Don't Ask, Don't Tell

[Jeff Lebowski]

You have probably heard the news in the past week about Obama reiterating that he will work to overturn the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy related to gays serving in the military. Most of the articles on the story reference this survey done by ABC News last summer:

http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/Po...5387980&page=1

Here is the key part:

All told, 78 percent in this ABC News/Washington Post poll say homosexuals who don't reveal their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve. Moreover, in a rejection of the current policy, about as many, 75 percent, also favor service by homosexuals who do disclose their orientation.

The change in support for openly gay service members has been striking.
In 1993 fewer than half -- 44 percent -- believed they should be allowed to serve, rising to 62 percent in 2001 and today's 75 percent.

It's remarkable how dramatically the numbers have changed in just 15 years.

[RobinFinderson]

Maybe the solution is to have all-gay units, bringing new meaning to the phrase, "Charge of the light brigade."

Just kidding, that would be a terrible idea. I just wanted to make the bad pun.

[il Padrino Ute]

Maybe the solution is to have all-gay units, bringing new meaning to the phrase, "Charge of the light brigade."

Just kidding, that would be a terrible idea. I just wanted to make the bad pun.

No, that's a great idea. If an all gay unit was in combat, they could be told that the enemy burned Barbara Streisand in effigy. The battle would be a victory in a matter of minutes.

[Hallelujah]

Maybe the solution is to have all-gay units, bringing new meaning to the phrase, "Charge of the light brigade."

Just kidding, that would be a terrible idea. I just wanted to make the bad pun.

Or, "don't worry, I've got your back".

[Jeff Lebowski]

Or, "don't worry, I've got your back".

Mocking our soldiers. Classy.

[Jeff Lebowski]

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was absurd to start with. Sure you can put your life on the line and serve your country. As long as you lie about who you are. But I guess it was a necessary evil given the alternative at the time.

Good for Obama for stopping this nonsense.

[woot]

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was absurd to start with. Sure you can put your life on the line and serve your country. As long as you lie about who you are. But I guess it was a necessary evil given the alternative at the time.

Good for Obama for stopping this nonsense.

I agree with you, but I do wonder how openly homosexual individuals will cope with military culture. It seems like an extremely tribalistic, macho situation and I wonder how they will be treated by their peers.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

I agree with you, but I do wonder how openly homosexual individuals will cope with military culture. It seems like an extremely tribalistic, macho situation and I wonder how they will be treated by their peers.

Would it be that much different than closeted homosexuals? Admittedly I don't know many homosexuals, does one become drastically different once you are openly homosexual?

I doubt Charles Nelson Reilly was ever going to be a soldier no matter the policy.

[woot]

Would it be that much different than closeted homosexuals? Admittedly I don't know many homosexuals, does one become drastically different once you are openly homosexual?

I doubt Charles Nelson Reilly was ever going to be a soldier no matter the policy.

I'm talking about how they will be treated by their peers. The military isn't known for its tolerance. If you're not a Jesus-loving macho man it just seems like it would be a tough go.

[il Padrino Ute]

I'm talking about how they will be treated by their peers. The military isn't known for its tolerance. If you're not a Jesus-loving macho man it just seems like it would be a tough go.

No tougher than how a Jesus-loving macho man is treated in the academic world.

[TripletDaddy]

I'm talking about how they will be treated by their peers. The military isn't known for its tolerance. If you're not a Jesus-loving macho man it just seems like it would be a tough go.

My guess is that once one of the gay soldiers puts a bullet between the eyes of an enemy and saves the lives of his fellow soldiers, everyone will be cool with his sexual orientation.

[woot]

No tougher than how a Jesus-loving macho man is treated in the academic world.

Now you're just being obtuse.

[il Padrino Ute]

Now you're just being obtuse.

Link?

[LA Ute]

I'm talking about how they will be treated by their peers. The military isn't known for its tolerance. If you're not a Jesus-loving macho man it just seems like it would be a tough go.

I think you're buying into some gay stereotypes.

[Goatnapper'96]

I'm talking about how they will be treated by their peers. The military isn't known for its tolerance. If you're not a Jesus-loving macho man it just seems like it would be a tough go.

Early on I don't suspect it will go real well, but society is changing concerning homosexuals and that change will be reflected in the younger generation.