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Cindy McCain is advocating the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy – putting her at very public odds with her husband on the controversial issue.
She’s appearing in a new video geared toward eradicating the bullying of gay youth, produced by the California-based organization “NOH8.”
“Our political and religious leaders tell LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] youth that they have no future," McCain says in the ad. “They can't serve our country openly.”
As other celebrities in the video suggest that the policy emboldens bullies, McCain says “Our government treats the LGBT community like second-class citizens - why shouldn't they?”
Her spouse, Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, is the ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee and once signaled openness to ending to the policy. But recently, he’s switched positions. In September, he lead a filibuster against a repeal. And recently, his office has indicated that the senator wants anti-DADT language stripped from the massive defense authorization bill (which sets Pentagon policy).
This isn’t the first time Cindy McCain has advocated for gay rights. She and her daughter, Meghan, appeared in a print ad advocating same-sex marriage in January.
Watch video of the ad below.
Leave a Comment:
Hats off to everyone in this ad, it is inspirational to see so many different people standing up for what is truly an American value: We respect those who are different, and defend their right to be so. This is what America is about.
carlos, freedom and democracy
Pat-2465398
Why shouldn't gays be allowed to defend this country? It's theirs as much as ours. No one asked to be born one way or the other, come on, let's get this country out of the dark ages. I encourage everyone who believe in what this country is SUPPOSED to stand for, to take a stand. WE THE PEOPLE means ALL of us, not just a certain population. I support Cindy, her daughter and any others with the courage to do what is right. Maybe if we stopped being bigots, our children and grandchildren would have a better chance in this world.
What's your rate? Didn't think so...
Next we'll have kid-scouts, rather than boy and girl scouts. (Where the girls play with spiders and snakes, and the boys get to learn how to cross-stitch)
(Where the girls play with spiders and snakes, and the boys get to learn how to cross-stitch)
that is part of freedom and democracy.
What's so wrong with girls playing with spiders and snakes or boys cross-stitching, Data? Oh, that's right... absolutely nothing.
Frankly I don't care what Cindy or Megan McCain think about much of anything. They are NOT the first family and should be an embarrassment to Senator McCain by always giving "their" opinion. Just because John McCain is a Senator and ran for president doesn't make their opinion any more important than mine. I love gays but I'm tired of having to hear about everyone's sex life. I don't ask and I don't tell personally. It's no one's business!
many closeted gays have been kicked out of the military
Britain, Israel and dozens of other countries allow gay personnel to serve openly. Under the policy established in 1993 under former President Bill Clinton, the US military is forbidden to inquire about service members' sexual orientation, but can expel people discovered to be homosexual.
The practice of sodomy is a mental illness. We should not allow mentally ill people to serve in the armed forces.
there are lots of mentally ill people in the armed forces
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11589638
britain and israel and many other countries allow openly gay soldiers
although I think if a person wants to defend their country, they should; however where are they to be housed? You can't put a gay man in a male barracks, or a lesbian in a female on. Its just like men in a women’s barracks. How are they to be housed and what do the soldiers think. They are the ones who have to deal with it. This is a honest question. What do you all think the solution be?
currently, gay and strait soldiers are housed together.
Ummm.... you do realize gays and lesbians are living in the barracks with sraight men and women right now, don't you? The whole point behind separate female and male barracks is decency, different body parts and such, not really for fear of anyone being raped as such can/does happen regardless of separation of where you're housed (sadly, but no different than outside of military life either). The military does not tolerate harrassment or abuse of any kind, soldier to soldier or soldier to spouse (or at least, such is stated even with some getting away with it *sigh*). But anyway, point is they're sharing the same living arrangements already.
Diabled vet from Viet Nam era, and proudly served with gay and straight...everyone needs to get over it...to those of you who have served, thank you for your service; for those of you who have not...you're welcome.
so many straight people are naive because of what they have been taught. guy's... do you want every girl you see? probably not. just like girl's don't want every guy they see. what makes you think it is any different in the gay community? bottom line is everyone should be able to step up and protect their country if they chooseto. It shouldn't matter their race, religious views, or sexual preference.
get rid of dadt and then increase that socialism money for veterans.
Who is Cindy McCain?
pchacho - LOL. I would hope she is in the Armed Forces - otherwise it's none of her damned business.
cindy mccain is using her freedom and democracy
the armed forces is our business because we all pay for it
scottsoperson - but unless we are out in other countries - fighting and in close quarters (imagine sharing quarters with a gay on a submarine.) Nothing you say or do will help homophobics or people that think it's wrong believe otherwise. If the whole submarine is made up of gays - I don't imagine a homophobic would join that crew. Why is it so important to MAKE others think the way you do. So long as they aren't prosecuted or picked on in an equal society than no one has to believe what you say is true.
It's none of our or the government's business. It's all and COMPLETELY the armed forces decision - every soldier should be able to vote on it - and the MAJORITY should win. We have no idea what effect this could have on the soldier's - right or wrong. In this case it should be all soldiers decision - not ours. If the government in its esteemed wisdom (LOL) does anything at all to jeopardize our soldiers - that is what will be wrong.
70% of US soldiers have no problem with repealing dadt.
Why the uproar over the military, I would have thought they would have prefered fire departments...since they like going down the pole so much.....:)
nazi homophobia. if the shoe fits
scottsoperson - why is it so important to you to change others to your way of thinking. Get it through your head - some people believe it's wrong - you can't force them to think otherwise. So long as they don't go around bashing gays and just leave them alone - why should you care? You're worse than a Nazi - you want not only to control everyone - you want to control their thoughts. Ain't never gonna happen - understand that.
mccain might have split from himself too on this issue. but he has to kiss up to the tea partiers.
Gays in the military ????? No problem...
Just kick the soap down to your locker before you bend over and pick it up, if you happen to drop it while in the community shower...
there are currently gays in military showers. how is that working out?
Why they make soap on a rope. (And of course to swing it around like a weapon). The same reason men and woman have separate bathrooms, are the same reasons gays have no place in the military...
currently there are gays in military showers. before truman, blacks and whites were kept separate in the military.
Whoosss.!!!!!I'm ready to sign up now.
Soap on a rope will save me from being viewed as a sex object????
Why is it that when someone in the military writes on here about their opinon about gays, the civilians act as if they know better and call anyone who disagrees with them ignorant? Never went to basic, never road marched, never shared showers, the john or anything with anyone else, never spent a night (NIGHTS) in the field, never were deployed, never fought in a war, never did anything they have an opinion about. Must be nice being so smart you can tell others what is best for them yet never experienced it. I read some idiot on here tried to compare college life to the military... I know of no college were 40 men sleep together in the same room. I'm a man but I can tell a woman how it feels to have a tampoon shoved in them because I Read ALL about it... Better yet what it feels like to deliver a baby because I READ about it... No wonder they got their @sses handed to them in the past election.
70% of US soldiers have no problem with openly gay soldiers.
If that's the case - and you've done an accurate surray - then I guess that's the way it would be run.
the US military did that survey. do they do a good job?
Again, I hate to say it, but you shoot yourself in the foot. You say, "Must be nice being so smart you can tell others what is best for them yet never experienced it." Is this not exactly what you are saying about gays in the military? I will assume you never had a gay experience.
Apparently he hasn't, Joe... as he seems to believe that being a lesbian or gay = being attracted to all of the same sex and putting them all at risk. Sad... Guess if gays and lesbians are allowed to be open about it in the military, it means higher chances of orgies in the rooms every night... Same reason people seem to think bisexuality = polygamy, lol, because every bisexual person MUST be sexing up people of both genders or they aren't bisexual.
And to the OP here, yep... people who don't understand that being openly homosexual doesn't mean higher chances of being raped or molested by someone of the same gender are most definitely ignorant.
if there were 'nothing wrong' with homosexual sex, then everyone would be willing to do it without a second thought.
behavior has consequences. nobody forces a gun to anyone's head, to have sex, to have homosexual behavior. or else it is a crime. people are not robots.
you corrupt children and this is what you get. ask the people who have lived the lifestyle and rejected it. almost every last one was corrupted in their lives, abused, fondled, raped, a large percentage as a child, even mentally abused. when you LIE to children, YOU CORRUPT THEM!
fools.
look at Rome. Everyone had sex with children and with homosexual slaves.
it was 'normal' people were 'born that way'.
the wages of sin are death. what you do the the least of these - our children - you will pay for in the end. and you deserve the consequences you recieve.
well, there is something wrong with adulterous sex, and a lot of people still do it.
in ancient greece, homosexuality was accepted and encouraged.
It seems kind of strange that we are having this discussion again, even after we have paid to those that have served defending our rights.
So here I go again, "cutting" and "pasting". I found this little gem I had blogged about on this subject back on July 7th 2010.
"I, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Oath of Enlistment. This Is the oath that myself, my mother, my father and my brothers, and many of the bloggers who are veterans took to serve in this Nations' Armed Forces. Almost as old as the Constitution, this oath is required to be taken by anyone who wants to join the military by federal law.
Let me ask those that have served, how did you feel when you took it? How did you feel when you knew that you were joing something that was larger than yourself, that people before you, who have fought and died, have taken the same oath, both during times of peace and war? If you're like me, you still remeber how sacred it felt, how honored, humbled, and proud when you uttered those words, and wether you are joining up, still serving, or are getting out of the military, you still live by it, and anyone who has spoke the same words, regardless of branch of service, they were your brother and sister in arms, and you never felt so much pride being in such company.
What did you give to say those words? What price did you pay? If you're like me, nothing.
However, We are asking/telling/demanding people, who are not like you, because of their sexual orientation, to lie, cover up, hide, deny, and sit/serve in silence, what they are in order to take that oath that you and I were so willing to say without cost of who you are. Some have paid that steep price, in order to serve our country, and wear the uniforms of our military. But it's not pride that they wear it in, they wear it in shame and dishonor because they cannot be truthful about who or what they are, and if they do speak out, they risk ending their career.
To the LGBTs, this is akin to Faust's deal with the Devil.
Regardless of how you may feel personally, deep down inside, CONSTITUTIONALLY, DADT must be RE-PEALED."
You are a swell fellow.
Very well said, very very well said... and thank you for serving and supporting.
I'm not sure how to take that, Chandler...
Kevin, thank you for your service and your post.
FDR's wife; she was gay.
says fix news?
with your logic Chandler, you are probably gay as well...FDR's wife Eleanor did more in her lifetime than you could ever accomplish in ten lifetimes, with your idiotic accusations. The downfall of the United States will be from ignorance and inhumanity.
My only fear of repealing DADT is one of violence against gays. The military will punish those who commit the violence, but punishment will not reverse the damage of those injured or bring back any killed. No amount of sensitivity training will change some peoples mind.
11bang-bang, you probably have had gay members in your units, I thought the same until we had an 8 yr armor vet ETS and announced he was gay. Some can hide it from everyone but themselves, so in my 20+ yrs in cavalry and armor, I probably served with more gays than I realized. As long as they do not expect "special treatment" I have no problem with them serving. Although I do not agree with their lifestyle, as long as they do the job and act like soldiers it should not matter.
a lot of women are sexually assaulted by their fellow soldiers.
a lot of women are sexually assaulted by their fellow MALE soldiers.
scottsoperson, Yes women are attacked by male and sometimes female soldiers. Male soldiers are also attacked by other soldiers for race, gang affiliation, or any number of other reasons. My fear is because of the stigma attached to gays; especially in the military that they may be singled out especially in a military environment.
That's the fear for many people, sadly it's a big fear because of such violence still going on due to religious views and race. You have those who follow under a pagan based path, those who aren't a "white" American getting attacked verbally and physically for being "different" which is sad, because we're all different in some way or another.
To start things off, I was a soldier and I was more than happy to put my life on the line so ya'll can say whatever you want to, but I also protected my speech too so here I go. First off, All of you who are attacking President Obama for "repealing the judicial ruling," stop. If you're one who wants DADT permantly removed, you better thank him for trying. He was hoping that Congress would be able to permanently abolish DADT, because the judicial ruling is very fragile, as in any other court could make a different ruling or a conservative Congress could easily make new statutes to reverse whatever gains the court made. Those that say he is a hippocrit, honestly, you've just proved you don't know what's really going on the DADT issue.
Next, I lived in what you would relate to as a "barracks" setting. This whole belief about gay people hitting on straight people just doesn't happen. However, I showered on a daily basis with over 100 guys. If I knew there was a gay person in there, I admit, it would make me slightly uncomfortable. However, If you think I'm so unreasonable, then let me ask you this. How would you like it if I just came and showered at your house tonight, with you? If you're a woman, it's okay, I'm young and/or probably wouldn't be attacted to you anyway, so you have no reason to be uncomfortable that I'm in there with you, cuz I'm definately not checking you out. If you're a man, I'm not gay, just scoot on over and don't drop the soap, cuz THAT would be sort of ackward hehe. If I'm with your kids, I love kids, but not in the pedophile way, so why did that comment just make you "uncomfortable"? Just to clear this up, I don't hate gay people. When I was young I had a civilian job and my favorite co-worker was a lesbian. She was smart, hardworking, and always positive. I also loved when her gay friends came in (I worked at a restaurant), because they were ALWAYS polite, funny, never rude, and always tipped well.
I understand that DADT does not seem fair, I certaintly don't think it's fair. However, I'm only being realistic when I say that the military is a largely conservative organization (how many generals get fired for insubordination under a conservative/republican president?). The military just doesn't have the progressive mindset, manpower, and money (if you've been in the military you know there's going to be a million briefings a week, from hired outside sources to brief the hell out the soldiers), that's needed for this kind of change. Oh, and about all this "fair" crap. The military is specifically designed NOT to be fair. Did you know a 22 year old lieutentant, right out of a local state college ROTC unit, can give an order to a 45 year old sergeant, who has AIDS, that he can no longer have sex with any military members(not a common occurrence, but you get my point)? Military members give up some of their constitutional rights, so you can have all of yours.
My main point, I guess is that military members have feelings too. Largely, it isn't a hate issue, rather they're probably just feeling like their privacy is being invaded. Also, some of the other commenters, with army backgrounds, have made some good points. When deployed, the showers are communal, based on sex. Furthermore, it only takes one person to to feel uncomfortable for a unit-wide rift to begin. Then, when the unit goes outside the wire, just a moment of hesitation caused by insecurity could be deadly. For instance, none of you civilians have probably noticed this, but in the news clips showing the army units moving throught suburban settings look and see how physically close they are. If you knew the guy who is literally right on your ass, is gay, even if you have no bias whatsoever, it's gonna be distracting. And that is deadly.
I hope in time our society and military can eventually move on past this issure. Until then, speak your opinion freely, but know that doesn't mean you're right, because I certaintly know I don't know everything going on this debate.
No it wouldn't be distracting unless you were a @!$%#ing homophobe. Sorry.
I think the two groups will separate quite naturally.
The one important aspect these news stories miss everytime, is how DADT negatively affects gay people in the military. Its not just a question of them able to be open about who they are. Its the fact that they get kicked if it does come out. Gay people in the miltary live in constant fear of being found out. Of someone proving they are gay. This has nothing to do with conduct while on duty or on base. Gay people in the military have to worry about being found out no matter where or when they try to have a relationship with someone.
Getting rid of DADT is about getting rid of the punishment for being found out. Its that simple. And you can bet that bigots and bullies are constantly using it to get people they dont like. Even those who arent even gay. Its a horrible horrible policy in every way.
yes, many closeted gays have been kicked out of the military
there are currently gays in military showers. how is that working out?
whites and blacks used to be separate in the military.
Being black or white is not a behavior.
It is a choice.
Besides, there is no discrimination. You have read the testimony of many gays who have served.
The frontlines or the barracks are just not the places to act it out.
how do you know it's a choice? did fix news tell you?
Tell me why it is necessary for anyone to tell coworkers, in any field, their sexual preferance. No one wants to know! It would be like me (male) going up to a female coworker and telling her that I'm into straight sex. Or, how about "Hi, Mary, just wanted to let you know that I'm a heterosexual!" What do you suppose would be her reaction, before she went to my employer? I think Cindy and her daughter both need to shut the hell up and leave politics to daddy! My two sons are in the military and they told me they don't want to know anyones sexual orientation either!
many closeted gays have been kicked out of the military. i wonder how many times i am going to have to say that before it sinks in to the thick american skull
Apparently they were not closeted or they would not have been kicked out.
Tha's not the point of removing DADT... the point is that if, somehow word does get out (wether the person says such themselves or otherwise) they don't get booted merely for being of a different sexual orientation than straight. That's what the allowing themto be "openly gay" means... it doesn't mean every gay, lesbian or bisexual person is going to run around announcing it. Word does get out, or even suspicions (by people just wanting to cause problems even or w/e) and then investigations are done and the person is kicked. ALSO... with DADT being removed, you won't have those getting into the military and then trying to use the DADT to get an easy way out... making it more of a realization that deciding to join up isn't all fun and game and should be really thought upon. And yes, you have many kids (an old roomie of mine's brother did it) using it to get out of the military.
they were outed by other soldiers are circumstances.
the real homophobes BOW DOWN to the homosexuals out of FEAR.
degenerate behavior by definition.
behavior is a learned choice. just ask any infant if they 'are gay'.
Choices aren't learned dip@!$%# and sexuality isn't a behavior it is a preference. That is a substantial difference.
Are you saying that pedophelia is a "preference"?
As a matter of fact it is. This is a fact. Every kind of sexuality on this planet is a @!$%#ing sexual preference.
the surgeon general has determined that homosexuality and pedophilia are not the same thing
Some people are asexual.
You do not choose preference rock head. That is a very appropriate name kudos.
Homosexuality is a choice. IF this wasnt true, then murderers, rapists, etc couldnt be held liable for their actions....they were born that way! Homosexuality is abnormal. Think about it...a gay pride parade..celebrating sodomy and copulation with someone of the same sex...YUCKO...Get some major help!
Hey dip@#%^%!!t...I don't want people sticking their "Preference in my face" any more than you want me to stick mine in your face, and you wouldn't want mine in your face. There is a place for it and therre is a place for Gays to keep their preferences and it is not in my face or in the face of my military sons. So shut the #%!!@#!k up!
Absolutely Johnk!!!!!
many closeted gays have been kicked out of the military
sticking their preference in your face is part of freedom and democracy....so you should love it.
fix news says it's a choice?
degenerate behavior by definition.
actually, the above statement is homophobia
gay people tend to discover their sexuality a little before heteros. heteros normally did not discover their sexuality until they are about 11 or 12, i think
I think most are born knowing what they are from the word go. But there are some who are born not knowing what they are. They are the ones who can become the worst offenders. Especially if they develop a sick fetish in their search for a release.
Especially if they develop a sick fetish in their search for a release.
lots of female soldiers are sexually assaulted by male soldiers. the top brass doesn't really care
bush is a mass murderer who is not being held accountable for what he did.
ScottsoADHD, never said homosexuality and pedophilia are the same...just asked if either are a preference. Also, are either genetic, learned, caused by their enviroment or childhood trauma? There seem to be a number of "experts" on the board...so what causes either or both?
Chandler, the name is intentional just to see who is childish enough to make a derogatory remark when their logic is flawed....you bit.
There is a difference between a GENDER preference and a sick fetish.... a fetish is a preference, true... but not even close to being the same as a gender preference, especially if both are consulting adults. Rape is rape and wrong because it's against the will of another... Murder doesn't even fall into the same category as anything sexual, so not sure why the person even brought that up.
i don't think we really know if they are a preference or not. but even the boy scouts no longer say that homosexuals and pedophiles are the same thing.
behavior is a learned choice. just ask any infant if they 'are gay'.
Here are a few more questions for the infant:..........are you hurting....are you racist........are you a boy.....are you a girl.......are you a vegetarian.........are you allergic to milk.......are you a heterosexual...... .are you bi-sexual......are you white.....are you black.....are you illegal.......
This is so funny.