It's like the line in "A Few Good Men" that Jack Nicholson snarls to Tom Cruise: "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!" That's how I feel about the military leaders who, it was reported today, have discharged petty officer second class Jason Knight from the Navy because, gasp, he is gay!
Knight's story is so interesting had been called back to active duty even after telling military officials that he annulled his marriage because he was gay. According to Towleroad.com, Knight was notified yesterday that because of his recent media interviews, his services will no longer be required.
Knight had this to say in a statement today: "I have now spent five years in the Navy, and I have loved every minute of it. It is unfortunate that in our country, which prides itself on being a beacon of liberty to the world, discrimination is still alive and well, even in our own government. I am proud to be among the one million gay veterans who have answered the call to duty, and I look forward to working alongside them to topple this un-American and counter-productive law."
Sharra E. Greer, director of law and policy for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, said Knight is being discharged "because he dared to tell his story and put a public face to the courage of lesbian and gay service personnel. Our nation should be embarrassed that our armed forces are forced to respond to Knight's selfless service with a government-sanctioned pink slip."