Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Thewelder

So the president signed into law the repeal of DADT today. Personally I'm a fan of it. A gay guy is not gonna be thinking hey johnny over there looks pretty good when bullets are flying by him. He is going to do the exact same job as you or me. I'm glad we will allow everybody to join the military. They allow people who are not citizens of the United States, and now they will allow all citizens to be in the military and defend the country they love.

cabinetmaker

xmacro

stephen_hannibal

cabinetmaker

xmacro:

But at the very least, I'm still glad it wasn't done by the courts, but instead by the legislature

+1

asolomon

Xmacro, that's a great point about civilian virtues vs military virtues. In this case, though, I'm inclined to agree with the serviceman above (as I'm not in service either). I can't see open gays interfering with combat, and it's folly to keep willing men from serving their country.

Vulchor

I agree with a little of what everyone said actually...Hanibal a little more than others. To me, I look at it as a job issue. While I totally feel serving in the military is more than just a job and certainly carries a level of duty and honor few others know-------it remains, at least for those in it fully, a profession. No other profession can say no simply because one is openly gay. If you can perform the job duties and are qualified for what you are doing----thats a done deal to me, gay or straight. Some of course wont be happy about this, but youre not always happy with straight coworkers either. If their behaviors effects others, then its a problem. But if the effect is ONLY because of the sexual orientation, and not their behaviors----its the other persons issue...not they gay's.

cigarmonkey

I agree with pretty much everything everyone else has said as long as it doesn't interfere with doing a job well done. That's about as much as i can say since i'm not serving. If willing and capable, let em serve. And thanks to all those who are serving now and who have served in the past!

JCizzle

The Sniper

JCizzle

Amen, brother!

xmacro

This thread seems to be tacking along with prevailing public opinion. I read somwhere that when the ban was first put in place, the number of people accepting gays in the military was somwhere over 40%; today it's a bit below 80%.

Amos Umwhat

phobicsquirrel

I'm glad it was signed but now the military will drag its ass. I personally think it was shameful that this law was ever introduced. This country has a real problem with discrimitation. I don't get it. It seems as most if not most people I talk too or know that is or was in the armed services have never had a problem with homosexuals serving. It's just a talking point. I feel it's descraceful that after obama signed the law he asked those who were kicked out to relinist. I mean WTF?

Jetmech_63

I am still active and know plenty of gays, I don't really care. Same rules apply to us all, gay, straight, male, female, white, black, etc... It's and idea who's time is long over due. I'm happy about it.

Amos Umwhat

phobicsquirrel:

I'm glad it was signed but now the military will drag its ass. I personally think it was shameful that this law was ever introduced. This country has a real problem with discrimitation. I don't get it. It seems as most if not most people I talk too or know that is or was in the armed services have never had a problem with homosexuals serving. It's just a talking point. I feel it's descraceful that after obama signed the law he asked those who were kicked out to relinist. I mean WTF?

Well, I understand your sentiment, but this was really supposed to be a first step in the right direction. When I was a recruiter, we had to ask if an applicant had ever considered themselves to be a homosexual, or engaged in any homosexual activity. A "yes" answer was an automatic disqualification. Also, commanders were free to ask soldiers, and then boot them out, and less ethical means were also used and (unofficially) tolerated. Homosexuals were considered to be a security risk. I haven't been keeping up with the President's comments on the subject, but based on your comment I have to say that I think it might be more appropriate to simply re-instate on request. This could become a logistical nightmare, however, so it may be best to wipe the records clean and simply allow re-enlistment as an option.