Steve Ralls Quotes (11 Quotes)

We want to be sure sexual orientation is not used as a roadblock for security clearance approval.

Based on the information we have, it looks like the officials at Fort Huachuca are not holding anyone responsible for the attack and the threats against Pvt. Lawson. According to Lawson, the guy who attacked him only had his weekend passes revoked. That's simply outrageous.

I don't anticipate that their fight has ended with this decision.

We cannot emphasize enough what a serious risk a military screen name is for a service member it creates a red flag just waiting to be brought to a command's attention,

I'm not going to make excuses for service members who are taking part in sexual conduct for money. It would be absolutely criminal regardless of whether they were heterosexual or gay.

I strongly disagree with that. Clearly, the officials at Fort Huachuca understood Pvt. Lawson was in danger -- otherwise they would not have had him under the drill sergeant's care.

Service members, family and friends are beginning to learn that 'don't ask, don't tell' is a very effective weapon of vengeance.

The silver lining in this decision is that it has focused attention on the underlying issue of the prejudicial 'don't ask, don't tell' policy.

The Thai military is only among the latest who are far ahead of the United States in recognizing that sexuality and gender identity have zero impact in having someone doing their job. The United States should follow Thailand's example. It's a matter of national security.

Don't ask, don't tell' would be the least of their concerns because this involved conduct for the exchange of money and conduct for an internet pornographic Web site. 'Don't ask, don't tell' is the most minor of the offenses.

I think it's clear that there are some in the military who believe that gay and lesbian service members do their jobs well, and that undercuts the 'cohesion' argument, ... If gays and lesbians wouldn't undercut cohesion during a time of conflict, they wouldn't during peacetime, either.