Opinions about “Don’t Ask, Don’t tell”?

Question

In an op-ed published in Tuesday’s (January 7, 2007) New York Times, John M. Shalikashvili, a retired U.S. army general, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1993 to 1997, wrote among other things, that the lifting of America’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on openly gay service members in the U.S. military is “eventual and inevitable”. The issue will give rise to passionate feelings on both sides.

Is America ready for a military policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation?

Answer 1

As far as I'm concerned, if anyone in the GLBT community wants to but themselves on the line to protect America, I say let them. Heck, if I'm serving in one of the Armed Forces (probably either the Army or Navy) and I found out that someone was GLBT, as long as they treat me with respect, don't hit on me (a gay or male bisexual person, or transvestite ) or anything like that, I'm sure I'd be cool with that. Is America ready? Maybe in the next decade or so.

Answer 2

look, I have served and I have this opinion. I dont care whether or not somebody is gay. My issue is that while for some it may be easy to bond with a gay guy, the vast majority is not ready for that. I know there are gay servicemembers, there are also super religious servicemembers, both of which can be tolerated but when I am forced into close confines and need to shower and dress in front of a gay guy while me being married, its the same as me being naked in front of a chick. Another problem you would encounter is the military's policy on barracks behavior. Single guys are bunked together and they are not allowed females in that room with few exceptions especially overnight. If there is a surprise inspection and the two guys are in one another they would sue for violating their rights. The problem is, when you sign the dotted line you basically relenquish your right to privacy and how do you think that would bode with the ACLU? Ultimately we would have to have 4 seperate barracks for each unit and a commercialized military with civilian laws presiding over a government entity. The problems it creates are mind boggling. Sure we can wish for everyone to get along, but if everyone got along, we wouldnt need a military in the first place!

Answer 3

America is not ready for a military policy of nondiscrimination, I believe if this were to happen, less and less people would inlist in the military service, for fear of gays or lesbians "looking at them get undressed." This kind of talk definitely put a tale spin on this issue.

Answer 4

I think not! The predatory nature of homosexuals in the military is demoralizing and dangerous. Their are many homophobes in the military, so when word gets out about one guy or another being gay, it usually doesn't bode well for them. Often time they are beat to within a body hair of losing their lives.

For many fellow service personnel, it is hard for them to be too sympathetic for the victim, when this happens. Why? Because they have been violated by the mere fact that he, the homosexual, is there under false pretenses. He is looked on as a predator, trying to take advantage of people who trusted him and offered him friendship.

There isn't a whole lot of difference to the average grunt, living in a barracks with a bunch of other guys and they discover that one is gay, than there is to sororities sisters who discover that under class men have been peeping on them. They both feel violated, except the grunt might have a K-bar, bayonet, or even a loaded .45 with which to take out his anger.

This silly law came into effect under Bill Clinton, a man who thought he was making a win, win situation for all. Well, the only ones who benefited by this were the homosexuals. Clinton did a terrible dis-service to the people in uniform with this half-@ssed decision. It reflects the shallow understanding of a man who doesn't understand military life, has few male friends of his own, and was a complete failure in calling himself or acting out the role of, commander-in chief.

Like so many of the decisions made by Clinton, this one should most assuradly, be reversed!

Answer 5

The military has lost some very talented people who happened to be gay. We can't afford that.

Presumably most soldiers would rather have a gay soldier helping them out in a firefight, than have no one at all help them out.

Answer 6

way over due..what difference does it make weather a service person is gay or straight, as long as they do their work..They will not hit on everyone of the same sex, just like straight people will not hit on everyone of the opposite sex.. I am a straight grandmother, married 48 years, have all straight kids and grand kids. just remember God does not make junk..