Political Correctness at the Navy

According to the Navy Times, of all things:

Naval Academy leaders removed two midshipmen from a color guard that performed at the World Series last week because they were white men, and replaced them with a non-white man and a white woman so the academy could present a more “diverse” profile, according to several sources, a move that has reportedly angered mids and alumni.

Disgraceful. And then on top of it all, the "non-white man," a Pakistani, left part of his uniform behind and didn't participate after all. I learned later in the article that (a) all eight of them [six original and the two "replacements"] would have performed, but (b) an honor guard must have an even number of people. All eight were sent to New York for the appearance.

Since the "non-white man" could not participate, one of the original six white guys was kept out. The "white woman" participated with five white guys.

The Navy hasn't exactly handled this well in the days since, either. What they did is not in keeping with naval tradition, and the after-the-fact forbidding of discussion about it is hardly in keeping with American customs.

We have the finest navy in the world and we have the finest naval personnel. This is not going to help their image. Political correctness is no substitute for doing it right.

It's the Most "Politically Correct" Time of the Year

Today, I was working at a warehouse filling order after order for Kmart. (Good news: Monotony now has a definition.) Each identical order contained a number of what I, and many of you, would refer to as "Thanksgiving" dinnerware, napkins, table covers, etc. But is that what the labels say?

No. We had the "Fall Harvest" platter and plates, and products called "Autumn Splendor" and "Harvest Festival" (that one had your traditional turkey-and-cornucopia look). Thanksgiving? Nowhere to be found.

Admittedly, it will be autumn time when these products go on display, and the colored leaves and crops do indicate the time of year. Snow-draped fir trees indicate winter, as well. But be on the lookout as always: Many in our country today don't want to acknowledge Thanksgiving and Christmas (except re: Time off of work) as Christian holidays, thanking Jesus Christ for everything He has done for us and for the entire world. Let us be thankful, and let us meditate on the reasons for the holidays—not merely that we get opportunities to miss work and eat.

Say It Ain't So, G.I. Joe!

Today's nauseating dose of political correctness:

Apparently Paramount is going to be making a new G.I. Joe movie sometime in the next year or two. (Read the article here.) Instead of the lead character being a tough, macho, American soldier, he is to be morphed into G.I.J.O.E., Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity, "an international, coed task force charged with defeating bad guys." A "wider, more international audience" is sought, because, after all, in today's international political climate, a real-looking U.S. soldier might not fly.

I'll let you read the article if you want (here's another link). I have never been a particularly strong fan of the G.I. Joe action figures; but if you, like me, consider American soldiers to be honorable figures worth promoting on the national and international stage, you will not enjoy this article too much. It is sickening to see the disrespect shown toward American soldiers by such a portrayal.

I don't attend movies. But if I did, I and my family would boycott this one. I wouldn't buy any of the inevitable toys/games/paper plates/action figures/clothing/junk/knockoffs of it at my local Wal-Mart (or any other retailer). I cannot imagine myself supporting a movie that does such disrespect to what everyone in America ought to recognize as a wholesome figure: The American soldier, doing good.

Support and pray for the American military.