Men vs. Women: Forward March!

Oh to be a fly on the wall inside the male barracks where our U.S. service members live!

Last week, the Pentagon announced a rather progressive and controversial move when it decided to allow women to hold combat positions.
This argument has been around for a long time.  The old school of thought was that it would never happen.  It did.

I have never served my country, so I will say upfront, I am writing this blog with limited knowledge.  I do know several people who currently serve and served.  I hold their opinion with the highest regard.

There are many male service members who are vehemently opposed to the change.  First they argue HYGIENE.  I say…Bologna!   Yes, a woman does have her “time of the month”, but if all of y’all are out there in 105 degree heat, none of you will come up smelling like roses.  I passed a man at the gym this morning and let’s just say I’ve never smelled an odor quite like that.  I hope it never infiltrates my nose again.  This is 2013.  There are so many advances in medicine that if a woman was to serve in an “elite” group, she could probably get that whole “cycle thing” taken care of (so it wouldn’t be a factor) for a few months.

The next argument is strength/endurance/stamina.  I’m told a man by nature is simply stronger.  Maybe that’s true.  My thoughts on that though…go to a CrossFit class and tell me there aren’t women who can’t hack it.

The third reason I’ve been given as to why women shouldn’t be able to hold combat positions is because if they become a P.O.W. in a country that still views females as second class citizens, the hell to pay will be even more painful than what a male would endure.  That is a pretty fair argument; however, if a woman chooses to go this route to serve our country, she’ll be aware of all this.  It becomes her choice.

As one former marine put it, a bullet knows no difference between gender when you are on the front lines.  I salute any woman who takes the first step to sign up for  combat.  Physically or mentally she is facing odds that certainly aren’t in her favor.  But then again as women, don’t we always?

From Ten Commandments to Six?

There is a saying that’s often used in the sports world “All or None”.  It’s pretty self explanatory.  However, this week, a federal court judge in Roanoke suggested when it comes to the Ten Commandments, it doesn’t have to be all or none.

Huh?

First a little background.  Giles County High School is in the middle of a legal battle over the Ten commandments.  Should the school be allowed to hang them on the walls?  Most in the community says yes, but at least one student and parent along with the ACLU say no.  This week the judge in the case said there might be a compromise.  That is, to hang six of the Commandments and NOT the other four that contain the word God.

This just might be another story that lands Virginia on the national news (including the late night comic circuit).  I don’t know about you, but I’m always amazed when people pick and choose what they want out of the Bible or any religion for that matter.  I understand the judge is trying to appease both parties, but is this the way to do it?

If you believe the Bible and take it as law, Jesus said in John 14:6, “If you love me, keep my commandments”.  It doesn’t say keep the ones that work for you or keep the ones that aren’t controversial.

I’d love to hear what you think about this.

I’ll go back to the saying All or None?