To the news that transgender Americans have “burdened” the armed forced service due their “tremendous medical costs and disruption,” former military prisoner Chelsea Manning made the argument that if this is about money (note: it isn’t), then why not focus on the much-maligned and hugely expensive F-35 fighter project?
so, biggest baddest most $$ military on earth cries about a few trans people ?? but funds the F-35? ?? sounds like cowardice ?????? #WeGotThis
— Chelsea E. Manning (@xychelsea) July 26, 2017
today is further reason we should dismantle the bloated and dangerous military/intel/police state to fund #healthcare for all ?????? #WeGotThis
— Chelsea E. Manning (@xychelsea) July 26, 2017
Wow – on Twitter. You are coming for us and we will come right back for you. This is so cruel. https://t.co/stBkMAe8FY
— Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio) July 26, 2017
Why bother to pay attention to facts. Cost is almost zero. Disruption non-existent. Another day, another illegal policy announcement. https://t.co/iyXRmwZiU5
— Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio) July 26, 2017
WATCH: ACLU Atty. says they are “prepared to fight back” on behalf of transgender people in the military. https://t.co/nXA5EybaDZ
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 26, 2017
Joshua Block, also of the ACLU, issued a response saying “this has been studied extensively, and the consensus is clear: There are no cost or military readiness drawbacks associated with allowing trans people to fight for their country.
“The president is trying to score cheap political points on the backs of military personnel who have put their lives on the line for their country.”
“As we know from the sad history of that discredited policy, discrimination harms military readiness.“This is a shocking and ignorant attack on our military and on transgender troops who have been serving honorably and effectively for the past year.”
Don’t let the news be an abstraction, get to know the real trans people serving in the military, like Logan & Laila: https://t.co/HfbNdGabSQ
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) July 26, 2017
Actual bravery: A portrait of a trans soldier, and third-generation warrior, more patriotic than Trump will ever be. https://t.co/iCVqyV1y9g
— Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites) July 26, 2017
This line from @devinfriedman’s ’15 story about a transgender former SEAL has stuck with me since the day I read it https://t.co/DYTYYDpdln pic.twitter.com/36BN99PrJP
— Freddie Campion (@FreddieCampion) July 26, 2017
Sanders admits the WH has no idea how Trump’s trans military ban will be implemented. Can’t say whether those deployed now will be recalled pic.twitter.com/ymzqdj8DBL
— David Mack (@davidmackau) July 26, 2017
Photo: Pool / Getty.