Every day more proof arises that it’s time for women to rule our nation. For 240 years, men have failed to support all of the American people. There is not greater proof of this than in our military and the Congress of the United States.
Sexual misconduct in the ranks of the military continues to be a serious problem. It will continue to be so after there was no interest by the Republican-controlled Senate yesterday. Although President Obama promised to veto a $602 billion gift to the Pentagon, it was passed by both parties. Contained in the bill are provisions which require women to register for the draft, preventing the closing of the military prison in Guantanamo Bay, and barring the President from closing military bases. The President’s veto is based on “Gitmo,” and closing unnecessary bases which waste taxpayer dollars.
What is not contained is a provision to change the way the military chooses to prosecute complaints of sexual misconduct in the military. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrat from New York, has battled for three years to revamp the system; she was ignored by the men who control the Senate.
The commanders of military bases will remain in control of any actions or inactions within the armed forces. He or she alone will decide if prosecution will occur. Many complaints will continue to be denied, and those which are accepted will continue to receive lesser punishment, or entirely forgiven. What will also remain in effect is a lack of punishment for those who retaliate against the women who file complaints, and biased decisions to deny promotions for women in the military who file charges of sexual abuse will continue.
Senator Gillibrand was deeply offended when a change in how these cases were prosecuted were not included in the legislation. She believes that the complaints should be adjudicated by military lawyers and removed from the chain of command.
“Today is a setback in our fight on survivors’ behalf, but it is no more than that,” said Gillibrand, one of seven Democrats to vote against the bill. “I refuse to back down.”
Sadly, she is fighting what remains to be ‘good old boys club.’
Whether you like her or not personally, if you vet Hillary Clinton it is immediately apparent that she in the most qualified presidential candidate in history. The fact that she is a woman ads to her credentials. It is time for the United States to join the rest of the world and admit that women may have better ideas and more abilities than men. It is not difficult to make that decision simply by looking at her presumptive opponent in November.
When talk began regarding Ms. Clinton’s choice for a running mate, I had two individuals in mind. One was Senator Elizabeth Warren, and the other Senator Gillibrand. Both would be fighters for the rights of the working class and women; two groups which have been ignored by our male-dominated government for decades.
The situation in the military is unforgivable. This is the 21st century. If men refuse to “give” equal rights to women, it’s time for women to take them.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of personaldemocracy
The Truth With No Restrictions 