"I do not believe the United States is well served by a policy that says it is OK to be immoral in any way." - General Peter Pace
What’s the message here? Discrimination is strictly off-limits for race, colour, or creed, but discrimination against someone with a different sexual orientation is just dandy? Doesn't it also say that some people are born “immoral”, regardless of how they conduct themselves? Isn't there a presumption here that all homosexuals are promiscuous and that all heterosexuals are paragons of moral rectitude? How unenlightened General Pace is. - ©Mark
THE GUARDIAN: Twenty-eight former military chiefs have collectively called for a repeal of the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy whereby gay and lesbian Americans are allowed to serve in the armed forces but only if they keep their sexuality secret.
A letter from the retired generals and admirals, timed for the 14th anniversary of the legislation, calls on Congress to throw out the restriction.
"Those of us signing this letter have dedicated our lives to defending the rights of our citizens to believe whatever they wish," the letter says.
The provision was introduced by the Clinton administration as a compromise. Bill Clinton came to office in 1992 promising to open up fully the military to gay and lesbian personnel but backtracked in the face of vociferous opposition.
Since 1993 about 10,000 men and women have been sacked from the military under the policy. In recent years the numbers have declined, to 612 in 2006. >>> By Ed Pilkington in New York
WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO:
Gay Arabic Linguist Discharged from the US military for Being Gay
Mark Alexander
