Mayor Fears "Limp-Wristed" Soldiers

Yuma, Ariz., mayor Al Krieger did not hold back at a Memorial Day service at a local cemetery when talking about the prospect of allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly in the military.

"I cannot believe that a bunch of lacey-drawered, limp-wristed people could do what those men have done in the past," is reported to have stated.

Krieger went on to say in a KYMA report that he was "reluctant to compare myself to George Washington or Abraham Lincoln," but either of those presidents would have said the same thing.

Eric Alva, a former Marine staff sergeant who was discharged from the military under "don't ask, don't tell" after serving in Iraq, called Krieger's words "hateful" and "absolutely inconsistent with the unbending physical and mental courage that I encountered among all of the men and women with whom I served, whether gay or straight."

"Because of my injuries, my wrist might not be as strong as it once was, but my fidelity to this country and its founding ideals has never once wavered," he added. "Gay and lesbian service members have always fought to defend this country -- soon, we will be able to do so as equals. On the next Memorial Day, I ask Al Krieger to remember our sacrifices too."