Was it necessary to repeal DADT?

[Praxeas]

I guess this is something I don't understand...Is it necessary to know someone is a homosexual before admitting him/her to the military? Now that it was repealed does that mean men or women will be asked if they are gay?

Or is it just necessary so a gay person an announce to everyone "IM Gay!"?

If so what is the point? Do heterosexuals announce to the world "Im Staight"?

I can see only one valid reason for someone to flaunt his sexual preference and that is to let other gay men or women know the are open for business. Otherwise what does it serve in the military? Now that this was repealed are all the gay men and women going to wear a sign that reads "Im Gay" now?

[Sam]

I don't know if I really understand what DADT was about.

If DADT meant that a person could not be homosexual and serve in the Military it would be, in my opinion, discrimination.

If it meant a person would be expelled from the Military if the person admitted being gay, it would be, in my, opinion discrimination.

Isn't there some quote by Barry Goldwater (considered conservative by some) about homosexual American military men are buried on the beaches and military cemetaries?

[Sam]

some quotes

When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one. ~Epitaph of Leonard P. Matlovich, 1988

If gay and lesbian people are given civil rights, then everyone will want them! ~Author unknown, as seen on a button at evolvefish.com

You don't have to be straight to be in the military; you just have to be able to shoot straight. ~Barry Goldwater

Soldiers who are not afraid of guns, bombs, capture, torture or death say they are afraid of homosexuals. Clearly we should not be used as soldiers; we should be used as weapons. --Letter to the Editor, The Advocate

Why can't they have gay people in the army? Personally, I think they are just afraid of a thousand guys with M16s going, "Who'd you call a ******?" -- Jon Stewart

Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands? --Ernest Gaines

War. Rape. Murder. Poverty. Equal rights for gays. Guess which one the Southern Baptist Convention is protesting? --The Value of Families

but I couldn't find the Barry Goldwater quote I was looking for

[sandie]

Is the military going to have to create homosexual showering/living quarters?

And did this repeal address transgendered people?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by sandie

Is the military going to have to create homosexual showering/living quarters?

And did this repeal address transgendered people?

Here is the odd thing here...isn't putting gay men in their own shower like putting straight men in showers with straight women?

It would probably not make a difference if they were in the same shower or not, plus that would be considered segregation....then again it seems segregation is legal since they do segregate men showers from women showers...Im assuming

[sandie]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Here is the odd thing here...isn't putting gay men in their own shower like putting straight men in showers with straight women?

It would probably not make a difference if they were in the same shower or not, plus that would be considered segregation....then again it seems segregation is legal since they do segregate men showers from women showers...Im assuming

I think it is the same thing as allowing men to shower with the women.

I would feel extremley uncomfortable showering with a lesbian. And I'm sure there are men who will feel uncomfortable showering with homosexual men.

I think they're going to have to create homosexual and lesbian quarters. Like you pointed out, they already do so for men and women. I can't imagine someone isn't going to complain about showering with someone who is attracted to their gender.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by sandie

Is the military going to have to create homosexual showering/living quarters?

And did this repeal address transgendered people?

What an awesome question!

I imagine with all of the medical procedures involved in that transformation, there would be something that any military doctor could find to declare someone unfit for service-- if that was their perogative.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Sam

I don't know if I really understand what DADT was about.

If DADT meant that a person could not be homosexual and serve in the Military it would be, in my opinion, discrimination.

If it meant a person would be expelled from the Military if the person admitted being gay, it would be, in my, opinion discrimination.

Isn't there some quote by Barry Goldwater (considered conservative by some) about homosexual American military men are buried on the beaches and military cemetaries?

Actually it meant you COULD be gay and serve in the military, as long as you did not openly claim to be gay...nobody could ask you if you were and you were expected to keep it to yourself

[Azzan]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Actually it meant you COULD be gay and serve in the military, as long as you did not openly claim to be gay...nobody could ask you if you were and you were expected to keep it to yourself

Not quite true. Consider the case of Tracey Cooper-Harris. A lesbian who was in the army for 12 years and rose to the rank of sergeant. She was forced to perform sexual favors in order to keep her secret safe. According to her, she saw others in the same situation. Those who reported the abuse where discharged for being gay.

[sandie]

I'm interested first, last and always as to what the Lord would have to say on this issue as well as all issues.

Shouldn't we, as Christians, bring that into the discussion?

Baron, your question is excellent:

The majority rules...sometimes? Why are our morals determined by majority rule rather than an objective standard?

The treatment of homosexuals should be ruled by the "golden rule".
All peoples should be treated with kindness, understanding and the love of the Lord. But, that doesn't mean acceptance and accomodation of behaviors the Lord says is wrong.
I don't think society is doing the homosexual a favor in the long run.
Someone said it's difficult for homosexuals to give up that lifestyle, how much harder is it after society says dont' worry, your behavior is accepted?
The military putting it's stamp of approval and making room for that behavior adds to the burden, imo.