Don’t Ask for the facts
Joints Chiefs of Staff chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday, saying that repealing the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy “would be the right thing to do.” Characteristically, religious right groups reacted with much chagrin and very little accurate information. (For example, Tony Perkins implied that ending DADT would lead to more sexual assault in the military. Seriously.)
For a more honest take, recall the statement released late last year by retired military chaplains in favor of ending discrimination against gay and lesbian members of the armed forces. Drawing on the chaplains’ own analysis, in addition to consultation with “fellow Chaplains as well as veterans representing all the Services in all ranks and ratings from E-1 through O-8,” the statement refuted pro-DADT arguments ranging from unit cohesion and combat effectiveness to order and discipline to sexual relations among service members.
The difference between these two different faith voices could hardly be more stark. One group reflects on their own experiences serving military personnel’s spiritual needs; the other demonizes the LGBT community, even as they risk their lives to protect this country.
Since DADT was enacted in 1993, approximately 13,500 members of the military have been dismissed because of their sexual identity. Thousands more still live in fear of the same fate. For their sake, and for our sake as a nation that claims to uphold equality and dignity, it’s a good thing military leadership think more like the chaplains than the likes of Tony Perkins.
I was listening to the radio this morning speak on this topic and the only comments I took stock in were military members who called in with reasonable experience based opinions. Anybody can say what they think will happen, but I stand to side with what is best for our soldiers.
~andrew
what is the bible?
Dan, thanks for the link, as we address this most important issue. Hopefully, the phrase don’t ask don’t tell will be dropped from the military — and then maybe from the church.
I gave my further comments at my blog.