Blog nr. 27

It is time for me to chime in on dadt: "don't ask, don't tell".

This law forbid gay people from serving openly in the Armed Forces. (Key word: OPENLY)



Anyway, this was not a law during my time of service (1957-1977). I am sure that there were gay servicemen/women during that period, but it wasn't a concern for most troops. I don't recall a persons sexual orientation as being an issue of any kind.

17 years ago, for some reason, it became a political issue. I thought then it was stupid to enact a regulation against men/women because of their sexual preference. At one time, not really too long ago, their was discrimination against blacks serving their country in the military.

I firmly believe that men/women are given the rights to make choices, be it sexual or not.

The Marine Corps is really fighting this repeal.........they say it would be dangerous to have homosexual troops fighting alongside "straight" troops.

My combat experience did not require me to slough thru jungles for days at a time, like many Marines...I am sure they have a perspective I'm unaware of. But I know that if my life depended on my shipmate, I really wasn't too worried about his orientation.....I was concerned that he could do his job as part of the team built to handle tough situations and could be counted on as part of that team.

So, for the Marine Corps I can only say "Lighten up". You and the other services need to continue to focus on what YOU are doing and back-off this "non-issue".

And for the politicians I can only urge them to focus on the important issues of employment, ethics, and put their "personal" houses in order.

Tom