According to the AP, "The number of Arabic linguists discharged from the military for violating its 'don't ask, don't tell' policy is higher than previously reported, according to records obtained by a research group.
The group contends the records show that the military — at a time when it and U.S. intelligence agencies don't have enough Arabic speakers — is putting its anti-gay stance ahead of national security."
Ah, now we see the real effect of "don't ask, don't tell." Ever since 9/11 our intelligence people have been complaining of our lack of Arab translators, and because of this idiotic policy we've been firing people who could have done the job. No one escapes blame here from Gingrich Republicans, weak-kneed President Clinton, and idiotic voters who demanded they support such a policy. Contrary to what some conservatives might say, I don't make a habit of criticizing our military. But I'd be lying if I didn't say the contingent of "macho" conservative culture in the military didn't deserve a lot of the blame for such a stupid (and, apparently, dangerous) policy.
Honestly, I don't want to get on a soapbox, but if I'm under attack by Iraqi insurgents I'm not gonna be concerned about whether the guy next to me is gay or not, only if he's gonna fight the enemy and protect his fellow soldiers. The truth is, many of our top talent in the military have been likewise kicked out or forced to remain in the closet even as they have risen to the most respected of ranks. Will I think less of a four-star general upon learning he is a homosexual? I think not. No, more likely I would feel shame that a man who has fought for his country is so disrespected by it.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
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4 comments:
I agree. It seems like the military is the last refuge of perfectly acceptable homophobia. This is a stupid policy whose time has come and gone; we need to get rid of it, and get the best people for the job regardless of color, gender, or sexuality.
I agree too. Our national ignorance is showing as badly as theirs. Love your entire blog too. Keep up the good work.
I agree, actually. When the army was made up of draftees, you had people of all kinds and we didn't have a particular culture. Of course, I'm philosophically against a military draft until the utmost necessity.
There are a lot of reasons not to have a draft, mostly practical ones, but that's not the issue here. The argument that matters to me is that all people are equal, regardless of what their beliefs and preferences are. That's the basic moral value of our country. To abrogate that merely because of some homophobic military personnel and civilians is unjust and immoral. This is the worst kind of hypocrasy that Americans endorse.
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