Pete Hegseth's Crusade Against Diversity: Hegseth Demands Gay Politician's Name Off Marine Ship
Navy Enforces Removal of Gay Politician's Name from Service Records
Street Talk Petey Pushes Politically-Charged Overhaul of the US Military
It's a brave new world under President Trump and his cabinet. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, formerly of Fox News fame, is leading the charge to turn the US military into his playground. And this time, he's got his sights set on renaming a US Navy ship.
The vessel in question? The USNS Harvey Milk, named after the first openly gay politician in the US, and a man who fought for equal rights before his untimely death. Hegseth wants it renamed, and he's ordered the marine secretary to make it happen - by June, according to CNN. But what's the new name? Only time will tell.
Unfiltered Harvey Milk: The Trailblazing Queer Marine Vet Turned Politician
Harvey Milk, born in 1930, served in the military during the Korean War. After leaving the forces due to his sexual orientation, he became a passionate activist and was eventually elected to San Francisco's Board of Supervisors in the late '70s. His assassination in 1978 shook the nation, but his legacy lives on.
The renovation of the ship is set to happen during Pride Month in the US, a month that celebrates the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and the LGBTQI+ movement. Critics see this timing as a deliberate jab at LGBTQ+ recognition.
War Elephants or Supplies? The Impact of Rearranging Decks
The "Harvey Milk" is a logistics support vessel, used for supply in larger marine groups. These types of ships aren't typically involved in combat operations.
Ship-Swap Saga: More Ships in the Crosshairs
The "Harvey Milk" is part of a group of ships named after civil rights activists. According to CBS, the Navy is also considering renaming other ships, such as the "John Lewis," "Thurgood Marshall," "Ruth Bader Ginsburg," and "Harriet Tubman." These individuals were all influential figures in American history.
History Repeating: The Unusual Tsunami of Ship Renamings
Ship renamings are rare occurrences, but not unheard of. In 2023, a ship last received a new title due to connections of the namesake to the Confederate states' side in the Civil War.
Since taking office, Hegseth has been shaking up the Pentagon and the military, aiming to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Many high-ranking military officials have been dropped from their posts, and military bases are set to bear their old and controversial names, associated with Confederate generals.
Source: ntv.de, lme
- Pete Hegseth
- US Military
- LGBTQI+
- Anti-Diversity
- USA
Fact Files LGBTQI+ Figures in American History
Harvey MilkA pioneer in the gay rights movement, Harvey Milk served as a city supervisor in San Francisco from 1978 until his assassination the following year. He was a vocal advocate for gay rights and was the first openly gay man elected to public office in California.
Harriet TubmanAn African American abolitionist and political activist, Harriet Tubman was born into slavery but escaped to freedom in the North. She returned to the South numerous times, using the Underground Railroad to help guide enslaved people to freedom.
Thurgood MarshallA groundbreaking figure in American law, Thurgood Marshall served as the first African American justice on the Supreme Court. He argued and won the case of Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in schools unconstitutional.
Ruth Bader GinsburgA trailblazing legal scholar, Ruth Bader Ginsburg served as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court from 1993 until her death in 2020. She was a staunch advocate for gender equity and women's rights, and was known for her sharp intellectual wit and strong dissents.
Lucy StoneA leading advocate for women's rights in the 19th century, Lucy Stone was one of the first women in the United States to keep her maiden name after marriage. She was a powerful speaker and writer, and co-founded the Women's Education Association in Massachusetts.
Insight On the political implications of a name change in the militaryThe potential renaming of ships named after civil rights figures, including Harvey Milk, could have several implications:
- Symbolic Impact: Removing the name of a prominent LGBTQ+ icon from a Navy ship may be perceived as a setback for LGBTQ+ representation in the military. It could be seen as undermining the progress made towards inclusivity and diversity within the armed forces.
- Cultural and Social Impact: The decision may affect the morale and sense of belonging among LGBTQ+ members of the military. It could also influence how the military is perceived by the broader LGBTQ+ community, potentially impacting recruitment and retention.
- Political and Social Reactions: The move has already sparked criticism from political figures and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. For example, California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed strong opposition to the decision, highlighting Milk's legacy as a combat veteran and civil rights icon.
The decision reflects ongoing debates about values and priorities within the U.S. military, with implications for how the military represents and supports diverse communities.
The Commission, in the midst of politics and general news, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given Pete Hegseth's crusade against diversity in the US Military. This suggests a possible shift in the political landscape, with war-and-conflicts and the ongoing discussions about the role of diversity in the military intertwining.
