Letter: Repeal ‘don’t ask’The statements of the officials opposing the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” in your recent article (“Troops oppose repeal of ‘don’t ask,’” Jan. 5) are outdated and out of touch. The warning about cohabitation from (Elaine Donnelly, founder and president of the Center for Military Readiness) shows a lack of understanding of the current military situation. Heterosexuals are already cohabitating with homosexual service members, both downrange and back at home.
While this is not without incident, little can be done until the current policy is repealed and leaders can begin their efforts to prevent these types of occurrences. Donnelly’s opposition to gay and lesbian soldiers is an insult to all the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces, often in silence.
Additionally, Capt. (Steven J.) Lacy’s comments are an echo of the played-out argument that officials have been pushing since this policy began. It is an argument that has outlived its accuracy.
Every day, more and more soldiers return from global deployments, during which many have served beside a service member that they knew was homosexual. Along with our own troops, many of our allies in the war on terrorism allow openly homosexual service members. Even our civilian counterparts, serving in Department of the Army and in defense contracting positions, are allowed to serve openly.
As a leader, I would rather my troops be able to be honest and open about their personal lives than forced into silence or deceit by policy. In a close-knit military unit, there is no such thing as leaving your personal life at home. Because gay and lesbian soldiers are forced to remain silent about their home life, this outdated policy too often conflicts with the Army value of integrity.
Rest of article at:
http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_opinion_dadt_011209/%2e
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