America... Land of Equality?
Marlene Chavez
Issue date: 10/23/09 Section: Opinion
The constitution was built to provide "constitutional" equality for all. So when it comes down to being homosexual in the military, can one really be considered to be "equal?"
The "don't ask don't tell" policy is provided for those homosexuals in the military. The theory behind this concept is the commanders don't ask if your gay, and you don't tell them; otherwise you may be discharged. There are some speculations that straight military personnel will be affected knowing that someone in their unit is homosexual. Also, the US military is based on conservatism and should not be so flamboyant and liberal.
President Obama stated in his Oct. 10 speech that he "…will end don't ask, don' tell." He will sign the bill into law, ending discrimination of homosexuality within the military in the very near future.
Some opposing the repealing of "don't ask don't tell" are saying by homosexuality being open and accepted will affect their performance. Also that lack of "unity cohesion" will be present; this was the same issue when segregation of the military was put to an end.
I think "don't ask, don't tell" is pretty ridiculous, considering the fact that our country has made so much progress and yet one can't admit that their gay if serving in the military, doesn't make sense. Being homosexual should not affect your position in the military.
The military is not a perfect environment for many reasons; there are still issues and much hostility. There's racism, sexual harassment, and stereotypes, however there are also harassment policies. Therefore, these policies should coincide with homosexuality as well.
When interviewed in "60 minutes", Allen West, a British anti-terrorist minister stated that in their country homosexuality in the military is now accepted. He made many strong arguments including that there are more positive responses to the acceptance of gay military personnel then negative responses.
He feels that when people don't have to hide who they really are and with that are more willing to fight with all their will. He also mentioned how many of the Spartans were homosexuals and they were fierce fighters. The British should be an example to us, and the newer generations are more accepting of homosexuality then in past generations.
There are about 4,000 people discharged from the military every year. These are soldiers that have many important positions that we cannot afford to lose.
I believe everyone has an equal chance to serve and any race, sexual orientation, creed, religion should come together to for one cause, and that is to fight the enemy.
The "don't ask don't tell" policy is provided for those homosexuals in the military. The theory behind this concept is the commanders don't ask if your gay, and you don't tell them; otherwise you may be discharged. There are some speculations that straight military personnel will be affected knowing that someone in their unit is homosexual. Also, the US military is based on conservatism and should not be so flamboyant and liberal.
President Obama stated in his Oct. 10 speech that he "…will end don't ask, don' tell." He will sign the bill into law, ending discrimination of homosexuality within the military in the very near future.
Some opposing the repealing of "don't ask don't tell" are saying by homosexuality being open and accepted will affect their performance. Also that lack of "unity cohesion" will be present; this was the same issue when segregation of the military was put to an end.
I think "don't ask, don't tell" is pretty ridiculous, considering the fact that our country has made so much progress and yet one can't admit that their gay if serving in the military, doesn't make sense. Being homosexual should not affect your position in the military.
The military is not a perfect environment for many reasons; there are still issues and much hostility. There's racism, sexual harassment, and stereotypes, however there are also harassment policies. Therefore, these policies should coincide with homosexuality as well.
When interviewed in "60 minutes", Allen West, a British anti-terrorist minister stated that in their country homosexuality in the military is now accepted. He made many strong arguments including that there are more positive responses to the acceptance of gay military personnel then negative responses.
He feels that when people don't have to hide who they really are and with that are more willing to fight with all their will. He also mentioned how many of the Spartans were homosexuals and they were fierce fighters. The British should be an example to us, and the newer generations are more accepting of homosexuality then in past generations.
There are about 4,000 people discharged from the military every year. These are soldiers that have many important positions that we cannot afford to lose.
I believe everyone has an equal chance to serve and any race, sexual orientation, creed, religion should come together to for one cause, and that is to fight the enemy.
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