American Morning
Obama calls for 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal
Washington (CNN) - President Obama said Wednesday night he will work with Congress and the military to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bars gays and lesbians from openly serving in the armed forces.
Obama made the remark in his first State of the Union speech during a short litany of civil rights issues, which included his successful hate crimes bill, a move to "crack down on equal-pay laws" and improvement of the immigration system.
"We find unity in our incredible diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution: the notion that we are all created equal, that no matter who you are or what you look like, if you abide by the law you should be protected by it," he said.
"We must continually renew this promise. My administration has a Civil Rights Division that is once again prosecuting civil rights violations and employment discrimination. We finally strengthened our laws to protect against crimes driven by hate," he said.
"This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are."
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Why is it no one considers the rights and feelings of heterosexual service members? All service members serve in extremely close quarters. You have no privacy at all with open showers, open latrines (no stalls/dividers), and open bunks. I don’t want to be forced to literally shower with open and known homosexuals. I don’t think that is too much to ask. I don’t see it as any different than women not wanting to be forced to shower in open showers, use latrines, and bunk with men. There are some things in life that are okay to keep separate. Right now, nothing is stopping homosexuals from military service, they simply have to maintain their affiliation to themselves. They are not asked to lie. That is the whole point, they aren’t asked so they don’t tell. This is another sad example of the majority yielding rights for no gain.
When anything works-don't fix it.
Yes there are gays in the military and they do well but I think the "don't ask – don't tell policy works well for everyone and should be left alone.
Those who have not served in the military should not be trying to change the military they know nothing about. It is better for everyones morale not to inquire into another persons sexual preference. I do not need to know and they do not need to know (US ARMY 38 years and retired).
As a 23yr. Army Viet Nam Vet., I can tell you that I have met my share of both gay & lesbian soldiers, and can say without hesitation that they were as good, sometimes better, than the "normal soldier"! What we sometimes forget is that because of discrimination, DADT, etc., many of these soldiers have "hidden in the closet" & maintained their sexual status. You might be shocked, or surprised if they were treated normally, as to how many are serving! Many other countries have already passed this discrimination with gay & lesbian soldiers serving openly, yet, WE the U.S. who constantly claim, shout, and condemn other countries have not been able to get past our prejudices, beliefs, etc. etc..
I believe the DADT is a good thing. I believe repealing it would effect the good order and disapline our armed forces have. I am in no way against someone being homosexsual, as a matter of fact I have several friends in the Military that are. However, (pause for effect) the military is a different culture. And not one I believe would benifit by repealing DADT. Just my opinion.
Keep in mind, this isn't about the common American culture. This is about military culture. I don't agree with harming anyone over this, but military folks (particularly in testosterone-filled combat units) are far more likely to be aggressive toward gays (particularly gay men).
The policy needs to remain in place for their protection. Some would say "But the aggressive troops will be disciplined!" Sure, AFTER they beat, ridicule, or even kill someone. By then, it is too late. Combat troops often have a certain level of "machismo" and they will be distracted by gays, oftentimes not trusting them, and the situation would be similar to allowing women into combat units. It is detrimental to unit cohesion.
Another argument may be that the problem rests on those who take issue with homosexuality, but again, this is the military. Troops have far more responsibility for life than your typical Joe Citizen. If a gay person gets picked on at the office, he can go to HR. In the military it can get far worse, particularly in combat. Friendly fire happens, and there are enough knuckleheads out there that are extremely paranoid that it could cause a real concern.
In time, this country may be "progressed" enough that the military will catch up to where the civilians are today. This is not the time, however. If you are gay and want to serve, that is fine, keep it to yourself. If they change this law it will cause chaos in the military, and can actually end with the loss of life (gay or not, if you don't trust your buddy you are placing yourself and your partner in danger.)
Its about time! Homosexuals have been serving our military for years always hiding who they really are! They can fight and give their life for their country, they should be able to be open about who they are! They pay taxes, and pull their share in making this country work, so why shouldn't they have the same rights with out fear of persecution! I am for equal rights of all humans regardless of color, creed, or sexul orrientation, and this is a huge step in the right direction! AWSOME!
I found President Obama's speech eloquent and passionate – and he gave me hope. But is there still cynicism? Yes – in watching the republican party and their sulking faces like a bunch of kindergartners. I see a house divided here and I'm afraid that doesn't bode well for the American public.
" We are neither above nor below one another"biblical words many deny in so many areas of our global society. It is funny how all those Bible thumpers out there so quick to bring forth verse fail to bring forth this one yet they turn a blind eye to truth.
As we grow in understanding individualy, nationally, globally and beyond it would be wise to hold our private interpretations to ourselves as we all work towards the wellness and betterment of Humanity as a whole.
It is not just our sexuality but the sexuality of all Humanity that currently makes up for the sexuality to the body of Humanity itself. Now take time to grow in understanding of self Peoples and as that self applies to that very body of Humanity itself.
A few generations from now the Peoples united globally will be looking back at how narrow minded we are during this time of Humanities development. Part of this quest is to remove the ignorance and arrogance replacing them with knowledge and understanding. A great work in progress from this perspective.
With each of us like a gene to the forming genome of Humanity itself it would be understandable for the gene individually to not know and understand what it is all about is it not.
It's time to repeal DADT. Too many American men and women are unjustly drummed out of the military because of who they love. I was in NROTC back in 1986 and 1987 and would have remained in the Navy had it not been for threats of investigation into my personal life. Rather than put my family through the grief and intrusion, I resigned. Also, America cannot afford to discriminate against gay and lesbian service members. In a time when we have an all volunteer military, we provide valuable contributions to every level of the military and our nation's flight again terror.