Don't Ask, who cares?

Again the far right have started another diversionary tact.  This one concerns former-POTUS’ very failed “Don ‘t ask, don’t tell” policy.  It was designed to assist gays that wanted to serve in the military.  It was wack policy then. It’s still wack.

The proper response from anyone in the military should be “who cares?”   What does sexual orientation have to do with ones ability to fight and die for our country? What makes a military tribunal the judge, jury and executioner of a good soldier who happens to be attracted to the same sex?

For a long, long time, Blacks were not allowed to serve in battle with the regular military. Every excuse under the sun was used.  Finally the military integrated. And you  know what? America became stronger, more powerful, more of a force to be reckoned. There were many people who fled the country during Viet Nam rather than fight for a cause that they didn’t believe in or for whatever reason. What we do know is that the disproportionate number of minorities signed up, fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice for a country that claimed to be united, but still held to institutional racism.  And yet Blacks fought.  We fought for a country that never allowed us to consider this place ”home”. We fought for the rights of those who would drag us behind a truck and watch our bodies become dismembered. We fought for a country that allowed or overlooked lynching.

Gays in the military were subject to much of the same discrimination.  Once it was discovered that they were gay, these brave soldiers were thrown out with a dishon0rable discharge for immoral acts or dereliction of duty.  We will never know how many of those soldiers held their tongues rather than admit that they were gay.  We have no idea now either.

Until openly gay people are allowed to serve in the military without using the “don’t ask don’t tell”  madness, there can be no true freedom in America. Everyone should have the right to love who they choose. Everyone should be able to serve in a military that reflects the inclusiveness (real or perceived) of this country.   As Americans, we have a duty to fight for our country.  Not just men, but women, not just straight, but gay,lesbian, transgendered, bisexual, not just white, but Asian and Black.

America is bigger than a label of contempt and hatred. It’s time we grew up.