BTR1701 <
atropos@mac.com> wrote:
Biden's Veterans Affairs Under Secretary RimaAnn O. Nelson hates men almost as
much as she hates vets.
At least we fired the bitch.
She's now banning one of the most iconic photos in
history from being displayed in VA buildings: the Pulitzer Prize-winning
V-J
Day Times Square photo of a sailor kissing a dental assistant, because
the
sailor did not obtain consent before kissing the woman.
https://ibb.co/Rvw35Ps
Meanwhile, VA hospitals and other facilities are falling apart and the
veterans wait months or years for treatment. But it's good to see the Woke Police are patrolling the halls, tearing down any instance of wrongthink
they
come across.
(I bet if you asked Google AI to show you this picture, the result would be
two black men kissing.)
The Biden Administration sucks to a shockingly high degree. What's next?
Banning the picture of raising the flag over Iwo Jima due to insufficient diversity among the marines?
---------------------------------------------
Memorandum
Department of Veterans Affairs
DATE: 02/29/2024
FROM: Assistant Under Secretary for Health Operations (AUSHO) (15)
SUBJ: Removal and Replacement of "V-J Day in Times Square" Photographs
TO: Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) Directors (1DN1-23)
1. PURPOSE: This memorandum requests the removal of the "V-J Day in Times
Square" photograph from all Veterans Health Administration facilities in alignment with the Department of Veterans Affairs's commitment to
maintaining
a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment. This action is
prescribed
by the recognition that the photograph, which depicts a non-consensual act,
is
inconsistent with the VA's no-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment and assault, as outlined in VA Handbook 5079 and VHA Directive 5019.02(1).
2. BACKGROUND: The "V-J Day in Times Square" photograph, captured by Alfred
Eisenstaedt on August 14, 1945, is an iconic image from the 20th century.
It
depicts a U.S. Navy sailor kissing a woman dressed in white in Times
Square,
New York City, on the day Japan's surrender in World War II was announced, marking the war's end. This spontaneous moment was celebrated across the
United States and the photograph quickly became a symbol of victory and the joyous end to the long and devastating conflict. The placement of this photograph in Veterans Affairs facilities was initially intended to
celebrate
and commemorate the end of World War II and the triumphant return of
American
soldiers. However, perspective on historical events and their
representations
evolve. Recent discussion have highlighted concerns about the
non-consensual
nature of the kiss, prompting debates on consent and the
appropriateness of
celebrating such images in today's environment, especially within
institutions
such as VA facilities, which are committed to upholding standards of
creating
a safe and respectful environment.
3. DECISION: The Department of Justice's current definition of sexual assault
includes any non-consensual sexual act or any act where the victim cannot consent. This definition is adhered to by the Department when applying our policies and guidance. By the VA's no-tolerance policy toward domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault as outlined in VA Handbook 5079 and
VHA Directive 5019.02(1), the VA is committed to eliminating these
behaviors
in our community. Employees have expressed discomfort with the
display of this
photograph, suggesting that its presence could be construed as a tacit endorsement of the inappropriate behavior it depicts.
4. To foster a more trauma-informed environment that promotes the
psychological safety of our employees and the Veterans we serve,
photographs
depicting "V-J Day in Times Square" should be removed from VHA
facilities.
This action reflects our dedication to creating a respectful and safe
workplace and is in keeping with our broader efforts to promote a culture
of
inclusivity and awareness.
5. In celebrating the end of World War II and the valiant service of our
veterans, facilities should seek affirmative photographs that capture the spirit of victory and peace without compromising the VA's commitment to a
safe
and respectful environment.
6. Your cooperation in this matter is vital. Please ensure that these
photographs are promptly removed and facilities explore suitable
replacements
that honor our history and veterans in a manner consistent with our values.
7. Should you have any questions concerning this memorandum, please contact
Leslie Jackson, Director of the Assault and Harassment Prevention Office.
---------------------------------------------
UPDATE: Hours after the memo being leaked on X, in response to media inquiries
and voluminous public outcry, the VA Secretary confirmed the memo was
authentic and immediately rescinded it, saying he had not been aware of it
and
that the VA would not be banning any iconic American historical photos.
--
The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it is still on my list.
--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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