I didn't debate anything. I asked a couple of questions, made a couple of statements about differing view points and stated some facts. There was not any debating.
As far as her "Veteran" status. The US Army and the US Government considers her a Veteran. She is in possession of a DD214 with an honorable discharge. It's always good to separate the FACTS from one's own personal opinion.
While some servicemembers do not feel a Cadets time at a service academy is worthy of active duty standing and do not feel that their separation warrants them Veteran Status - the FACT is the US Military does 'consider' them Active Duty soldiers in mind, body and soul and does indeed render them Veteran Status upon their separation. That discharge can be classified in several ways and Katie Miller did receive an HONORABLE discharge. (FACT)
Sorry Jam; you can debate this one all you want. She was wrong. We know she was wrong. Deep down inside, I believe that you know she was wrong. Even she knows what her motives are. She handled this entire situation wrong. And now, she continues to handle it wrong. And the reason we aren't talking about the "others", is because they didn't make themselves a news item. They didn't brag about the situation. They weren't looking for notoriety. They simply left and chose to continue their fight on the outside. I can respect that. If this girl felt that strongly about her academy environment, and future military service, she too could have taken a similar action. But she CHOSE the media's attention and lime light. She deserves any criticism that comes to her.
Wow. That is harsh. I have not passed judgement one way or another. She obviously felt she was in an untenable situation at West Point. She chose to leave, others choose to stay. She was well within her rights to leave and left at a point where no explanation was necessary. She chose to explain and stood up for herself in doing so.
Actually she didn't do any more than the others. They were kicked out but also chose the media's limelight. Perhaps you just haven't noticed. Google their names and you will see. PM me if you need help with that.
I understand that your view point is that you have more respect for someone who has been discriminated against if they sit down, shut up and don't make waves. You would rather not know.
These four were representing the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.
http://www.sldn.org/
Katie Miller did receive counsel from them prior to her resignation and is apparently active in the organization. Hence, her invitation to appear.
I am kind of surprised that you would be okay with the other three grandstanding and not a former Cadet. Katie Miller served under the same rules as the others. No different. In fact, in her environment she probably had a more difficult time than the other three. In any case, keeping such a secret from everyone you work (and live) with only becomes more difficult over time.
When you say her service was not Honorable, you should qualify that as your OPINION.
If you think two years at West Point is nothing more than college classes you clearly do not know the difference between West Point and the Air Force Academy. JMHO.
Katie Miller may certainly be affecting another young person who is gay and considering a Service Academy. Since they cannot consult with anyone in the military they may be exposed to a view point they had not considered and realize just how difficult it can be/will be to be a gay Cadet. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Information is power.
I am a little confused why some folks are threatened by that or concerned that West Point will 'look bad'.
