Let Truman’s example guide today’s policymakers
When President Truman issued his first executive order integrating the military on July 26, 1948, the polling was 82 percent against this action and it was just a few months before a hotly contested election. The Navy had already been integrating crews, but the Army and Marines resisted until the losses during the Korean war compelled them to call up previously segregated black units. However, the last one was not dissolved until 1954, at the dawn of the modern civil rights era with Brown vs. Board of Education, the death of Emmett Till and the rise of the young Martin Luther King Jr. on the horizon.
An anecdotal account of a Marine drill sergeant instructing his reluctantly integrating recruits was simple: “We all wear green and we all bleed red.”
It is extremely sad to see someone of the stature of a John McCain call for investigation after investigation. Now that the highest civilian and military leaders have testified that repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” would result in no or little effect on morale and combat-readiness, he insists on another study, delay or caution.
Paying attention to that kind of voice in 1948 not only would have stalled or derailed the successful integration of the military, but most likely further imperiled the nascent civil rights movement. May President Barack Obama and the current Congress have the courage of Truman to enact this legislation in the face of a continued prejudice cloaked in patriotism.
Don’t change the rules for troops now in combat
Most of us who have served in the military know that men and women with a homosexual orientation can and do make valuable contributions to the services. Some are no doubt already are serving well in combat units. However, out of concern for the potential psychological stress on many young combat soldiers, I agree with the generals who are urging Congress to be cautious in implementing an end to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. I would say, basically: Don’t do it while people are in combat.
The effects of this action on the discipline and morale of young soldiers in combat units is uncertain. We cannot overlook the “chosen few” mystique of the Marine Corps and the Army infantry, which has been cultivated to serve the nation’s interests and no doubt has strong personal and emotional importance for some young men who signed up for these branches. Rightly or wrongly, a sudden change in sexual orientation policy could be very stressful for some young soldiers in those units.
I would suggest that DADT be repealed now only for medical, technical and other support units. There could then be a gradual phase-in of the new policy throughout the services. This would allow young men entering the Marine Corps and Army infantry to understand realistically the new rules they will be living by before they are immersed in the stress of combat. It’s the least we can do for them.
Repeal gives due credit to men, women in uniform
Repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and expect the men and women of the armed forces to behave as responsible, mature adults instead of coddling the fears of the few.
Those who allow their prejudices to interfere with their duty to their country are the ones who should be dishonorably discharged for lack of discipline, not those who have proven a true interest in serving in the face of adversity.
Everyone unwilling to fight alongside a fellow human because of the different way he lives his life is putting his or her own personal feelings ahead of duty.
DADT is censorship. The message it sends to everyone, both military personnel and civilians, is that if someone might not like what you have to say, your right to free speech is waived.
DADT is demoralizing. I’ve heard the argument that knowing a fellow officer is gay will demoralize the troops. How insulting to the straight person, being told he or she is not equipped to maturely handle the knowledge that someone is gay and assuming they fear it. Give them more credit.
Besides, while it’s supposedly to prevent loss of morale, it does the opposite by having everyone focus on watching what they say and do and wondering about everyone around them.
DADT prevents the teamwork it’s intended to protect. The armed forces rely on working together, and that bond of trust depends on developing rapport with one’s colleagues. So to expect someone to strip out a large aspect of one’s life and be a whole person that others can respect is like expecting to enjoy a cake that has no flour.
Who would you rather have watching your behind: a person with whom you’ve had an opportunity to bond who happens to be tall, intelligent and gay, or some stranger with no vested emotional interest in your well-being?
DADT is self-defeating. Peace is not kept by suggesting there’s a problem in the first place, then claiming everyone’s safe because it’s been mandated to be hidden. The only reason homosexuality in the military has become a big issue is, well, because someone made a big issue out of it. Teach that it’s nothing to worry about, and why.
Of 400,000 serving members of the United States military and their families surveyed, most do not believe reform of the rules on gays and lesbians serving in the military would affect morale, unit cohesion or military effectiveness. A survey conducted by The Pentagon has concluded only 30% believed that changing the law would have a negative effect. The report also noted that those who have served with people they know or suspect to be gay have found unit cohesion to not be a problem.
The report was produced by Jeh C. Johnson, chief counsel at the Pentagon, and General Carter F. Ham, an U.S. Army commander in Europe. Opposition to reform was highest amongst troops in combat units and among members of the United States Marine Corps, where 40% and 46% oppose changes to the policy respectively. Robert Gates, the defence secretary, has stated that the survey shows that reform "would not be the wrenching, traumatic change many had feared" and asked the Senate to support an end to the current policy.
The current policy—often referred to as "don't ask, don't tell"—was passed by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and has led to the discharge of over 13,000 troops since 1994. A 2006 study by the University of California estimated that the cost of enforcing the policy is approximately $363 million, including the value of military training that is lost when a member of the armed services is sent home. Most other Western nations allow gay people to serve openly in the military.
Democratic leaders including President Barack Obama support repeal and hope to pass it before the Christmas break. Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain believes that more scrutiny is needed before repeal during war-time. The authors of the report believe otherwise, stating that they "do not underestimate the challenges in implementing a change in the law, but neither should we underestimate the ability of our extraordinarily dedicated service men and women to adapt to such change and continue to provide our nation with the military capability to accomplish any mission."
Pentagon 'don't ask don't tell' poll shows support for repeal - Wikinews, the free news source
God Bless America and God Bless All Americans, not just the chosen few! 
Especially All our Men and Women who serve freely and openly so that all Americans can be FREE! 
Game, Set, Match 