Recently the law of ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ which bars homosexuals from being open about their sexuality while serving in the military, is under fire. Many democrats, liberals, and progressive conservatives are rooting for the repeal of the ban on gays in the military, calling it useless, bigoted, and unfair.
President Obama himself addressed this in his recent State of the Union, calling onto congress to work to repeal this law. From that day on, everyone and their mother has had an opinion on this ban. One man in particular, Missouri Sen. Gary Nodler has a very strong opinion about the repealing of the law.
During a Senate debate of DADT, Nodler is quoted as saying, “There are real world implications…This is a policy that would directly threaten the lives of soldiers today.” Referring to the repeal of the law. Writer Tony Messenger of STLToday.com took this comment (and many others made by Nodler that day) as Nodler not wanting to offend the Muslim culture with the presence of homosexuals.
Sen. Nodler, like a spoiled child, threw a fit about this interpretation and began calling blogs and news outlets who reported this story along with Messenger’s interpretation. To clarify, Messenger wrote the piece as he saw it, including references to facial expressions and a reflection of previous debates. This was in no way a straight news article, and was never portrayed as such.
Nodler decided that being known as The Guy Who Doesn’t Want To Offend The Terrorists was too much, and Messenger released another article, citing more quotes from Nodler such as, “I do care what Iraqi-allied commanders think about it with American forces integrated into their units.” and, “If the U.S. forces become offensive to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, how do we succeed in winning their hearts and minds?”
Since when do we place the values of others ahead of American values during a time of war? Why does Nodler seem to care more about winning the hearts and minds of Iraqis than the essential help an estimated 65,000 gay and lesbian troops provide our armed forces? Is he so worried that Muslims will shun Americans because of gay soldiers (despite that peaceful Iraqi citizens seem to be fine with female soldiers who don’t wear the required head covers)?
So readers, what do you think? In a time of war, is it right to be discharging healthy and capable American troops for their sexuality? Is Nodler’s agenda more about homophobia, or is he genuinly concerned about America’a safety?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s a great point! The only problem I see is for the one (or small group) that doesn’t want to keep it a secret or for those that become known for who they are. They are kicked out now, what do you do with them instead? I think a compromise might be DADT for combat MOS’s where group integration is EXTREMELY important, while openly gay individuals can go into any other MOS’s. This is a similar policy that the military uses for women for similiar reasons. But I definately agree that it needs work!
Matt, I totally understand your view point. However you have to think, how many soldiers will want to OPENLY be gay to all their fellow troops? I’m sure they are well aware of the backlash and prejudice they’d receive, and a few gay people I have spoken to have told me that if they were to go into the military, they would not be open.
So why even repeal it then, you may wonder? Well if the person is found out to be gay, or does choose to disclose it, the repeal of DADT will mean that they can remain in the military. If you can be openly gay on American soil, why not when fighting for the country?
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Well then nodler’s reasoning is highly flawed as many gay Americans already serve just in secret. The thing I worry about with repealing don’t ask don’t tell is the impact on the troops. I come from a military family and have many friends who have served. I have great respect for all of them and they all tell me the same story. many enter into the military with a lack of maturity. The miltary teaches this but it takes time. I worry that openly gay soldiers would be not only the subject of ridicule and derision by some soldiers but make them hesitant to form the bond required to be an effective fighting force. If a soldier knows the man (or woman) next to them is gay, and they grew up with prejudices towards that group, it could make for a bad situation, or at minimum create tension. It is important for citizens to become soldiers and soldiers to become brothers. would repealling DADT affect this?