Don't Ask, Don't Tell... Don't Act?

<Note: This is a repost from my previous blog. I'm making the transition from Tumblr.>

What I am writing may offend some, for that I apologize for that is not my intent. Given the current political climate however, I feel the need to express my thoughts on the very volatile subject of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT).

I have fiscal conservative tendencies but I’m also a social liberal, which makes for a unique experience when inside the voting booth. For me, finding a position on the repeal of DADT is simple. My argument is based on Constitutionality; that the rights of each person should be recognized and treated equally. I support gay rights in all forms and the denying of the rights of some based on orientation is simply unconstitutional.

Those who enter the service deserve our highest respect and better treatment than this. They are our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters and even our parents. They answered our nations call to take up arms in defense of our rights and to keep us safe, despite the enormous risks. All they ask in return is to be respected as individuals and not to be placed in harm’s way unnecessarily. The status quo of DADT reinforces a painful stigma and creates a second class of citizens all while denying them a voice.

I know one argument is a fear of behavioral misconduct. I would argue that our military is the best trained in the history of the world; do we really expect that a soldier trained in how to react in combat would suddenly no longer be able to control their libido? While I’m not going to delve too deeply into the religious arguments, I will say that I’m a Christian and I’ve read my Bible; it also speaks to me of not judging and to love my neighbor as my brother.  What I will address is this argument violates the separation of church and state and disenfranchises those who have a right to be themselves without fear of reprisal.  The very rights our service men and women voluntarily have taken an oath to defend.    The most popular argument is that it would disrupt troop cohesion; yet after President Truman integrated the troops under special order 9981, the military did what it does best: it adapted and became better for it.

The government does not bar me the opportunity to marry or to openly serve my country because of what is deemed as “appropriate behavior” yet those very rights are denied to our service men and women. Anti-gay legislation is discrimination as is the denying of government services and opportunities afforded to each individual. The government has no place in dictating what it deems a proper relationship anymore than it has the right to silence the voice of voter. The Constitution affords the rights of all to all and while it does not promise happiness, it does guarantee its pursuit.

Thank you for taking the time to read.