Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Care

I was watching CNN tonight and their coverage of today's congressional discussions about the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Will someone please help me understand what the hell the big hype is about?

I don't get it. 

In my opinion, if someone wants to serve our country and our military, they should be allowed to. Period. 

I don't care what race they are. What gender. Their sexual preference. I don't care if they were born in this country or became an American citizen later in life. I don't care if they are pope-like or an atheist. I don't care if they are a grown man with a Scooby Doo collection. Or, a woman whose part-time gig is as a birthday clown. I don't care! What the hell does any of this have to do with their ability to serve?

Oh, that's right... nothing. 

So, why the opposition to lifting the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy? Let's see...

In my lovely home state of Georgia, our local newspaper has an article about good ole Saxby Chambliss' position on this issue. Apparently, Saxby thinks that homosexuals present an "unacceptable risk" to the military due to their "propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts." If you watch his clip, he says that lifting the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban could impact the morale of the military. WTF?

So, let me get this straight, Saxby... You think that the possibility of soldiers having sexual relations could diminish their capacity to serve or at a minimum, affect their morale? If that's the argument against gay people being able to openly serve, shouldn't our military consist of all males or all females? Is it also going to affect the morale if a male and female soldier have sex? Or, are you just finding a way to insert your bias against people you don't agree with, in this case, gays?

And, then you have Senator John McCain. In the past, he has said that he'd support lifting this policy, but all of a sudden today - he changed his position. Hmm... could it be because your opponent won the election and you are hesitant to support anything that this White House is working on? Or, maybe it's because you're worried about your Senate re-election seat, and you don't want to rock the boat right now with your constituents. Either way, shame on you, John McCain! 

In corporate America, we have laws against discrimination based on sexual preference. We seriously don't apply the same rights to the people who are fighting for our rights to begin with? To me, that makes zero sense.

I think that it's courageous for people to sign up for military service. These men and women agree to put their own lives in harm's way to fight for our country's freedom. For us. We should let them be who they are. We should honor them for their service, no matter if they are gay or straight, black or white, male or female.

I believe that when someone is given an opportunity to be oneself, their focus becomes more clear. Their authentic self shines and we are all better for it. The world is better when we are each true to ourselves. 

So, let people openly portray their true selves. And, wait until you see the boost in morale then, Saxby!