"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.