 percent believed the impact of transgender service members would be positive.

Based on all of this information, critics insist that the intention of the ban was never to boost military safety, but instead to appease Christian and conservative groups who have an inherent disapproval of transgender people.

Do you think that's true? Is the ban really about improving the military, or is it a veiled attempt to roll back transgender rights?

 

349 comments

  1. Rick Smith's Avatar Rick Smith

    My calling is to spread God's Love to ALL. Not to pass judgement on anyone. Remember..... Judge not lest you be judged by the same accord. Love someone today whom you don't feel like loving, it can change both your lives.

    1. Michael Barnett's Avatar Michael Barnett

      Shame on the gay pride, there is nothing that is good can come from a group of people who are disobedient to God words. Homosexuality is clearly condemned in the Bible. It undermines God's created order where He made Adam and Eve, a man and a woman, to carry out his command to fill and subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28). Homosexuality cannot fulfill that mandate. Also, homosexuality undermines the basic family unit of husband and wife, this goes against God-ordained order for procreation, and homosexuality cannot do that. And, believe it or not, homosexuality is also dangerous to society.

      1. A' Yo's Avatar A' Yo

        Homosexuality and transsexualism are two very different things. Might want to go back and read your bible. It has a totally different take on trans-people. Just saying.

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          There is NO take on trans people in the Bible. I don't know what Bible you are reading, if any, but there is NO reference to that. People back then weren't that culturally insane, nor technologically knowledgeable enough to make up all the bullshit fake pseudo-science excuses for it. Now they can fool themselves into believing anything, and make up scientific-sounding language to justify it.

          1. Stephanie Willey's Avatar Stephanie Willey

            John, there are many references to eunuch's throughout the Bible. In Mathew 19, Jesus specifically describes those who have chosen it ... for Gods sake. He is describing the Transgender individual. There are plenty of other stories of eunuchs beloved by God. And there are many stories of eunuchs disparaged and condemned by men.

          2. Rev. Tom Brown's Avatar Rev. Tom Brown

            Woah folks, lets get a grip. John if you ave actually read the bible maybe you can explain to us that relationship between David and Johnathan, son of Saul? It says that they loved each other, and the text clearly indicates by their behavior that the love is physical. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_and_Jonathan for more on that.

          3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            A eunuch was NOT trans. He was castrated and was a slave. That is not TRANS. The eunuch had no choice in the matter. I do not disparage eunuchs.

          4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Tom Brown, you do blaspheme. Jonathan and David were NOT lovers and there is no reason to believe they were except you are grasping at any straw to justify unnatural behavior. If you REALLY thought it was natural, you wouldn't feel the need to do that. You shall be judged for saying that about David and Jonathan. Either of those men would smite you dead for saying that about the other.

      2. Andrew's Avatar Andrew

        Its people like you and your thoughts that are a danger to society not homosexuality! God loves every person EQUALLY he does not choose to love straight people and not ones that are gay or trans gender he loves everyone EQUALLY!! Everyone that wants to join the military and put there life on the line for YOUR FREEDOM should be allowed regardless of there belief or sexuality. I have a lot of friends and family that are both gay and trans gender and even ones that have served in the military that would stand up for ANYONE REGUARDLESS OF THERE BELIEFS.

        1. Allan's Avatar Allan

          I have served in the British Army alongside both transgender as well as Homosexuals, I personally am straight, and they had my life in their hands on more than one occasion. I would gladly fight alongside anyone of any faith or sexuality if they had decided to fight for their country. I bet these people who see transsexuals or homosexuals as " against God " would NOT turn these men or women away if they were standing outside their homes defending them from the likes of Isis or the Taliban. But it would serve them right if such a thing happened and those Transgender and Homosexuals fighting for their country just walked off and left them undefended.

          Sorry that is my opinion and I will always stand by it and those Transgender and Homosexuals who are giving their lives to save others even those who hate them and in the eyes of God there is nothing more living in line with his teachings than a person who lays down their life to save others.

          1. Pat Stallworth's Avatar Pat Stallworth

            Amen brother! Blessings in the name of the Lord.

          2. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

            Amen.

          3. Lyric's Avatar Lyric

            Allan, well said!! (although you can take that "sorry" away - first word, second paragraph). No apologies needed for clear thinking.

            How is it that no one seems to quote the scriptures about casting the first stone: a VERY clear and unequivocal statement?? How is it that no one seems to mention "do unto them as you would have them do to you"?
            Basically, quite clearly stated, accept what you see as their faults (within the bounds of the ten commandments) , or submit to other people making yours public also!.

        2. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

          Amen

        3. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

          Mr. Owen is being especially judgmental here, and rather displaying willful ignorance. Christian writings from as far back as the thirteenth century acknowledge the sexual element of the love between David and Jonathan. In his Lambeth essay of December 2007, James Jones, the Bishop of Liverpool, drew particular attention to the "emotional, spiritual, and even physical" friendship between David and Jonathan. The Bishop I suspect is more learned re: scripture than either John Owens or myself. Then again he, like all those who claim the opposite, is a man and subject to all the limitations of that estate. I will continue to press the argument from the alleged words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew: "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            I am being neither judgmental or ignorant. You and those to whom you are sucking up are the willfully ignorant, and James Jones' writings are not scripture. YOU are the ones who keep making this a religious issue, maybe because of some latent sense of guilt. The Bishop is a pagan priest of a pagan religion that masquerades as a form of Christianity. David and Jonathan were tight, close friends, but they were not fellators nor sodomites. IF they had been, the scriptures would have told us, because they tell us of David's sex life, without lurid details. Many of us have had very close friends but very few of us fondle each other's junk or would tolerate it. If you want to lose a friend, make it somehow sexual.

      3. Rev. Ian T. Lombardo's Avatar Rev. Ian T. Lombardo

        Incase you forgot, the bible also says that you shall not adorn yourself with gold, eat pork, wear mixed fabrics, have tattoos, and cut your hair among other things.

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Yes it does. What's your point?

          1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

            Drop that rib, pull off your wedding ring, go change clothes and start growing a ponytail. Get with the program!

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            I haven't eaten pork since 1977, and the law does not say you cannot cut your hair, it says not to shave your head or intentionally cut your hair or beard so your head looks round. The pagans would sometimes do that to make their head resemble a penile glans. The Bible says also to make no markings in our flesh, although I do have my grandson's name on my left arm (Call me a backslider). As for a pony-tail, they look effeminate on anyone who wears them. A lot of my Brothers wear them, and I wouldn't want to anger them or hurt their feelings, but I would not be caught dead with one. I prefer a flat-top, though it is difficult to get to my barber's often enough to keep a good one.

        2. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

          Where does the word of God say this shall have no tattos?

          1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

            Leviticus 19:28 reads, “You must not make cuts in your flesh for a dead person, and you must not make tattoo markings on yourselves.”

        3. Minister V's Avatar Minister V

          Exactly. These verse cherry-pickers like to quote only one portion of Leviticus. Yet, if they were as truly devout as they claim to be, they'd take issue with the clean-shaven, heavily-tattooed, Labradoodle-owning, permanent-press shirt wearing man eating bacon-wrapped scallops for more than the fact that the person across the table from him is his husband.

          Or, Christians could just do as their name says and follow Christ - the man who taught "love one another", and "judge not, lest ye be judged".

          1. Alan Smith's Avatar Alan Smith

            Christians relying on OT texts. Absurd.

          2. Daniel Bush's Avatar Daniel Bush

            We all need to be careful in that these are our opinion not "GOD's". This is not a religious issue and should not be turned into one. this is a political and social issue and should only be decided as such. In addition ,my opinion is that the power that is received though faith and my Bible comes from the spirt of the Holy Trinity and not the actual written word. Without faith the words are just words. I feel it is easy to judge others and to use the Bible or Faith to do so is WRONG! Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love on another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. We hate the sins we see never the sinners. James 4:11 Brother and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgement on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor? In addition do not try to discredit the Christian faith or nock it down because Men (Human Beings "Sinners") utter at time things that appear to discredit Christianity GOD does not depend on us for faith we depend on him for salvation!

        4. Lyric's Avatar Lyric

          No, Ian, sorry. There is no mention of pork. The Laws of Kashrut were written before pigs/hog/swine were available to the Israelites. Those many names, by the way, point to the fact that pigs became basic to a great many cultures, long after the Books of the Torah were written. As much as I hate to admit the narrow, ignorant views of the chap with whom you argue, be aware that he is a learned man, within this narrow view, and make sure that you get your facts straight.

          Mixed fabrics, yes. "Etch" your body (tattoos), yes. Cut your hair - dodgey: "peyot" (side curls) are worn by the most "datee" (religiously orthodox) sects, as sufficient. David got rid of a man so that he could cohabit with that man's wife! What are the chances that he had sex with Saul? (somebody needs to read his psalms of apology to G-d again, I think) tsk!!

      4. Kris's Avatar Kris

        Wow! I have read through many people's comments on various topics and this is NOT an association with whom I want to align. Christians passing judgement on others...nothing new and getting ever so old.

      5. Kimberly Bohannon's Avatar Kimberly Bohannon

        Quote the passage in the Bible that says homosexuality is condemned in the Bible that btw was written by men. My pet peeve is when people think they are qualified to speak for God.

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Quoting God is not the same as speaking for God. It requires no particular qualification.

          1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

            I agree way to many "Christains" things they know what God stands for transgender people is some of the nicest people around. Transgenders is not gay or no maybe very few. Mist transgenders was born in the spirit body with the chromosome of a different sex. I am a hermphadyte and people puts me in the LGBT group all the time. To me nature is letting me decide what sex I want to be! Plan and simple! For the lgbt community they are not hurting anyone. Leave this between. Them and God! Maybe God created lgbt and hermphadyte to do the well of God. I agree it's not our place to talk for God the bible was written by man but inspired by God. But the key point is men assembled the bible talking all the scrolls if it did not fit with their believes the scroll did. It make it in to the bible. The bible is not complete. As Christians or leaders we need not to forget to love one another don't judge and let lgbt and hermphadyte be between his and them everyone should but out of God's business plan and simple. My cell phone screen is cracked sorry for bad grammar and bad spelling if any!

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Stacy, I believe all of which you speak IS between them and God, as everything is for everyone. This is not a God/anti-God issue. It is not a religious issue. It is not even a moral issue. The military does not care much about morality or religion. This is a MILITARY issue. Feelings and righteousness and opinions don't really count here.

          3. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

            Quoting God? Don't you rather mean quoting the Bible, which we know was recorded by men and of which there are many different and often contradictory versions? Please tell us, John Owens, which edition is the true and absolute God approved version. The Bible is somewhat of a telling of an ancient history, much of it passed down by word of mouth before being recorded. The Council of Nicea, at which some important doctrinal issues were settled by debate AMONG MEN, did not happen until three hundred years after Christ. The Canon (list of Books) which comprise the current Bible was not generally accepted until the fifth century, and that was essentially only the index. There are many differences in content.

          4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Bill, I know about that stuff, but regardless, there is no particular qualification necessary. I see you have singled me out for special criticism, and I think it is both funny and petty at the same time, and you will not endure for long, because you are shallow, pompous, and weak. You will become more and more frustrated, and you will make a total jackass of yourself, because all you can do is quote BS.

          5. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

            Quoting someone else's speaking for God, though, which is all that quoting homophobic verses in the Bible actually amounts to, is still the same as speaking for God, second hand, because God didn't say any of those things. They were only put into His mouth to "sanctify" and "justify" that bigotry and impose it on other people easier. God isn't a homophobe or other bigot and so any obvious bigotry in the Bible doesn't come from Him, but from the people who wrote the Bible.

      6. Kimberly Bohannon's Avatar Kimberly Bohannon

        Show me the passage that condemned gays that was man-made and called The Word of God.Homosexual is in the animal kingdom.

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          If there is a female in estrous, no male mammal prefers another male mammal. Also, they are ANIMALS, and have only instinct to guide them, and sensation or what feels good, with no sense of right or wrong, besides what they have been taught by their pack, herd, or master if they are domesticated. Animals are also often cannibalistic but that does not mean that humans should. I'm just pointing that out. It isn't really an argument. Yes, they will hump each other, but don't even know what they are doing. If a female in heat comes around, they will only be interested in her.

          1. Laura Trussell's Avatar Laura Trussell

            I have observed, albeit briefly, from your writing that you have no learning in animal behavior or anatomy nor the years of study in the natural environments of every animal to make this declaration regarding males and females in oestrus of any species. You reject human behaviors because many go against your personal interpretation of lines in the bible, and your audience here, as fellow complex humans, has accepted that for the egotistic narcissism it shows in you. But, please don't spill your sexual mind-twists all over the rest of the natural world.

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            I have observed, that your powers of observation are deficient, unless you are observing BS science. I observe real, living animals, woman, I don't just read agenda-driven pseudo-scientific babble written by egg-heads, and CONTRARY to your moronic references, I hardly ever mention the Bible here, except to correct morons. Now if you want to really talk, try not to sound so high-falutin' and snooty, and don't pretend to know something because you read some poser's comments in a book.

          3. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

            John Owens, human beings, with, supposedly, "more than just instinct to guide us", do far worse things than these "only instinct driven" animals. Animals didn't commit the Holocaust against the Jews and other people or kill 60 million people in World War II or commit all of the other crimes and atrocities down through history that "more than just instinct driven and morally superior" man has committed!! That is all of that same old tiresome and fallacious "Man is the Crown of Creation" nonsense! As Mark Twain wrote: "If man is truly the crown of creation, the less said about it, the better". We aren't morally superior to the animals sexually, either, because animals don't have orgies. So, since our "being driven by more than just instinct" doesn't stop us or actually raise us above the animals the rest of the time, why should it do so in totally natural and normal sexual relations and activities, such as homosexuality, either? Animals don't just operate from blind instinct, either, because female rats will rush on to a burning hot steel plate to save their offspring that they think are in danger and burn to death, which is against the purely animal instinct of self-preservation and which you couldn't get some human mothers to do for their children. Elephants will cover over dead elephants with branches and leaves, which is their version of a funeral and shows that they do think about things, too, and feel sad about dead members of their herd and aren't just instinct driven or they would just forget about that elephant and go on with their lives, thinking only of themselves, as many "morally superior" people would do over someone else's death! A lion in a circus was struck on its nose with a whip handle and pounced on the trainer and took his forearm between its teeth, but, after a minute or so, let go of his arm, shook its head, and walked away. That shows thinking about things and having a sense of right and wrong, since a purely instinct driven lion would have torn the trainer to pieces for attacking it! It didn't learn to let go of his arm, shake its head, and walk away by seeing the trainer do that with another human being with whom he was angry and so it figured that out on its own, which proves a sense of right and wrong in animals. Animals certainly know what they are doing in humping on other male animals' legs and doing something that gives them pleasure and don't mistake it for lifting their legs on a fire hydrant to take a leak and so aren't morally inferior to human males who dry hump on women. Dogs might leave humping on a male dog's leg to go chase a bitch in heat (animal or human), but only after they are finished, just as devout male homosexuals might not turn down a chance for sex with a woman, just for the novelty of it (go see The Bird age with Robin Williams!), after they have finished having sex with another man. The examples of our not being sexually or morally superior to the animals go on and on and so look up some for yourself. As Aesop said in his fable of a man and a lion walking down the road together and the man pointing to the accomplishments of men to "prove" their "superiority" over animals and lions and, finally, pointing to a statue of a man standing over a dead lion, to which the lion replied: "That proves nothing! Let lions be the sculptors for a while and every statue will show a lion standing over a man", and the moral of the fable was: "We are but sorry witnesses in our own defense".

      7. Donna's Avatar Donna

        Apparently you read a different bible as there is no mention of homosexuality or heterosexuality. Lest not forget the bible has been rewritten through out history to serve what the next powers that be in the ruling of nations. Shame on ignorance.

      8. Alan Smith's Avatar Alan Smith

        Sorry. But quoting Adam and Eve, a creation myth, is exactly what's wrong with religious thinking today.

      9. Mr. Min - Raymond Lams's Avatar Mr. Min - Raymond Lams

        I wonder where you get all your misinformation. You might be thinking of Leviticus, but what about the laws of kosher, wearing certain colors, etc. There are a great number of laws we do not follow. You show a lot of misreading and understanding of scripture and the love of God in all of its inclusiveness.

      10. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

        For shame, Michael. The Earth has been filled and subdued beyond the requirements of that commandment, to the point that we are now destroying it. Not every instruction was intended to be for Eternity. Homosexuality is NOT condemned in the Bible. It does NOT undermine the sanctity of the basic family unit, and it certainly does NOT harm society. Top scholars--like the late John Boswell of Yale, Daniel Boyarin of Berkeley, Bernadette Brooten of Brandeis, L.William Countryman of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, Victor P. Furnish of SMU, Saul M. Olyan of Brown and Robin Scruggs of Union Theological Seminary--show that those who perceive Bible passages as condemning homosexuality are being misled by faulty translation and poor interpretation. Unless you can read Aramaic, Hebrew, Ancient Greek and Vulgate Latin I wish you would do more study of writings by those who CAN, before pontificating on the basis of what you have been told to believe.

      11. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

        My heart breaks that u r filled with hate...god is love...every and all...his kind of thinking drivea people from god...shame on u

    2. Rev. Tom Brown's Avatar Rev. Tom Brown

      While I did not vote for Trump, and disagree with many of his policies, there is one fact on the transgender soldier issue that has not been discussed. That fact is that the costs of a soldeirs sex reassignment surgery may be placed on the taxpayer. Am I responsible to pay taxes for medical care that is not required for life, but is desired in order to fullfill a definition of life that the person choses to fufill? I am not talking about the basic sexuality issue, we are born as the sexual creatures we are. I am talking about the extent to which taxpayers can be levied in order to aid persons in fullfilling life potential that is not related to fundamental breathing and heart beating. I am not suggesting that sex reassignment dsurgery should be outlawed. I am questioning whether or not the taxpayer should be taxed for those costs.

      1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

        Several states Medicare medical Medicare will pay 100% if allrequiments are met and that's not easy to prove. Read Harry Benjamin syndrome

      2. Minister V's Avatar Minister V

        Costs? You're going to die on that hill? The Rand Institute has calculated that the cost for treating all 15,000 trans service members is $8.4 million per year. Meanwhile, 10 times as much is paid for erectile dysfunction meds, of which more than half of that is for Viagra alone (over $41 million). Not to mention other costs. Like aircraft carriers. We spend $2.3 billion per year on operations for one aircraft carrier and we have 11.

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          If we spend that much on real medicine, we can't afford any more.

          1. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

            So in your world view only erectile dysfunction drugs count as "real medicine"?

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Real men don't take those ED drugs, Bill, because they don't need them. All they need is an opportunity with a woman. I don't know why you would even bring it up, unless you are having a little problem.

          3. ordained mh's Avatar ordained mh

            Its not about the cost of medical. Look at all species of life God created a male and a female He gives us all freewill to do as we want. But God created a mam and a woman not somewhere inbetween

          4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            I agree, Man. There is no third and fourth gender. We are made in his image. All of nature is dual. Not three, not five. The most ANY trans person can do is go as far as possible pretending to be something else. Now, that pretense may be their whole personality, but it won't make them the other gender. Nothing will. They can convince themselves and others, but they can't fool the science everyone pretends to revere.

      3. Mr. Min - Raymond Lams's Avatar Mr. Min - Raymond Lams

        An investigation of the military spending on health care indicates that the cost for such surgeries is only about 2% to 3% (or thereabouts) of the entire budget. Far, far more dollars are spent on Viagra and I do not wonder but actually object to my tax dollars paying for these pills. Isn't the old axiom "Pay to play?"

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          If it is .001%, that would still be too much. No tax dollars should be spent on Viagra, either, but even if they are, that doesn't justify spending them on voluntary mutilation as well.

      4. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

        That is not at all the case. The military has not historically covered gender-transition surgeries, though President Barack Obama did announce plans for it to begin doing so. That cost would be between $2.4 million and $8.4 million annually for transition-related costs, according to a RAND analysis commissioned by the Department of Defense. A moot point, as I do not believe the current administration would authorize it. Do you? That removes absolutely 90% of the rationalization for the ban.

      5. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

        Definately the cost should b borne by the person wanting the surgery. God is everywhere..god is love...transgenderex folk are loved by god...

      6. ordained mh's Avatar ordained mh

        Tax payers should not be paying for any sex change for any human. Ever

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Agreed. Tax payers should not pay for any unnecessary procedures.

          1. Sam's Avatar Sam

            Tax payers should not pay for Hate speech and Hate protest or churches that promote Hate. Nor should Tax payers have to pay for viagra for military.

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            A) Hate speech comes from the LEFT
            B) it's free.
            C) Churches do not promote nor practice it, except for Islamic and Black Liberation preaching D) I agree about the Viagra. It is ridiculous. People who can't get it up don't need sex in the first place, but either way, the government should not pay for it.

    3. Randy McCullough's Avatar Randy McCullough

      If you've ever been in a war zone, you depend on your fellow soldier,sailor,marine or airman, to put their life on the line for you! Transgenders have a problem just figuring out who they are let alone stand up under the stress of war! So I say No... They should not be in the military! Find some other way to serve your country!

      1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

        Tell it to Kristin Beck.

        http://www.businessinsider.com/kristin-beck-trump-transgender-ban-2017-7

      2. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

        First, they don't have a problem figuring out who they are, they are struggling against people who won't LET them be who they are. Secondly, I have met plenty of straight military members who, although I don't have the credentials to diagnose them, I would consider unhinged. Please don't try to profess that all the non-Trans folks are solid and steady as a rock.

        1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

          I'm surprised that some people here don't pull a muscle jumping to conclusions:

          "I don't understand (or like) transgender people, so they must be mentally ill. I don't believe what hundreds of medical professionals say, because they don't agree with me. Transgender people are mentally ill, so they're not fit to serve. It doesn't matter that thousands have already served; now they're going to start causing problems. Anyway, there's no such thing as transgender. I don't care what you say. Oh, and it's a sin."

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Nice synopsis.

      3. ordained mh's Avatar ordained mh

        Yes or let them go to the front lines and no special privelages but i do not believe God made a mistake when he created a man and a woman

      4. Alan Smith's Avatar Alan Smith

        What utter nonsense.

      5. John Komorowski's Avatar John Komorowski

        Wow, such erudition from an armchair soldier. When have you EVER fought alongside a homosexual or transgender? I did, in VN 1968-69, they fought just as well, and hard, as everyone in that platoon, and were quick to render aid to one who got hit. Go get a life, if you have one, outside your muddled head.

        1. Pat Stallworth's Avatar Pat Stallworth

          Amen! We as Christian must be careful not to allow our dislikes to turn to hate. There is no place in a Christian's heart for hate. My 2 brothers were black and they served in VN. 1967 Remember history. BLACKS were hated because of their color. Thousands opposed to serving with BLACKS until they were faced with being saved by them. God made one race. The human race. God bless all soldiers, and especially those who died fighting for our liberties.

        2. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

          Amen. Lots of folks commenting not as clergy, but from a standpoint of ignorance and fear. I am particularly disturbed by John O.'s vehemence.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Only a pompous, weak-minded jerk would call it ignorance and fear, just because I SUCCESSFULLY disagree with your position and defend mine. I do not possess vehemence, but I will defend the truth as I see it, and yapping hyenas who believe in socialism and globalism will not silence me because I have no fear of your opinions. You only say ignorance and fear out of some vain hope that I will be afraid of you thinking that, and so either come to your point of view or be silent. I promise neither will happen in this lifetime.

        3. Bernard Umbaugh's Avatar Bernard Umbaugh

          Way to go John. I spent 6 years in the US Air force and New Jersey Air National Guard and I was gay before I joined, gay everyday I was in and at 75 years young, I'm still gay. Served along side of every other guy and was never told I didn't belong or that I did a bad job. I served my country because I thought it was the right thing to do. Now to the mistake we now have as President. How dare he pass judgement on any service person! How many years did he serve in the armed services? Answer - 0 days. The exact number of days he should have served as President.

      6. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

        Okay Randy. Which war zones have you been in? You are certainly full of "Sweet violets" in your comments about transgenders. Have you ever, in your entire life, actually met one? My neighbour, a former US Marine Gunny, would have a few words for you if you spouted this nonsense to (now) her.

    4. Leann Williams's Avatar Leann Williams

      Amen brother!!! Very well spoken! Much love.

    5. dotwilson@comcast.net's Avatar dotwilson@comcast.net

      Thank you Rick Smith. Your comments are perfect.

    6. dotwilson@comcast.net's Avatar dotwilson@comcast.net

      Thank you Rick Smith for your perfect comment. I am going to try to love someone I haven't felt like loving for a long time. I can already feel the results.

    7. Pat Stallworth's Avatar Pat Stallworth

      As Christians we judge too much. According to the scriptures God holds that power and not man/woman. We as Christians should let our light shine with love and understanding. Things we don't understand should not be exercised with hate and discontent, but with love. Some of us are so religious, so Christian and so HOLY that we want to judge the world. We can't do God's job. We must love one another as the Lord loves us. The scriptures speak of wars and rumors of wars. Today we have wars that are being fought rather we like it or not. Some of our children, and other family members and friends are deployed out to fight for our safety. We pray that God will protect them and bring them home safely. So, is it really important to worry about their gender, and sexual orientation? God loves us and will judge each of us accordingly. I would like to hear what one of ULC leaders, elders think about the topic and respond to my statement. May the peace of God be with you all. Minister PT,

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        AGAIN, you talk about moral judgments. Nobody CARES anymore. That is not the issue.

        1. Minister Pat's Avatar Minister Pat

          If morality is not the issue, then what is? It is first natural then spiritual. There are more people that cares than those who don't. Love will rule.

          1. Minister Pat's Avatar Minister Pat

            I am definitely on the wrong site, because I have heard some vulgarity that I feel is not becoming to intelligent discussions by God loving people. I apologize for intruding and will bow out gracefully. God bless you all. Minister PT Stallworth

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Yeah, Pat. Just go someplace where everybody is as HOLY as you are. Self-righteousness is the most stubborn sin of all.

          3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            CARING has very little to do with the ability of a military to destroy enemies and supply its own members with food and ammo. Love is not much of a factor, other than the love required for a man or woman to sacrifice their life for their brothers and sisters.

        2. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

          That is EXACTLY the issue from you, Mr. Owens. It is all you have done, make moral judgments about trans sexual people.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            I think you are very very mistaken, Bill. Show me ONE MORAL judgment I have written about trans sexual people on this blog. ONE. If you can't, you need to shut up.

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Still waiting to see that example of a moral judgment I have made about trans sexual people. You must have me confused with someone else, or your imagination is playing tricks on you.

        3. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

          John, if u feel u r ok to defend your position, then try to do it without venom...u turn me off with your attitude...we r all entitled to think what we want...i think u and people like u, will b burning women as witchea very shortly.. just my opinion...without venom...god bless

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            I am not trying to turn you ON, Wendy. You exaggerate my comments here, and attribute things to me which I have not expressed, like Bill Miller above does. Just because I do not ascribe to your point of view, does not give you license to lie about me, either here in text or even to yourself. You should think about the words written to me and about me, and what I have responded, before you make up liberal left-leaning paranoid hysteria about me. YOU become the witch-hunter when you do that.

      2. Mr. Min - Raymond Lams's Avatar Mr. Min - Raymond Lams

        Beautiful insight and understanding of what the love of God really is. Jesus did not judge while on earth - he merely asked us to follow him to the best of our ability. Yes, He called for change, but it is clear that what was meant was change of heart and a call to love. Thank you and God bless for your loving!

    8. Tony Williams's Avatar Tony Williams

      Who is Trump to say that transgender people can't serve when he never served a day in his life. Thank God for those who have served this country so that people like Trump can enjoy the freedom and rights we have today. If anyone should be banned from anything it should be people running for president who are dangerously unstable, dishonest and unqualified.

    9. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

      I agree, Rick. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Any other interpretations, etc., are directly contrary to this very simple, unambiguous commandment. I am very out of patience with those who return, again and again, to the OT in order to seek out passages that support their own fears and prejudices, and try to lock G-d into a small box that has room for only their own hatred of those unlike themselves. Thanks, but I will cleave unto that Being who has love and compassion for ALL of creation.

    10. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

      Amen

  1. sasmith004's Avatar sasmith004

    You are either a boy or a girl. There is no such thing as transgender. I blame the parents for allowing these belifes to go on. It is not an a " OH I AM SORRY IF I HURT YOUR PERSONAL FEELINGS" military. They dont baby the recutes. They have to be hard core to survive a war. Get off my rights have been wronged.

    1. Katelynne Victoria Shouse's Avatar Katelynne Victoria Shouse

      Could you be anymore wrong and ignorant in your "opinions and beliefs"......this isn't the 1950''s, open a modern medical or psychological study and educate yourself!!! SMH

      1. Glen Saunders's Avatar Glen Saunders

        Please follow your own advice and educate yourself on exactly what a transgendered person is. A psychological state is considered a mental disorder only if it causes significant distress or disability. Many transgender people do not experience their gender as distressing or disabling, which implies that identifying as transgender does not constitute a mental disorder. For these individuals, the significant problem is finding affordable resources, such as counseling, hormone therapy, medical procedures and the social support necessary to freely express their gender identity and minimize discrimination. Many other obstacles may lead to distress, including a lack of acceptance within society, direct or indirect experiences with discrimination, or assault. These experiences may lead many transgender people to suffer with anxiety, depression or related disorders at higher rates than nontransgender persons. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), people who experience intense, persistent gender incongruence can be given the diagnosis of "gender dysphoria." Some contend that the diagnosis inappropriately pathologizes gender noncongruence and should be eliminated. Others argue that it is essential to retain the diagnosis to ensure access to care. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is under revision and there may be changes to its current classification of intense persistent gender incongruence as "gender identity disorder." The Armed Forces of the United States is not designed to accomodate social engineering.

        1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

          I am a hermphadyte. I was born with both sex organs. Nature let me decide what sex I wanted to be. People that is really transgender was born with example make body but the chromosomes in brain before birth is female chromosome and there is no fixing that. I welcome your opinion. And yes I am well educated NBA UCLS 2 Doctor of Divinity one earned and one honorary. I am a Christian. But I won't go around judging people if a person is LGBT that's between them and God it's not for man to judge.

          1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

            I am typing on an android with crack screen sorry for the mis typed words

    2. Sam's Avatar Sam

      And you are a medical expert I take it. There are over 15,000 Transgender persons in the US military right now. Your tax dollar is paying more to keep Trump and his family in the WH and where they travel to and from then for supporting these brave people in the military. They are much stronger then you will ever know, the military know it, that is why they won't let them go. It seems that your ignorance maybe both harmful to those around you and to yourself.Do you know how many transgender youth commit suicide a year because of transphobia? The parents that support their children are the true heroes. Maybe you didn't get much support from yours which is why you like to to blame others. Perhaps the only way you can sleep at night is after drowning your hate in a bottle. May God bless your ignorant hateful soul.

      1. James's Avatar James

        Read you "hateful ignorant" comment. Don't allow emotions to lead your thoughts. War is hard, mentally and physical. You think someone that killed themselves over words and inclusion should be fighting the horrible fight of freedom against real monsters? Come on! Reality is calling. Look at the simple construction of one joint of a man vs a women. A trans brain vs a hardened warrior's? Do the research before using emotional responses.

        1. AKConiferious's Avatar AKConiferious

          "You think someone that killed themselves..." if they already killed themselves they are not in any military. and you follow that with "Come on! Reality is calling."

          1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

            Except zombies. You forgot zombies.

      2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Sam, You can't blame all those suicides on transphobia. While I know that exists, there is no way to substantiate it as the CAUSE or even a motivating factor in ALL suicides involving transgender youth. Some may be doing it because their stupid parents FORCED them to be transgender. Others may be doing it for the same reasons other youth who are NOT transgender do it. It's just too much of a blanket statement, that cannot be documented. I'm not dismissing transphobia. ( I love these made up words). I am just trying to keep things slightly honest here.

        Also, the person you are addressing did not express one iota of hate or ill-will. A little bit callous, maybe, but in the interest of making you think outside of your emotions. You are using the terms hate and ignorance too freely to be doing it in an intellectually honest manner. It is not necessarily ignorant to think differently than you do. Let me ask you this, is there any way for an ignorant person to think LIKE you? I mean, if they just accepted someone else's opinion and adopted it? Is that even possible?

      3. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

        Ok that was in keeping with the same thiught patterns of the person u r responding to...shame on u...

    3. James's Avatar James

      If I claim to be a tree or a rooster, I'd be crazy. If I'm a man and claim to be a women, yep crazy. We really don't want that kind of crazy defending our country. Sexual preferences are not public commands. You do your thing and meet the consequences, I'll do mine. So when the Majority speaks, if it isn't a criminal action, then that's the way it goes. Plus the hygiene alone. Ha, I agree with trump. No added cost at this time.

    4. Pamala Mattern's Avatar Pamala Mattern

      Your ignorance is showing. Nothing in life is x/o. Everything is on a spectrum from far left to far right. Jesus never judged, why are you? You rights end at the tip of my nose. God never makes mistakes, then why are intersex children born? People are people, sex is not just male female, gender is a social construct that defines the expected norms of behavior. It has nothing to do with who or how God loves all PEOPLE!.

      1. Mars's Avatar Mars

        How about all the countries ban militaries so we can live in peace,

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Then the wars would just be very crude and unprofessional. Militaries are a symptom, not the cause.

        2. Eric Beaulieu's Avatar Eric Beaulieu

          This is the best post I have ever seen seen regarding military service. As a vet I believe that when people learn to respect each other and talk that is when conflict will end.

          1. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

            Hallelujah brother

        3. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

          Ban all militiary, nuclear war heads and all corrupted politician, ban Pac money ban lobbyist etc.

      2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        JESUS knew a boy or girl when saw one.

        1. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

          Jesus isn't as concerned about your gender, or who you have sex with, as he is about whether you have a good heart. Here are just a few of your quotes, John:

          "People back then weren’t that culturally insane" - indicating you either think trans-gendered people are insane, or those of us who don't care what people need personally to make them happy.

          "Only a pompous, weak-minded jerk would call it ignorance and fear" - just wow

          "Real men don’t take those ED drugs, Bill, because they don’t need them. All they need is an opportunity with a woman. I don’t know why you would even bring it up, unless you are having a little problem." - Can a doctor diagnose whether a man is "a real man" or not? And are you a doctor?

          "CONTRARY to your moronic references, I hardly ever mention the Bible here, except to correct morons." - Did she make you uncomfortable? Is that why you felt the need to lash out like a schoolyard bully?

          "You have fallen from your gourd, Jim" - what a nice way to say "I disagree"

          "WHY ON EARTH would anyone want to learn something so stupid?" - Why would anyone NOT want to learn something? I can only imagine it is because that person finds it more important to be right than correct. You think you know everything there is to know? That's a pretty astonishing ego.

          "You’re spreading a load of horse manure. You’ve allowed yourself to be convinced of something that is impossible." - "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Are you the final source on what is possible? Again, that is a healthy ego you have there.

          Is your heart open? Is it large enough to be open to the possibility of something new? Have you had enough education to be speaking so definitively about whether transsexualism exists or not, or are you just afraid of someone different than you? You are so vehemently mean and rude to anyone who disagrees with you. It's unbelievable.

          I'm praying that God can soften your heart.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            I would like to pick at your response point by point, but it means looking all of those references up for context, and I really don't have time to do that, but I will respond to some of it.

            As for Jim falling from his gourd, DID YOU READ THE STUPID THING HE SAID? NO! I wasn't saying I disagree. I was saying he fell from his gourd.

            As for the pompous, weak-minded comment, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS! You snatch it out of context and try to make me look bad-- well, that's weakness of evidence or argument on your side, or just pure CNN-style spin, which is blatant evil (in my humble opinion).

            Why would ANYONE want to learn something stupid? I am not at all opposed to learning, but I AM OPPOSED TO STUPIDITY. Put it in context, Prix. Also, in that comment of yours, please elucidate on the difference between "right" and "correct." How can you be one and not be the other?

            As to the "contrary to your moronic references," you don't think it's MORONIC to say someone says things they don't say? If it isn't moronic is outright lying, or deranged raving.

            I'll stop here, but you really should look at those conversations in context and stop taking everyone else's side just because they agree with on the general social experimentation in which modern society is engaged. You should look at WHAT THEY SAY, and see if my responses are actually reciprocal or measured. If you do that, even though we disagree in substantive ways, you will HAVE to see that I am just like the thorn on the rose-bush. I stand ready to defend, but I am not really looking for a challenge.

            It is infuriating when people just pull junk out of the air and make wild accusations about people they don't know, and think that just the accusation should be enough to convict the other person. It is NOT. Ignorance was not invented by conservative people nor limited to them. Just ask any leftist demonstrator a few questions about politics, economics, geography, practically anything.

            My heart is softer and kinder than most of you on this blog, PARTICULARY the leftists. Just because I don't let a bunch of mean-spirited snowflakes walk on me doesn't make me hard-hearted. I love them too much to let them get away without a scratch.

    5. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      http://www.who.int/genomics/gender/en/index1.html

    6. Rev. D H Zielinski's Avatar Rev. D H Zielinski

      Unfortunately, it is obvious that you have not researched this issue at all. Perhaps your personal views overshadow your ideals as well. I will explain this to you in a polite and " Christian" way. Individuals may be born obviously as a male or female, but internally they are not totally the sex they were born as. Some have very obvious physical problems as they mature and some have psychological indicators that there is a problem as well. Some transgender individuals have indicators when they are very young, and some have to go through many years of trying to find out why they are having certain problems in life. Unfortunately, a number of people in our world do not understand this issue and are intolerant of the situation. Even some parents do not understand their children's problem and blame them for "dishonoring" them as parents or blaming them for being different. This is very sad and as a human race, we should try to be more open minded, and understanding of these things. As far as the transgender armed service members are concerned, since we have an all volunteer armed service, anyone can enlist. All of them are brave, fearless and courageous people who put their lives on the line for us every day of their lives. Most of the members have either made the transition BEFORE becoming members or transition AFTER they leave the service. Since most insurance companies DO NOT cover the transition process, these individuals must pay for the transition procedures out of their own pocket. The government DOES NOT PAY for this process. I have been a practicing ULC Minister for many years, and I take this subject very seriously.. In my personal life, I have met and counseled many people who have interest in the LGBTQ area. Most are parents or family members of LGBTQ individuals. Most simply did not understand that their children are perfectly normal and have every right to be who they are and who they wish to be. Since our Creator does not make mistakes, we all have a purpose in life here on earth and should be respected for it. Scott, I feel sorry for you and for those individuals who speak out of ignorance of this issue. I hope that God will enlighten you and bless you, as I pray for this for all humankind.

      Respectfully, Rev. D.H.Zielinski

      1. Jay Vanlis's Avatar Jay Vanlis

        This is perfect.

        1. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

          Amen, amen, Rev. Z.

      2. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

        Thank you for your wise and thoughtful comment.

        "Unfortunately, a number of people in our world do not understand this issue and are intolerant of the situation."

        Even worse, they refuse to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that is available and instead choose to remain willfully ignorant.

        Being transgender, whatever the cause, is not a "lifestyle", a choice, a sin, an abomination, etc. It's simply a condition that exists in some people and not others.

        Whether or not you believe in a "soul", the essence of who we are and our gender identity reside in the mind. The rest is plumbing, mechanics and a little electricity. In a way, it's like a house or a car. You live there or drive it, but it isn't you. You can make repairs or modifications if you like, and that's your decision.

        The fact remains that no one who is not transgender can know how it feels or pass judgment upon those who are. Transgender people have always been with us and are an accepted part of many societies. The first documented case of gender realignment surgery was in the 1920s in Germany.

      3. Clifford bennett's Avatar Clifford bennett

        I agree with what you said but in my opinion and my opinion alone if God does not make mistakes and it ok to be transgender would they not start out as the sex they want to be in the beginning and not have to get operated on to be able to feel right and be the sex they feel. For if they are born a different sex than what they feel then that would mean that God has made a mistake and gave them the wrong sex obviously which does not happen as God created and gave everyone the sex that he intended them to be. I served in the army since I was 17 and I have seen first hand how it does affect the troops but I also believe everyone has a right to believe what they choose and I will never judge them as that's not my place as a human.

        1. Cindy Rich's Avatar Cindy Rich

          So the people born with their intestines on the outside of their body.. not a mistake? God did that? They should not have an operation as long as they could live like that? Adapting themselves to survive their entire life like that? There are so so many "for instances" that people are not born "whole" and we have the medical knowledge to make them live a more "normal" life. Shouldn't we? We, are not God. Who are we to judge who is who and what people are to be?

        2. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

          All those babies with terminal ill ess, god did that on purpose...

      4. Chaplain Jim's Avatar Chaplain Jim

        How did this all become a religious issue. Of course Jesus taught us to love one another, he did not say except this individual or that one, but all. as yourself. Having served in the military for over 24 years, I know that the military men ands women give up a number of rights that all US Citizens would never give up and live under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice), and the military is as close as color blind as any organization in America. This is a military issue not a religious one, through God's grace we are all forgiven our sins. Remember when Jesus spoke to those who were about to stone the adulteress, you without sin cast the first stone. No, it is by the grace of God that we are all forgiven our sins, no matter how egregious they may be otherwise his death would be in vain and I refuse to believe that. So the issue here when the Commander in Chief banes anyone from serving in the military he is doing so for what he believes is in the best interest on the Services, and by the office with which we have given him. He may be wrong, but he too will be forgiven his sins one day as well

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Good comment, Chaplain Jim.

      5. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

        Thank u for your post..finally some lo e and compassion for gods creations...

    7. kimm's Avatar kimm

      Been to a base lately? Unfortunately, they do coddle the new recruits to an extent.

    8. Russ's Avatar Russ

      I agree with Glen's wonderful comment

      scottasmith, please update your research. You're WAY off.

      1) The DSM-5 (APA) AND the WHO (World Health Organization) have BOTH indicated that they've determined that transgender is NOT a mental condition in and of itself, but rather transgender people suffer from mental disorders due to intolerance and hatred, like what you espouse.

      2) Transgender does exist. You see it in the fact that not every human is born XX or XY, but there are those who are XXY, XYY, X, Y, and so on. These are ALL variants and examples of how your binary thinking is ignorant.

      These are just two of the facts you have so grossly gotten wrong. Please, before you spout your vitriol, do yourself a favor and do your research better...so you don't embarrass yourself so much.

      As for the military, as a transgender individual myself, I was a better shot than nearly all of my cisgender soldiers. In fact, I ranked top of my Basic Training class in grenade accuracy. I know of THREE Special Forces transgender soldiers, now former. One retired as a high ranking officer, and even had over 50 confirmed kills. So your opinion that they shouldn't be a part of the military is erroneous. In fact, you write and sound as though you failed high school and most likely never served you country at all. That, or your nothing but a small, petty child who trolls sites to raise a stink about things you have no clue about. xxoo

      1. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

        I have been trying to be generally polite, but you have nailed it Russ Politeness does little to educate the willfully ignorant. Thanks for your input as one who has "been there", and Bless you for your service to ALL of us.

    9. Lynda's Avatar Lynda

      There is such a thing as transgender. It means the gender you identify with psychologically does not match your biological gender. In other words, you might have the XX chromosome of a "girl", but you identify as a boy. Just because a cisgender person doesn't understand this phenomenon, it doesn't negate its existence. Similarly, homosexuality exists whether you personally understand it or not. Whether or not you can accept it is your issue.

    10. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

      Wow.. where is the love.. god created everything including what makes u uncomfortable...blessings 4 u definately

  1. eric k's Avatar eric k

    just as qualified as anyone else to protect the country, regardless of what may – or may not – be between their legs.

    '

  1. Clayton Beardmore's Avatar Clayton Beardmore

    Hurrah for President Trump's decision. Hopefully we have turned the corner from fads (like the gay and transgender movement) (which seem to grasp impressionable people) and Political Correctness, Take it from a 28 year veteran of the U.S. Army - we DO NOT need (or want) transgender military members.

    1. James's Avatar James

      Agreed, I'm a fellow vet and highly educated south guy. Issues are too be solved and the military needs to get back to the cook cutter soldiers. Everyone is green or blue.

    2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      I know it probably hurts a lot of people's feelings, but I think you are correct. I don't think the military should be too worried about hurting feelings. They never worried about hurting anybody else's feelings. Why should they worry about them now? I am not a veteran, but one brother and 7 uncles and my father and father in law were all vets. I ride with mostly vets. The perspective of the people in uniform is the only perspective that matters here.

    3. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      HEY CLAY U R the ONLY ONE NAMED BIGOT POSTING, WHERE is the LIST of PERSONS with TWO NAMES, FIRST NAME, LAST NAME, WE, are YOU PREGNANT or JUST HAVE SHYTE in UR PANTS ??? DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A

      1. Br. Bob's Avatar Br. Bob

        So much hate in your soul.

      2. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

        God save us from this venom...not very tolerant...somewhat sexist...preg ant? Please think b4 moving your thumbs..

    4. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      As transgender individuals enlist at roughly twice the rate of the general population, you probably served with a few.

    5. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

      I'm sorry, I just have to point out - gay and transgender are not fads.

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        But trying to mainstream them IS a fad.

        1. AK Coniferious's Avatar AK Coniferious

          why are you replying to a comment more than a year old? after reading this and other of your comments, I am going to offer you the title of Biggest Douche In The Universe. being a right wing nut job is nothing to be proud of, a bigot waving a bible is still a bigot. do the world a favor and go play in traffic.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            So, if replying to a comment more than a year old causes you to refer to me as Biggest Douche in the Universe, what does your comment say about YOU?

            WTF are you even talking about waving a bible? Why did you dream that up?

            Not being a left wing lemming like you does not make me a right wing nut job. Still, how do you invent the bible waving? Are you that much of a bigot? I disagree with something so you go all stereotyping on me-- that's textbook bigotry.

            I wasn't even talking to you, you pig manure for brains. Call me a douche, when you are practicing douchery. Look at what I said, then look at what YOU said, and tell me, was YOUR bigotry called for? Dipstick! You are an example in favor of the bell curve. This is why leftists are such losers.

          2. AK Coniferious's Avatar AK Coniferious

            John Owens, do you even read what you post? you have bigoted beliefs based on your interpretation of religion. you get the title because you are trolling an old forum looking for things to fight about. you are going to give yourself a heart attack cosplaying Ed Anger. You choosing to identify me as a leftist is laughable. you couldn't possibly be more wrong. you argue like a mentally challenged toddler. it's a simple matter of reading the posts, you support right wing politics without intellectual evidence and spouting bigoted beliefs.

          3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Oh, and Cone-headerous, you never caught me waving a bible, and you cannot convict me of bigotry. YOU are trolling. Moron.

          4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            If I'm trolling an old post looking for a fight, WTF are you doing? I was here originally. You were NOT.

    6. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

      For shame..proud of your physcopathic president...we r returning to the dark ages..u may not want, but all r welcome to serve thier country...mr trump serves only himself and the other 1%rs...look inside yourself for a better person, he is there...

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Ridiculous. I doubt seriously that anyone calling the president a psychopath is qualified or knows him well enough to make that judgment. For all your love talk you are calling names without just cause. Just pointing that out.

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Oh, and, Dark Ages? Please, drop the over-the-top hyperbole. We just aren't ready to go running around naked with flowers in our hair chasing unwashed satyrs with STDs around like the LEFT wants to do. You are confusing our society with ISLAM, of which you liberals are supposed to be tolerant and accepting.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Trudeau loves the Islamists more than he loves his fellow Canadians, apparently.

  1. Katelynne Victoria Shouse's Avatar Katelynne Victoria Shouse

    Herr Twitter only did this to appease all you ass backwards evangelical bigots and the absolute proof that you've absolutely no idea of which you speak is this "Sexual preferences are not some blah blah blah"..... Ignorant ass, being transgender has absolutely nothing to do with sexuality or sexual preference. If you knew ANYTHING WHATSOEVER you'd know that one very important thing!!

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Your rant seems to contradict itself. That's kinda like saying, "Yes, Michael Brown sold drugs, but he wasn't a drug DEALER." It's late in the day. Maybe I just misunderstood.

      1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        JOHN BOOGER OWINS HOW can a VILLAGE IDIOT MISUNDERSTAND ANYTHING WHEN a VILLAGE IDIOT has NO COMPREHENSION of N A D A, thats NOTHING BOOGER, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A,* WHATS with MICHAEL BROWN ARSEFACE

        1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

          They're coming to get you, Mr. Maher.

        2. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

          Very sad mr maher...look for god...he is missing in your life...

      2. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        HEY BOOGER OWINS, SAY HELLO to UR RANT and RUNCLE for POSTERITY !!!

        1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

          Here they come, Mr. Maher. They're getting closer.

  1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

    I don't know the exact percentage of trans people in our country, but subjects concerning them seem to occupy an INORDINATE amount of our attention. I mean, there are homeless, paraplegic, quadriplegic, blind, deaf, all manner of people who NEED our attention, but we give so much to the trans, it's amazing.

    We have to ask ourselves, do we want our military to try to appease a tiny fragment of our population, or to slaughter our bloodthirsty and merciless enemies? If it is the latter, then let the MILITARY determine whom they want and whom they will train. It is NOT a democracy and cannot be.

    All of us know that the military can function just fine without trans people, and there will never be enough trans people to make a noticeable contribution to the military, so the whole purpose of this flap over them is just social engineering. It just creates havoc. Is that what we want in our military.

    Try applying at the fire department or police department instead.

    1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      http://fortune.com/2017/07/26/transgender-people-military-numbers/

    2. Jay Vanlis's Avatar Jay Vanlis

      Okay but like trans people don't join the military because they want to be a trans person in the military, they join the military because they want to fight for the country. Does it matter what they identify as? they just want to fight, so I don't understand what the problem here is??

      I also just wanna point out as a side note, trans issues in the USA are brought up allot probably because of the extortionate amount of suicides in trans people due to transphobia. 41% of trans people are reported to have tried to or have succeeded in committing suicide.

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        How can you blame all those suicides on transphobia? Where in the world would you be able to get an accurate accounting of the reasons for suicides? Does every single person leave a detailed account of their reasons for committing suicide? If transphobia accounts for all suicides involving trans people, then WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR ALL OTHER SUICIDES WHICH DO NOT INVOLVE TRANS PEOPLE? Heterophobia? GEEZ, how long will you people keep walking around with one eye closed when it comes to your points of view?

  1. Sam's Avatar Sam

    First of all, having an education does not make you intelligent. But I totally agree with Katelyne. You can nick pick all you want, but as long as you are on the side of Trump and his extreme agendas that is hurting America, your on the wrong side of history. You are the 1 in 3 people or 32% that support his crazy ways and that makes you no better. You all have your heads in the sand rather then do any honest research and form an intellectual opinion that's based on love and empathy. Go back to watching Fox News and your beer. God bless you all and your children. If the ran away, I get it.

    1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      WAY to GO SAM, KICK em in the STATISTICS of WHICH they KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO or READ or COMPREHEND or BELIEVE, ALL they BELIEVE in is F A K E N E W s and FAKE BOOKS, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A

      1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

        Closer, Mr. Maher... Closer.... Closer....

      2. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

        Wow scary...glad i m canadian!

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Yes, you can be so proud of yourself for that.

    2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      A) just because a person does not agree with YOU, does not mean they watch FOX news B) EVEN IF THEY DID, that would NOT mean they are on the wrong side of history C) It is better to have your head in the sand than up your own rectum or someone else's D) the polls are invented and biased so that sheeple like you will obey the media. Didn't you read 1984 or Brave New World or ANYTHING? E) If Maher agrees with you, that should tell you that you are terribly unbalanced. Read his stuff, and realize you and he are on the same side. If that isn't a red flag to you, you are hopelessly confused.

  1. rabbi jim's Avatar rabbi jim

    One day, we will enjoy a society of genderless people. Genders will be a silly thing of the past that we will laugh about as we socialize as one unified people. The same will be of religions - one religion for all to enjoy. Then there will be no need for bigotry comment venues like this. Live long and prosper. Sholom, and have a blessed and fruitful day!

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      You have fallen from your gourd, Jim

  1. Sam's Avatar Sam

    Jim, When that day comes, all the bigots will be in hell. But I feel they are in their own hell right now which is why they spiel so much hate. In the meantime, still love them as our neighbors, but understand that they are the ones that have a sickness.

  1. Minister Walls's Avatar Minister Walls

    It takes everyone to defend against enemies and threats to our nation.

  1. Joseph's Avatar Joseph

    It is shameful for this President to ban transgendered people from military service. The stats he cited were ridiculous and he clearly lied about saying he would support LGBTQ people.

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      He didn't "clearly lie" about supporting them. He did NOT say he would support them in the military. Anyway, if Trump divorced his wife and married Bruce Jenner, it wouldn't be good enough for you, you'd say he should have married Elton John. If he said he supported oxygen, you'd probably suffocate yourself.

  1. Evelio Matos's Avatar Evelio Matos

    http://www.businessinsider.com/kristin-beck-trump-transgender-ban-2017-7

  1. Father Joseph Hudson's Avatar Father Joseph Hudson

    Did our Father not teach us that we are not to judge? Many times we allow our personal beliefs, opinions, and feelings guide us instead of allowing God to guide us. This puts us in a position to weigh judgement when we should stop shouting, listen to what our Savior tells us, live as he did, and let others feel the wrath of our Father's judgement. It seems to me that when the question of allowing them to serve arises there is but one question to ask to receive the correct answer. Do they fit the guidelines of age and fitness serve? We let resident aliens gain citizenship through service in our military, as we should also allows Americans to serve. Many people plan retirement from the military, will YOU go to their door and tell them they don't deserve it and their families in some cases don't deserve the benefits? Will you cast the first stone?

    1. Rev. John's Avatar Rev. John

      Father Hudson,

      This is the best and most coherent answer that I have seen here.

      Let me tell a little story here. After my mother passed, my father remarried a wonderful woman. I was having a problem coming to terms with a personal situation. We sat and discussed it. She was a religious woman and the final comment that she made to me, and brought a great light to the decision that help me was "God does not make mistakes or junk".

      He makes all of us in his image. He endows all of us with our own personal roads and trials that we must overcome and learn from. This includes Gay, Transgendered, Bisexual, and Questioning people. Their personal road that God gave them is that he gave them the "challenge" of switching their sex or their sexual orientation. If you look back through history, you'll find, even in your own families, that "one strange Aunt or Uncle" that was a little too flamboyant, or too masculine than they should have been. That's how they dealt with their sexuality, or their "Transgender".

      I know some Transgendered people that have served in our military. Their love for our country is one that is as deep and as true, as the people that are straight and have served. They are fine, upstanding citizens of our great Nation. I see nothing wrong with having Transgendered people in our military as long as they can meet the requirements that they must to serve.

      God Bless!

    2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      He didn't consign them to eternal damnation, Joseph. He just banned them from the military, WHICH IS NOT A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. It has another purpose, and social engineering is not a part of it. The heads of the military agree on this, and it is THEIR call, not ours. Making judgments is a necessity of life, and not the same as JUDGING. We cannot survive if we don't make judgments every day.

      1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

        Gender is defined by the brain, not just the genitalia.  Occasionally the genitals do not match the sex the brain has been assigned. Harry Benjamin Syndrome is a congenital intersex condition that develops before birth, involving the differentiation between male and female. This condition is thought to occur in approximately 1 in 500 births. It is impossible to diagnose HBS at the time of birth causing babies to be raised as the incorrect gender. Since most people are unaware or content living in the gender their genitalia has assigned for them, it is impossible to know exactly how many people are affected by this syndrome.

      2. Father Joseph Hudson's Avatar Father Joseph Hudson

        Let fly with your judgements, it is your soul that will be judge to the same degree. It is, respectfully, Father Joseph, and when you put yourself into this with what is asked, you a passing judgement upon that person or people not whether you can beat the bus as you cross the street. If you are truly without sin, and have no fear of our Holy Father then by all means judge, try, and pass down your own personal sentence. Enjoy your eternity.

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Ain't NOBODY passing judgements, JOSEPH (God said not to call other humans Father, in the religious sense, so I will call no man that besides my deceased biological father). What is all that other junk you are talking about?

      3. Bill Miller's Avatar Bill Miller

        You are shown to be as a liar as well as an ass, Mr. Owens. What was that Commandment? "Thou shalt not bear false witness"? The heads of the military most certainly have NOT agreed with this. "Top members of the military are openly opposing President Trump’s move to ban transgender troops, breaking with their commander-in-chief on whether the policy is necessary."

        http://thehill.com/policy/defense/346261-military-pushes-back-on-trumps-transgender-ban

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          That is fake news from wishful thinking agenda-driven newsies. You are going to make a HUGE fool of yourself if you keep screwing with me.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            And, by the way, I challenged you to show where I have made judgmental statements regard trans sexual people on this blog, as you said I did. If you cannot, YOU, Sir, are the liar and the ass.

          2. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

            U r a truly bored man with lots of time on your hands...b concerned about your nasty self..john owens...

          3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Wendy: A) I am not bored with lots of time. I slap you bleeding heart fake communists around between customers and phone calls at my job. B) I am one of the purest adults with whom you have ever come into contact. C) Again, for all your phony talk about love, you make baseless JUDGMENTS about people while accusing them of being judgmental.

            SMACK!

          4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Oh, and Wendy, why is it nasty for me to tell BILL he is a liar and an ass, but NOT nasty for HIM to tell ME that? Hmmm? Is it because his writing tends to agree with your point of view? Or just because it disagrees with mine? Either way, you show a glaring double standard which is hypocritical to say the least. The only reason I even bother reading any of the left-wing, new-age drivel on any of these pages, and respond to some of it, is just because you lefties try to drown out any other voice, and left to your own devices, without any counterpoint or pause to think, you will rush headlong to utter destruction in your zeal to conform to your politically correct utopian fantasy ideology.

            Anyway, you lefties are always touting the beauty of diversity, but what you want is the APPEARANCE of diversity, because you judge people by what is on the outside. The last thing on Earth you can tolerate is diversity of thought, philosophy, values, PARTICULARLY if it is presented in a logical, cogent, factual manner, because it makes you think, which is against your principles. You literally despise truth, and call it hate, but only because you hate truth.

            Besides, blogs that are all one-sided are soooo boring.

            Sorry about the fat lip.

      4. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

        John Owens, you know very well that it was once considered "social engineering" to integrate the Armed Forces, but that objection to it was overcome by the fact that black Americans are Americans and so deserve an equal place and opportunity in the military as do all other Americans. They weren't and aren't disruptive of morale except to white racists and their views on the matter don't deserve to be taken seriously or allowed to prevent the full equality and participation of black people in the military. Black people certainly fight as well as soldiers and sailors in the Armed Forces and are as patriotic as white people. That is the bottom line and only relevant consideration on anyone's serving in the military. Gay and transgender people also can fight as well and are as patriotic as straight people can and are and so deserve the same right to serve in the military as straight people have. It is only catering to a stupid homophobic prejudice against them that would keep them from serving. As I wrote before, Alexander the Great was a transvestite, but was still able to conquer the known world of his time, with only sword and spear bearing troops behind him!! How much more effective can gay and transgender soldiers, with modern weapons, be than they were? This same argument by right-wingers to gay and transgender people in the military was also used against having women in the military (other than as wacs and nurses) because it was a job, supposedly, only for "real men", but the right-wingers were proven wrong again by the women's excellent military performance and service. How many times do they have to be proven wrong before we start ignoring what they say, anyway, because they don't know what in the Hell they are talking about and we just put them permanently on the pay them no mind list?!!

    3. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

      Thank you

    4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      It is not about judging. OVER AND OVER, you try to make it about judging whether they are good or evil, saved or damned. It is about whether it is good for the military. That is all. That is all it ever was. This is a dumb game you play. Accuse a person of something, so you can have your own way as they prove it is not true. Why can't you have an HONEST discussion?

  1. Sylke's Avatar Sylke

    I Believe if you have a question on who God made you, then there's no question you'll QUESTION DECISIONS YOU NEED TO MAKE for the safety of missions, yourself, and the others with you in service. There are 2 ways God can make you male or female and He does not make errors!

  1. Bob Vela's Avatar Bob Vela

    A number of the so called transgender folks have joined the military to receive free treatment and conversion surgeries. How many psychologists could we hire to assist the victims of PTSD could we hire for Eight Million Dollars? Troops returning from multiple deployments are in more need of psy services than having to provide for transgenders .

  1. Reverend Daniel's Avatar Reverend Daniel

    This is not a religious matter. If a body and mind is fit and trained for military duty then so be it. I applaud all those unselfish enough to want to be in harm's way to protect this country.

    1. Cindy Rich's Avatar Cindy Rich

      I 100% agreewith you. If a good mind body and soul wants to enter the service to protect this wonderful country and the citizens, so be it.

    2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      I should think they would be unselfish enough to stay OUT of the military, if it is going to create problems.

      1. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

        Gay people's being in the military don't create any problems for it, except according to homophobic and racist bigots, such as John Owens (who tries to cover up his racism by pointing to black friends, associates, and family members "some of my best friends are black people"). His kind had that same problem with black people in the military. He has complained elsewhere in ULC about diversity, saying it is "hypocritical, pretentious, and unnatural" and that is his problem with gay people in the military: "anything different is wrong", according to him. Gay people can do their jobs and shoot weapons and serve their country just as well as straight people can and that is the bottom line and relevant consideration on their serving in the military! Alexander the Great was a transvestite and conquered the known world of his time! So much for "gay and trans people are bad soldiers". How much more could a trans general do today than Alexander did, with all of our modern technology?!

  1. Stephen's Avatar Stephen

    It was a disgrace to God man with man or woman with woman then. yesterday today and forever my word will never change so now because it's 2017?because some people say it's ok it's just old time stuff that's old Religion it doesn't apply today if his word never changes why is it ok it's not ok Way to go President Trump stand by Gods word

    1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      The transgender condition has nothing whatsoever to do with being gay or lesbian.

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        PREPOSTEROUS.

        1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

          Learn or don't. That's your decision to make.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            WHY ON EARTH would anyone want to learn something so stupid? OF COURSE it has to do with gay and lesbian. Some men want to be with other men as MEN. That's gay. Some men want to be with other men as WOMEN. That's "trans". Men don't want to be changed into women to become lesbians, but if they did, that would still be gay and lesbian. Your reasoning leans a little to one side, here. I'm not trying to be a know-it-all, but I am being a voice of reason.

        2. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

          Gender is defined by the brain, not just the genitalia.  Occasionally the genitals do not match the sex the brain has been assigned. Harry Benjamin Syndrome is a congenital intersex condition that develops before birth, involving the differentiation between male and female. This condition is thought to occur in approximately 1 in 500 births. It is impossible to diagnose HBS at the time of birth causing babies to be raised as the incorrect gender. Since most people are unaware or content living in the gender their genitalia has assigned for them, it is impossible to know exactly how many people are affected by this syndrome.

          Harry Benjamin Syndrome, much like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease, is a condition of the brain. Essentially it is a biological variation in human sexual formation.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Nothing biological or LOGICAL about it, Stacy. You're spreading a load of horse manure. You've allowed yourself to be convinced of something that is impossible.

          2. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

            Everyone's wrong but John Owens. Got it.

          3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Not everyone. Just the goofy people who ignore what is obvious and believe in the psycho-babble that justifies and validates the unnatural and illogical.

  1. Priestess Christina Maher.'s Avatar Priestess Christina Maher.

    We are all equal under Goddess/God's eyes. There is no male, female, transgender, ONLY HUMAN! Better yet in relation to our military, that is the right to server our country regardless of sexual orientation. They still are human beings and AMERICANS. I come from a military family. My brother is gay, he served our country for 26 years until MS made him retire. MS that was given to him by the military due to a vaccine that was tainted. He served in the Navy, the Air Force and retired from the U.S Coast Guard. I performed the his marriage to his partner. I have never been so proud to be apart of his life and to join them in matrimony. Virginia didn't allow me to legally marry them. So I told him to go the Justice of the Peace do their generic vows for them, so they were legal and I would do the real marriage in the presents of his extended family and friends.

    You see Virginia depending on who you see at the court house will either accept ULC ministers if they feel like it. So it is hit an miss on who you get at the counter. I got tiered of their crap and went around them to get the same end result. People to have the minister that they want, the ceremony they want in the faith that they want.

    I am Pagan, a Priestess of Avalon, I was raised Catholic, Christianity never really spoke to me, but it was all I knew. But not all that I felt. My felt like I was part of the earth, creation. I went through the motions like my mother and grandmother wanted. I never hated Christianity I just didn't feel close to it. I raised my children up until their pree-teen years and through my oldest daughter I found the Goddess. Some of you here do not agree I'm sure but here we are all Universalist. Because our belief in all humans as equal HUMANS under Gods/Goddess non God's eyes. If we as ministers only choose everyone as HUMANS, there is no differences to discriminate against or for. All my life I have been judged by the color of my skin and my gender. I've had to fight for everything in my life. If I gave in to women can only be house wives, or never be able to manage a company, without sleeping with the head boss to get it. I could not live with myself. If I did I would have lost myself. But my faith and self respect kept that from happening.

    You see hate, prejudice, shunning those who are different from us is a gift from the God/Goddess and a challenge of our own acceptance of who we truly are. Who are WE the PEOPLE? That is the easiest answer we should give. The answer is (Human)!

    1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      I had no trouble with my UK here in california

  1. Rev. Dr. Michael R Perez, Ph.D., M.Th., M.Div.'s Avatar Rev. Dr. Michael R Perez, Ph.D., M.Th., M.Div.

    I've seen there are a lot of opinions here regarding this issue, however, what I haven't seen is anything from anyone who has actually served in the military of our country.

    The individuals whom you are referring to and, in many cases, whom you are criticizing and bashing, have come forward of THEIR OWN ACCORD, and have volunteered to lay their very lives on the line to defend our great country. And that, to me, is worthy of not simply respect, but also our gratitude.

    And yes, I AM A VETERAN...Sergeant First Class M.R. Perez, First Special Forces Regiment, 5th Special forces Group, SFOD-C - Attached to and Served South Vietnam Observational Battalion, and served proudly from 1973 to 1975. And if you think that my A-Team was simply 'observing' or was in-the-rear-with-the-gear, you are very wrong.

    One of the men I served with was a gay black man, and so confided in my while we were still in AIT. He was concerned our brothers-in-arms would find out, and he would no longer be welcome, or be subjected to some type of hazing to get him to quit our unit, but he was wrong. He was a soldier, and he had earned his right to be there, as had the rest of us. Sadly, he gave his life protecting his brothers during our last tour of duty. But I and the rest of our unit was proud...more than proud...HONORED...TRULY HONORED, to have had a chance to not simply know, but to have served our country with this man.

    You homophobes with all your righteous indignations who quote the Bible to make your discriminatory opinion SEEM to have some weight, haven't truly found God, nor Jesus, nor any other deity worthy of worship, faith or devotion. You have OPINIONS...MISGUIDED OPINIONS...and PREJUDICE...That's all you have. If you can't understand it, or it offends what YOU feel is wrong, then it's wrong, and should be wiped out.

    And when it comes to the Bible, lets not forget that the Bible was NOT WRITTEN BY GOD: it was written by MEN! Men who had OPINIONS, and PREJUDICES, and who were, at best, misogynistic. And if you disagree with that assessment, then you need to reread the beginning of Genesis in it's original translation, which I have had the privilege of actually seeing and reading. Specifically, the reference to Eve and Adam and the Fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It states that "..and Eve gave of the fruit to her husband Adam, WHO WAS THERE WITH HER, and he did eat". Well, Adam knew the rules just the same as Eve did, and since he was there with her, why didn't he say something? "Hey, Eve, you know we're not suppose to eat this". But no, he said Nothing, until God showed up. Then he threw Eve under the bus. "The women whom you unto me to be with me gave me the fruit, and I did eat". Sounds like two siblings who just got caught doing something wrong, and one looks and dad and says, "...He made me do it"!

    The men who wrote the Bible had OPINIONS and PREJUDICES, and they wrote what they wanted us to believe what was the 'Word of God'. "if a man lay with another man as so with a women, it is an abomination to God, and the two shall be put to death by stoning". So, how many of you Bible literalists have stone to death a homosexual or transgender person? If you truly believe that what you read is the indisputable word of God, then you need to follow through...have the COURAGE or your convictions. But then, it's easier to die for your principles than it is to live by them, isn't it?

    These HUMAN BEINGS that you take issue with do have the Courage of their Convictions. They, again, have CHOSEN to serve our country...to lay their lives down if need be...and they do it because of a sense of honor...a higher calling, which some of you 'claim' to have. Yet, again, all you have is misguided OPINIONS and PREJUDICES.

    Someone else, in an earlier post said what you all...what we all...need to keep in mind...Judge Not, Lest You be Judged in a Like Manner!

    1. Joe's Avatar Joe

      Your very first paragraph states that there are no comments from actually serving military but that is not true because multiple wartime vets and active military have commented above yours and my comment. So we can clearly see that you based your TLDR rant on a whole bunch of lies from the beginning. Why? What purpose does it serve to begin a thought-out comment by tossing red herrings?

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Yeah, but he just scanned a little and didn't read or think much because his opinion is the only one that matters here and we all need to listen hungrily to his words. Bwa ha ha ha. I've read more than one comment from past military.

    2. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      How many here served or better yet refused to serve tjis country but can judge a lgbt that is willing to for for our freedoms. If LGRB in military is in issue how about all the gang bangers in the military that uses there training for there gang once they get out!

  1. Harry Sechrest's Avatar Harry Sechrest

    I am a vet that served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Trans folks should never be allowed in the active military. The military was never designed to a appease or coddle a single sub group for the sake of social justice or feelings. The VA with it's limited resources was never designed for social justice either. If trans people want to serve, let them compete in Civil Service where advancement is merit based. Another opportunity would be the Red Cross or Army Corps of Engineers. Confused sexual identity is not an attribute needed in combat. As for some of these comments..... Yeah we get it that you didn't vote for President Trump's. More of us did vote for him.

    1. Jay Vanlis's Avatar Jay Vanlis

      No you didn't. More of you did not vote for him. Hilary Clinton got the majority vote! Trump won the election because he got the votes in the states that counted. And don't try and twist it, I fucking hate Hilary. But I hate trump so very much more. Just get it out of your head that trump won the majority vote because he did not.

      1. Joe's Avatar Joe

        He will win the next election too! The popular vote only shows the clumps of inner cities and ghettos that did not vote for our great president Trump. But the overall tone and Power of the American people's vote was shown and we have one of the greatest presidents ever.

        1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

          The election was decided before California polls was closed.

        2. Wendy robinson's Avatar Wendy robinson

          Terrifying comments...

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            You must frighten very easily.

        3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          You are correct, Joe. All their scheming, cheating, lying, mud-slinging, he's STILL doing a better job than the Kenyan.

        4. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

          Joe, anyone, such as you, who "thinks" that Trumpelstiltskin is "one of the greatest presidents ever" is in desperate need of being sold a bridge or some "prime Florida real estate" or else just completing the lobotomy on you (if you have any brain left to work on!) and making you even more Trumpophilic! Your fellow Trumpophile and bridge buyer John Owens below even goes along with the Donald's long ago refuted assertion and birther nonsense that Obama wasn't an American and was a Kenyan!

      2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Only the majority ILLEGAL votes. EVERYONE knows she tried to steal that election. That's why you are all so butt-hurt-- you feel you should have won because you cheated so shamelessly and STILL lost. It doesn't matter. the hey-day of the LEFT in this country has come and gone. The pendulum will be swinging to the Right from here on out.

        1. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

          John Owens, as I have already pointed out in another post about you below (and so I'll try to keep this short and not repeat myself here and overtax your few brain cells!), you are a neo-Nazi and believe, as they do, in victory by any means and no matter what! That is why you say "the pendulum will be swinging to the Right from here on out"! Rightist and Nazi are synonymous! "Woe unto those that call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20).

    2. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      I know of a Transgender US Marine that received the purple year for saving 2 solidare that was hit in desert storm When the 2 was bleedi g to death last thing in the reins was a Transgender as ing them a few days after getti g the purple heart she passed away

  1. Mark's Avatar Mark

    Freedom of religion is or should be a very important consideration in this. That eliminates all the sanctimonious blather regarding the evils of homosexuality or it should. From a practical standpoint individual sexual preference doesn't effect fighting ability. Historically there have been some very gay cultures that were also extremely effective fighters. The Spartans of ancient Greece are an excellent example. The 300 at Thermopylae were all gay. Sparta was so gay they had to have captured male slaves breed with their women to keep their birth rate at a sustainable level.

    I believe transgender individuals are benignly mentally ill. Sexual reassignment surgery is in my opinion not an effective long term solution. This surgery is likely encouraged by doctors because the great expense instills a profit incentive. Transgender individuals can be very high functioning and valuable assets to any organization.

  1. Cindy Rich's Avatar Cindy Rich

    Christians are not here to judge the world. We are here to lead people to Christ. If you continue to condemn the world for being worldly, you will loose wonderful opportunities to share Gods word and His love. How can you lead someone to Christ by judging or turning your back on them? Scripture tells us we are to hold other Christians accountable. Not the world. They are not saved as of yet so you cannot hold them to follow Gods word. Be Saints and leaders of Christ not a twisted version that will push people away from Christ. I thank God for not condemning me before I was given the opportunity to follow Him. I thank God for the wonderful long suffering patience of good Christians (and God) to guide me and not condemn me for any sins of my own while living a worldly life. Think and pray before you speak hate. "Christ will help me lead more people to You and not push them away?"

  1. Cheryl's Avatar Cheryl

    I left the church after 58 years. I got really tired of the hate that is spewed in the name of Christianity. I found much more peace when I began to look at the world through love rather than hate. Who cares who you love as long as you love? If you feel you should be another sex, who I am, or any one else, to deny you what makes your soul sing? (Why do I care who's using the bathroom stall next to me as long as they clean the seat when they're finished--any gender!) Would I care that the person fighting next to me used to be another gender? No. As long as they know how to handle whatever weapon happens to be in their hands, I couldn't care less. (And does that really come up in conversation? "Hey, I used to be a guy." Really?) NONE of us knows what's at the end of our lives. I'm sure I have a different take on the hereafter than most but I'm not forcing my beliefs down anyone's throat. I remember a saying, "Live and let live." Pretty darn good way to live your life. And stay out of others' business. Don't try to "save" me, don't force your beliefs on me. You live your way and I'll live mine and I bet we both end up in the same place.

  1. LtBil Drat's Avatar LtBil Drat

    It's one thing to practice your lifestyle within your social circle etc. Not as a member of a military fighting force where a qualification is the entire reason for your MOS.

    1. LtBil Drat's Avatar LtBil Drat

      Just be glad that the cowardly Obozo is gone and Killary the Klan Klown didn't make it. The only ones with dogs in this fight are current service members and combat veterans.

    2. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      How do you think the "lifestyle" of a transgender person differs from yours?

      1. Joe's Avatar Joe

        A Fortune 500 CEO, a billionaire president, a drug lord, Hollywood Starlet, a NASCAR driver, a single homeless man living on the streets, and a gender confused trans... All have a different "lifestyle" then I do. Based on what country and culture you were raised in or you are from also determines your lifestyle. Hell even being from the inner city versus out in the country determines very much your lifestyle. I would even go so far as to say you and I have a very different lifestyles. Without a doubt the details and lifestyle of a transgender person is night and day different from the lifestyle of non-trans people... Just read the comment threads

        1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

          "Without a doubt the details and lifestyle of a transgender person is night and day different from the lifestyle of non-trans people… Just read the comment threads."

          You determine the "lifestyle" of a transgender person from the comments of those who are not transgender?

    3. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      My cousin he is a Transgender fought in desert storm. Dragged 2 solidare that got hit with bullets to safety. My cousin revived the purple heart for his bravery but later died from his injury saving 2 soliaredres. In the heat of battle no one is going to worry about it no it's an lgbt when lives are on the line everyone is trained to do what's right. Funny thing it was my cousin that ceased to these 2 guys and got them to safety no other solidare was going to. My cousin was US Marine G5 camp Pendleton. He served protected 2 fallen troops later he died after getting the purple heart.
      Feedback is wecome.

  1. Just a. HEBREW's Avatar Just a. HEBREW

    Let them serve, just not next to me..., no hate jester

  1. James's Avatar James

    "Transgenders" have found a loophole in our countries military system. Some join to have their surgeries paid for by our tax dollars. I'm sorry they are confused about their gender but I don't feel I should have to pay for their surgeries.

    1. kimm's Avatar kimm

      That is my only issue. If you are fit to serve, then go ahead and serve, but don't expect the government to pay for your surgeries. That is all on you to handle personally and they should have to have a signed statement for that. For those who have already gone through their surgeries before signing up, like anyone else, as long as they are fit to serve and can do the job assigned, I see no problems.

      Lots of patriotic transgender people out there. But pay for your own surgeries.

      1. Heather's Avatar Heather

        YES! This right herle! That is my only issue as well. Sorry, but military medical (civilian tax dollars) should absolutely NOT pay for gender or cosmetic surgeries. NEVER!

    2. C's Avatar C

      Goverment paid sex changes????? Show and prove one surgery for a transgender was completed and paid for by the United States Military. You can't! Quit listening to B.S. news and fake media. Why does the Goverment pay for drug addicts, alcoholism, etc? These are All mental disorders.

    3. AKConiferious's Avatar AKConiferious

      plenty of people join the military or take any other employment because of the health insurance benefits associated with it. why is this different? do you just have an axe to grind about trans people?

  1. Benjamin Zoellner's Avatar Benjamin Zoellner

    They are people and should be able to sserve.

  1. Terry Williams's Avatar Terry Williams

    If you follow the Bible then it is obviously a sin (if you believe in sin). If you do not believe the bible is God's law then nothing is sin. The difference of opinion is just that. Opinion...on the other hand ..military discipline must be maintained to have an effective fighting force, therefore in my opinion anything that over rides that discipline should be avoided ...Live long and prosper

  1. Bruce W. Angus's Avatar Bruce W. Angus

    My father served 25.5 years in U.S. Air Force retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He flew as Radio-Operator/Gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress out of England and was shot down on his fourteenth mission during Big Week where 5 of his crew were killed in action and 5 became POWs. He supported Korea from Hawaii and served a year in Vietnam. I believe he today he would support today the right of transgender members to serve in the Armed Forces!

  1. Joe's Avatar Joe

    I agree with my president. The military is not the stage for Trans agenda to put on a new show. There are multiple physical and mental disorders that hold people back from military service. This generation of military are ready commits more suicide than any other era in group of military before. More of our soldiers today face PTSD then our Old World War II wartime vets. Our military needs to always be strong. That is strength found in their mentality, their readiness and their action.

    1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      How. Have u served in the military?

  1. fran gilbey's Avatar fran gilbey

    its none of any body buisness what type of person or colour you are, they have the right to protect their mother land, when you go to war who do you call up first. you be crying out for anyone to fight then, knowing trump they will be in the front row. first to be bloody killed like the unwanted in america. one way of getting rid of unwanted baggage, and he calls us english name. kick him out put some one who is more for their contry

  1. Simone A. Malboeuf's Avatar Simone A. Malboeuf

    This is yet another example of this administration's use of the age old tactic "Divide and Conquer" The more red herrings they can throw out , and the more hornets nets they can stir up suits their purposes just fine. It gets everyone arguing and marching and fighting (and killing) each other, so they can go merrily along behind the scenes (since the media is also taking the bait) doing dastardly deeds unnoticed. The likes of which we probably won't know for generations - if then. The fact that The Donald has reneged on another campaign promise does not surprise me. I'm certain there will be more to come. Let us stay focused, and stop taking the bait.

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      You're going to bring up "divide and conquer?" A LEFTIST hater is going to bring up "divide and conquer" as IF Trump is doing it? If so, WHAT WAS YOUR KENYAN HERO DOING FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS? Where was your head then? You need to get your head out of your backside, Simone. ALL of the LEFT is practicing divide and conquer, but you can't see that the interests of the groups making up the Left ARE AT ODDS WITH ONE ANOTHER. There is no way whatever it is you are trying to bring about will come close to living up to expectations, nor can it endure for any length of time, because you will be at one another's throats.

      Fortunately the RIGHT is not going to let it come to that, because we are taking the reins back. Divide and conquer, huh? I'm going to try that on some of you, see if it works. I'll keep you posted.

      1. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

        John Owens, it is a RIGHTIST hater (you!!), who is calling President Obama a "KENYAN HERO", when he has already proven exhaustively and completely (to everyone except haters, such as yourself!) that he was born in Hawaii, not Kenya. Since none of you RIGHTIST haters are open to reason and proof about that or anything, anyway, your still not being convinced of its truth is only proof of your closed-mindedness and bull-headedness, not of its not actually being true, as it, quite obviously, is!! Your belief in "victory by any means necessary" and saying "we are taking the reins back" and "divide and conquer, huh? I'm going to try that on some of you, see if it works" is Nazi thinking and acting because that is how Hitler and the Nazis thought and how they acted!! So, the truth about you comes out again!!! RIGHTIST and NAZI are synonymous terms and, at best, a conservative is only a more "socially respectable" Nazi because underneath your pretensions, public relations, and propaganda about yourselves, you are Nazis to your cores!!!

  1. Ian's Avatar Ian

    Sorry people it clearly states thi shall not kill so there should be no army's thus no problem every one is gods child and made us all individual, yet soles get trap in the wrong body dose not make them weak it makes them university special

  1. ROGER GILBERT's Avatar ROGER GILBERT

    The reason that trump put a ban on them is because they were using the military to pay for their sex change operations..period end of story! They use the system for their own agenda and put a burden on others. Be who you want to be but don't use the military to pay for elective surgery!

    1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      Been politicans used the office for there own agenda.

  1. Rev. Ian T. Lombardo's Avatar Rev. Ian T. Lombardo

    Let me make this clear... It takes a lot of willpower, patriotism and guts to even think about enlisting into any branch of the armed forces. It does not matter if a person is gay, bisexual or transgender, if they are willing to step up to the plate and serve, let them serve.

  1. Vincent's Avatar Vincent

    Years ago women weren't allowed in the military with some really stupid reasons then don't ask don't tell. It's a matter of stupidity all over again. I am opposed to violence. We are all human no matter the language or skin tone. You can't doubt that even if you believe in evolution there's proof we came from the same branch of apes we all share the same genetic code. But not all people believe we should be peaceful and love each other. As opposed as I am to war we need a military to defend us. And if someone wants to join it should be their right no matter how they consider themselves.

    1. Amber's Avatar Amber

      Absolutely. To boot, the minute you decide to discriminate and segregate for any reason, you've cut yourself off from true religious work.

  1. elk keep's Avatar elk keep

    This was his opinion in an unofficial tweet, a tweet is not official military policy, then he double down on it verbally. With freedom of speech we can all say what we want - it does not make it true, it does not policy, it's not law and it doesn't make it right, or wrong for that matter. Everyone is entitled to voice their opinion in a a democracy. This is his opinion, air and a few words, nothing more.

  1. Minister KIM's Avatar Minister KIM

    Good for you Trump! Finally, a real man that stands up for what works in the military. Sadly, to many malcontents within our government, news media and the public domain. These people twist what is rightous and what is evil to destroy what is good and wholesome. The Bible (God's Word) is very clear on these matters. Just do the research! As far as the worldly governments are concerned, they have freedom of choice to choose the best qualified people for their military. If people don't meet the standards, well then, all things are obvious and THEY don't qualify.

    Some people understand and grasp the higher levels of knowledge and Scripture (and these same individuals must stand up and fight the good fight according to Scripture). Most do not and degrade into the festering sewer garbage that we now see littering our society today trying to change this or that. Nuff said.....

    Everyone have a nice day!

    1. AKConiferious's Avatar AKConiferious

      please see 1st Amendment; separation clause. this is a secular matter, and as such all citizens of the united states are protected by the 14th amendment.

  1. James's Avatar James

    Mental illness is sad. But it is a part of the real world.

    1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      We're not judging you.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    Gender is defined by the brain, not just the genitalia.  Occasionally the genitals do not match the sex the brain has been assigned. Harry Benjamin Syndrome is a congenital intersex condition that develops before birth, involving the differentiation between male and female. This condition is thought to occur in approximately 1 in 500 births. It is impossible to diagnose HBS at the time of birth causing babies to be raised as the incorrect gender. Since most people are unaware or content living in the gender their genitalia has assigned for them, it is impossible to know exactly how many people are affected by this syndrome.

    Harry Benjamin Syndrome, much like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease, is a condition of the brain. Essentially it is a biological variation in human sexual formation. Dr. Benjamin believes that genetic and hormonal irregularities cause the brain not to match the genitalia. While genes and hormones are playing a significant role in diagnosing those with HBS, no specific cause can be defined. After an egg is fertilized initially during reproduction, it divides into three sections, each responsible for a different part of development; the skin, nervous system and brain in one, bone blood and muscle in another, and the internal organs in the last. Since each section is essentially developing independently, it is not unusual that fluctuations or imbalances in the mother’s hormone levels could have a different effect on each section of the developing embryo. While the developing brain may be responding to an increase in testosterone, the internal organ section by not be. The end result could be a brain that develops as male while the genitals develop as female or vice versa. Dr. Benjamin believes the brain is the part of the body that is likely to be correct, and the body which has been incorrectly altered. The brain, in its complexity is what drives the body. It also requires significantly more development during the embryo stage and is less likely to be altered significantly by subtle changes in hormone levels of the mother.

    Harry Benjamin Syndrome is an intersex condition, not a psychological condition. Treatments for those with HBS include hormone replacement therapy as well as gender reaffirmation surgery. The term reassignment surgery would be incorrect in this instance, as those with HBS are simply having surgical procedures to correct the mistake their bodies have made. While a less common and more controversial intersex condition, Harry Benjamin Syndrome is finding its place in the texts books and the medical community. In addition to chromosomes, hormones, genitalia and reproductive organs, it is now known that brain structure also contributes to the definition of sex. This knowledge allows for a much larger variation in intersex conditions and less stigma attached to those once merely thought to be suffering from mental conditions regarding their gender.

    “The recent discoveries about the brain’s sexual differentiation on people with transsexualism could open a door to see this condition in a different way that we see it today. First, from the medical view transsexuals could be reassigned to their true sex and not be seen as mentally disturbed people. Second, the medical insurance would be obligated to pay for all medical expenses for the sex reassignment as it happens with other cases of intersexuality. The legal system would have to treat transsexuals in the same way they treat people with other intersex conditions. The rest of the people may change their attitude towards transsexuals and even religious institutions would stop seeing it as a sin. The fascinating consequences of the “biologication” of transsexualism in all the domains of life are difficult to value. Louis Gooren.

    The information found herewithin can be found on Transsexualism, a form of intersexuality atwww.figinternet.org/mod-subjects-viewpage-pageid-5.html.

  1. Bill Fox's Avatar Bill Fox

    Not knowing what sex you should be means one of two things. 1) You were born with both sexes, hermaphrodite. 2) You are mentally ill. I don't pretend to understand everyone's thoughts. Most of the time, the average person does not act on thoughts that are contrary to social norms. It's not illegal to physically change one's self to fit their mental construct of what they should be. The question is, does it make a stronger military to allow such people into the military? I'm a 200 pound man and I struggled in Marine boot camp in the 1960s. I can only imagine how a person taking strong enough hormones to over load their natural hormones will struggle. Does the US want a strong military or a politically correct military? Can we have both?

    1. AKConiferious's Avatar AKConiferious

      the same physical fitness requirements apply, not only can we have both, but this gives a larger pool of possible candidates.

  1. Felix's Avatar Felix

    Ummmm, I hate to tell you this John, but both 1984 and Brave New World are works of fiction. Perhaps we should focus on facts?

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      You wouldn't know a fact if it bit you, or you wouldn't be using your juvenile BS arguing with me, and hiding your comment a mile from whatever comment I made to which you are quasi-responding.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    I am a hermaphrodite. Nature left me to decide what sex I want to be. I been on both sides of the fence. I worked as a female and male. . How many LGBT had the purple heart? How many LGBT goes above and beyond and gets by passed up on promotion's because they are LGBT. Most transgender pre operation has there gender marker changed on the I'D or drivers License already. Making them a legal female or male if a Transgender is going from female to male! As long as the LGBT dont push there lifestyle on aother person let them serve.

    I see this going to US supreme court

  1. Duane Smith's Avatar Duane Smith

    We need a strong military and if an individual is confused about their gender then they should keep that confusion at home, not in the military. And it has nothing to do with sexual choices, men to the men's room and in male uniforms, women to their own bathrooms and uniforms. The military should not be a playground for your life choices, serve your country and serve it well.

    1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      More and more states are getting away from gender based bathrooms and calling them unisex bathrooms.

  1. Judy Riggenbach's Avatar Judy Riggenbach

    God created all of us. Every one of us is equal in his sight. Those who want to serve in the armed services should be able to do so with no prejudice about color , race or sexual persuasion . That includes transgender people! I don't believe the military should pay for sex reassignment operations though i believe someone serving in the military should be allowed to pay for their own sex reassignment surgery.

  1. Cindy Murten's Avatar Cindy Murten

    I don't see why they can't serve. They are defending their country just like anyone else. They have a right just like so called normal men and women do to stand up for their country. What is between a person's legs does not defend this country it's the whole body.

  1. Debbie's Avatar Debbie

    I am disgusted by how militarized the US is. No, I am opposed to gays in the military. I am equally opposed to straits in the military.

  1. Monti Skiby's Avatar Monti Skiby

    I have read many of your comments, I have been a minister for many years, and have a been a counselor, and dried in Developmental Psychology, since 1983. Being a transsexual is not a choice nor is it in the same category of homosexuality. At concept, the two chromosomes which make up a embryo are two xx's. At about six weeks one of the "legs" falls off of the x chromosome and you know have an xy a or it doesn't fall of and you maintain an xx. Ovaries drop and become testicles, the vagina becomes a penis and the miracle of life happens. However, sometimes things do not go the way they are suppose to. Male bodies are born but have female minds, female bodies are born with male minds, sometimes there will be a penis but there will be no testicles but the body has ovaries. It is a process of science and not Biblical. How the child, who later grows into an adult, views the world will depend on the mind that God gave them. Not how they were raised but the hormones that flow through his or her system regardless of the physical genitals that developed. Things happen which cannot be explained. However, long before someone enters the military he or she know whether they are transgender. The process of reassignment is not a short process but takes years of counseling, years of hormone therapy and then reassignment of the genitals. This would put a soldier out of commission for emotional, physical, and mental reasons for up to six year at a minimum. In the event of a war that could be crucial to other soldiers. For that reason, and that reason only, I would not suggest transgender individuals enter the military. There is no reason for the ones who have been in the military to be discharged for being transgender. But there it should be considered before entering the military just like someone with a heart defect should not be allowed in the military because it is obvious they will be unavailable for service for a long period of time for medical reasons. Again, it is in my opinion, not a Biblical issue, it is a scientific issue that the individual has no choice in. God accepts everyone. John 3:16

  1. Jon's Avatar Jon

    I don't understand it women could serve as women and men conservative man then why can't transgendered people serve there all equally straightforward and the power but they believe in and fight and their convictions. It's a pathetic pathetic and cowardlypart on Trumps part.

  1. Jon's Avatar Jon

    That came out wrong. I meant to say if women could serve as women and man can serve as man then why can't trans gendered people service. We are all equal in the country that we love and are conviction moms and I believe the trumps actions are both cowardly And pathetic.

  1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

    Here's an idea I haven't read yet. How about who gives a crap about any of this stuff? You really want to sit around and debate the origins, the biology and the psychology of all this? Good luck. You'll never get there. Let's try this instead:

    1. Can you pass all the PT requirements the military has?
    2. Do you know your left from your right and can figure out how to march?
    3. Can you shoot your rifle and your sidearm with enough proficiency to meet requirements?
    4. Can you follow orders?
    5. Can you perform the duties you are assigned?
    6. Can you actuate a weapon that will kill the enemy, even if it means killing non-combatants?
    7. Will you take the oath of enlistment?

    If you answer yes to all seven questions, you're in, and the rest of it doesn't matter one bit. As far as I'm concerned, the only reason to ban someone from the military is because they fail at one or more of the items on the list. I'm sure we can come up with more items to add to the list, but anything that has nothing to do with the duties and responsibilities of being in the military does not belong on the list.

    Now, go ahead and argue.

  1. Jerry's Avatar Jerry

    The one issue that hasn't been addressed is the profound mental health issues found in the trans community. They have higher suicide and depression rates than the general public. Another issue is the overtaxing of the military and VA medical systems. When you allow someone with a medical/psychological problem join the service the military and VA "own" that issue. If a woman joins and then converts to male or vice versa, they will become eligible for 100% disability- especially if they decide they want to be converted back. The military/VA own that problem and all the medical expenses (meds, surgery, pysch) forever not to mention disability pension.

    1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      Jerry the sex operation is final. Their is no going back after it's starts. There is apt of safe guess I. ace to make sure that people undergoing sex reassignment surgery is mentally stable but has a real transgender identity disorder. It takes 2 to 5 years from start to finish step o e 2 letters from a Transgender therapist certyfi g u r transgender identity disorder that's not easy to r Prove. Then for male to female testorone blockers and estergyne then Electroylyist. That takes 12 months to compete. The first 3 reps takes 1 to 3 years to complete.

      Then first operation is to remove the inside testicals then 6 months to a year after that is the final operation After you get the 2 letters a person going from male to female or female to male must live full time as the sex the changing into. The 3 medications side effects is stroke or hear attack. So it's very risky and dangerous not every single person can get them 2 letters. And there is only like 12 doctors in America that Wii do final surgery. While on testrone blockers and estergyne you must see a endocrinologist get blood work done every e months. The medication will cause mood swings.

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        So, more or less like trying to turn a boat into an automobile, or vice-versa. Sure. Sounds legit. Perfectly natural stuff.

        1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

          The car that's also a boat!

          https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dm817LZ1d5N8&ved=0ahUKEwjYns6M89zVAhVS5GMKHSw7D1IQwqsBCGUwDg&usg=AFQjCNGsvdR7C0AcnEQdbw8NuhYw4a5cpw

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    One thing we forgot about and puts President Trump ban on transgender in military is UN. Here is a copy and past The principles of equality and non-discrimination are part of the foundations of the rule of law. As Member States noted in the Declaration of the High-Level Meeting on the Rule of Law, “all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to just, fair and equitable laws and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law”(para. 2). They also dedicated themselves to respect the equal rights of all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion (para. 3).

    The international human rights legal framework contains international instruments to combat specific forms of discrimination, includingdiscrimination against indigenous peoples,migrants, minorities, people with disabilities,discrimination against women,  racial and religious discrimination, or discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

    In the Declaration of the High-Level Meeting on the Rule of Law, Member States also recognized the importance of ensuring that women, on the basis of the equality of men and women, fully enjoy the benefits of the rule of law.  Member States committed to using law to uphold their equal rights and ensure their full and equal participation, including in institutions of governance and the judicial system, and recommitted to establishing appropriate legal and legislative frameworks to prevent and address all forms of discriminaion and violence against women and to secure their empowerment and full access to justice.  UN Women engages in advancing these issues by supporting the UN system in the formulation of policies, global standards and norms, providing technical and financial support to Member States, and forging effective partnerships with civil society. The Declaration notes the importance of the rule of law for the protection of the rights of the child, including legal protection from discrimination, violence, abuse and exploitation, ensuring the best interests of the child in all actions, and recommit to the full implementation of the rights of the child [para. 17]. In the UN system, UNICEF engages in advancing the rights of the child, and supports Member States in implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

    https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/thematic-areas/human-rights/equality-and-non-discrimination/&ved=0ahUKEwihy8nB29zVAhVX6GMKHUy2AIEQFggcMAA&usg=AFQjCNGxmfvr049Xm3w5qog9xVNAVNzACA

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    My cousin he is a Transgender fought in desert storm. Dragged 2 solidare that got hit with bullets to safety. My cousin revived the purple heart for his bravery but later died from his injury saving 2 soliaredres. In the heat of battle no one is going to worry about it no it’s an lgbt when lives are on the line everyone is trained to do what’s right. Funny thing it was my cousin that ceased to these 2 guys and got them to safety no other solidare was going to. My cousin was US Marine G5 camp Pendleton. He served protected 2 fallen troops later he died after getting the purple heart. How many people was saved by a unknown or k own transgender?

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    My phone is badly cracked sorry for the bad typing

  1. Victoria Vlandis Barela's Avatar Victoria Vlandis Barela

    You are all wrong! If you believe that the modern day bible is the word of god you are wrong! If you can read the original testament written in ancient languages then you know the truth. It's impossible to translate ancient language or even some modern day language into English! Once you do you change the meaning. Believe in love. Believe in kindness. Don't judge it's not your job. God loves each and everyone of us. Stop arguing it makes all sound foolish!

  1. Jacob Harkins's Avatar Jacob Harkins

    The US Military accepts both men and women and so regardless of gender identity they are one of those biological genders and should be allowed to serve the country that grants them the freedom to live as they please. As long as no one is hurt why should we care? I have seen a number of transgender people (some within my own family) who have or wished to have served our proud nation. This act by our president is a betrayal to the American people who supported him into the office he now holds. I condemn him in his ignorance and bias against those who are different than he. We are one nation, it says so on the money he values over the human lives he obviously does not.

  1. O.H.O.'s Avatar O.H.O.

    It is because this individuals love humanity, they choose to keep this country safe and we as government accepted them in contract to become fine soldiers of the pease therefore let them server because we were all born to do our call this is theirs. We have always fought for peace in the world why are we creating war in our backyard. Trace your ancestry back and you will find we are all children of God. One thing that people love about this country is the freedom and the vision for the future and the love for humanity that's why we oppose to wrong doings and that my friends is the expression of God.

    Angel on earth

  1. Leslie Gray's Avatar Leslie Gray

    As a member of the transgender community, I feel that transgender people have every right to serve if they should so choose. There is a plethora of hate filled excuses disguised as morality being put forth by evangelicals and some Christians. I fail to see how morality has anything at all to do with the condition of ones birth. Transgender people are born transgender. There has never been any choice as to whether or not a transgender person is really who they claim they are. Even Jesus recognized the lack of choice to be a given fact in his remarks in the book of Matthew to his disciples during a discussion on the topic of marriage.

    In Jesus' time the terms homosexual and transgender did not yet exist. The former would not become a word until 1869 and the later term would come to be in the 1960's, but not be subject to common use until the 1990's.

    Matthew 19:12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others--and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.

    The much less accurate term eunuch was the most frequently used term when referring to both a homosexual or a transgender person. From my perspective, it would seem that denying the life condition of anyone that has been recognized as having been 'born that way' by such an important figure as the Messiah himself would run dangerously close to denying a biblical truth.

    1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      Thanks for this.

      I have found that those who are most fervent in their denunciation of transgender people are at once (1) amazingly well-armed with incorrect information and statistics and (2) unwilling to learn and accept the facts. They appear to be extremely (in fact, perversely) interested in the subject but seek only support for their own bigotry and prejudice.

    2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      For me it is not hate for the transgender, but love for the efficacy of our fighting units. If a person has flat feet, that used to disqualify them. If they have pins and screws in their legs or feet, it used to disqualify them. A lot of physical things and a few mental or emotional things could disqualify them. Dyslexia can disqualify a person. It is not a moral judgment at all, in this case, but a logistical one.

      The trans people should be thrilled that they are now exempt from military service. Why not find the bright side in this?

      1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

        If you wanted to serve, would you be "thrilled" that you couldn't?

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Well, Ken, I WANTED to work for ICE, and my Spanish is really, really good, and I speak a little Zhong Wen, too, but apparently I was too old. I was 45 at the time. I already had a job, which I still have. I'm doing all right. My family is all right. I didn't have to move to Arizona or Texas or the Canadian border. Life goes on. I didn't sue the government for age discrimination. I bought an Electra-Glide, built a new room, a new garage, lots of stuff. Why cry about it? Life doesn't suck in this country, until you allow it to suck.

          1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

            That's all very nice, but what does it have to do with being arbitrarily excluded from military service because you're transgender?

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            YOU say it was arbitrarily. I was excluded from ICE, NOT for being trans- anything, but because I was too old to retire at 55 with 20 years in. THAT's arbitrary. A bureaucracy came up with that. There is nothing to be done about it. Trump didn't pull this decision out of his backside. The joint chiefs and many experts wanted this, and Trump said okay. The military HAS experience with trans people, and in the present political climate with all the socialist ideas people have about free everything and rights, they decided to LOGISTICALLY (NOT arbitrarily) exclude trans people. Nothing to be done except wring your hands and wail. Better to look at the bright side and go get a real job, and help support the military you so DESPERATELY and SELFLESSLY want to serve by paying taxes.

          3. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

            "The military HAS experience with trans people, and in the present political climate with all the socialist ideas people have about free everything and rights, they decided to LOGISTICALLY (NOT arbitrarily) exclude trans people."

            There is nothing inherent in being transgender that precludes one from serving in the military. If you choose to exclude the entire spectrum of transgender identity from service based solely upon that one element of their identity, yes...that's not only arbitrary but prejudicial.

          4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            That's your proclamation, Ken, but you are not the decision-maker here. Nor am I. It just isn't going to happen for the next seven and half years.

  1. David's Avatar David

    Was listening to NPR while I was getting my coffee this morning. There was a transgender advocate whos argument was, if I understood it correctly wasnt so much about how a transgender can shoot as well as any other soldier and therefore should be allowed entry into the armed services. But instead she was advocating entry so that those diagnosed with gender dysphoria can recieve the care they need while serving.

    Sorry but thats not what the military is for. There has to be standards, if you meet them those standards well welcome aboard. But if as some estimates show that 70 percent of those diagnosed with gender dysphoria suffer from depression, anxiety, sucidal thoughts, and schizophrenia. Then maybe blanket permission to serve isnt such a good idea.

    I can remember during my entrance exam nobody not even once asked me how well I could shoot. All anyone ever wanted to know was if I was physically and mentally fit to serve. Marksmanship and good intentions were not a prerequisite for military service. The big then concern was my blood pressure which almost prevented me from going any further.

    Nobody should be allowed to bring your personal health issues with you and then demand the service in question to finance the treating of it. Its not even about the money that much, but about the principle. Who wants to see for example depressive patient without a therapy place or money for a doctor entering the army, and then telling the army that he is depressive and demands psychotherapy paid by the army?

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    If a person is in prison or on medical or Medicare or Medicare there operation will be covered if all conditions and tests are met. Most transgender hound not for surgery but to protect and defend. The white house again lied about the reason and people believe it. Trump just violated the US constitution and un constitution i see this heading to the US Supreme court

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Just FYI, the UN constitution is not applicable here, and never will be, unless we are conquered by a foreign power.

      1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

        Wrong g any country that is a member of the un has to follow the I'm constitution. Let's say ur right he did violate US constitution again

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Show me what clause of the US Constitution he violated and then tell me since when leftists care about the Constitution. The U.S. Citizens did not vote to join the UN, therefore any Executive Order regarding it and any law passed IS unconstitutional. And NO, the UN Constitution will never be law here as long as there is a United States of America. You should realize that is what most of you are unintentionally supporting-- a dissolution of the United States of America, so we can become vassal states of the New World Order. It WILL happen, eventually, but not in your lifetime.

    2. ordained mh's Avatar ordained mh

      Wrong

  1. David's Avatar David

    There is a lot of people who hound for military service but not everyone is allowed because physical and psycological standards are not met. As I mentioned before if you meet those standards then welcome aboard. But in no way should blanket permission be given just because it makes you feel good about yourself not is the armed services a daycare center or an experiment for social justice.

    Accepting people into the armed services has nothing to do with God's love or good intentions or feeling virtious. It has everything to with seeking those who meet standards to an effective and warrior.

  1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

    If they aren't going to join just to get free sex change on the government dime, I would think they would all be very happy that they are exempt from military service. Gee, a lot of people would LOVE being exempt-- Quakers, Mennonites, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Churches of God, MANY.

    1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      Transgender individuals enlist at twice the rate of the general population.

      http://fortune.com/2017/07/26/transgender-people-military-numbers/

      1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

        How about the transgenders that went above and beyond has received the purple heart. I called me US senator and US house of rep to give my opinion on this ban

      2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        You keep saying that, but that is not really germane to the issue. Puerto-Rican citizens might enlist at twice the rate of the general population also. They used to do so, in the late 50s and early 60s, but I don't know about now. Anyway, that was not for altruism, but for economics. You cannot believe that transgenders ALL enlist for altruistic reasons, but even if they ALL did, that would not necessarily be a good reason to hire them.

        1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

          If you truly believe that all transgender people (or "transgenders", as you like to call them) fit into a mold conjured up by your imagination, why should anyone put any stock in what you say?. Do you really not grasp that being transgender is only a part of one's identity? You are male, but that's not the sum of your being. It's only when a person's self-identity is denied by others that it becomes an issue. Transgender people have served honorably in the military for many years. They're all individuals with their own aspirations, motivations and goals. And yet you and your narrow-minded ilk would reduce that entire group of unique individuals to "them" based solely upon your uninformed view of their transgender status. That's the very definition of prejudice and certainly not something to be proud of and trumpet in a public forum.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            You know what? You are one prejudiced son of a bitch to talk to me that way. I hope you die of diarrhea.

          2. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

            Thanks for the kind words. But there's a huge difference between prejudice and making a judgment based upon copious evidence. You have laid quite a trail of misinformation, disinformation and outright nonsense regarding a subject about which you know almost nothing. In the process, you have repeatedly denigrated a large group of people solely on the basis that they're transgender - knowing nothing else whatsoever about them. And now you have lashed out at me in much the same way. You have every right to be the way you are, but I fail to see the benefit of advertising it for all to see.

          3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            And you are as full of excrement as you can get. You are the jerk, you are the bigot, you are the epitome of a cad. I was having civilized dialogue with you until you showed your sphincter. Now you can join Maher in the iggy-zone.

          4. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

            "And you are as full of excrement as you can get. You are the jerk, you are the bigot, you are the epitome of a cad. I was having civilized dialogue with you until you showed your sphincter."

            If I've somehow misled you into thinking your opinion matters to me, I do apologize.

          5. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            ...AND THAT WHOOSHING SOUND, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IS HOW IT SOUNDS WHEN A LOOSE SPHINCTER PASSES GAS. WE CALL IT KEN.

    2. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

      1st, religion is something you choose, being trans-gendered is not. 2nd - "I would think they would all be very happy that they are exempt from military service." That's like saying "I wanted to go to the doctor, but the doctors office is closed. Thank god I'm not ill." They are trying to enlist because they WANT to serve.

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Not the same thing at all. If I go to a doctor, there is a pressing NEED for that. There is NO PRESSING NEED for transgenders to join the military. IF THERE WERE, the military would be out recruiting them. Here again, the idea that because they WANT to join seems to be reason enough to accommodate them, but what we WANT is not what we NEED. They can work elsewhere, just like the rest of us.

        1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

          My cousin is transgender died in dessert storm from his injury saving a fellow marine. He received a purple heart them few days later died. When asked his response was "we all is in this together I won't leave a fellow solidare behind". I bet if you was shot and hurt you would careless if a lgbt saved your a$$!

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Stacy, you are correct. I wouldn't care. I would also do my best to save them, but again, CARING is not the issue. There is no need. Why make it complicated? Let them serve elsewhere. Not every person can work in the exact place they want, else I'd be working as a billionaire.

  1. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

    I'm just commenting that saying they should be glad that they aren't allowed to do something they want to do - serve their country - is a ridiculous statement.

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      I see where you get your name, Prix. I SAID LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE. You are acting like they are all noble gung-ho warriors. If so, they can still serve in the intelligence field. IT AIN'T THE END OF THE WORLD. Life goes on. Who doesn't get turned down for job in their life? That's just life. Stop grieving and move on. This crying is what is ridiculous.

  1. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

    It's pronounced "Pree". My guess is that you are a straight, white, cis, "Christian" male and you have never been prohibited from applying for a job for any of those reasons. There is not a 'bright side' to being denied serving your country because someone doesn't understand or like your race, gender, sexuality or religion.

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Yeah, yeah, yeah, like Gran Prix. I got it. Francais blah blah. When I got out of high school, I couldn't be a fireman because I was not tall enough. Does that count? I didn't CHOOSE to be short. I can carry weight and climb better than most larger men, but that wasn't good enough. SAME THING. I got a job, lived a life, raised a family, still working, did not kill myself. That IS the bright side.

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Furthermore, my son was going to enter the USMC with ambition to attend scout-sniper training. A few days before he was to ship out, he was wrestling with a friend and the fell on the ground. His larger friend fell on my son's ankle, which happened to have landed on top of a type of cobble-stone. The tibia had to have a piece of steel screwed to it, and the knob of the ankle had to be screwed back on. My son did not get to join the USMC at that time, because he had the steel in his leg, which he does to this day. He was 18 then, and is now 34 and has given me a grand-daughter. That is the bright side. If he had gone to Iraq or Afghanistan, I might only have a flag and photographs. That happened to my cousin. There IS a huge upside to not being shot or bombed.

        1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

          A screw in the leg can slow a person down that's a phycalimitation. Transgender is not a physical limitation that can slow the body down. Transgender is the chromosome in the brain that can't b changed its not a choice. Why don't people goggle transgender identity disorder. And stop being an a$$ and comparing physical limitation to transgender

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            I have not done that, Stacy. I am not being an a$$. If you accuse me of doing something of which I am not guilty, you MIGHT be being an a$$. I just said, it is a military thing. They choose whom they want, which is AS IT SHOULD BE. You cannot mandate that the military be as inclusive as say, public school. It does not, cannot work that way.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    I called my Congress person and senator. If their is enough votes Congress can over rule a presidents order

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Yes. We learned that in Democracy class during the cold war. Executive orders are rescindable by Congress.

  1. Lord Christopher Lloyd's Avatar Lord Christopher Lloyd

    Trumps an ass what's wrong with transgender person being in uniform serving your country just remember there been lot transgender soldiers have fought died and been wounded in conflict do we now forget they protected your country mine.as an ex soldier I.know who I rather have looking out for me than an idiot in white house.sorry if it offends you or anyone this is just all wrong

    1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      I am a retired federal worker the day Trump took the oath is the day I resigned! I can't in good caution take illegal orders from anyone especially the commander n chief lot of good people resigned. I but people here is friends or works with transgenders and don't even know about it!

  1. Christenberry, Georgeanne's Avatar Christenberry, Georgeanne

    I believe transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military ONLY if they have already "changed ". The citizens should not have to pay the costs involved in that process.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    Monday I will be using freedom of information act to find out how many solidare really had a sec change surgery at the military expense and how many transgender is enlisted vs non transgender. I will post my finding here

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    I been reading a lot of stuff on here. We should be outraged at the following figures:

    President Trump's trips to Mar-A-Lago

    Total cost for security in Palm Beach: $3.7 million Roundtrip flights from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland to West Palm, Florida: $700,000 Overtime for local law enforcement during Trump’s trips: $60,000/day Total golf cart rentals ordered by the Secret Service "for POTUS visit": $35,185 Loss to business due to airport closure: -$30,000/weekend

    Keeping the first family in Trump Towers

    Request for additional Secret Service funding to secure Trump Towers: $60 millionNew York Police Department security costs: $127,000-$146,000/day"Elevator services" ordered by the Secret Service: $64,000Air Force One flights to New York City: $180,000/hour

    The Trump children's trips around the world with Secret Service

    Eric Trump’s hotel costs in Uruguay: $97,830Eric Trump’s hotel costs in the U.K. this week: $11,261Eric Trump’s limousine services in Dublin: $4,029.85Rental ski equipment and clothing for secret service during Ivanka Trump's trip to Aspen: $12,208Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump’s hotel costs in Vancouver: $53,155Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump’s hotel costs in Dubai: $16,738

    The provided costs don't even include airfare rates for Secret Service agents taking each trek with the Trumps, nor does it include the data on those agents’ salaries and other expenditures taxpayers may be footing the bill for. The budget was expected to naturally increase based on the size of the Trump family as compared to the size of his predecessors, but critics are concerned the billionaire first family hasn’t acknowledged that it's not him paying for his trips, it's the American people.

    "The Trump family’s frequent travel to international destinations purely to promote the Trump family business is burning through taxpayer dollars at an unprecedented rate and stretching the Secret Service increasingly thin."

    Please comment

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Y'all didn't care how much Michael (Michelle) spent or how much the Kenyan spent or that Pelosi wanted her own jet. Now you're all concerned. Two-faced charlatanism.

      1. Alan Smith's Avatar Alan Smith

        You are exactly what's wrong with America today. Disfraceful.

        1. Alan Smith's Avatar Alan Smith

          Disgraceful

        2. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

          He's a troll, Alan, he's looking for reactions.

        3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Y'all both just made stupid, meaningless statements. Alan, you only said that because you are pro-Obama and anti-Trump, and Pricks, you only said that because you don't have enough neurons to think of anything else to say. Only severely mentally-challenged leftists call people trolls.

          1. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

            I can think of plenty of things to say, if I thought you were actually interested in a conversation where both people are interested in deeper understanding. How smart I am doesn't matter much to me, I don't base my worth on brains. I'm more interested in being a compassionate and caring person, so insulting my intelligence doesn't get the rise out of me you seem to be hoping for, nor does deliberately mispronouncing my name. I am sorry that you and your son didn't get to do what you wanted, but comparing those individual circumstances to prohibiting a whole group of people being banned from something speaks volumes about your capacity for compassion and empathy.

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Yes it does, Prix. It speaks VOLUMES, as you say. EVERY HUMAN EXPERIENCE is felt on an INDIVIDUAL level. It says, I KNOW EXACTLY HOW THEY FEEL. It does not mean I think it makes any difference. Do you think YOUR capacity for empathy is greater than mine because I am not crying for the army to take transgenders? My empathy includes and goes BEYOND the transgenders. This issue touches MORE than the transgenders, and their wants and needs have to be subordinate to those of the "collective". Even a communist can understand that.

          3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            and calling people trolls speaks volumes about your capacity for compassion and empathy and how much you want to have a meaningful conversation.

          4. Prix Hamilton's Avatar Prix Hamilton

            You're not even talking about the issue anymore. You keep talking about yourself, and insulting people with your language. That is what trolls do.

            troll noun noun: troll; plural noun: trolls 1. a person who makes a deliberately offensive or provocative online post. informal a deliberately offensive or provocative online posting.

            I have not called you a communist, or mentally-challenged, or insulted your intelligence. I've asked thought provoking questions which you have side-stepped and turned back in to a conversation about you. If you're not willing to engage in discourse without name-calling and rudeness, I believe the only other explanation is that you are a troll. If you are not, then you should respond to the questions and statements people are making thoughtfully and with respect, not defensiveness and name-calling.

          5. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            So, let me get this straight: When YOU call names, or otherwise insult people it is NOT offensive or being "trollish", but If I do it, it IS? Don't you think that is a STUPID thing to say? Don't you feel stupid for saying it? You should. YOU called ME a troll before I ever called YOU anything. YOU are being a moron, and I am being kind when I say that.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    President Donald Trump issued a ruling on Wednesday outlawing military service by people who do not conform to a binary gender system.

    “Please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military,” he wrote in a string of tweets. “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”

    Trump previously promised to be an advocate for transgender people, writing during the campaign, “Thank you to the LGBT community! I will fight for you while Hillary brings in more people that will threaten your freedoms and beliefs.”

    Rather today Trump imposed a rigid standard, preventing service “in any capacity,” even roles that might avoid contentious issues like restrooms and living quarters.

    His only clear justification was the inability to deal with “tremendous medical costs.”

    The military has not historically covered gender-transition surgeries, though President Barack Obama did announce plans for it to begin doing so. That cost would be between $2.4 million and $8.4 million annually for transition-related costs, according to a RAND analysis commissioned by the Department of Defense. The group estimated there are between 1,320 and 6,630 active-duty transgender servicepeople currently. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2015 put the number at 12,800 people and $4.2 million to $5.6 million, concluding that “doctors agree that such care is medically necessary.”

    This would be a military health-care spending increase of 0.04 to 0.13 percent. Even in the most extreme case, it is one tenth of the annual $84 million that the military spends on medication for erectile dysfunction.

    The relative costs drops into the ten-thousandths of a percent when taken in context of the Department of Defense budget as a whole, expected to be proposed at $640 billion. The F-35 cost $1.5 trillion. Military bands cost taxpayers $437 million.

    Of course, not only is it false that the medical costs of transgender soldiers would be prohibitive, it’s wrong. The vast majority of medical costs among people of any gender in America are the same: heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and cancers. If these costs are a concern, they could be minimized in many ways, including investing in public-health programs and a system that gives people access to preventive health care.

    Rather Trump and congressional Republicans are now proposing to do the opposite.

    The diseases that do seem to disproportionately afflict transgender people are mental-health issues. The pathology behind this is abetted by societal marginalization of exactly the sort that Trump’s language propagated today—portraying transgender people as a burden to The Mission, with a focus on “medical costs” as an apparent euphemism for gender-reassignment surgeries.

    Trump’s ruling will leave many talented Americans ineligible for service. Others will opt to serve and deny their own gender identities, an unhealthy situation that will carry its own medical costs. So it’s unlikely this is really about medical costs, as much as it is part of Trump’s quest to undo measures undertaken by Obama. Even when it means that the commander-in-chief is dividing and weakening his military and country.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    To put this in perspective, the military paid:

    $16.3 million for an M1 tank, according to the FY 2015 DoD budget $164.3 million for an F-35, according to a DoD release to Congress Up to $33 million for the Marine Corps February request for 11,000 M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles $31 million for an Apache helicopter, according to the FY 2015 budget request $400,000 for a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, per the DoD Inspector General’s Office $170,000 for a per-person personnel cost, according to the Congressional Budget Office. And the government shells out $3.6 million each time Trump travels down to Mar-a-Lago for the weekend, according to the Government Accountability Office.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    If rather see our service men or woman get a Transgender surgery at military cost them Trump spending that and lot more on his vacations, and his family promoting his private company's on our tax payers money with would be lot more then transgender surgery

  1. AKConiferious's Avatar AKConiferious

    let's work on eliminating the need to have any soldiers in war zones before discriminating against volunteers.

  1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

    Take all the moral and religious arguments out of it-- no judging, none of that. If the military excludes certain personnel from active duty, that is the military's prerogative. I don't know why we're even arguing it, except haters can't stand Trump, because he beat Hillary, even though the Dems were cheating every way they could. Everything else is a smoke-screen for the hate. Most of you don't even give a crap about trans people.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    The military spends $41.6 million annually on Viagra alone, according to the Military Times analysis — roughly five times the estimated spending on transition-related medical care for transgender troops.

    Looked at another way, the upper estimate for annual transgender medical costs in the military amounts to less than a tenth of the price of a new F-35 fighter jet. Or a thousandth of 1 percent of the Defense Department's annual budget.

    The cost of providing medical care to transgender servicemembers, in other words, is negligible, and hardly “tremendous,” as the president put it.


    Some people think that determining who is male or female at birth is a simple matter of checking the baby's external anatomy, but there's actually a lot more to it. Every year, an estimated one in 2,000 babies are born with a set of characteristics that can't easily be classified as "male" or "female." People whose bodies fall in the vast continuum between "male" and "female" are often known as intersex people. There are many different types of intersex conditions. For example, some people are born with XY chromosomes but have female genitals and secondary sex characteristics. Others might have XX chromosomes but no uterus, or might have external anatomy that doesn't appear clearly male or female. To learn more about what it's like to be intersex, check out this videoor click here.

    While it's possible to be both transgender and intersex, most transgender people aren't intersex, and most intersex people aren’t transgender. For example, many intersex people with XY (typically male) chromosomes but typically female anatomy are declared female at birth, are raised as girls, and identify as girls; in fact, many of these girls and their families never even become aware that their chromosomes are different than expected until much later in life. However, some intersex people come to realize that the gender that they were raised as doesn’t fit their internal sense of who they are, and may make changes to their appearance or social role similar to what many transgender people undergo to start living as the gender that better matches who they are.

    What is the difference between being transgender and being gender non-conforming?

    Being gender non-conforming means not conforming to gender stereotypes. For example, someone’s clothes, hairstyle, speech patterns, or hobbies might be considered more "feminine" or "masculine" than what's stereotypically associated with their gender.

    Gender non-conforming people may or may not be transgender. For example, some women who were raised and identify as women present themselves in ways that might be considered masculine, like by having short hair or wearing stereotypically masculine clothes. The term “tomboy” refers to girls who are gender non-conforming, which often means they play rough sports, hang out with boys, and dress in more masculine clothing.

    Similarly, transgender people may be gender non-conforming, or they might conform to gender stereotypes for the gender they live and identify as.

  1. Minister Anthony Longstreet's Avatar Minister Anthony Longstreet

    Trump did the right thing.

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Amen. Just look how wishy-washy the people who oppose Trumps ban are. That tells you he did the right thing.

    2. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

      He did the right-wing and RIGHTIST thing, but that isn't the same at all as the right thing. Only the left thing is the right thing!!

  1. Johnny Doeseph's Avatar Johnny Doeseph

    Unfortunately, I believe he is right in this. If you want to be transgender, go for it. Not my business how you live. However, many gender altering medications will leave the taker, weak, shaky, and sometimes vomiting. Unless this can be fixed, people on these and serving are dangerous to themselves on the field.

    1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

      Johnny Doesephr 2 September1, 2017 at 6:09 am

      ,"Unfortunately I believe he is right in this. If you want to be transgender, go for it. Not my business how you live. However, many gender altering medications will leave the taker, weak, shaky, and sometimes vomiting. Unless this can be fixed, people on these and serving are dangerous to themselves on the field."

      Do you that for a fact I am in them medications. It don't have me weak, skanky nor vomiting. In fact these medications made my heart grow I look 15 years younger, I know bench 130 lbs. I am more health and fitness. And most importantly my self esteem is very good. When I was in the closet. And no I am not gay. I was born as an hermythdyye. My life is lot better. Unless you experience the meds for your self don't even think you know the effects. Thousand s of transgenders serves most still in private. A few in person public. They are the people that loves their work he now a she has won the purple heart. Under Bush jr. She dragged a fellow marine to safety after he got hit by an enemy bullet. Transgender people is Human beings that loves this country and is willing to go threw hell and back to defend this country. Before you start talking about side effects that rearly happens the bright side if the meds is most calls it fountain of youth. Before my transition I had a bold spot on top of my head. And very obese. Now I am in Target weight and I have very nice wavy long hair. Most of my friends male and female swears I was born a female. And j am still waiting for final surgery. I been transitioning for 4 1/2 years now.please before you start posting effects that is extremely rare why not research and talk to people that's been down the road. I bet most here knows a transgender and u don't even know about it.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    Johnny Doeseph September 21, 2017 at 6:09 am

    ,"Unfortunately I believe he is right in this. If you want to be transgender, go for it. Not my business how you live. However, many gender altering medications will leave the taker, weak, shaky, and sometimes vomiting. Unless this can be fixed, people on these and serving are dangerous to themselves on the field."

    Do you know that for a fact? . It don’t have me weak, skanky nor vomiting. In fact these medications made my hair grow I look 15 years younger, I know bench 130 lbs. I am more heathy now; And most importantly my self esteem is very good. Unless you experience the meds for your self don’t even think you know the effects. Thousand s of transgenders serves most still in private. A few in public. Transgender people is Human beings that loves this country and is willing to go threw hell and back to defend this country. Before you start talking about side effects that rearly happens the bright side of the meds is most calls it fountain of youth. Before my transition I had a bold spot on top of my head. And very obese. Now I am in Target weight and I have very nice wavy long hair. Most of my friends male and female swears I was born a female. And sI amtill waiting for final surgery. I been transitioning for 4 1/2 years now.please before you start posting effects that is extremely rare why not research and talk to people that’s been down the road. I bet most here knows a transgender and u don’t even know about it. One major requiment is the person before surgery must live full time as the sex they are transitioning into. I am pretty open and my California license says female my birth certificate says female. I can no longer walk around with my shirt off in public. Most of you remember the TV shows stereotype where one looks like a female but you can 100%tell that's a guy! Only a few close friends knows this about me every one else swears I was born female. So do research on this topic. And a few transgenders won the purple heart. For saving their fellow marine or solidare. Even no transgender in the war on the front lines thrws up seeing bodys bor in whole, and the stench. If a person was weak swanky etc would never get out of boot camp or get accepted to go threw boot camp

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    I hate this lg cell phone spell checker changes words on me

    1. Ken Dixon's Avatar Ken Dixon

      I hate spell check, too. Check your settings and you might find a way to disable that function. I don't have an LG phone, so I'm not sure.

  1. Stacy's Avatar Stacy

    September 21, 2017 at 8:09 am Johnny Doeseph September 21, 2017 at 6:09 am

    ,”Unfortunately I believe he is right in this. If you want to be transgender, go for it. Not my business how you live. However, many gender altering medications will leave the taker, weak, shaky, and sometimes vomiting. Unless this can be fixed, people on these and serving are dangerous to themselves on the field.”

    Do you know that for a fact? . It don’t have me weak, skanky nor vomiting. In fact these medications made my hair grow I look 15 years younger, I know bench 130 lbs. I am more heathy now; And most importantly my self esteem is very good. Unless you experience the meds for your self don’t even think you know the effects. Thousand s of transgenders serves most still in private. A few in public. Transgender people is Human beings that loves this country and is willing to go threw hell and back to defend this country. Before you start talking about side effects that rearly happens the bright side of the meds is most calls it fountain of youth. Before my transition I had a bold spot on top of my head. And very obese. Now I am in Target weight and I have very nice wavy long hair. Most of my friends male and female swears I was born a female. And sI amtill waiting for final surgery. I been transitioning for 4 1/2 years now.please before you start posting effects that is extremely rare why not research and talk to people that’s been down the road. I bet most here knows a transgender and u don’t even know about it. One major requiment is the person before surgery must live full time as the sex they are transitioning into. I am pretty open and my California license says female my US passport says female. If I joined the military I would get in!

    If a person was weak swanky etc would never graduate boot camp or get accepted to go threw boot camp I day let them go threw the process if they make it then another asset of they don't make it at least they know they did not make it with no outside influence.

  1. AKConiferious's Avatar AKConiferious

    darn evidence... AKConiferious August 16, 2017 at 8:59 am “You think someone that killed themselves…” if they already killed themselves they are not in any military. and you follow that with “Come on! Reality is calling.”

    same day as the email from ulc.. try to relax a little, just going on your comments you seem slightly unhinged, and possibly anger control issues, talk to a therapist, I will pray for you... Hail Satan 666 Praise His Holy Darkness, Take John Owens useless soul and mind, he needs them no more... Hail Satan, Praise His Holy Darkness, in the Number Of The Beast, 666

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