Trump and the Actual Reality of Women in the U.S. Military
January 21, 2017 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us
In his inauguration speech, Trump didn’t even talk about the inequality, discrimination, and oppression of women—AT ALL. Once again, he underscored his utter, patriarchal hatred and disregard for half of humanity. He did talk about prejudice. Here is what he said:
“When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.”
Yes, Trump did talk about prejudice—invoking the Bible that truly is a horror for women. The Bible, which says: “You may, however, take as your booty the women, the children, and the livestock, and everything in its town—all its spoil—and enjoy the use of the spoil of your enemy which the Lord gives you.” (Deuteronomy 20)
Trump said: “It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget, that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots; we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms; and we all salute the same great American Flag.”
To this, we should ask, what IS the ACTUAL REALITY for women in the U.S. imperialist military?
This is only ONE story:
Michelle Jones was only 17 years old when she joined the U.S. military. She said she had taken joy in serving her country. One day, after field exercises, she was in the barracks with other soldiers having a party. Afterwards her squad leader hung around, even after she asked him to leave. When Jones tried to leave the room he attacked her, put his hands around her throat, brought her to the ground and raped her. Jones tried so hard to push him off that she tore an abdominal muscle. Afterwards he said, “If you tell anybody about this I’ll tell them you’re a dyke.” At first she contemplated suicide and didn’t want to say anything. Then she decided to. (“Soldiers Raped in the U.S. Military Share Their Stories,” www.care2.com)
This kind of thing happens to women in the U.S. military ALL THE TIME. The men who do this are rarely punished. The women, when they report it, are frequently persecuted.
There is what can only be described as an epidemic of rape in the U.S. military.
Polls by the Veterans Health Administration show that one in five female veterans say they have been victims of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). But this only reflects those women who choose to talk about being raped or sexually abused while in the U.S. military. Many choose to remain silent. One reason is because of retaliation they face from the military itself. Thousands of women in the U.S. military have lost their careers after reporting a sexual assault and been given stigmatizing discharge papers that prevent them from getting jobs and benefits. (Human Rights Watch)
So fuck you, Donald Trump, and your fucking patriarchal, woman-hating, Nazi program.
The people need to STOP TRUMP-PENCE!
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