“It is a strange sort of patriot who tells certain people that they shouldn’t be allowed to serve their country.”

We’re not talking about Hurricane Harvey.

Yesterday evening, from Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) via Twitter:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler‏ @RepHartzler
Military service is a privilege, not a right. My statement on @realDonaldTrump #transgender announcement:
[….]
6:00 PM – 25 Aug 2017

The statement:

Hartzler Statement on Transgender Policy Announcement
August 25, 2017 Press Release
After President Donald Trump sent a memorandum to the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security Friday detailing the new transgender military policy, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) released the following statement:
 
“Military service is a privilege, not a right,” said Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler. “I’m pleased to see the President putting military readiness first and making sure our defense dollars are spent keeping us safe. With the growing threats from Iran, North Korea, China and others, the U.S. military cannot afford to divert precious defense dollars from our national security. Every dollar must be spent investing in new military technology, getting the right equipment for our troops, and making sure we are protected from threats across the globe.”

Some of the replies to Representative Hartzler’s (r) Twitter post:

Obviously, viagra and cialus don’t contribute to our defensive strength either. Propose that the military stops funding them.

3. We (all Americans) r privileged that all Americans have an opportunity to serve regardless of religion, gender, color, or gender identity

Your post in our government is a privilege, not a right. I look forward to you losing that privilege.

I earned that privilege by putting my life on the line while you were sitting in a cushy office. Who are you, again?

How dare you? These people are willing to give their lives for their country.

WRONG! Serving your country is your duty and honour, and you are denying those who want to serve for those reasons, the chance to do so!

So voting against you. Transgender people are not a distraction and not an issue to exploit. I’m disgusted by your post.

You madam nothing about the privilege of military service. Tammy Duckworth does.

2. Transgender americans that r soldiers, sailors, airmen & marines 1st, r stronger, more dedicated & more patriotic than u & ur transphobia

Interesting how you and Pres Draft Dodger, never used that privilege, yet think you have the right to tell others if they are for to serve.

How dare you take these peoples’ careers and aspirations from them? Are you ready to take their place on the line?

But it’s okay for trump to bankrupt the secret service with all his vacations? Or waste billions on a wall

Does anyone know the cost of sacking and hiring 1000s of new soldiers, with the training and comp packages needed?

People want to put their lives on the line, and this is what you do? You’re not fit for public office

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” If they wish to serve, it is shameful to stop them.

Thank you for your service, both of you- oh wait….

It is a strange sort of patriot who tells certain people that they shouldn’t be allowed to serve their country.

Are you going to kick out all the other service members that are on “profiles” and cannot deploy? Cancel viagra scripts? Ban pregnancy?

Transgendered troops, just like the rest of our troops, do nothing but put their lives on the line for this country! They are courageous!

“Every dollar must be spent investing in new military technology” should include your salary after this statement.

I trust you will vehemently oppose funding a border wall thru cuts to DoD and DoS budgets then since security abroad is so important to you.

You should learn of which you speak. All troops – cis and trans – are valuable patriots. Bigotry has no place in America.

Bet those conscripted and killed in the war in Vietnam didn’t feel privileged

We should respect anyone that chooses to fight for our country. It’s more courage than you making statements about it.

Last I checked it was one’s duty and honor.

That’s why they had to pick numbers to see who got the “privilege” of going to Vietnam.

Wait. Was conscription more of a privilege or a right?

Military service IS a privilege, so is working in government. Not one that should be abused by personal opinion.

tinpot demagoguery is nothing to be proud of

Is this why we still make it mandatory for young men register for a draft? Privilege?

Difficult to put into words how awful a person you are. Rely on service of others, but judge who you deem worthy to protect you. Twisted.

What do you expect in return for this shameless pandering to the Great Pumpkin, Ms. Hartzler?

Have you even read the bill of rights?

Truly disgraceful. These are my friends and family you are dehumanizing and putting at further risk of violence. Shame on you.

Nut. You should appreciate courageous qualified people who join to protect your right to be a bigot.

The President uses the same arguments to ban trans soldiers as those used to ban blacks&women. What a disrespect to those of us who served.

Americans willing to put their lives on the line to protect others should be allowed to serve. Since you haven’t served, how dare you judge?

A privilege?! No, your free, safe life is a privilege because of their service, you fool.

Fighting for your country is a duty some feel they are called to. Discrimination is wrong and unnecessary and bigoted.

The ability of a person to defend their country is not defined by their genitalia.

And on and on…

Previously:

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) on DADT: it’s all about the plumbing (April 1, 2011)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): really, it’s still all about the plumbing (February 13, 2013)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): it’s all about the plumbing, again (May 15, 2016)