As I watch all the top military brass make their obligatory public statements supporting the doing away with "don't ask, don't tell" in regards to gays in the military, it is obvious that they have received their marching orders from the Commander-in-Chief. Whether any of the Joint Chiefs of Staff oppose the change, we have no idea. After much thought (well, not really), I have come to the conclusion that I have no real opinion on this matter. Therefore, I say, let's give it a try.
When I was in the Army during the 1960s, we had a guy in our unit who was clearly gay. He never came out and said it, but there wasn't much doubt. Among ourselves, we talked about it, but we didn't really care about it. He was a good guy, never bothered anybody else, and so, it just was not a big issue. To my knowledge, no one ever gave him a hard time. This was in the 1960s, mind you.
I certainly have no objection to any gay person who wants to serve in the military having the opportunity to do so. Does that mean he or she will never have a problem in the barracks? I cannot say. We may learn down the road that it represents a problem that will have to be re-visited. However, at this point, I say, what the Hell, let's give it a shot.
Other countries (including Israel, correct?) allow gays in the military, and I don't know of it being a serious problem for them.
ReplyDeleteI think it's about time.
I agree Lance. I suspect that our servicemen and women are more grown up than those oppose to this.
ReplyDelete