Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

[sareth]

Some recent incidents have resulted in people stating that the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy instituted by the military under President Clinton can be implicated in these incidents, including the death of a U.S. Navy Sailor. The logic is that Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual military personnel cannot report when they are being harassed, because they will

Comments

Freedom of speech

[anonymous]

I was in the USNavy in the 1970s. Long before the "Don't ask/Don't tell" era. At that time, you could be tossed for being gay. Also at that time, most of the people in the Navy would have loved to be tossed, and several claimed to be gay in order to be tossed. And it didn't require a court martial, and you got a general discharge instead of an honorable discharge or dishonorable discharge.

However, there was one fellow sailor who was obviously gay, and actually purchased a gay bar in San Diego while still a sailor. (Because of being from a wealthy family, he was worth a few million at the time.) I am not aware of any harassment. However, I am certain that he was also careful never to attempt to approach fellow shipmates for anything other than casual friendship.

I asked him once why he was still in the Navy, when he had a perfect option to get out. He said he liked the travel, enjoyed his job, enjoyed the people, and knew he could get out anytime he wanted. I think he also wanted to serve his country.

I don't believe his position was any different than any number of other members of the service at the time. My experience was that fellow sailors were only ill-treated when they created negative situations. And I'm talking about anybody that created these situations, not gays. I honestly have to think that people who are mistreated usually (obviously not always) bring it on themselves. At least that is my limited experience.

Now. Related to my subject. I am extremely upset that I have lost my freedom of speech related to the subject of homosexuality. It is perfectly acceptable for anyone in our country to openly castigate those who suggest that homosexuality is abberant behavior. But freedom of speech suggests that the opposite should also be true. Why can't I express my concerns or positions openly without fear of ridicule and even fear of retribution? I have now become the one who is subject to "Don't ask/Don't tell" prejudice. And this for simply stating my position. Great Britain has a law that requires one to be encouraging violence to be in violation of the law. Here, I can be subject to discipline by an employer simply because I state my belief that a practice is wrong, while the one who says that my statement of belief is wrong is commended. Differing opinions with differing protections? Not what my constitution says.

Enough.

Spenser

Re: Freedom of speech

[meganeko_mausuu]

You are entirely correct, sir. It may not be everyone's favorite stance, but your right to say homosexuality is wrong, SHOULD be as protected and worked for as the right to be openly gay. I'm not so sure about the right to use inflammatory language when saying so, (IE, a certain F-word,) but that opens a can of worms against free speech that I'm not entirely certain I'm willing to go into.

Re: Freedom of speech

[sareth]

Also some good stuff there, 'nee!

Re: Freedom of speech

[meganeko_mausuu]

Thanks... I try. ^^;;;

Re: Freedom of speech

[sareth]

Some good stuff there, dad. Thanks.