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On December 18th, the Senate voted 65-31 to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. This seventeen-year-old piece of legislation was established under the Clinton Administration, prohibiting openly homosexual soldiers from serving in our country’s military. It was initially enacted to decrease the number of homosexuals expelled based on sexual orientation. In reality, under this bill, over 13,500 soldiers have been fired due to their homosexuality.
The Senate, comprised of 58 Democrats and 42 Republicans, motioned to repeal. The 65 to 31 final vote included eight Republicans who voted with the Democrats on this matter. These Republicans were Brown (MA), Collins (ME), Murkowski (AK), Kirk (IL), Snowe (ME), Voinovich (OH), Ensign (NV), and Burr (NC).
The Republican vote on this legislation reflects a more moderate standpoint, not restricted to the beliefs outlined in the Republican Party platform. This shows that Republicans realize that sometimes it is in the better interest of our country to vote with the opposing party.
A group of Republicans adamantly oppose the repeal of this legislature, but not from a moral standpoint. Instead, congressmen such as Mike Pence tell the nation this cannot be repealed immediately because it would, in the Army chief of staff’s words, “’increase the risk on our soldiers.”
These arguments stem from the fear that repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will have a negative effect on the military. Needless to say, with the repeal of such a piece of legislature, there will be a great deal of change in the way the military works. This is important to our country, to be prepared for change. As the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, said, “War does not stifle change, it demands it.” This is all too true.
We know that these soldiers are willing to risk their lives upholding the beliefs of our country. Whatever sexual preferences they have should be disregarded; men and women who decide that they can help protect our country should not be denied that opportunity. All men are created equal; this has to be applied to all areas of the United States, including the military. The gays and lesbians working for America must be respected as much as every other soldier in our country.
The allegations that this repeal will change the military are accurate. Certain minor privacy accommodations will have to be made, such as shower curtains. Even programs on behavior in the newly integrated armed forces will have to be added. But we have to face this change head-on, instead of allowing a group of US citizens to be denied acceptance to the military.
We are excited that this bill was repealed by Republicans who are ready to enact change in the way things are run. Looking forward in this new year, we wonder if this blurred line between the parties will again be reflected in other issues. Based on the midterm elections, we can count on more voting with the opposing party. The Senate still has a democratic majority, but it will have to look at legislation that will appeal to moderate Republicans that are now in the House of Representatives.
Other sources:
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/opinions/view/opinion/Gates-Repeal-Dont-Ask-Dont-Tell-or-Endanger-the-Military-6025#
http://www.slate.com/id/2278627
nobody • Jan 24, 2011 at 11:08 AM
I quite agree that gay soldiers should be welcomed into the American armed forces and that it was right for Don't Ask Don't Tell to be overturned.
But one must consider the reason Don't Ask Don't Tell was instated in the first place: to uncomplicate battle. First of, remember that right now, only men are on active duty. This rule is currently being contested, but in place because if both men and women served together under stressful conditions, there could be a lot of "complications" (read: relationships and sex and general awkwardness) and could dissolve some of the effectiveness of modern warfare.
If gay men are allowed on active duty, this can lead to the same sort of "complications" (again, relationships, sex, and general awkwardness) which would reduce the effectiveness of modern warfare. I am absolutely not saying this is always the case, but is definitely a possibility. Also, some straight soldiers may be uncomfortable with being in such close proximity with these openly gay soldiers, and this also may reduce the effectiveness of modern warfare.
While I do agree with the overturning of Don't Ask Don't Tell, I feel like someone should orchestrate the integration of gay soldiers. Maybe gays shouldn't serve active duty. Maybe straight soldiers should get the option of serving on an all-straight group. Whatever happens, at least this is a step towards equality and freedom.
democrat • Jan 21, 2011 at 11:18 AM
"The Republican vote on this legislation reflects a more moderate standpoint…"
First of all, there were 8 Republicans that voted out of 42 Republicans in the Senate. Those 8, for the most part, were from liberal areas of the country (MA, NH, ME). I assure you if Senator Brown had represented Kentucky or Alabama, he would have voted against the repeal.
And just because 8 Republicans voted for the repeal, doesn't mean the party, as a whole, has become more moderate. I recommend you read the Basil Report on Global Warming – it'll give you a sense of how "moderate" Republicans really are.
nobody • Jan 24, 2011 at 11:12 AM
SORRY. Didn't realize politics became all about stupidly biased partisanship and not about the issues at hand!
Shouldn't you care about fixing the issues in America, like the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, and NOT care about bashing Republicans/ Democrats based on what part they stand for???
conservative • Jan 25, 2011 at 5:13 PM
you're so hypocritical, you're a liberal against don't ask don't tell, and are bashing republicans, when your party was the one that instituted this bill… I