Trump's Quest to Rewind History: Hegseth Scrambles Namesakes of Civil Rights Icons on US Ships
Navy Removes Name of Politician Due to His Sexual Orientation fromservice records
Kick it Casual: Let's dive into the latest drama stirred up by the Trump administration, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth picks a battle that's causing quite a splash!
Get ready to ruffle some feathers, folks, because Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is back at it again, this time rewriting history aboard our Navy ships. The former Fox News host, now tasked with reshaping the US military, has ordered the renaming of the US Navy ship previously named after Harvey Milk, the pioneering gay rights activist and Marine veteran. And the timing? You guessed it - just in time to dampen the spirits of Pride Month celebrations, commemorating the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and the LGBTQI+ movement.
While the new name for the vessel remains shrouded in secrecy, it's been revealed through CNN that the renaming is expected to take place in June. But the story doesn't end there. According to reports from CBS, the Navy is considering a whole fleet of renamings, including the "Thurgood Marshall," "Ruth Bader Ginsburg," and "Harriet Tubman" ships of the John Lewis class. You may recall these outstanding individuals as civil rights activists and influential figures who graced the courts and abolitionist movements with their unwavering spirits.
Curious about these modern-day titans of justice? Here's a quick run-down:
- Harvey Milk: A trailblazer in the LGBTQI+ rights movement, Milk was among the first openly gay men elected to public office in the US. Despite his military service, he was discharged due to his sexual orientation.
- Medgar Evers: A civil rights leader, Evers fought tirelessly against racial segregation, meeting his untimely end by an assassin's bullet in 1963.
- Cesar Chavez: A champion for workers' rights, Chavez co-founded the United Farm Workers and dedicated his life to social justice advocacy.
- Sojourner Truth: An emblem of women's rights activism, Truth is renowned for her powerful speech, "That Man Over There Says That Women Need to Be Helped into Carriages," often referred to as "Ain't I a Woman?"
- Lucy Stone: A pioneer in women's rights, Stone was the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree, paving the way for the women's suffrage movement.
- Dolores Huerta: A labor leader and civil rights activist, Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez, continuing to advocate for workers' rights and social justice.
- Thurgood Marshall: The first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Marshall was a prominent civil rights lawyer who fought against segregation.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Supreme Court Justice and champion of women's rights, Ginsburg made significant strides in the legal sector.
- Harriet Tubman: A legendary figure in the abolition of slavery, Tubman led numerous enslaved individuals to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
Renaming naval ships in honor of these courageous individuals has been an exception rather than the norm. According to CNN, the last ship to receive a new title was back in 2023, due to ties with the Confederate states' side in the Civil War.
Under Hegseth's leadership, the Pentagon and the military have undergone drastic changes intended to create a "warrior culture," targeting programs related to diversity, equality, and inclusion. As a result, numerous high-ranking military officials have been removed from their posts, and military bases are seemingly taking a walk down memory lane with contentious namesakes linked to Confederate generals.
Keep an eye on the waves, because it's no summer romance between these ships and their namesakes - there's a storm brewing, and only time will tell how the story unfolds!
Fast Facts:
- Pete Hegseth: Defense Secretary behind the renaming of ships bearing names of civil rights icons
- Controversy: Renaming of USSNS Harvey Milk during Pride Month sparks furor
- John Lewis Class: Potential targets for ship renaming, including Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Harriet Tubman
- Civil Rights: Tracing the tales of iconic figures whose ship names are now in question
- USA: The center of the storm as defense policies continue to evolve in divisive ways
- While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to rename military ships stirs controversy, it's important to consider the Commission's ongoing proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation – a critical issue in the realm of policy and legislation.
- As the politics surrounding the naming of Navy ships unfold, it's essential to remember the general news about the war-and-conflicts continuing around the world, their impact on our society, and the importance of adhering to international laws governing wars.
- Simultaneously, it's crucial to follow the unfolding investigations and updates in the crime-and-justice sector, as understanding these issues can help shape informed policy decisions and contribute to a more equitable society for all.
