US Rep. Joe Kennedy III, Massachusetts lawmakers slam transgender military ban

[highplainsdem]

Source: MassLive.com

U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III condemned President Donald Trump's Wednesday decision to bar transgender individuals from U.S. military service, arguing that those who are already serving in the armed forces "deserve better" from their commander in chief.

The Brookline Democrat, who serves as chairman of the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force, was among several Massachusetts Democrats who took issue with the president's announcement.

Contending that men and women who enter the military defend all Americans regardless of their age, race, religion or gender identity, Kennedy argued that the U.S. government owes soldiers "that same decency in return."

"Instead, this morning, our president has told thousands of American soldiers that they will fight for us, but we will not fight for them. That their deeply personal medical decisions are somehow the public's business. That although they are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect our freedom, we will not offer them the most basic freedom in return," he said in a speech from the U.S. House floor.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/07/us_rep_joe_kennedy_iii_massach.html

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Tweet from MSNBC's Kyle Griffin, with video:

Link to tweet

Rep. Joe Kennedy III to transgender servicemembers: "Know that we will never take your service, your courage, your patriotism for granted."

Found thanks to tweets from Laurence Tribe

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

[Moostache]

1. No pressure Joe, but I believe you can save this country from the abyss...

I see very few with more promise for the challenges of rebuilding after Caligula Jr. dies or is impeached.

[underthematrix]

2. I love Rep Joe Kennedy. My eyes well up with tears every time I hear him speak

African Americans like me grew up loving JFK and RFK. I remember exactly where I was when both JFK and RFK were assassinated.


Now we have another chance with JPK (Joseph Patrick Kennedy). To me, he's the only one who can bring us together and help rebuild what has been ALMOST destroyed.

He's the face of all that's good about white folks and that's the other reason I love him. Trump has turned white folks into a stereotype for hate and we really need someone who can by his example push back hard on that.

All I have said is out of love.

[Tatiana]

3. I'm truly starting to believe he is our next and best hope to end this nightmare.

He has all the intellectual qualities, policy positions, and integrity required to take out Trump and his Party of Russia minions and lead this country.

If we ran him nationally, he is a candidate that would have coattails in places like Nebraska, Arizona, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

[CountAllVotes]

4. 35 years old and lookin' good

Rep. Joe Kennedy, III

See YOU in 2020!!!!

[OKNancy]

5. Glad to see his name batted around for 2020

He has everything we need.

[Chemisse]

6. I like him!

I think he shot himself in the foot with the anti-vac comment a while back, but he could get past that pretty easily.

[OKNancy]

7. He never agreed with his uncle

I looked it up to make sure my recollection was correct

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/rep-kennedy-parts-from-uncle-on-vaccines/article_35a52d1c-d9d3-11e6-a34f-977d2f8b7b3c.html

There could be some awkward moments for U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III when Washington gets around to debating policies regarding immunization of children against diseases.

Kennedy, D-Brookline, disagrees with the anti-vaccine crusader President-elect Donald Trump is considering appointing to head up a commission on the issue.

That crusader happens to be Kennedy’s uncle, Robert Kennedy Jr.

“Congressman Kennedy appreciates his uncle’s career of advocacy and public service. He disagrees with his views on this particular issue,” spokesman Dan Black said.

[Chemisse]

8. Oh, thanks. I may have gotten the 2 Kennedys confused. n/t