Argus
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy Unconstitutional Friday, October 08, 2010 By By Adrienne Rosenberg ‘11
America is allegedly built on the ideals of freedom and equality. However, if this is so why are talented Americans being discharged from the military based on their sexual preference? Recently there has been much controversy over the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law that exists in the military. This law basically means don’t ask one another about their sexual orientation, and don’t tell one’s sexual preference. Many men and women have been discharged on the sole fact that they are homosexual. This is an incredibly oppressive attitude and it is truly ridiculous that this law still exists today. Jonathan Hopkins, a former solider who was discharged based on his sexual preference wrote an article on September 13, 2010 for The New York Times in which he said, “There is no way that a gay service member can navigate this policy with honor, integrity, or self-respect intact. Soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen traditionally know virtually everything about one another. The military is inherently a personal affair. Thus, if you are gay and choose to have a relationship, you must isolate yourself from your otherwise inclusive and close-knit organization, then lie about your “housemate” and cover up where you socialized. There go the Army values of “honor” and “integrity” — values we all believe very deeply in.” While some Democrats were pushing hard to have the bill overturned, Congress has decided to end the debate in order to resolve further conflict. President Barack Obama does have the power to attempt to end this law. However, he believes Congress should be the ones doing so and not him. The right decision for the United States is clear here. This is a country that is supposed to be built on equality.Our president needs to stop being afraid of controversy and do what is right. It is his job to stand for the ideals of America, and Obama must push for this law to be removed. Just because it was the ‘social norm’ for so long does not mean it is right. At one point the social norm was racism and that was obviously oppressive and disgusting as well. The Supreme Court has ruled twice that this law is unconstitutional, so there should be no question considering the constitution is the supreme law of the land. And who is to say that sexual preference affects those within the military? Who can truly say it hinders one’s ability to protect this Nation? We must bring true equality to America and fight for what is right and that is to repeal the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law. |