Don't Ask, Don't Tell the Judge
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said a judge suddenly stopping the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy could have dire consequences.
The primary concern that's been expressed is that heterosexual men could be housed in the same barracks and use the same showers as homosexual men. And yet the government has not made a law barring homosexual teenagers from attending junior high or high school with heterosexuals. The military is not a den of purity; in fact with the low rates of enlistment it's been giving waivers to hundreds of convicted felons. Their crimes include assault and making terrorist threats. But a faithful or even celibate gay or lesbian is kicked out.
The judge can be asked by the Justice Department for a stay, or temporary freeze, of her ruling. This would put the Obama administration in the very uncomfortable position of defending a law it opposes.
America's discrimination is rare among its allies. Of the top six NATO nations with the most military presence in Afghanistan, all of them allow open homosexuals--except the U.S.The U.S. Congress had recently voted against removing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that was instituted in the early days of the Clinton Administration. One of Clinton's first priorities was to end the military's discrimination against homosexuals, who were not allowed to serve. The policy that was instituted was not what Clinton had said he wanted, but was a compromise measure as there was a great deal of opposition in the U.S. Senate and Congress against Clinton's plan of non-discrimination.
Ironically, catering to people's homophobia is not likely to help it. Would a man who's afraid of homosexuals tend to more afraid if he knew specifically who was homosexual, or if he feared that any man in his entire unit might be?Sources
www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/military/jan-june09/military_06-29.html news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101013/ap_on_re_us/us_gays_in_militaryImage is a work of the U.S. federal government, and thus in the public domain, according to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_1stCavDiv_Fallujah,_Nov_12,_2004.jpg. It is from upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/US_1stCavDiv_Fallujah,_Nov_12,_2004.jpg
For other entries on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," click on loveshade.org/blog-mt/mt-search.fcgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=dont+ask
- - - - -Addition: Later on October 14, the Obama administration asked the judge to stay her ruling while the government prepares an appeal. news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101016/ap_on_re_us/us_gays_in_military
Second Addition: The Pentagon agreed to not discriminate against homosexuals, but the military has recruiters warning potential recruits that things could change back.
Comments
This is just wrong. People can't help being homosexual they're born that way. So you don't want them fighting? That's doesn't make sense. You can fight if you commiit adultery. That's ok but being homsexual isn't? Get rid if this law.
Posted by: Marie Gilbert | October 14, 2010 06:03 AM
America is dedicated to the rights of everyone. Everyone includes people of all sexual orientations. I don't like the military, but someone's natural preference shouldn't stop them from joining.
Please, America, look at the good example of our friends.
Posted by: TawTew the Naturally Perfumed | October 15, 2010 09:00 PM
You want to shower with some gay guy, you better not bend over to pick up the soap.
Posted by: Tom T. Trucker | October 16, 2010 10:56 PM
If you wanna serve,
If you wanna play,
Then keep you nerve,
Don't say you're gay!
Posted by: MJ Lover | October 17, 2010 06:44 AM
Tom are you saying homosexuals like men so they rape them? Does that mean heterosexual men all rape women? Please think some more before you post next time.
Posted by: Dharma | October 18, 2010 05:40 PM
I agree with Tom why should we allow gay people in the military. We should insist that the people who serve are white, straight, and Republican. You want the war you fight it!!!
Posted by: Vernon K Avaritt | October 19, 2010 01:43 PM
If people don't like gays, they should want them in the military. They only want heteros shot? Doesn't make sense.
Posted by: Trevor the 6 | October 19, 2010 11:57 PM
Dharma, hetereosexual men think about it. Doesn't hurt anyone.
Who you sleep with gots nothing to do with if you can shoot.
Posted by: Will | October 22, 2010 03:20 AM
Vernon's right. Those who support the war should be the ones fighting.
Posted by: Marie Gilbert | October 23, 2010 05:58 PM
I was in the U. S. Marines and knew a guy was gay. He never told and I never told. He was a valuable Marine, an E-8. He never caused any problems. If they kicked him out, it would have hurt him and the Marines.
Posted by: Corporal Wilson | October 24, 2010 03:36 PM
So what does whether I'd rather look at Playboy or Playgirl have to do with how I can fight?
Posted by: BeBackWhenIGetABrain | November 1, 2010 02:34 AM
The Pentagon just said their study showed gays in the miliatary aren't a problem. Let's get rid of this law.
Posted by: CPS | December 2, 2010 09:27 PM
It looks like this might finally get repealed. I hope so!
Posted by: TawTew the Naturally Perfumed | December 18, 2010 07:38 PM