Monday, December 20, 2010

Veterans, other al.com commenters speak out on repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell'

Published: Sunday, December 19, 2010, 4:00 PM
In a landmark vote for gay rights, the U.S. Senate voted 65-31 Saturday to pass legislation overturning the military ban on openly gay troops, and President Barack Obama said it was "time to close this chapter in our history."

Repeal means that, for the first time in American history, gays would be openly accepted by the military and could acknowledge their sexual orientation without fear of being kicked out. More than 13,500 service members have been dismissed under the 1993 law known as "don't ask, don't tell."

Al.com commenters have strong opinions on the repeal of DADT.

Some of the comments come from people who say they are veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Some comments are from people who see the move as a huge stride forward in equality in America.

Others think the measure will put gay soldiers in harm's way. Finally, others apparently don't believe gay people should have the same rights as straight people.

Read the comments below and join the conversation --- but in a civil manner, please.

What do you think?

From God Warrior:
13NC, as a person who has served, i can tell you it didn't make even one iota of difference that there were gays in my unit. I know you like to spout off like your some kind of family values patriot, but you've never done anything for your country but run your mouth.
How about shutting your trap and supporting the troops for a change. or are you a terrorist?

From str8shot:
At some point there is going to have to be a show down between those who believe the Lord our God and those who don't. We cannot have a society that preaches a doctrine against such dispicable behavior (homosexuality) and then passes laws that force acceptance. This cannot survive in harmony. The fate of our society, maybe even our species, may depend on the outcome.

From MobileMarine:
Having served 3 tours in Vietnam, I can tell you if there were gays in my outfit, they did not let anyone know about it.

From mark590:
It's a good day in the US as this policy of discrimination/hate is repealed. TOO many brave men and women have left the military because of the one they love.

From jarheadwife9670:
This has nothing to do with gay rights! This has to do with their SAFETY! Yes, our country is getting more open minded every day and I, personally think that gays and lesbians should have all the same rights as heterosexuals BUT there are still too many backwards thinking folks that will use physical aggression to attack this that they are either fear, don't understand or have simply just closed their minds to. So now gay and lesbian soldiers who are open about their sexuality will be not only in harms way of being attacked by comrades but also at risk of not getting the same back up in combat.

From bamajim14:
Another sad note for the USA ! What in the world is wrong with us??

From plainsman89:
"Liberty and justice for all"....I'm a little less skeptical today.

From redeag1e:
Definitely a sad day for the US military. There was a total lack of critical thinking applied to this vote. Things that had been largely non-issues under DADT will start to be front page news and recruiting among the majority will take a big hit. Gays will self-segregate out of combat jobs and into other specialties that will become so gay dominated that straights will not enlist in those MOSs. The all volunteer aspect will falter so get ready for either a greatly reduced military force or the draft. Conservative Christian denominations may very well withdraw sponsorship of their chaplains causing those to have to leave the service. Think I'm wrong? Cut and paste this an reply back in 5 years.

From baldwinbeach:
Once again the civilian leadership in our government uses the military for social experimentation, since the military has no choice in the matter. Has anyone considered that some "straights" may choose NOT to join the military because of this new policy. Probably Not!

From AuburnWinsAgain:
Its like this back when i was in vietnam and a gay person started coming on to someone he died in his sleep.we knew who were they were and 99% were good troops. that 1% came home in a bag.

From redbaron61:
Another sad day for America.

From Hagar the horrible:
What everyone seems to be over looking, is the fact that it's passed, it's over, move on, and get a life.?I'm for gay's having all the rights the rest of us have, except marriage. And there are way's around that legal obstacle in most cases. Where there isn't a way around it, maybe a way needs to be created, short of regular marriage.

From pilgrim:
I agree that the time has come. As a former Marine, I served with other Marines who clearly weren't into the opposite sex, and everyone pretty much knew it. I never heard a negative thing about it; it certainly didn't damage the cohesiveness of our unit. Those who have an issue with it can choose not to re-enlist, but the majority of today's youth who choose to serve in the military come from a place of greater tolerance that those that precede them. I believe everyone should have the option to serve their country if they are physically and emotionally capable of doing so, and it should be as simple as that.

From vulkanman:
And now the frivolous lawsuits begin in earnest....
?If you thought it was a mess with sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuits when women began serving in combatant roles, this is going to be a nightmare.
?Only the lawyers will win.

From fairhope1:
The next round of Wiki Leaks should release a list of gay Alabama closeted political leaders and outspoken bigots. Just because you hide the truth does not make you a better person.

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