Israeli experience may sway Army policy on gays

[Ian David]

In 1993, Congress banned known homosexuals from the military, convinced their presence could undermine morale and discipline. That year, Israel took exactly the opposite approach.

All restrictions on gay and lesbian soldiers were dropped. Homosexuals in the Israel Defense Forces could join close-knit combat units or serve in sensitive intelligence posts. They were eligible for promotion to the highest ranks.

Fourteen years later, Israelis are convinced they made the right decision.

"It's a non-issue," said David Saranga, a former IDF officer and now Israel's consul for media and public affairs in New York. "There is not a problem with your sexual tendency. You can be a very good officer, a creative one, a brave one and be gay at the same time."

Israel is among 24 countries that permit known gays to serve in the military, and its experience is giving fodder to opponents of the United States' controversial "Don't ask, don't tell" policy.

More:
http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2007/01/israeli-experience-may-sway-army.html


I've met gay Israeli soldiers.

You do NOT want to piss them off.

Israeli soldiers-- gay or straight, male or female-- are some of the toughest fuckers you'll ever meet.

[David__77]

1. Toughest "fuckers" indeed.

I will agree entirely.

[Ian David]

2. "Not many people have said 'fuck you' to me and lived..."

Someday I'll have to tell you about the day THAT happened to me.

[David__77]

3. I hope everyone on DU has that standpoint.

That said, I agree that homosexuals should be able to serve openly in the US armed forces.

[Ian David]

6. I disagree.

I think that gay people should form an all-gay "Private Contractor," and make ten times the money they would make in the army.

They would get health benefits, a pension, and they could pick-and-choose who and where they fight, instead of being at the beck and call of Commander CuckooBananas.

They could call it "Pinkwater Consulting," or perhaps "The TusGAYgee Experiment."

[UncleSepp]

14. I think I love you.

The Sacred Band of Thebes, on the march again! Fantastic!

[LeftCoast]

4. The UK has also opened up their military as well, I believe

I know a number of other countries have made this move with no problems to speak of.

[Ian David]

5. The UK actively recruits gays to join the military. n/t

[terrya]

8. So has Canada

And since Canada is basically fighting our "War on Terror" in Afghanistan, since our Commander-in-Chief decided we have more important priorities elsewhere, and Canada is doing a superb job in Afghanistan, I'd say that they, also, don't have any problems whatsoever with gay and lesbian folks serving openly in their armed forces.

[LeftCoast]

9. I didn't know that about Canada

Doesn't surprise me though considering their Supreme Court's ruling on marriage equality. I was considering emigrating there when things were looking really bleak here in the US after W won his 1st term. Such a civilized country. :)

[Ian David]

10. I have a radical idea

What if Gay-Americans had the option of serving as Canadian soldiers, the same way American fighter pilots (including some black men) joined the Canadian Air Force to fight against Germany before the U.S. entered the war?

[LeftCoast]

11. Then you wouldn't get all the GI Bill benefits, etc

Besides, Canada's already helping our elderly get their meds. We can't rely on them to solve all our social problems. :)

[Ian David]

12. I will greet the dogsleds of our Canadian overlords as liberators...

... with hot cocoa and flowers.

[LeftCoast]

13. LOL

Good one! :)

[cboy4]

7. I love this poster:

You're right, considering the reputation of the IDF, it's just crazy the issue is so controversial in the U.S. :eyes: