Date: Sat, 30 Nov 1996 11:27:51 -0500 (EST) From: A Jay Eddy Subject: AmFedVets on Harassment For Immediate Release Contact: KarlClark@aol.com P.O. Box 1281, Ft.Lauderdale,FL 33302 "We Are One" THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF VETERANS "An Alliance for Equality of Rights" SEXUAL HARASSMENT IS MORE THAN UNEQUAL TREATMENT IT'S SPOIL AND REGRESSION AmFedVets members and friends have expressed deep concern over the continued lack of affirmative and positive response regarding equality of treatment relevant to heterosexual and non- heterosexual women and men serving in the military. The matter of "Constitutional Equality, Special Privilege, and Freedom from Religious Persecution" with regard to sexual orientation has not been balanced by the Pentagon and the Joint Chiefs. We call upon the Secretary of Defense and President Clinton to correct the imbalances especially in light of Tailhook, the wide- spread witch-hunts, the current sexual harassment scandal, etc. It is obvious that too many in leadership positions are not assuming responsibility, are evading the issues, and "passing the buck." There can be no special Constitutional justification and/or right for these abuses regardless of rank be it Commander, officer, enlisted servicemember, civilian, politician, and/or political appointee. We will ask, we will tell, and we shall pursue those who hid from truthful and responsible discharge of duty either in public office or in the military. Scapegoating and persecution must end along with denial, abuse, waste, and coverup. The ethical response to the facade of bureaucratic spoil and regression is an honest, credible, and accountable commitment to the nation of our Founding Fathers and all its citizens regardless of minority status. Simply stated there must be "One nation under God with Liberty and Justice for All" if we are to survive as conceived.