Comments on: Don’t ask, don’t tell?

By: ¢hðð§ê for Da Ben Dan

¢hðð§ê for Da Ben Dan — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:11:18 +0000

while I think the intent of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was meant to protect both sides of the people involved (gay and straight, respectively) it is the policy itself that is out dated. I agree with some people that discussions of sexual practices have no place in any work environment… BUT the policy does not just deal with talking about “being gay” or “coming out”. The major flaw is that if a homosexual is caught in homosexual conduct, he can be discharged. This can happen a variety of ways… from simply being seen at a gay establishment to being caught in a compromising situation with someone of the same sex.
Furthermore, when the services are built off of core values and the very first one is “integrity first”, it seems wholly deceitful that anyone would be forced to “lie” about their sexual orientation to keep their job. If people don’t favor overturning don’t ask, don’t tell… I think it prudent to at least eliminate the ‘engaging in homosexual’ activity part… unless the military intends to BAN all sexual activity outside of committed, monogamous marriages.

EDIT: If that is the reason why straight men want the ban lifted then so be it… but I assure you, most of the straight men I served with would have been happy with the ban lifted simply because they didn’t have a problem with gay people. As a matter of fact, even under the policy, most of my co-workers were well aware of my sexual orientation and did nothing to make me feel uncomfortable. No one avoided me or tried to beat me up. I was blessed with serving with cool people at both of my duty stations.
In honest opinion, I think the “straight” men you refer to are actually not as popular as you indicate. I may be wrong, but I am basing that off of all the straight men this gay man has encountered while serving.

By: prainva

prainva — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:21:04 +0000

Because it is an embarassment and an injustice that the US does not allow gay people to serve without fear of discharge just for being gay. That puts us in the company of countries like China, Iran, and North Korea. Millions of dollars are wasted in the process of discharging gay soldiers, not to mention the costs of having trained them, and a vast talent pool of people willing to serve is lost. Between 1993 and 2003, 54 Arabic and nine Farsi speakers were dismissed under the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. We need that talent!!

It makes no sense.

By: Kori

Kori — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:33:27 +0000

That stupid policy has caused more problems than solved them, thanks to misuse of it by the Bush government.

It means if someone finds you are gay you have been found out and can be discharged. If you talk about it same rule applies.

“Can gays do the job?” Please lol that’s hilarious!! Most of the decorated officers who have been discharged were the best in the field. They were discharged because they decided to be open about their sexuality.

America can’t even complete its quota in terms of military numbers mainly because of don’t ask don’t tell and as a result have had to look and dropping the selction criteria.

Great, maybe you’ll have great soldiers like you’ve had Bush playing president of the USA. He can find that on a map right??

Edit:

I wasn’t going to but your question is screaming for an Edit. Ok, my point is, and I think I speak on behalf of everyone is, that we think the policy is a joke despite the reason some straight people want it removed also. If I understand the terms in what that would involve it would mean GLBTQ people will have to lie when they apply for enlistment.

What I would suggest is a new ammendment to the current application criteria abolishing such discrimination in general. To further clarify my point in where this is going as that it really doesn’t matter whether there is a “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy or not. The impact is just the same.

Maybe the questionnaire was given by some redneck town, who knows who cares. Your question is interesting though purely because my loathing for that policy is vehement.

By: demon_272000

demon_272000 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:46:00 +0000

Every day, a gay vet dies for your country. He doesn’t have to tell anyone, he doesn’t have to be out. He’s been doing the job for God-only-knows how long, and he’s taking as big a risk as anyone else in the field. He deserves respect without the inability to be himself. As a serviceman he knows what is and isn’t appropriate and will do what’s neccesary to ensure the safety of his home, his family, and his country.

By: Oberon

Oberon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:04:35 +0000

Don’t ask, Don’t tell is just a legal way of discrimination and forcing people to stay in the closet.

Many of us want to be out and open and still be in the military. The military isn’t just for straight people. We, the LGBT, are members of the society and citizens as well. We love our country and believe what it means to be a true American. But, we can not sit by and allow this form of homophobia, LEGAL homophobia to continue.

America is the only 1st world nation that does not allow openly gay and lesbian soilders into the military. That’s a sad thing.

By: Deny_Zoo29

Deny_Zoo29 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:54:32 +0000

I don’t think it matters. Why would being gay affect how a man or woman performs in combat? Most gay men don’t want to hit on straight men as that would be embarrassing for both of them. They shouldn’t have to keep their sexuality under wraps if they don’t want to, but they should be allowed to serve their country without stigma