After President Donald Trump used Twitter to announce a ban on transgender U.S. troops Wednesday, it drew reactions ranging from outrage to surprise to celebration from transgender activists, politicians and military officials in Washington.
“Please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military,” Trump’s tweet reads.
But even outside the beltway, Granite Staters in downtown Concord had their own opinions Thursday on Trump’s move, and they were generally negative about the ban:
Jeff Rodgers, 48, of Concord:
“It doesn’t matter if you’re straight or gay if you want to fight for your country. Let them fight.”
Terry Vota, 61, of Hillsboro:
“It’s a completely volunteer service. If they really wanted to be particular about it they could do the draft all over again and have exclusions. There is no draft. People are volunteering for this out of the goodness of their heart. They want to serve their country. Why should it matter?”
John Ladson, 36, of Franklin:
“I believe that if regular men and women can die for our country they can, too. But I believe they should figure out a way to segregate them so nobody feels uncomfortable.”
Terry Malec, 51, of Newport:
“People that step up to the plate to serve this country should be given that chance and I think anybody in government should not dictate whether or not they should be there. They should be treated equally. They deserve that. Being transgender should have no barring on them serving.”
Mike Maynard, 54, of Concord:
“Let them do it. Our leader should run our countrym not our opinions. He should run the country and worry about the country and let us worry about our opinions and what we want to do.”
Christina Dyer, 36, of Concord:
“What is he really going for? He’s saying these things to get a reaction to accomplish something but I don’t think that he’s actually doing it to set us back. I just think that’s the message he’s sending to get a reaction.”