Ernst opposes Trump's ban on transgender troops

[DonViejo]

Source: Politico


By BURGESS EVERETT 07/26/2017 12:37 PM EDT

President Donald Trump's new plan to ban transgender people from the military is running into opposition from a key ally: Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the veteran said Ernst has served with people "from all different backgrounds" and that gender is not a vital indicator of someone's military prowess.

"She believes what is most important is making sure servicemembers can meet the physical training standards, and the willingness to defend our freedoms and way of life," the spokeswoman said. "Americans who are qualified and can meet the standards to serve in the military should be afforded that opportunity."

Trump said on Wednesday that the United States "will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/26/trump-transgender-troops-joni-ernst-240989?lo=ap_b1

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Sen. Ernst Joins GOP Chorus Criticizing Trump’s Transgender Military Ban

By MATT SHUHAM Published JULY 26, 2017 12:54 PM

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined a growing list of Republican senators on Wednesday criticizing President Donald Trump’s announced ban on transgender individuals’ military service.

-snip-

Sens. Richard Shelby (R-AL), John McCain (R-AZ) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have expressed similar criticisms of Trump’s Wednesday announcement.

The Des Moines Register’s Jason Noble told Iowa’s senior senator, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), about Ernst’s position, and reported that Grassley said he respected Ernst’s opinion.

Link to tweet

A proposed amendment to prohibit the Pentagon from paying for servicemembers’ gender reassignment surgeries was recently defeated in the House of Representatives.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/joni-ernst-criticizes-transgender-military-ban

[Lucky Luciano]

1. She must have a close family member that is transgendered.

That is the only way thugs have empathy for marginalized people.

[ciaobaby]

4. This continual negative view is not helpful.

[Lucky Luciano]

6. I am generally suspicious of people that have otherwise been 100% batshit crazy/wrong. nt

[rurallib]

12. you have a good reason to be suspicious in this case

[Matthew28]

2. It is wrong

To discriminate against people for being who they're.

Trump needs to be defeated at all cost.

[hatrack]

3. Who cares?

.

[ciaobaby]

5. Lots of people care - if this is just a bit of a move from the right to stand up for human rights we

all need to know. It's a good thing.

[hatrack]

7. Talk is cheap . . . ..

Meanwhile, she's merrily voting to strip healthcare from millions of people, if at all possible, but let's all gaze, starry-eyed in wonder, at the "moderation" represented by words, words, words, and nothing more.

[Major Nikon]

8. It's entirely possible to agree with someone on one issue and disagree on others

I find the only person I agree with 100% is myself.

[ciaobaby]

9. So very cynical.

Not gazing starry-eyed in wonder - just glad to see one from the right getting it right.

[hatrack]

11. If you're not cynical, you're not paying attention

.

[obamanut2012]

14. I do, and it is fucked up you don't

[hatrack]

15. Not saying it doesn't matter . . .

Saying it doesn't matter a thimbleful of pig shit when she says it, or that she did.

[rtracey]

10. ohhh

Oh ok a transgender can serve in the military, but if a transgender gets cancer, well fuck them huh.. yeah...remember this...If a right winger that says they are supporting you...bullshit, they are fucking lying to you..

[obamanut2012]

13. Can one of you run me to the ER?

I have a huge knot on my head from fainting after I read this.