Should lawmakers repeal the ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy that
bans gays from openly serving in the military?
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
“Should lawmakers repeal the ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy that bans gays from openly serving in the military?
” Yes: 9 No: 1
? Karen Anderson: “Yes. The military should be consulted about what should follow, however.”
? Dave Appling: “Absolutely. This is not just a rights issue. Contrary to the folklore, DADT hurts military readiness and inhibits unit cohesion. It was a bad law (not a mere policy!) in 1993, and it’s a worse one today.”
? Bert Berson: “Yes. Is it a real issue or is it being manufactured?”
? Chris Bryant: “Yes, this just adds to the stress if some of the members of our armed forces who already suffer enough stress just doing their jobs. Straight, gay, male, female should make no difference in their ability to fight for our country.”
? David Cohen: “Yes. It is a failed policy and we should not ask those who defend us to lie about who they are.”
? Julian Mancias: “Yes. This issue is just another form of discrimination and it should not be tolerated.”
? Henry Miller: “Yes. The time has come. Although it will be difficult for some and cause inconveniences for others, anyone willing to make the sacrifices required by being a part of our military must be treated equally with dignity and respect.”
? Lisa Pampuch: “Yes. The experience of other countries (like Israel, Canada, and Great Britain) shows that openly gay service members do not negatively affect ‘unit cohesion.’ And, as when (President Harry) Truman integrated the armed services in 1948, it’s just the right thing to do, and long overdue.”
? Emily Shem-Tov: “Yes, gays and lesbians should be able to serve openly in the armed forces and not have to lie about their sexual orientation to do so.”
? Jeff Smith: “No, they should not. I think it is a nice compromise between the polar opposite proposals and seems to be working well, so I wouldn’t rock the boat – especially in the middle of two wars.”
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