The U.S. military will for the first time in history allow gays to serve openly after the Senate voted Saturday to repeal "don't ask, don't tell," the policy that has required such troops to hide their sexual identity or risk being expelled from the services.
That's a step in the right direction!
That's a step in the right direction!
I see good and bad in this and how it was handled ... as a former/retired member of the military.
ReplyDeleteDADT was an Executive Order back in 1996 issues as a way to placate or accommodate the times in which we lived.
The Congressional action was purely a political act by politicians to stand before their constituents and say ... 'hey, look at me and what I did.'
The military is a society within a society and has its own rules and regulations, mores, etc. It does not function under societal norms (which being transgender/transexual I have a problem with any way and is another discussion).
For me the best way to handle this was for the military to act or not act as the needs of the uniformed services demand. Political interference by elected politicians (or civilian overseers) is not the best answer to this complicated subject.
They have been serving for year and serving well and (as for the ones I know) with distinction.
I can't understand a society that defines people by their sexuality rather than their character. No one wears a sign to say 'I am straight' or 'I am gay' ... they all wear the same uniform and perform the same jobs when on duty.
To me character ... does someone cheat, lie, steal, etc ... has greater implications.
Josie -- thank you for your polite and insightful comments...
ReplyDeleteEveryone ... Please remember my fore warning ... I will play censor if I must!
I find the thing a bit ironic. I am 59 years old and I remember that during the time of the draft and the Vietnam War guys would pretend to be gay to avoid going into the Army.
ReplyDeleteI am still young, 29 years old. I remember singing my enlistment papers, and there must have been at least 3 different ones I signed stating that open homosexuality was forbidden. I considered myself a regular straight guy at the time, though I had an interest in t-girls, and forced bi-sexuality. I was still very much in the closet at the time, even with myself.
ReplyDeleteThe longer I was in, the more I felt restricted by these rules. I was in my early 20's and wanted to explore my sexuality but didn't feel like I could. I liked serving in the military, I enjoyed my job and even received an achievement medal for my work while I was in. But not being allowed to openly explore my sexuality was a big factor in me not re-enlisting. It was not the only factor, but it was a major one.
I am glad to see that military members are free to be openly homosexual now. I think it is a positive measure, and another step toward acceptance. I know there are some who don't agree. But this is America, and that is their right. I won't ask them to be gay/bi/trans, i just ask that they don't try to force me to be straight. I am bi and sexually open, yet responsible, and I love it. I am glad I have now had the opportunity to explore my sexuality, and can't imagine being any other way.
Thank you for allowing this question NikkiJ, I wasn't trying to stir up a discussion, but it was something that was very close to me, and wondered if you had any friends affected by this change.
you are welcome Isabella ..
ReplyDeleteand A -- my have things chnaged since the 60's.