Everyone knows about the controversy behind don’t ask don’t tell. What started out as former President Clinton’s pragmatic effort to include gays in military service, has now evolved into a meme of institutional prejudice. Those who support the policy argue that the inclusion of gays in military service would diminish soldier camaraderie and inhibit unit cohesion. Those in opposition claim that excluding able bodied men and women solely on the basis of what gender they decide to shack up with, only limits the overall strength of the military. Even though progressives are quick to point out the law’s inherent homophobia, gay rights activists are looking at this issue with the wrong perspective. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell doesn’t have to be an abhorent violation of human and civil rights. It could be a mechanism to curtail other homophobic legislation (such as proposition 8). Don’t Ask Don’t Tell could be beneficial toward the gay community. Now before anyone accuses me of homophobia, allow me to explain the madness behind my method.
In many ways the modern homosexual plight is reminiscent of the African American plight of World War I (and just about every American war subsequent to the Civil War). During WWI blacks risked their lives on the battlefield. Despite this, many blacks had to face the familiar sting of racism upon their arrival back to the United States. Many soldiers were lynched while still in their military uniform. The message being sent was simple, your’e good enough to risk your life for this country, but don’t even think you’ll receive basic rights.
If Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is repealed the same message will be repeated (only to a different minority). Even though Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is the antithesis to my progressive ideals, it could be a blessing in disguise. Why should gays fight for a country that marginalizes their freedom for frivolous cause. Until gays are afforded all the basic civil rights heterosexuals enjoy (including the misery that comes with marriage) gays and should refuse to risk their lives in the armed forces.
