Comments on: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell a Republican About Gay Rights

By: EG

EG — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:11:03 +0000

Well, it’s the atheist equivalent of “you just need to meet the right man/woman” for gay people, isn’t it? “If you were just frightened enough/under enough pressure, you’d admit that you believe in God”–as if atheists never find themselves in fear for their lives, or never experience horrible situations.

By: Holly

Holly — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:18:57 +0000

I really wish I watched it, that must have been priceless. I also love the “There’s no atheists in foxholes” mindset people have. Give me a break.

By: brandann

brandann — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:02:46 +0000

it totally pisses me off…i went to “a” school w/ some of those people…they are awesome, kick ass sailors, top three percent of intelligence in the military. it isn’t easy to get into those linguist jobs. IMHO, the policy isn’t helping anyone, and despite what anyone thinks, it sure as fuck isn’t “working”. pretty much the only profession where you are allowed to be openly bigoted, but must be closeted in all other areas of you life…

By: Cara

Cara — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:40:13 +0000

Fucking hell. You know, the thing is that the enforcement of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell seems to vary by department, brigade, etc. I’ve read articles written by openly gay people in the military. And the rate of discharges have dropped since the war started — I don’t think that it’s because there are fewer gays serving. And yet, you also hear about Arabic translators being discharged because they’re gay, even though there’s a desperate need for people to do that job.

And don’t even get me started on how not asking and not telling about someone’s sexuality only applies if you’re gay. I’ve never understood how anyone can, in that light, frame it as a non-bigoted policy. If it was the same for people of all sexualities, well the rule would still be staggeringly stupid, but at least it would be fair. As it is now, there’s not even an attempt to hide the prejudice.

By: brandann

brandann — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:35:21 +0000

and, the comments on that video are disturbing…and pissed me off enough to make me have to get up and move around a few minutes…

By: brandann

brandann — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:26:32 +0000

you are absolutely right that the military breeds homophobia the way it is now, but, and i know you said this, the people in the military are far more tolerant and professional than we are given credit for. it’s the policies, rules and regulations that force us into silence instead of speaking out against it. i just completed some annual training, about regulations and responsibilities, and it is mostly focused on sexual harassment and “don’t ask don’t tell”. it is written so strictly that if anyone opens up to anyone about being gay they expect us to report it, or expect punishment if it is discovered, and anyone finds out we didn’t turn them in. it is wrong, and backward of what is reflected in society.

you would be surprised at how many strange looks i get when people discover i am in the military and liberal. it floors them, but i assure you it is bullshit like this fucking law that makes being liberal in the military make sense to me.

also, i was going to do a post on this article, but i will just post a link to yours, it is so well written. thank-you, from someone who wants to jump up and scream about this issue, but isn’t allowed to stand up for her brothers and sisters in arms. maybe that is more of a shame on me, but i assure you i am dealing w/ that.