Semper Fi

This post is designed to do two things, celebrate the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and laud the Marines for their foray into the realm of green energy. It's been a big week for the military.

First, kudos to Congress for repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This is America, it's ok to be gay. If a gay person loves our country enough to put his or her life on the line for it, they shouldn't have to compromise themselves to do it. It's really as simple as that. Studies showed this could be done without compromising the military's ability to kick some ass, so there wasn't really a reason aside from bigotry or political pandering to bigots not to repeal the act.

I support all of our troops no matter what color their skin is, what god they believe in, and regardless of their sexuality. Being a soldier in the United States Military shows far more about how you feel about America and what kind of person you are than any of those other factors possibly could. I'm proud of Congress (imagine that!) and I'm proud of the service men and women who spoke up and let the Pentagon know that openly gay soldiers wouldn't affect their ability to wage war.

I'm particularly proud of the Marines and the Navy who have been taking important steps to greenify themselves. You can buy a politician, but you can't buy a branch of the armed service. No amount of oil money in the world can convince the Marines that what they know - all that money we spend on oil is being funneled to people who are out to kill Marines - is wrong. While the American public weans itself from its oil addiction and American politicians continue to ignore the reality of global warming and the ever-growing Chinese lead in alternative energy, the American Military has had enough.

American soldiers and sailors are field testing biofuels, solar panels, and all sorts of other green equipment. Combine that with this cool new toy (not related, but really interesting) and it's clear that what will America's politicians lack, America's military has.

There are many reasons to love and be proud of our country, America's military certainly being one of them. In the last few days, the Armed Forces has taken a lot of positive steps. Semper Fi.