If WAC Sergeant Phelps was here, she would have plenty to say in regards to DADT. In fact, she already did to General Eisenhower during World War II.
When rumors surfaced of Lesbians serving in her battalion, Eisenhower summoned Phelps to create a list of the Lesbians in her battalion so that they be discharged. Phelps had this amazing, brave response:
“Yes, sir,”…but that wasn’t all she said.
Phelps reminded Eisenhower that the WAC battalion at his headquarters was one of the most decorated in the Army. It performed superbly, had the fewest unauthorized absences, the least number of venereal-disease cases, and the most infrequent number of pregnancies of any WAC group anywhere. Getting rid of the lesbians would mean losing competent file clerks, typists, and a large share of the headquarters’ key personnel. “I’ll make your list, but you’ve got to know that when you get the list back, my name’s going to be first.”
According to Phelps, Eisenhower said “forget the order”.
We respect the President ordering the repeal of DADT, but hearings and meetings need to be cut and find the safest, practical, and fastest way to let the Lesbian and Gay soldiers who want to serve back out onto the field. Its about equality and letting the rest of the country know that Lesbian and Gay soldiers are fighting for the same country they love.
Photo Courtesy of xq.com/johnnie
….and that’s a good thing!
