"If open homosexuals are allowed to serve in the U.S. military, it will harm recruitment, retention, and readiness and will without question weaken our national defense. Repeal is bad for the military and bad for the United States." This is the bottom line statement the "American Family Association" asserts on its website.
REALLY??!!
They are, of course, talking about the "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" debate currently ensuing on floor the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, a stand-alone bill repealing the 1993 legislation barring openly gay men and women from serving in the military is undergoing heated debate in the House and Senate. Does any average citizen really care two-cents about this issue? Is it (really) a burning topic of discussion across kitchen tables throughout America? Let's see, are people more worried about the sexual habits of soldiers or rather the soldier(s) are well-trained; and, how are we going to pay this rent? Being one of those average Americans that politicians so often speak of, I'll say that our major concern is for the latter debate. Rent.
The American Family Association cite statistics and make broad statements, such as:
-at least 30% of active service members believe the repeal is problematic
-24% of active duty personnel indicated that they either would resign or would consider resigning from the military if open homosexuals are allowed to serve
-it is clear that allowing open homosexuals to serve will have the opposite effect. It will weaken rather than strengthen our military
-Repeal will mean the end of careers for conservative Christian chaplains, who have deeply held moral and spiritual objections to the normalization of homosexuality. This will bring to an end a tradition of conservative Christian chaplains that goes all the way back to our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, who made the appointing of such chaplains one of his first orders of business. General Washington knew that military success depended upon the spiritual strength of the military
-Repeal will be the end of careers for conservative officers. They will be forced to publicly affirm the normalcy of homosexual behavior
The aforementioned statements (by the AFA) are obviously the opinions of a few pseudo-conservative tight-a$$es spending far too much time bible thumping and less time actually living the principles of the GOOD BOOK. Dont' get me wrong, I carry a few conservative principles myself. For instance, I feel that the FCC has lowered its standards to very dangerous levels. The loosening of our core cultural standards is leading our civilization down a slippery slope of destruction. However, to profess that homosexuality will ruin the military is a gross over-statement.
I am a straight man, who has never had the privilege to serve in the military. As such, I deeply appreciate any man or woman willing to place his or her life on the line for my freedom, regardless of that person's sexuality. In stead harassing these soldiers, it would be nice if the AFA simply said, "thank you."
Instead of pretending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation is a major concern for us average Americans thus garnering a lion share of their attention by our congress, congress needs to have a very real discussion about the "Omnibus Bill." Last time I checked, everyone was against earmarks --- right?
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