"don't ask, don't tell", more like don't bother.

Despite President Obama's vow to do away with "don't ask, don't tell" citizens and politicians alike are growing doubtful that it will happen.


With Midterm elections taking place in less than a month, on November 2, Democrats in favor of repealing the policy are scrambling to push it through Congress. Passing through the policy is twice as complicated so close to elections.


The inability of the Democratic Party to repeal the act has upset many of their constituents which may prevent re-election. However, if the Republican Party gains control of the either the senate or house, or both, that would most likely erase any chance of abolishing "don't ask, don't tell", in the future.


For this reason Democratic representatives in the Senate and House are asking for voters patience with the issue, and stressing that if the Republicans gain control that the act will remain in place.


“First of all, I haven’t ‘mentioned’ that I’m against ‘don’t ask’… I have said very clearly, including in a State of the Union address, that I’m against ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ and that we’re going to end this policy,” President Obama countered, to those questioning his devotion to his words.


The White House was following a 'go-slow' plan regarding repealing "don't ask, don't tell" to avoid conflict with the Pentagon, as they need the Pentagon/ military support.  The initial plan entailed waiting on a study to be released from the Pentagon in December 2010 with legislation to follow.


What the Obama administration did not anticipate was the impatience of advocates of repeal due to online polls revealing an overwhelming 75 percent of the population is in favor of doing away with "don't ask, don't tell". In response to the pressure a conditional repeal legislation was introduced to Congress to give Obama, and two members of his staff to end "don't as, don't tell" as soon as the studies are complete.


With all of the uproar from both sides of the debate, I feel we should consider the main reason (or what should be the main reason) for the debate: is it in the best interest of the gay men and women serving in the armed forces to repeal this act? Would it really help America as a whole to reduce homophobia and develop a better sense and practice of equal rights?Would it increase their participation in the armed forces or deter it since they are no longer "protected"? Is "don't ask, don't tell" really protecting them?


No wonder this repeal is messy business.


Currently, responding to the growing gay-rights movement, many gays serving in the military have began to be open about their sexuality and hundreds have been discharged. 275 members were let go in 2009 just for being honest about who they are. This is unacceptable for a nation that claims "liberty and justice for all".


I do believe "don't ask, don't tell" should be and will be repealed. Although you cannot force people to change their beliefs, as they are often deeply rooted in tradition and religion, I think allowing homosexuals to be open about their lifestyle will help eradicate radical opposition to the same-sex lifestyle in the future. Expulsion of this well known, no longer secret, fact will make gay-rights a less taboo/ touchy subject.

IMPORTANT!

WATCH!

"You and me baby ain't nothin' but mammals, so lets do it like they do on the Discovery Channel"

and help out!!

http://www.austinpetsalive.org/

"I didn't make that mess, it's not my responsibility to clean it up."

The chant of countless grade school children in protest to cleaning up a few markers left strewn about by a classmate, or food crumbs left on the table by a sibling. The chant that also rings out from many politicians mouths around the globe, only the mess in this context could expand as far as the 'projects' of the United States to starvation and widespread disease in third world countries.
        As Americans, we have heard the terms equality, equal rights since kindergarten. Because they are so ingrained in our brains through our education it is easy to take them at face value and not consider the application of those terms outside of our nations borders.
       Is it because those people in poorer countries were not fortunate enough to be born into U.S. citizenship that they do not deserve the same 'equality' we expect here? There is a gross inequality amongst standards of living within countries and between them. Those who enjoy a greater standard of living refuse to make an effort to assist those that do not, because "it is not their problem."
       "Those other countries governments should learn how to get their own stuff together"
       "Why don't they improve working conditions for their people?"
       As Americans we are also raised to believe that our country, "The land of the free and the home of the brave", is righteous, even a godsend to 'lesser' countries; offering aid (mostly in the form of military involvement). What is kept behind the scenes offers an answer to the questions posed above.