Second Thoughts on Gays in the Military - Fmr Gen Shalikashvili

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/02/opinion/02shalikashvili.html?hp

TWO weeks ago, President Bush called for a long-term plan to increase the size of the armed forces. As our leaders consider various options for carrying out Mr. Bush’s vision, one issue likely to generate fierce debate is “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the policy that bars openly gay service members from the military. Indeed, leaders in the new Congress are planning to re-introduce a bill to repeal the policy next year.

As was the case in 1993 — the last time the American people thoroughly debated the question of whether openly gay men and lesbians should serve in the military — the issue will give rise to passionate feelings on both sides. The debate must be conducted with sensitivity, but it must also consider the evidence that has emerged over the last 14 years.

When I was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I supported the current policy because I believed that implementing a change in the rules at that time would have been too burdensome for our troops and commanders. I still believe that to have been true. The concern among many in the military was that given the longstanding view that homosexuality was incompatible with service, letting people who were openly gay serve would lower morale, harm recruitment and undermine unit cohesion.

In the early 1990s, large numbers of military personnel were opposed to letting openly gay men and lesbians serve. President Bill Clinton, who promised to lift the ban during his campaign, was overwhelmed by the strength of the opposition, which threatened to overturn any executive action he might take. The compromise that came to be known as “don’t ask, don’t tell” was thus a useful speed bump that allowed temperatures to cool for a period of time while the culture continued to evolve.

The question before us now is whether enough time has gone by to give this policy serious reconsideration. Much evidence suggests that it has.

[madeline_con]

1. Flag burning, cloning, and still harping on this! n/t

[AndyTiedye]

2. Must.Have. More.Cannon.Fodder

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

5. 'Zactly. n/t

[rustydog]

3. Why the hell not? The Republican backers children won't fight in

this "just war". Hey, might as well bump off a few queers in the process. :sarcasm:

[donco6]

4. That's probably more accurate than we know.

Let's remove all options for minorities so they HAVE to join the military. (Still not enough troops).

Let's allow women in combat. (Still not enough troops).

"Age limit, schmage limit - older folks can serve in the military!" (Still not enough troops).

"Say, about this "gays in the military thing"" . . .