Biden’s Air Force nominee’s actions show leftists’ influence on the military
Leftist Identity Politics Infects U.S. Military: Air Force Official Promotes Pride Parade
In a troubling example of leftist identity politics infiltrating the U.S. military, The Federalist has uncovered that Air Force Brig. Gen. Steven J. Butow, recently promoted by President Joe Biden, participated in a 2022 California “pride” parade.
Nominated by Biden to serve as major general, Butow joined several U.S. service members in the 2022 Silicon Valley Pride Parade. As commander of the California Air National Guard, Butow’s involvement in the event was captured in a photograph, where he can be seen proudly posing alongside his fellow service members, all wearing rainbow-colored event passes.
Butow’s active participation in the parade was further confirmed by another photograph, which revealed that the California Military Department had participated in multiple pride parades the previous year, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Speaking about the event, Butow stated, “We’re a community-based organization… The best part about the Guard is the Guard should reflect the communities that we represent,” echoing leftist rhetoric.
The annual Silicon Valley Pride Parade, hosted by Silicon Valley Pride, featured various LGBT-themed festivities, including drag bingo, a cook-off, and performances by drag queens and dancers.
Butow’s endorsement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ideology is not unique among Biden’s military nominees. Benjamin Jonsson, an Air Force colonel promoted to brigadier general, openly criticized his fellow white airmen for not acknowledging systemic racism in the military.
Charles Q. Brown, recently confirmed as the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has also emphasized diversity in personnel decisions and admitted to hiring for diversity in his staff.
The military’s embrace of leftist politics under Biden underscores the significance of Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s protest against the Defense Department’s radical abortion policy. Tuberville’s actions have forced the Senate Armed Services Committee to vote on military promotions individually rather than collectively.
Despite possessing the power to bring these nominations to the Senate floor for a vote, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats have baselessly attacked Tuberville, accusing him of jeopardizing national security and military readiness.
Democrats have attempted to advance a resolution that would bypass Tuberville’s protest and allow the Pentagon’s unlawful policy to go unchallenged, but they would need Republican support to succeed.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. His work has been featured in various outlets, including RealClearPolitics and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood.
How does the involvement of the California Military Department in pride parades raise concerns about the politicization of the U.S. military?
Ity and inclusion within the military. This blatant display of support for identity politics raises significant concerns about the politicization of the U.S. military and its impact on national security.
Identity politics, defined as prioritizing the interests and concerns of specific social groups based on their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, has become a divisive force within American society. While proponents argue that it is a necessary tool for addressing historical injustices and achieving equality, critics contend that it fosters division and undermines meritocracy.
The U.S. military, historically revered for its dedication to duty, honor, and country, should be free from any partisan affiliations and political agendas. The promotion of Brig. Gen. Butow, who openly engages in identity politics, sends a troubling message to service members and the American people. It suggests that the military is becoming a tool for promoting a specific political ideology, rather than focusing on its core mission of defending the nation.
Moreover, the participation of the California Military Department in multiple pride parades is indicative of a broader trend within the military. Instead of prioritizing readiness, training, and military effectiveness, there appears to be an increasing emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives. While diversity within the military is undoubtedly important, it should not become the primary focus at the expense of military readiness and effectiveness.
This shift towards identity politics in the military is not only concerning from a national security standpoint but also raises questions about the erosion of traditional values and the impact on unit cohesion. The military’s strength lies in its ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds under a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie. However, when politicized agendas are allowed to infiltrate the ranks, it risks creating divisions and undermining morale.
Furthermore, the military should be a nonpartisan institution, free from the influence of any one political ideology. By openly participating in pride parades, Brig. Gen. Butow and the California Military Department are aligning themselves with a specific political movement. This compromises the integrity and impartiality of the military, which should serve as a unifying force for all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs or identities.
As the Biden administration continues to promote a progressive agenda, it is crucial to uphold the values that have made the U.S. military the finest fighting force in the world. The military should remain focused on its core mission and resist the pressures of identity politics. While diversity and inclusion are important, they should be approached in a manner that does not compromise military effectiveness or undermine the cohesion of our armed forces.
In conclusion, the participation of Air Force Brig. Gen. Butow in a pride parade, along with the involvement of the California Military Department in multiple similar events, highlights the encroachment of leftist identity politics within the U.S. military. This trend raises concerns about the politicization of the military and its impact on national security. It is imperative to uphold the nonpartisan nature of the military and ensure that it remains focused on its core mission of defending the nation, rather than promoting specific political ideologies.
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