Comments on: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell http://views.eaglepeakpress.com/2010/02/03/dont-ask-dont-tell/ Seeing things as they really are, without the illusions or delusions Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:19:53 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Jack http://views.eaglepeakpress.com/2010/02/03/dont-ask-dont-tell/comment-page-1/#comment-3253 Jack Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:54:10 +0000 http://views.eaglepeakpress.com/?p=267#comment-3253 I reference Alexander only to note that a possibly gay individual was evidently quite successful at leading an army into battle. Similarly, there are numerous other countries whose militaries have no problem with mixing homosexuals and heterosexuals. I am in complete agreement with you that military effectiveness is the overriding concern, hence my conclusions and observations. I never lived in a college dorm but I have been surprised that they are now coed in many cases and that there are apartment dwellers who have roommates of the opposite sex with whom they are not sexually involved. I have no idea how or why problems are avoided, but perhaps that is just the way people are today--much the same as many younger people today do not have the same hangups with racial differences as did their parents. Does that mean the military should have unisex showers? I don't know; probably not. But whereever you go, to gyms, the showers of professional sports teams, the YMCA, etc., you will find people who may be attracted to the same sex. That doesn't seem to stop people from showering after exercise or ruining the competitive edge of NFL teams. I suspect that those who have desires for sex with someone of the same gender have the good sense, in MOST cases of not openly expressing that desire to someone that have no reason to believe will appreciate it. Obviously, mistakes happen and people get into fights. But why should the military have any more problem with this than any other institution. Given the need for competent volunteers, I agree with the current military leaders who see the days of "don't ask; don't tell," as past. I reference Alexander only to note that a possibly gay individual was evidently quite successful at leading an army into battle. Similarly, there are numerous other countries whose militaries have no problem with mixing homosexuals and heterosexuals. I am in complete agreement with you that military effectiveness is the overriding concern, hence my conclusions and observations. I never lived in a college dorm but I have been surprised that they are now coed in many cases and that there are apartment dwellers who have roommates of the opposite sex with whom they are not sexually involved. I have no idea how or why problems are avoided, but perhaps that is just the way people are today–much the same as many younger people today do not have the same hangups with racial differences as did their parents. Does that mean the military should have unisex showers? I don’t know; probably not. But whereever you go, to gyms, the showers of professional sports teams, the YMCA, etc., you will find people who may be attracted to the same sex. That doesn’t seem to stop people from showering after exercise or ruining the competitive edge of NFL teams. I suspect that those who have desires for sex with someone of the same gender have the good sense, in MOST cases of not openly expressing that desire to someone that have no reason to believe will appreciate it. Obviously, mistakes happen and people get into fights. But why should the military have any more problem with this than any other institution. Given the need for competent volunteers, I agree with the current military leaders who see the days of “don’t ask; don’t tell,” as past.

]]> By: Robert Patton http://views.eaglepeakpress.com/2010/02/03/dont-ask-dont-tell/comment-page-1/#comment-3252 Robert Patton Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:53:22 +0000 http://views.eaglepeakpress.com/?p=267#comment-3252 Who cares about Alexander's sexual likes and dislikes? I don't see the relevance to the current issue. But once again, no one asks the right questions. This is not a matter of gay rights, it's an issue of military effectiveness. Will male and female heterosexual soldiers, sailors, and marines feel comfortable showering with those who would like to bed them? If not, can they get over it? If so, what is the argument against men and women showering together? Merging the men and women into a single force with equal duties would save a lot of money. Why not? Notice that I am not taking a position. I'm only asking the questions that others don't have the guts to ask. I leave it to other to come up with the answers. It's been a long time since I was a marine. Maybe everyone showers in private now. But let's stop acting like this is some kind of discrimination issue and look at it realistically. Bob Who cares about Alexander’s sexual likes and dislikes? I don’t see the relevance to the current issue. But once again, no one asks the right questions. This is not a matter of gay rights, it’s an issue of military effectiveness. Will male and female heterosexual soldiers, sailors, and marines feel comfortable showering with those who would like to bed them? If not, can they get over it? If so, what is the argument against men and women showering together?

Merging the men and women into a single force with equal duties would save a lot of money. Why not?

Notice that I am not taking a position. I’m only asking the questions that others don’t have the guts to ask. I leave it to other to come up with the answers. It’s been a long time since I was a marine. Maybe everyone showers in private now. But let’s stop acting like this is some kind of discrimination issue and look at it realistically.

Bob

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