Ignorant Army Recruiter Attacks Gay Man Via Email

You'd think in 2007 people would have better things to do, but not our little Army recruiter, Sgt. Marcia Ramode. Nope- she's making her family proud by taking her bigotry to the information super highway.

In all caps she sent the following email, in late February, to Corey Andrew- an openly gay black man:
"GO BACK TO AFRICA AND DO YOUR GAY VOODOO LIMBO TANGO AND WANGO DANCE AND JUMP AROUND AND PRANCE AND RUN ALL OVER THE PLACE HALF NAKED THERE. ... THAT'S WHERE YOU BELONG"

All Andrew did was post his resume on CareerBuilder.com in search of employment. In doing so, he became another victim to the Army's aggressive recruiting tactics- similar to those that plague many high schools in urban areas.

After declining the free trip to Iraq, Andrew decided to ask a few questions regarding the Army's foolish policy on gay and lesbian soldiers. Once he revealed his sexual preference, Ramode went into flip-mode.

According to Ramode, Andrew was now unqualified to serve and that his choice was disgusting and immoral.

"In any other corporate structure in America, an e-mail like this going around in an office building would result in termination immediately," said Andrew, who thought Ramode was "absolutely out of her mind."

Not surprisingly, Steve Ralls, a spokesman for the Service Members Legal Defense Network suggested that action be taken against Ramode. "She should be relieved from her duty. She was not just homophobic, she was also racist. And if that's the public voice the Army wants to put out there, then shame on them."

Never one to accept responsibility (*cough* Pat Tillman *cough*) the Army has responded with the typical blow-off by claiming the comments were being investigated. "The command expects its recruiters to conduct themselves in a professional manner in all dealings with potential applicants and members of the public. We are ambassadors for America's Army," says public affairs officer Sgt. Douglas Smith.

For now Ramode will stay employed by the Army but will no longer be recruiting. Perhaps a trip to the front line is in order? Andrew, however, is hoping the Army will do what's right and discharge the woman immediately, especially since she violated the all-American policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

In all fairness, Andrew's responses weren't every bit professional either- he hit low and hard by critiquing Ramode's spelling and grammar. Ouch. Upon discovering her Native American heritage, he suggested she "take that to your next rain dance."

Research showed no existence of a Voodoo Limbo Tango and Wango Dance celebrated by any African tribe or hip-hop artist. However Ted Nugent did record "Wango Tango" for his album Scream Dream, in 1980. Members of Wang Chung were unavailable for comment. I doubt any of this is related to Ramode's emails though.