Pentagon rebukes general for opposing repeal of 'don’t ask, don’t tell' law

[unhappycamper]

Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon surveying multinational participants at Cobra Gold 2009, in Thailand.


Pentagon rebukes general for opposing repeal of 'don’t ask, don’t tell' law
By Kevin Baron, Stars and Stripes
Online Edition, Thursday, March 25, 2010

ARLINGTON, Va. – Defense Secretary Robert Gates sharply reprimanded the three-star general who commands the U.S. Army in the Pacific on Thursday for publicly advocating against the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law restricting gays in the military.

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, went further, suggesting that Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon should consider resigning over comments he made in a letter to the editor of Stars and Stripes earlier this month.

In that March 8 letter calling on troops and their families to fight a repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law, Mixon wrote: “I suspect many service members, their families, veterans and citizens are wondering what to do to stop this ill-advised repeal of a policy that has achieved a balance between a citizen's desire to serve and acceptable conduct.

“Now is the time,” Mixon added, “to write your elected officials and chain of command and express your views. If those of us who are in favor of retaining the current policy do not speak up, there is no chance to retain the current policy.”

Gates and Mullen denounced Mixon’s letter during a Pentagon press conference.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=68911



unhappycamper comment: Mixon's letter:

Stars and Stripes
Letters to the Editor, Monday, March 8, 2010

Let your views be known

The recent commentaries on the adverse effects of repeal of the "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy were insightful.

It is often stated that most servicemembers are in favor of repealing the policy. I do not believe that is accurate. I suspect many servicemembers, their families, veterans and citizens are wondering what to do to stop this ill-advised repeal of a policy that has achieved a balance between a citizen’s desire to serve and acceptable conduct.

Now is the time to write your elected officials and chain of command and express your views. If those of us who are in favor of retaining the current policy do not speak up, there is no chance to retain the current policy.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon
Fort Shafter, Hawaii

[icnorth]

1. Fort Shafter....how ironic. n/t

[babylonsister]

2. Rec'd! nt

[trumad]

3. Ouch

A rebuke like that is a career killer. Mixon is history.

[Spazito]

4. Interesting...

"Defense Secretary Robert Gates sharply reprimanded the three-star general who commands the U.S. Army in the Pacific on Thursday for publicly advocating against the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law restricting gays in the military."

"Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, went further, suggesting that Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon should consider resigning over comments he made in a letter to the editor of Stars and Stripes earlier this month."

I wonder why Gates didn't demand Mixon's resignation for this? It certainly seems it would be appropriate.

[xchrom]

5. Recommend

[Solly Mack]

6. K&R

Now watch the Republicans in Congress use the rebuke as "proof" that Gates and Mullen would engage in undue influence within the ranks...which was a right-wing talking point during a hearing on DADT a few weeks ago. That Gates/Mullen/the White House would use undue influence within the ranks...pressuring them into supporting the repeal because of the high level positions of G/M/WH.

When in reality they are calling out a 3 star for doing just that...attempting to influence the ranks.

Mixon didn't just say to write Congress with your opinion (which is their right) - he stated his opposition and then said for soldiers/families to write and state their opposition. Theater Commanders can set a tone that trickles down through the ranks - and that's undue influencing.

In addition, Mixon is interfering with a Pentagon directive - the DoD will be talking with service members and their families about their opinions on DADT...it's supposed to be in the form of an anonymous questionnaire. Anonymous to protect the service member.

A soldier serving in the Pacific Theater under Mixon will now have to worry about his career if he disagrees with Mixon. Undue influence.

Mixon knew better than to write that letter. His chain of command made it plan that no one would be involved in attempting to influence the service member. That included Mixon.

Mixon can write Congress, that is his right. Service members can write Congress - that is their right. But Mixon went beyond that....and that wasn't within his power to do so.

[Major Hogwash]

7. They should take one of his stars away.

Officers are not supposed to advocate political commentary anymore than the lowest GI.

Keep him in the Army, but reprimand him for it, instead of just giving him suggestions.