I've been a strong supporter of our armed services as an employer of last resort for a lot of young African-Americans, even if their service was perverted by the "defensive" choices of our leaders. It has also had a beneficiary effect on many young people of all persuasions by teaching them responsibility and the seriousness of the political situation of our country in the world and within our borders.

But when negative consequences of PTSD and DADT strike so close to home I think it is fair to point out what I believe is a severe - some might say "inevitable" - downside of military service.

The murder of Philadelphia native Don Belton by Marine Corps veteran Michael Griffin appears to me on its face to demonstrate the worst combined consequences of the two phenomena described by acronyms above.

I've always considered homophobia to be a self-destructive influence first, and a threat to others second. Unless evidence to the contrary comes to light, I will continue to believe that is the situation in this case as well - even though the "other" is a victim of murder.

Mr. Belton is at peace. Mr. Griffin has to live with his actions.

I've been keeping up with this story on Rod 2.0. Whats also disgusting aside from the murder is that on sites like Towleroad some of the comments are about how hot the killer is. The whole story doesn't make sense. Seems like they are already going for the gay panic defense. Just a tragedy all around.

It always amazes me when I hear comments about the attractiveness of criminals. I remember being astounded by a friend who thought Jeffrey Dahmer was cute.

Had some funeral stuff over the holidays so this totally went under the radar for me. Thanks for the post Sport, @ MD, I don't even read the comments on certain blog articles cause I know it'll anger me or make me feel like humanity is doomed or both. Anonymous posting can def get out of hand and serve as a way for mean spirited and crazy bull crap. Tragedy all around

From the article:

Griffin told police he was sexually assaulted by Belton on the evening of Dec. 25 and came to his home on the 27th to have a conversation with Belton regarding the incident, which escalated into a physical fight leading to Belton’s death.

Oh, give me a f*cking break! So tired of hearing the same crap when I read these stories. The better, progressive, part of me is against the death penalty and torture, but I wouldn't mind if guys like this had their balls cut off. Creep!

Having said that, I just wish more people were more careful and street-smart re: who they have encounters with. You never know who's really sleeping in your bed...

Contrary to Belton's long history of professional interest in gay men and masculinity there is already speculation about a "gay panic" defense even though there may have been a year-long friendship between Belton, Michael Griffin and Griffin's girlfriend: