This week I would like to re-visit a topic I have posted before, primarily because once again, it has made recent headlines. We have discussed same sex marriage in class and learned how homosexuals have almost no legal protections in the United States. To further expand our discussion I would like to devote this week's blog to examining the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding homosexuals in the military.
The policy was enacted by President Clinton in 1994. President Clinton who initially said he wanted to overturn the ban on homosexuals in the military, ended up compromising for the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The policy makes it illegal for commanders to ask their subordinates about their sexual orientation, and it also bans homosexuals from openly discussing or engaging in openly homosexual behaviors. Over 13,000 troops have been discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy since it was first introduced.
During President Obama's State of the Union Address on January 27, 2010, he stated that he will work with Congress and the military to "finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are." He had made similar statements during previous speeches; however, his State of the Union speech was the first in which he definitively committed to repealing the law on a set timetable. United States citizens can look for a congressional act to repeal the federal law during the 2010 year. Retired General Colin Powell also reversed his opposition to the policy stating “Times have changed since 1993”. Regardless of the outcome of this policy, it is certain to be controversial, with both supporters and opponents fueling the fire.
So, this week my question to you is "Do you think "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should be overturned? Do you think there should be a new policy regarding homosexuals in the military in its place? Why do you think this is such a controversial issue?" Answers are due no later than Thursday, February 11th, 2009.
I believe that it can now be overturned. When the policy first came into act, homosexuality was still VERY controversial and most people were not as accepting as they are today of it. There are still people out there that don't support homosexuality, but most people are less radical about their views. Now this does not mean that they have to state whether or not they are straight or homosexual but they will have the freedom of choice and be able to talk about their personal lives just as anyone else is able to.
ReplyDeleteI do think we should change the policy on military for homosexuality. Is shouldnt matter becasue they are poeple too. Our govermant should be happy people want to join the army. If our goverment think they shouldnt be in the military the all we are doing is losing men who what to fight.Its sad that people see that homosexual are not people when they no diffrent. I Think they should be able to fight.
ReplyDeleteI think they should be allowed to fight for our country. "Don't ask, don't tell" was a way to protect homosexuals in the military from persecution of other members. The problem is, people talk and can figure things out so I am sure many have been treated badly as a result. Military men and women may feel uncomfortable with a homosexual serving by their side, but they are still serving. They are there for the same reasons as any one else. They are fighting to protect our country and that is exactly what they do,they are not there to pick up someone.
ReplyDelete~Kyndall Friday night
Yes, I feel it should be overturned. I don't think sexual orientation should be anybody's business but the individual themselves. The government should not choose to employ people based on sexual orientation nor find it a concern. Homosexuality has been around for centuries. But the act was looked upon as taboo and undesirable by many religious groups, thus the issue was shoved under the rug where it has remained and people have constantly looked at it as taboo and undesirable. If a rainbow flag wielding drag queen wants to serve and fight for their country then by all means, let them. I wouldn't have a single problem with that.
ReplyDeleteNicole Welty - Friday Night
It should most definitely be overturned.
ReplyDeleteSomeones sexual orientation is no one's business and it is something that someone is born with. Homosexuality is as natural as Heterosexuality. Neither one is better than the other because they are equals, just different types of sexuality.
I believe the human race is too quick to jump to judgment over this issue and it is all based on peoples belief in different religions. I am a scientific thinker and science shows me that there are close to 1,500 other mammals besides humans who also have homosexuality within their species.
So saying that this type of lifestyle is wrong and immoral is just not right. Furthermore, to discriminate and not protect civil rights over this issue is not only wrong but almost shocking to me at this point. I am to the point that i cannot believe that people are still having this argument.
Tatjana McCart
Saturday Morning Class
I believe that someone's sexual orientation is irrelevant when it comes to wanting to serve your country. However, I think the "Don't Ask" part should still be in play. I don't believe you should be able to ask someone if they are gay or not, just like you can't ask that at any job interview or job now. If the information is revealed then that is one thing, but I do believe you should have the right to keep it a secret if you wish. I also believe that if we are going to allow someone to come out and openly admit to being gay that there should be some law about mistreating homosexuals just like there would be to mistreating anyone in the service.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn Carden Friday night
I don't think it should really matter what sexual orientation when it comes to joining the military. All that should matter that people want to fight the defend our country because they believe in freedom and helping our country. I understand people want to keep there secret about there sexuality and yes because how people are with that huge issue they should have the right to keep there secret, even though I don't think sexuality should matter at all.
ReplyDeleteBefore I get on my soap box, I'd like to inform everyone that in many states, it's perfectly legal to terminate an employee based on his or her sexual orientation - government or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteThis issue goes beyond the military. But why shouldn't gays be accepted in our armed forces? Do they kill less efficiently? Are they wasteful of supplies? Maybe they just make the guy on the top bunk a little uncomfortable. Whatever the reasoning, it's crucial to understand one thing: They're still human. It's astounding how society has let a relatively small group of aristocrats apoint themselves as judges of human character, flushing out thoughts of would-be lobbyist contributions and prostitution scandals. I love how some things are deemed "privelleges" as though political authority was attained through divine sources. What happened to "Only God Can Judge Me". Those who create limitations for others do so because they're insecure with their own imperfections. If a homosexual feels the desire to "protect our freedom", why should he or she be denied based on who they are? What if there was a "Dont ask don't tell" policy for Jews or Pacific Islanders?; And furthermore, what's the difference? Gays are no less deserving of rights than any other sinner. Besides, who wants another draft?
@ Tatjana: Which religions are you referring to? I'm a Christian and I understand that Jesus taught people to love and accept EVERYBODY. You can't blame an entire religion or religions for the actions of those who base their opinions on their own limited understanding of life. That's no different than the "All Muslims are terrorists" philosophy that many today still accept as truth.
ReplyDelete"Science can tell us how, it can't tell us why."
This isn’t one of my more passionate topics, I feel that if it has to be labeled than I think we need “don’t ask don’t tell”. Now my problem is why do we need to label the whole thing to begin with. I think it still demeaning to homosexuals to put a label on it. Why can’t they just be men and women in the military that my question, I think we as a nation have come a long way from things like segregation and hopefully don’t ask don’t tell can be included with that.
ReplyDeleteI am a little confused about the right to be in a part of a military situation if you are gay or not. Several people say that "they are human too". Well duh. That is just a silly response to this. The real thing I think that people should take into consideration is this... war is a blood bath that some people make it out and others unfortunatally don't. People are made into soldiers and it dosn't matter if you are gay or not, male or female, what matters is if you accomplish your goal, or mission. None of us (or so I think) are not in a combat mission of any kind. We are simply outsiders looking in. I think that if we where in the heart of war then we would all see things a different way.
ReplyDeleteI have been told that when you are a soldier your a soldier and nothing else matters. EXCEPT your objective, or your mission. SO, really I dont care if you are a girl or boy, if you are gay or not. If you can fight for your rights to be a proud defender of our country is what should matter.
Dave Brown
Sat morning
I believe times have changed since 1993. While people are not still fully accepting of homosexuality, they are more aware of it in today's world. I believe because of this awareness, whether they approve or not, the policy should be changed. Everyone should be given the same rights in the military and in everyday life. Not only do I believe homosexuals should be able to talk about their orientation,I believe they should have the same rights as heterosexuals.
ReplyDeleteSarah Cason Friday Night
I think the policy should be changed. I also think that America should just accept that homosexuals have been around forever, they were even mentioned in the bible, and they are not going anywhere soon. Homosexual men and women are not any weaker than the next man and should be able to fight for this country (that is also THEIRS)if they are willing to do so. They shouldnt have to worry so much about who might not like it.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Sykes, Saturday
"Several people say that "they are human too". Well duh. That is just a silly response to this. "
ReplyDeleteIs it really? When a group of people are treated as though they aren't of equal being, it's important to be reminded.
I think that President Obama should keep pressing foward with his act. I feel like it should not matter who you are when you are fighting to protect our counrty. People are who they are and there is no chaning that. Its going to always be fuel to the fire with this issuse...mainly because you have people that hate gays and you will always have very religious people. These people have kept us safe. (((who are we to judge people????)))
ReplyDeleteRadine Smith
Saturday Morning
it's not debatable that emotions cause irrational behavior. not really.
ReplyDeletethere are very strict antifraternization laws between officers and enlisted men for this reason- emotions cloud judgement, and that's not conducive to successful decisionmaking. That's what wins or loses wars, basically.
I'm not too sure about the laws about husbands and wives being in the same unit or station- i think it's a situatin where they try not to post them in the same location at the same time.
i believe it's the same with family, lke brothers and sisters.
As i understand it, the discouragement of homosexual relationships is not of phobia or some kind of social disdain, but of a very real recognition of, well, the power of love, hehe. the power of love to cloud judgement, shift priorities, or outright interfere with basic and normal functioning.
If you're in love or have been in love, you know EXACTLY what i'm talking about.
The military needs its soldiers to follow orders. Decisions on high need to be carried out all the way down the chain of command.
Lives are usually at stake, and clouded judgement can kill.
A medic who has to triage and is faced with a selection of urgent, delayed and expectant casualties and, oh by the way, their lover is one of them, WHO, pray tell me, WHO do you think they will prioritize? There's an example.
Another- A unit commander has to give the order to assemble a patrol into a dangerous area. Likelyhood of casualties is high. WHO do you think they WON'T send- a squadmate or a bedfellow?
My stance? My perspective? I don't care if we have rainbow-flying parade-marching flamboyant homosexuals in the military. A rifle is a rifle. A soldier is a soldier.
Just don't put loved ones into action together. DONT put them in a situation where they may have to WATCH THEIR BELOVED DIE. GRUESOMELY. That doesn't change if you are straight or gay.
It's NOT a matter of judgement or prejudice. Sure, on a small, case-by-case basis sure, it might be based on prejudice, but guess what? Thats not the WHOLE reason. That's not the REAL reason.
The enemy sure doesn't know if the bullet in their chest was fired by a gay man or woman.
-Demian Stevens, Saturday Morning.
Out.
I think the policy should be changed. I also don't think that it should be anyones business who they choose to sleep with. I think it is homophobia. Why else do they care? I really don't think that someone in the military who by the way is fighting for our lives would think about their lover dying. I mean, ok for a moment maybe, but if they are the right person for the job and trust them with their heart then why not with their life. I think people need to wake up and look at the big picture. There are so many other more improtant things to worry about than if some one is gay or not.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Friday nights
I think it's terrible that homosexuals are so victimised all through society. This is America, where you should be free to be who you are and have the same rights as everyone else. So many minorities have had to fight HARD to get their rights in "the land of the free."
ReplyDeleteIf a gay person wants to serve the country and risk their life - for the same people who hate them for being gay - they should be able to. Maybe they are concerned about sexual misconduct, I guess? Are they worried that because someone might be gay and develop an attraction to a fellow service member that he is going to try to make out? Yeah, if that happens then that would be a problem, but that never does. We have homosexuals serving right now who hide their orientation and I haven't heard any problems with them.
I think the policy should be overturned. I don't feel that we should judge a person by their sexual orientation because we are all human beings and if we are capable of fighting in the military it shouldn't separate us as individuals. Current policies should be amended to allow for freedom of speech regarding one's sexuality. I believe that anyone who is qualified and willing to serve their country should have the opportunity to do so. This issue is very controversial due to the vast number of religious citizens who are unwilling to accept same sex marriage. Policy makers are often judged in a negative manner for supporting certain gay rights.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Northam
The Don't Ask Dont' tell policy seems half right and half wrong. It makes sense that the military officials shouldn't have the right to ask a soldier for sexual orientation, but then the policy is kinda hypocritical that they can be removed from service if they openly be themselves. Maybe a new policy that just allows homosexuals to be themselves in the service would make heterosexuals not want to join the service and could hurt the number of soldiers in America. This is a strange issue because it doesn't even involve homosexual marriage, but it still bothers some people to have those certain people in the military which is centered on early American beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI think it si perfectly fine for gays to be in the service. Im mean why not,if they want to fight for there country let them. Only problem i see is soldiers that are not gay have a problem with it. Some people might not want to join because of gays in the arm forces. Im sure there were gay people in the Koren war and nobody cared or knew about it.
ReplyDeleteI think that if the government wants to overturn the dont ask dont tell law then let them. It shouldnt matter to anyone that someone wants to be in the military. if someone wants to serve in the military let them. If a "gay" person makes a move on a 'straight" person then the gay should be punished the same as if a girl or guy were to do the same to the opposite sex.
ReplyDeleteFallacy number 1
ReplyDelete"Homosexuals have almost no legal protections in the United States."
All of us, gay or not, are protected against murder, theft, assault, graft, fraud, and nearly 200 other possible crimes. No one in this country is being officially persecuted or prosecuted for being gay anymore. Individually homosexuals have all the same legal protections as everyone else.
The state sanctioned “marriage” issue is new, if you scrape off the emotion and the platitudes
You’ll find the controversy is about money, social security, insurance and property. No “marriage” ceremony, reception, or honeymoon has been barred or raided. No one has been prevented from expressing their love and devotion to another.
The issue comes down to whether the public wishes to make a minority of people’s personal fiscal issues public policy.
And before anyone calls me a bigot I wish to state that this opinion is written by a bi-sexual male.
AND…NOW TO THE PRESENT QUESTION.
The military is an indispensable entity of force, death and destruction.
The military’s primary purpose to kill people and break things, it is NOT supposed to be a social
experiment, or a singles club, it is not a campfire with folks sitting around singing koombiyah.
The military should be run by the military and not bureaucrats, politicians, and social engineers.
If commanders sense a lack of cohesion within their ranks they should have every means available to rectify the problem. Lives are on the line and it only takes one week link to create a disaster.
That should not be forgotten.
I come from an all military family, so this is a bit of a touchy subject. I personally don't think they should be in the military. They made it a law back then and they did it for a reason. Yes now a days its becoming more popular and people are becoming more open to it, BUT i dont think america is ready for gays to join the service. People say if someone wants to serve the country let them, valid point, but i still think that this is tooo much of a touchy subject for the states to let them in now, maybe one day in the future it will happen when the country gets more comfortable with it. But not some time soon.
ReplyDeleteJessie Buechler Friday night
This is obviously a very touchy subject. I've never really given it too much thought before, but now that I'm considering it, a lot of things come to mind. Clearly, no one should be discharged from the military because they admitted that they are homosexual. That being said, revealing one's sexuality should definitely be a choice and not something forced upon people entering the military. It takes a lot of courage to admit to being homosexual, ESPECIALLY in a military setting. I am not homosexual, but if I were, I think the military is the last place on earth I would want to admit to it. That may sound terrible, but I can't even begin to imagine the kind of discrimination one would face after coming out in the military. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are many people serving our country that have no problem whatsoever with homosexuality, but I'm also sure that of all the career paths out there, the military probably contains a good deal of homophobics, if you will.
ReplyDeleteCarina Street
Friday night class.
i always thought that the dont ask dont tell policy was actually beneficial for soldiers. i dont know, it just seems to me that its nobody's business regardless of whether one is gay or straight, especially the government! i am afraid that if soldiers come out and say who they are sexually speaking that it will not only interfere with their jobs but with the main goals of their mission. i dont believe homosexuals should be discriminated against or stopped from serving their country because of their sexual orientation but it should not hinder them either from doing what their job demands them to do.
ReplyDeleteRachel Friday,
ReplyDeleteI don't think that if you are gay or straight should determine your right to serve your country. I say the move people we have serving our country the better. I believe what happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom! and that it is no one elses concern! So I do think the dont ask dont tell should be modified for the better good of everyone having the equal right to serve their government!
I sort of agree with Rachael above, but I too was not aware of all the problems that this policy held. I think that it should stay in place, however I think it should be modified so that the policy itself isn't so strict. I don't think someones sexual preference should have anything to do with whether or not, they can serve our country, but also , I think that if someones wants to openly admit that they are gay and as long as they aren't making unwanted sexual advances on their fellow soldiers them, let them serve. I'm a christian and I don't agree with their lifestyle, but even I wouldn't deny them the chance to fight in the war, though I myself am completely against the war and the government, but that is another conversation entirely.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely 100% agree with Kati Melcho. I think it should be overturned. Homosexuality is just another lifestyle it seems like. I have many friends that are true to their orientation however there are a lot of people trying to state they are homosexual I feel just for attention. When homosexuals decide to join the military they should not have to state their orientation. It should not be required of anyone due to the fact that it is a form of discrimination. I have said it before and I am going to say it again, I'm not one to be racist or discriminate against anyone due to a bad past of problems with people in high school.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the Don't Ask Don' Tell policy should be repealed, I do however think it should be changed. I don't think soldiers should be able to ask one another about their sexual orientation simply because it might effect how they treat each other when they are under fire. However I personally believe that any Homosexual should have the same opportunity to serve his or her Country as any Heterosexual individual.
ReplyDeleteMichael Moore
Saturday Moring
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteyes i think they should overturn the don't ask ,don't tell. I think that Clinton was trying to figure out a way that homosexuals could fight along side anyone else but he had to be careful because it wasnt as accepted like today. I think that time has passed and now we can do away with it. but in saying that i think all personal matters homosexual or not should keep their personal matters to themselves.
ReplyDeletezazzetti
Saturday morning class
I feel like they should overturn it because now it is more accepted then before and they should have the freedom to decide if they want it to be known or not but it should also give them the right to keep it a secret if desired.
ReplyDeleteNicaury Guerrero