What do you think of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"?

Question

What do you think of the U.S. military and it's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy? Please state your religion after your opinion.

Excerpt from Wikipedia:

"the policy prohibits anyone who "demonstrate(s) a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts" from serving in the armed forces of the United States, because it "would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability." The act prohibits any homosexual or bisexual person from disclosing his or her sexual orientation, or from speaking about any homosexual relationships, including marriages or other familial attributes, while serving in the United States armed forces."

"In 2005, the Government Accountability Office released estimates on the cost of the policy. Cautioning that the amount may be too low, The GAO reported $95.4 million in recruiting costs and $95.1 million for training replacements for the 9,488 troops discharged"

Also note that troop members can be "outed" by their peers if they discover one of the soldiers is gay -- they're not exactly broadcasting their orientation.

Answer 1

why not .. most people dont go around blabbing their heterosexuality orientation so whats the big deal .. keep the pie hole shut and everything will be peachy ..

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

I think that it was a good start in 92-93 when it came out. I believe that it was a sensible alternative to the existing policies.

Nowadays, young people are far more tolerant of homosexuality, and while strict laws governing sexual harassment should remain in force in the military, I believe that the idea of discharging a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine because they are openly homosexual is probably outdated---however---the word "openly" opens up a can of worms. some people will always be uncomfortable around openly gay people. I am a hetero with many gay friends, living in northern California, and I do not wish to be approached or flirted with by gay men, ok? I wish that it could be, "Don't ask, don't tell, and don't flirt while on duty...with anyone, hetero or homosexual." Perhaps this answer is unsatisfactory or incomplete, but having served in the Navy, it's the best I could do---B

Answer 4

Muslim live in Budapest and have been around the world, Canada, USA, Germany, Greek land :), I was an international Decathlete (Decathlon) an sports give me a lot of clean soul and more respect and freedom to others too and it is very important to know when and where and how to start and end the freedom.I agree about only something, normal and natural people should live and enjoy them rules and others like homosexual also and no one should try to disturb others by his own sexual life, culture or nationality or others things. so maybe US can create another Army for them have special job for what they are good for or open sex shop.. just teasing please don't take it serious, i respect everyone since he is far from me about his problems.. My last word! don't ever try to play with God or life and enjoy it as it is and if you want to change something it should be for much better not for worse things and always look up not down and try to ask your self how much important the world without you?

Answer 5

It's a cop out policy.

If I was in the military and blabbed about my female conquests the way most guys do, the worst that would happen is I'd annoy people.

To equate coming out in the same sense is disingenuous.

Many homosexuals have served with honor in our military, and are serving now. It's way past time to forget sexuality and focus on whether the person is a good soldier or not.

Answer 6

The 100-million is a mere drop in the taxpayers' bucket, nothing to worry about. Some military rules are atrociously anti-human. I mean, if you're in a foxhole and the closest guy or gal has a sexual preference different that yours, what difference does it make if she/he downs a sniper who was just about to put a bullet through your homophobic brain?

The Sex thing is just another diversion to discourage us from looking too closely at the BIG picture.

Good night, America, how are y'all?

Answer 7

I think it's dumb. Talking is part of human bonding. There's no reason that gay soldiers should be forbidden from discussing certain topics. Honestly, what does sexuality have to do with unit cohesion? It's not like gay soldiers are just going to hit on straight ones. They know how to act.

Answer 8

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 — A new assessment by American intelligence agencies concludes that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 and that the program remains frozen, contradicting judgment two years ago that Tehran was working relentlessly toward building a nuclear bomb.

Answer 9

I think it is a harmful policy. Many good soldiers have been kicked out after being found out as homosexual. Even if the soldier themselves didn't say anything. All it takes is someone else telling their CO.

Bleu Copas' story:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/US/story?id=2274124&page=1

Stephen Benjamin's story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/08/opinion/08benjamin.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Answer 10

If they want to serve in the military, let them serve. Anybody is capable of serving their nation, and that includes us.

We shouldn't be "sneaking" our way into things, but if there's a way, then there's no reason people should complain.

Answer 11

I think with all the problems in the U.S, the least of my worries is which people are gay. There are lots of heterosexual couples or singles in the military doing alot of sexual acts and I don't consider that my business either. My husbands medical unit(not my husband) engaged in a heterosexual group orgy. I don't care- it's their business. I do hope they washed their hands since they are in medical after all.
I'd rather make sure everyone has healthcare than make sure no one knows ____ is gay/lesbian/bisexual.