Obama: Gays in the Military: Top of Presidential Agenda

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

If you are wondering what would be one of the top initiatives of a Barack Obama presidency, here is something that is virtually written in stone.  Obama would do away with the "Don't ask, don't tell" presidential edict initially put into place by Bill Clinton during his first term.  Obama's ultimate goal would be to change the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to accommodate homosexuals.  In plain language, the United States Armed Forces would have to allow homosexuals to openly serve in our nation's military.

Early on in Hillary Clinton's primary fight against Obama, she said this issue would be of primary concern in a Clinton administration.  Bill Clinton's attempt to have homosexuals openly serve in the military was met by a firestorm of protest in 1993 which led to the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy which now exists today.

Some estimate over 95% of officers serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in 1993 were adamantly against Clinton's plans, to the point Clinton developed the "Don't ask, don't tell" strategy.  The Pentagon was so sensitive to criticism from its serving officers that a warning went out which essentially stated those who voiced their opposition to plans for homosexuals to openly serve in the military or the subsequent "Don't ask, don't tell" policy would, in essence, be committing treason.  The "Don't ask, don't tell" strategy has existed for nearly 15 years, but is still a thorn in the sides of military commanders who find the program virtually unworkable.

Obama has been fortunate not to be pressed by the dominant media on this issue.  But, it is clear, the junior Senator from Illinois would favor the liberalization of rules regarding the open service of homosexuals in the U.S. Armed Forces, if elected.

"Frankly, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' has led to issues which have nothing to do with America's defense," said a former military officer who requested anonymity.  "If openly gay and lesbian individuals were allowed to serve in the Armed Forces, the possibility for abuse of the Uniform Code of Military Justice would be even greater and that should be plain to see for everyone."

It would take an act of Congress to change federal law regarding the service of openly gay and lesbian individuals in the U.S. military.  What would make Obama's desires possible would be a veto-proof House and Senate, since Congress would have to implement changes in federal law to lift the prohibition on homosexuals openly serving in the Armed Forces.  Nancy Pelosi, whose district includes San Francisco, is on record as supporting such a change in law.  Pelosi, who is virtually assured to control an even greater Democratic majority as Speaker of the House, would be pressed by her constituency to follow through on such an agenda.  If Republicans suffer considerable defeats in Congress in November as expected, Pelosi would literally be forced to act on her promise and the word is Obama would be more than happy to accommodate.

Thousands of officers fled the military during the Clinton administration, due to what they claim was a hostile working environment.  With Obama as president, such an exodus by officers would make what happened in the Clinton years look meager.

Obama has frequently talked about "change" during his run for the presidency.  If elected, one of those changes would assuredly see gays openly acting in the U.S. Armed Forces.  Military experts warn such a development would impact unit cohesion to the detriment of our nation and its security.

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Comments

[Steven]

President elect Obama would destroy the most powerful military in the world. Not only would homosexuals be harassed and shunned from everyone, the risk of emotional distress to their sensitive little hearts could be permanently ruined. Doesn't matter if you think it is right, wrong or indifferent, IT WILL HAPPEN.

Somebody stated, in regards to this topic, whom you sleep with is not the military's concern. That person and anyone who believes that are WRONG. Think of what that will entail. You couldn't allow a gay man to shower or share sleeping quarters with other men. If that were ok, then you would have to allow straight men to sleep and shower with straight women. Hopefully, you see the problems associated with this idea. And if you placed gay men with the women, then you run a very high risk of someone "claiming" to be gay in order to sleep and shower with the opposite sex. Not to mention, what if he or she is "bisexual"? Then what? The only fix to that would be to create entirely separate restrooms and sleeping quarters for the homosexual population. And in doing that, you have created a very blatant segregation that would inherently instigate animosity and hostility. Referring back to the 60's, the whole segregation thing doesn't seem like a very good idea, now does it? What a horrible environment this would create for everyone. Not to mention who would pay for that...you?

I proudly serve our military going on 17 years now. The phrase "if it's not broke, don't fix it" comes to mind. And if you don't even serve our military, then you don't have a credible opinion to even be considered. I say to you, "Join our military and serve our country. Once you've had the privilege of a few years active duty on your resume, then you would have an opinion that is worth someone's attention.

Thanks for reading

EDITOR'S NOTE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU GREATLY.

[dissertation]

Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!

[Nicole Roper]

Although I think the gays could contribute greatly to the military as well as society. Allowing openly gay people in the military will be a social disaster. It has been many years since women have served in the military and there are still wide spread sexual harassament and assults in the service. There is still a culture of inequality for women in the military. I agree with the above comment that this will create major problems in the military.

I hope Obama doesn't push this one.