Gays in the Military, Federal Judge Orders, “Let Those Soldiers Serve”

Commentary by
Patrick McCormick
October 14, 2010

Has The Door Opened at Last? Maybe; the Obama Administration is threatening to appeal the recent injunction handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Philips on Tuesday. Her ruling bans enforcement of the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy throughout the military services. If this order stands it will effectively end the Military’s long-time ban on gays serving in our armed forces.

I say, “Its about time.” Our military had the same ruling about blacks filling combat roles; it was their long-time opinion they were cowardly; well guess what... the general's were wrong. Women have suffered the same discriminatory policies; and still do, but the walls are crumbling. It is time to allow gay service members the same rights as all other citizen soldiers. Why not, we are all entitled to equal protection under the law… aren’t we?

The legal aspects of this dilemma have been “Beaten like a drum.” Even now, General Gates is calling for Congress to settle the issue with legislation, not in the courts. Gay service members have been waiting for that to happen for twenty odd years. It could very well take another twenty to pass any meaningful laws. Maybe it is time for our elected officials and generals to simply let go of their old homophobic fears. As it stands, the argument is over. With an election fast approaching, It would make a lot of sense for Democrats to allow this to happen now.

History has proven many times over that homosexuals can serve as great soldiers. They are currently risking life and limb for our country. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” is a travesty of justice. It allows our military commanders to sweep their old fears under the rug... or into the closet. It is an unjust policy. Think of where the world would be today if the ancient Greeks had this rule. Their army would have barred, and publicly humiliated, a young man named Alexander the Great before he became king. History would have been denied its greatest general and this world would be a much different place.

Article first published as Gays in the Military, Federal Judge Orders, “Let Those Soldiers Serve” on Technorati.