In a statement against Ellen Tauscher's (D-CA) introduction of H.R. 1283, the "Military Readiness Enhancement Act Of 2009," The Traditional Values Coalition continues the right wing the only tactic they know. From my experience of having served in the Navy, and dealing with other GLBT service-members, I can say with all certainty that the TVC's argument against DADT is flawed. It's the right wing's usual approach to an issue of trying to spread fear and ignorance. According the the TVC statement, "Her misnamed bill should be called the "Legalization Of Sodomy On The Battlefield And Barracks Act" to more accurately describe what the legislation will legalize."
The TVC's remarks is one of the most offensive things I've read in a while. With the words they use they try to paint a picture of life in the military becoming one big bacchanalian orgy rife with barebacking and a rampant increase in the spread of STDs and HIV.
This would have a devastating impact on our
military readiness. The best and most patriotic of American soldiers
would leave the service to individuals with sexual identity problems.
Imagine the impact that the rampant spread of STDs, including HIV would
have on the military? How will the military handle the spread of these
diseases in the barracks? How will the military handle sodomy in
battlefield situations?
Imagine the impact that sexual favoritism would have in subverting
military cohesion? A homosexual Sergeant who was in love with a member
of his company, could protect his lover from battle – or send a
straight soldier into harm’s way just to punish him for having the
wrong attitudes about homosexuality. Straight soldiers could be denied
promotion by militant gay officers. The military chain of command would
be undermined.
What kind of argument is this? When I was in the Navy, STDs was already a problem among the some of my straight crew members. When I was in the Philippines there was one sailor who bragged that his trip wasn't complete if he didn't have to go see a doctor after visiting some of the prostitutes in the city. With an attitude like that, I can only imagine that HIV is also a problem for many straight service-members.
What I find really laughable in their argument is they find a way to take a cheap shot at the many fine women that have decided to serve their country.
Col. Ron D. Ray, (USMCR, retired) has written
extensively on the dangers of permitting homosexuals to serve openly in
the military. In his essay, "Lifting The Ban On Homosexuals In The Military: The Subversion Of A Moral Principle,"
he notes: "Junior officers and NCOs already fear that any and every
effort made to investigate or screen [homosexuals] can and will be
challenged as a ‘witch hunt’ leading to legal and public challenges and
criticisms. Investigating or criticizing homosexuality will become as
politically incorrect as pointing out the military significance of the
many real differences between the sexes. The troops will get the
message."
That is some serious old school macho thinking right there. When I served, it was often pointed out why women were not allowed to serve in some positions. After years of inequality women can now serve on classes of ships they were previously banned from serving upon.
Times are changing and these scare tactics aren't going to work forever. When my father first joined the Navy, blacks if they served with white service-members it was only in positions such as cooks. When I was in the Navy the sexes were segregated and not allowed to serve on many combat vessels. That is no longer the case in many situations. Black and white service-members proudly serve together in all areas of the military. Women, while segregated to separate berthing areas as when on land, can now serve on a wide variety of ships including the once male dominated aircraft carriers that I served upon.
DADT will eventually be repealed. Pres. Obama made that pledge during his campaign. He again made that commitment to the GLBT community by adding it the the White House's website as one of his civil rights items that he wants to see passed. I just pray that he follows through on his pledge and not allow someone's fear and ignorance of the dignity and honor GLBT service-members will bring to the armed services sway him from making that decision.




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