Abolishing "Don't Ask Don't Tell": Jeff Weiss

I see no reason why gays should not be allowed to serve in the military. Obviously, many already are, but do so under the secrecy of “don't ask don't tell.” In a time like now, while our country is still fighting two wars and must remain on guard against the threat of possible attacks, our nation's armed services needs every willing able bodied person who wishes to serve his or her country. Abolishing “don't ask don't tell” will allow gays to serve in the military openly, without having to lie about who they are.

Of course, there are some very vocal opponents to abolishing “don't ask don't tell,” including Sen John McCain (R-AZ), who has a written statement opposing abolishing the policy which he claims was signed by 1,000 retired officers. And then there is Congressman Duncan Hunter (R, California), himself a former marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, who believes “don't ask don't tell” needs to remain in place. Hunter has gone on record speaking of the virtues of the bond between those who serve in the military together while sharing “very close situations with each other.” Hunter goes on to say that “I think that bond is broken if you open up the military to transgenders, to hermaphrodites, to gays and lesbians.” While Senator McCain has a point that there may be some reluctance in the military to accept gays, Congressman Hunter's comments border on the bizarre.

The bottom line is that the military - like any other employer in the civilian world - should not discriminate against anyone regardless of their race, gender, religion, or sexual preference.

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