Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
First, it would seem in knee jerk fashion that Don't Ask Don't Tell is completely Unconstitutional. It's a carry-over of days gone by, complete intolerance, etc. It also seems that if we want to promote tolerance, doing it at a government level is the best way to set that example. If we want to turn that corner, we'd expect a higher example from those who we call representative of nobility and tact -- these are gentleman and soldiers.
I get that there is discrimination. I get that some will have a hard time with this. But so did the schools where black children walked onto the campus with the National Guard present the very first time. Today, no one thinks about about black people being on the same campus as white people.
On the flip side... playing social experiments with soldiers, who just happened to be in a state of war right now, could be downright disastrous. Throwing the issue of homosexuality at young soldier's already bearing the burden of their nation doesn't seem fair or reasonable. So "don't tell" seems reasonable in this regard. A subject like politics or religion in the workplace... something altogether avoided. But saved for another day? A day when we aren't at war?
A man in a foxhole with another man overnight that is openly gay. Does this complicate matters? Are women allowed in combat with men yet? There are all sort of implication and complications with this.
Just some thoughts.
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I'm open to correction on this, but....
....seems to me that it can be pretty difficult, and as a result, unusual, for a person of military combat age (usually late teens, early 20's) are much more unlikely to have "Come out". Most that I know have wrestled through it for a number of years before they're able to get to the place they're comfortable with revealing their orientation.
Point being, isn't it a bit unusual for an 18-year-old to sign up with the military, announcing, "Hi there, I'm gay"? Am I wrong about this?
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