Please stop comparing what African Americans went through in our history to the GLBT community. It is not on the same level at all!!!!!!!! GLBT folks have not been enslaved. They may have their own challenges right now, but it is not EVEN CLOSE TO BEING THE SAME!!!!!!!!

Bob Dillian was right…. The times, the are a'changing. We need every capable soldier in the field for the fight on terror. Why refuse good hearted Americans who wish to serve their country? You think there is a better opportunity to find a boyfriend on the battlefield or someone who wants to protect our rights back home in the battlefield. I bless anyone who would stand in harms way for our country in a foreign land against those who'd wish to destroy our freedoms at home.

shiii,my brudas and sistas rather beeb collecting a welfare chex .let dem queers serve in da army.shiii, out in dem cold trenches a bruda might need toob git his snuggle on or maybe even need toob play hide da monkey.shiii dat don't mean heeb beeb gay just on da down low.

[...] of Thumb, the slave codes, the black codes, the fifteenth amendment, Executive Order 9981, the ERA, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, [...]

Serving in the military is about honor, integrity, loyalty and it has nothing to do with a lifestye. We give up our freedoms to service our country. Fighting men must trust there fellow soilder, he put his life in his hand and his fellow soldier does the same to him. We who call ourselve men ask that you do not dishonor us.

sorry, but gays should not be serving openly in the military. It makes people uncomfortable and they will face segregation.

The main issue is that the LORD said that being gay is morally wrong and people will not fight their temptations so instead of doing what is right in the eyes of God they choose to fight to make their sins acceptable. It is only right in their mind, it is still morally wrong and a still a sin in the eyes of the LORD your God. Repent and be saved. Those who choose to make sin ok for society will still answer to the LORD and end up in the fires of Hell. Just because you choose to ignore God does not mean that you won't be judged for your sin and your punishment will still fit the sins that you have not acknowlaged and asked for forgiveness.

If being a homosexual or a lesbian in the United States armed services wasn't a problem then WHY haven't they been allowed for over 200 years?funny we have fought many wars without open perversion among the ranks and have done great with most of them and we are still the strongest military power on earth,why would anyone (in their right mind)want to put that at risk?…or put it this way…if allowing homosexuals in the military or allowing them to be "open" whatever that is..if allowing them would put the slightest fraction of risk to the strength of the military or national security WHY would anyone even care about allowing them..is their sexual decisions in life so important that they are willing to put the country at risk…no true American would do that…face it this is the truth.

It is never a person's choice to be gay. God creates a person as gay. Those who would seek to ridicule or hurt those individuals are casting judgment on what God hath made, and that seems sinful to me. That does not give a gay person free license not to be responsible people or to force their orientation on others. I have known gays and lesbians in my lifetime that were outstanding people, who never forced their orientation on me. Some of these people were the best friends anyone could ask for, very loyal, honest, educated, good citizens, fine character, and some served or now serve with honor in the U.S. Military. So get over it – Iraq tested the waters shoring up with the Brits proving that sexual orientation does not make a difference. Again, to correct a prior post, being gay is not a choice, it is way the God created people. To imply otherwise, or to torture these people mentally or try to change them driving them to suicide in some cases – well, God help you who engage in such abuse. You may find yourself shaking on judgment day before your Maker.

This will KILL enlistment. And it comes at time when we are fighting two wars and need all the troops we can get. Doin' a heckuva job, Obamie ! You're not even sworn in yet and you're already FUBAR. Straight young men who want to take part in the very macho environment of the military will not be willing to take showers or live in close quarters with openly gay men. Most of you supporting this (like the clueless Obama) have never spent a minute of your lives in uniform. Imagine if you came in to your civilian job one morning and you hear that you will be taking showers with openly gay men. How many of you would continue to work there? (Not many). The military is not a normal 9 to 5 job with cubicles. You are in very close quarters for much of your training and straight people would be forced into very uncomfortable circumstances with people attracted to the same sex. Men and women aren't forced to shower together in the military, so gays and straights shouldn't be either. If you want to live your gay lifestyle do it oustside the military.

The end of "don't ask, don't tell" is the beginning of "never mention this again", thank you….
MichaelHsu
You say you won't serve with gays. Don't look now because I would almost guarantee you probably already do!! I am a spouse(wife) of a female active service member and to have the ban done away with would mean more than most could imagine!! It would mean to me that I would be the first one to be notified if something was to happen to her I would be called not someone in her family and then have them contact me….MichaelHsu How would your wife feel if someone else was to be notifed and they found everything out second hand??? How would everyones else wifes and or husbands feel? As far as holding hands in uniform it is not even that how about walking on the beach holding hands, in a shopping mall, movie theater and so on….can you say that doesn't happen with all of the heteosexuals…someone said as long as we (homosexuals) keep it in the privacy of our own homes what about all of the heteosexuals keeping it in the privacy of their own homes??? How about being able to go to all of the holiday parties, festivals, support groups, helping in the spouses organizations. How about being able to be the one to legally be able to make health decisions for each other and not have to side on the sidelines and watch someone else be the one to be making the important stuff….

It doesn't matter what a person's sexual preference is unless you are hoping to have sex with that person. Otherwise, it is irrelevant.

Sexuality doesn't change the path of a bullet

Anyone who is willing to risk their life to defend their country should be able to do so. These people risk their lives for people who don't want to see them serve their county. DADT needs to abolished. There have been gays in the military for years. God bless them and all the soldiers who faithfully serve OUR country.

Gays serving openly in the military: Stupid idea then, stupid idea now. Don't ask, don't tell works. Why subvert military discipline by allowing disruptive behavior of any kind? Behavior is after all what's we're talking about – Everyone's entitled to his/her orientation. No reason that can't be kept private. People pushing for this just don't understand the military. The cohesion of the unit is paramount, not individuals' expressions. To diminish the morale of the military this way isn't change, it's insanity.

It's rather odd how much of an interest evangelical Christians and others take in the private activity of others. During my service in the Marines, I met people from all wakes of life, some of whom were homosexual. Serving with these individuals was an honor, and I would challenge those whose religion forces them to a prejudical opinion to serve, go to a war zone, and tell me the difference between serving with a heterosexual or homosexual. It's time to wipe our hands clean of bigotry in the name of religion and treat people with some respect.

Well, I just want to say, that I know that there are plenty of gay men in the military. And I like it that way! They can serve our country, then hopefully I can service them!

keep the ban and don't see evil can't hear evil.

It is high time! But there does need to be some protection for these brave soldiers against uneducated homophobes.

I'm a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, having served over 23 years. I'm Gay and have always been gay. I served with honor and dignignity.

Gay doesn't mean pervert or sex fiend. Millions of gay people go to work everyday and do their job without any problems.

In conversations I had with co-workers in the military almost all said that they would be ok with gays in the military as long as they act professional and do their job.

Years ago, Blacks couldn't be trusted to serve along side whites and/or women weren't capable enough to serve along side men. Blacks and women have served for years (now) with pride and honor. Gays are just as capable and trustworthy.

It's time for don't ask, don't tell to end.

I think a lot of the people on this thread don't really understand the issue. As a gay man I believe that most homosexual people within the military know that being open about there sexuality may make there career more difficult, and they are intelligent enough to know they would probably be discriminated against and hazed and would, therefore, probably choose to remain "in the closet" even if they could be open about their sexuality. The good thing about the changing of the DADT policy is that they wouldn't have to fear being fired.

Also for all you guys who believe that every gay man would be "checking you out" in the shower or when your changing, I ask you how big is your ego? Do you really think that you are so good looking that everyone who is attracted to your gender would automaticaly be attracted to you? How hot do you think you are

I think it's ridiculous that people think that the Don't Ask Don't Tell law should not be removed. Gay people have been serving in the military for its whole history. The only difference is that people aren't allowed to be openly gay. This has nothing to do with whether or not it is morally wrong or right to be gay. That has nothing to do with a person's ability to follow orders and to be disciplined. I myself am Catholic and I believe in the teachings in the Bible. But nowhere does it say that someone who is gay should not be allowed to defend their country. The fact that this law was ever instated is simply ridiculous. It's about time it is repealed.

I am an active duty service member, i have had to chapter soldiers out because they were gay – true he was probably using it as an excuse to not go to Iraq but thats on him. with the DADT lifted that can no longer be used as an excuse to not serve this great nation. My one request is that if you are openly gay and serving in the military that you follow the UCMJ on PDA in uniform, I do with my significant other.

What!?!?!?!? I've been serving with gays for almost 20 yrs!!! Get the He!! outof here…… Why would any person care what sexual orientation their fellow service member is. Sexual orientation doesn't have anything to do with smarts or loyalty! I have seen many of closed lip gays serving our country with honor. I do not agree with the lifestyle but I was "born" straight and not gay. Yes…there are people who have a sexual identity problem. I had a guy who was gay as my room-mate. Guess what, he wasn't trying to have sex with me (nor did he for those who want to know). If I ever needed someone who "had my back" it was him. I didn't even need a "butt plate" issued to me.

For all of those bigots out there…answer this question. "If you hate gays soooo much, wouldn't you want them to die on the battlefield so there would be less of "them?"

Since I have been a grown up and left childish fears behind me. I have realized that a lot of things that I have learned as a child wasn't right. Isn't it time that we started growing up as a nation?

I think that gays should be able to server in the military but not in all of the mos such as infantry. I know in my unit it would just create a lot of problems. Treat them like we treat the woman, we don’t let them in SF, Rangers and Infantry so I don’t think we should let an openly gay person in either.

Whenever I hear so-called 'straight' guys worried about gay guys checking them out in the shower or hitting on them, I have to ask,"what makes you so sure that any gay guy would be interested in you?" Oh, you've probably heard about 'gay'dar. You know, gay guys can immediately spot other gay guys. Don' worry it doesn't exist. But of course you could give yourself away. But then again, I' not gay, so I couldn't care less who checks me out. And I'm capable of saying, "Thanks, but no thanks." Or you worried that you can't?

Everyone should be allowed to serve our country no matter what their sexual preference is.

We have man and woman of african american, latino, asian, white and every other ethnicity serving and is time to move forward and allow any one willing to defent this great country of us.

President Obama is the change we all were waiting for, from gay rights to civil rights to Equality for all.

We are all created equal, why we must discriminate agains others, God loves everyone the same no matter what others tell you!

The problem doesn't lie with the gays the problem lies with the Evangelicals. These Jesus freaks have no concern about anything other than having everyone conform to warped and bigotted views.

Wake up America and join the modern countries in the world where sexual orientation isn't an issue and the church is kept under control except for those who prey on the children in their congregations.

I want to be very careful about what I say here. As someone who is profoundly grateful to be able to serve in the U.S. Army (16+ years), I have two points to make:
1. The British Army is the one foreign Army I would be honored to serve with. They lifted the ban on homosexuality years ago. And they went one step further. They invited all the people that were discharged and still wnted to serve their country back into the ranks.
2. There have been gay soldiers that I would trust my life with. Then there are straight soldiers that I wouldn't leave my wallet around or trust a secret with. With our current personnel demands, I would rather be in close quarters with a gay man than a thief or someone who would rape or beat a helpless human being, or sell gov't secrets or property.
My only condition with gays and lesbians has been this: I will respect your sexuality so long as you respect mine. I am in my 40's and that has worked well for me and the gays and lesbians that I have worked with over the years.
People that can't handle that kind of diversity in a professional environment may just have a little growing up to do.
And by the way, how much courage does a soldier really have if he is afraid, in other words, not mature enough to be within inches of a gay person? What else will give him the creepy-jeebies? Is such a person mature enough to handle the kind of adversity we have volunteered to face when called upon?
I know this will irk some people, but just a few thoughts

Michael Hsu…..you probably already have and don't know it genius.

I think that DADT should be repealed as soon as possible. It is a very bigoted law. Gay people are just as brave, fit, and able to serve as straight people. Also, it shows great honor to defend a country that will not even give you basic civil rights. This situation is very similar to the segregation of African-Americans. Also, to the people with the religious arguments, AMERICA IS NOT A THEOCRACY! Equal rights for all!

This is sad, people here that are against Gays & Lesbians. How many of you sat and enjoyed when Madonna kissed Britney Spears? How many of you guys have the fantasy of having 2 women at the same time?
It's sad that you want people to be like you! I am a straight female. I don't have a problem with people being who they are, I have a problem when I don't know who I am dealing with.

I am not atheist, but I don't hang around so-called christians because of their attitudes. It would be recommended if you read "Plato's Republic," then go back and read the old chapter of the bible. There you will see the bible talking about the Greek philosophers.

I do have a problem with christians trying to tell people how to live their lives – but offer no help when it's needed.
1) anti-abortion, why aren't christians getting these babies, kids out of foster care, juvenile? Why are people crossing state lines to drop off kids in Nebraska?
2)anti-gay/lesbian – these people suffer just like other minorities, and have to work just as hard to prove their just like anyone else. Besides, they are some of the best friends you could ever have.
3)anti-minority – we are all human, people just come in different colors.
4)anti-poor – yet, good enough to take advantage of the poor.
5)jealous of Gay/Lesbian because they have relationships they enjoy being in, and wasn't forced in.

One day, people filled with so much hatred will come to realize that it's the hate inside of you that will destroy your soul, and decent relationships with other people.

Thank you Anna, apparently one person understands the problems with something like this. Unfortunatly Anna, gay people will not just stop at a civil union. they want to be on the same "moral" page as those in a heterosexual couple. this means that Ministers would be unable to teach that homosexuality is a sin. not only that, this would be taught in our schools, teaching children that same sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage!

Next time ask the GIs, they thought it was lame from the start. If a troop cannot serve with gays they shouldn't be in the military since the military is merely a microchasm of life.

I just want to thank all of those in the military (and civilian who support the ban to be lifted. I have proudly served 15 years. I am the last you would suspect, I have been happily in a relationship most of my career. I would never flaunt it, but darn its so hard. You have no clue what is like to live such a dare I say LIE? I don't get to participate in the balls etc…and much of the military lifestyle. When this is lifted I promise to be hold myself to the same standard that any military person should be held to. Thank you

As a Soldier, I say let them serve. If they want to take the lousy pay,,the lousy food, being shot at and all of the other great thing that come with serving your country so the whiners and the others can go on these comments page and complain. Oh also remember that if you want to join that you will be underpaid and also that Pres elect Obama is discussing cutting the buget for the military by 25% and we are already below the national average in pay. So come ahead.

I don't see a reason for Don't Ask, Don't Tell to be changed. If it works, why not just leave it alone?

The military is not the place to insert beliefs or politics. Whatever allows our military to do its job properly is what we should do. It doesn't matter what your views are concerning homosexuals. Keep those domestic. The military needs to be as good as it can be to do its job: protecting us. End of story.

I'm in the military and for those of you who don't know, the military is full of wonderful, professional gay people. WE live, shower, and work alongside them as soldiers. The people who are posting this fearmongering, homophobic crap have never served in the military and are using those of us who have as puppets for their hate filled beliefs. Try actually serving in the military instead of just putting a yellow ribbon next to you "Bush Cheney 04″ bumper sticker.

I'm in the military and for those of you who don't know, the military is full of wonderful, professional gay people. WE live, shower, and work alongside them as soldiers. The people who are posting this fearmongering, homophobic crap have never served in the military and are using those of us who have as puppets for their hate filled beliefs. Try actually serving in the military instead of just putting a yellow ribbon next to you "Bush Cheney 04″ bumper sticker.

How bizarre that Constitutional rights are soooo conditional…
Full freedom to serve in the military; full freedom to form civil unions.

but if I may….
Leave the term 'marriage' out of it. The word is firmly grounded in religious principle. In fact, if it wasn't for man's belief in divine sovereignty over his sexuality, there probably wouldn't any concept of marriage. Ancient Rome had same-sex unions, but they didn't call it marriage.
Believe it or not, there are a significant number of Americans (and others throughout the world of varyious faiths and sects) who still take the concept of marriage as a holy directive seriously, and I think as much as we can, others' values should be respected.

Use of the word is not a civil rights issue, I am sorry to say.
We have to live within the limits of each others' dignity.

Forcing the Church to swallow gay marriage is like forcing restaurants in New Delhi to serve angus beef.

If you need support for the right to openly express mutual affection and enjoy the same rights as married heterosexual couples, I am with you.
But, please, call it something else.

The present policy doesn't ban homosexuals from serving it as long as they don't flaunt their sexuality. They made a choice of lifestyles and sexual partners, that's their business. As a heterosexual Soldier I can't go around holding my wife's hand in uniform or being overtly affectionate in public. What homosexuals do behind closed doors are their business. Just like I keep my private sex life private homosexuals need to keep theirs the same.

As a Canadian, I am proud to say that our military recruits gays. The bravery of our military is proof enough in Afghanistan. Great Britain's and Israel's military, just to name 2 other countries, don't discriminate against gays in their military. I am tempted to say that Israel's military and Great Britain's military performances have been proven. The U.S. military might take a few lessons from them.
The U.S. has too many religious bigots and proven by their hypocrisy.

Folks, those of your who have not served in the US military over the last ten years may be amazed to learn:

1) all service members receive gay/lesbian sensitivity training on an annual basis (i.e. taught the basis of Don't Ask/Don't Tell; taught to respect others of different sexual orientation).

2) during training and deployment, men and women frequently sleep in the same tents/living quarters due to limited resources.

I have never witnessed inappropriate sexual behavior among service members in these circumstances.

i dont know why people are so afraid of gays. unless they are sitting in front of your home having sex or is stalking you then you shouldnt be worried. gay people look for other gay people to hook up with not straight (unless you show curiosity). it has been gay people on this earth since the beginning of time an its not going to change so get over it an give them rights so they can be happy.lord knows alot of straight people cant even be happy in a normal relationship.

I want to begin by saying that I truly believe that anyone who is willing to lay down their life in defense of their country should have the opportunity to serve with honor and not be subjected to discrimination.
What do you do with living quarters? What do you do about the showers? If homosexuals are forced to shower in the same showers at the same time as heterosexuals then we should also do away with the sexual segregation that already exists. (Male/female) Either everyone gets their own shower/living quarters or it should become universally coed. Yes? No? Please discuss.

We all know many gays have served the nation honorably in many ways, including the military but ….its best for all of us to not wear our sexuality on our sleeves. It makes people uncomfortable – especially in the shower! Stay in and serve on..

Hey President Elect Obama, here's an idea. Why not ask the military men and women what they think – not the leadership, retirees, politicians, civilians – but the current people serving in the military. It seems like they would be the best to judge what affect this would have on the military…just a thought.

May I ask when you chose to be straight?

Mind your own business and let people live their lives. Neither you or the government have any right to tell two consenting adults what they can and can't do in the privacy of their own homes.

To those of you who say "the mission/troops would lose focus", (and other such nonsense) because of an openly serving gay person, you've got it all wrong. The fault lies with the bigot, for being so shortsighted as to let their OWN prejudice cloud their ability to "properly serve" the armed forces of the United States of America.

By the way,

I'm a heterosexual military officer but I get discriminated against for my Athesim, more than the homosexual military members.

Also:
A recent study showed that more Americans would accept having a gay President than an Atheist one.

Hmmmm…..

To anybody who believes that letting gays and lesbians serve their country openly in our Armed Forces will result in "a loss of morale" or other behavior problems, please cite a specific example of where a morale or behavior problem has already occurred in an American military unit, and then please tell us why there have been NO such incidents reported in any of the militaries of our NATO allies or Israel, ALL of which allow their gay and lesbian citizens to serve openly in their armed forces.

If it works there, it can work here too.

Since when did the military become the social petri dish for battling all of the country's social ills? If you want to make changes in society then make them. But please stop thinking that all of you people who dont serve and never have think it is your place to dictate what those of us who have should think about the issue. You don't have a dog in the fight, you dont know the issues, concerns or reasons people have for how they feel either way. Personally, I am in the military and I support lifting the ban but I understand why others have the opposite position. There are REAL, legitimate issues with this issue that there are no easy answers for.

Now, America, please stop telling us what WE should think or how WE should feel about the issue as if we dont have brains or opinions -or as if we are some lesser form of life who is not worthy of having our own positions on it.

If only Atheists, Freethinkers, etc., could come out of the closet too…

There ARE atheists in foxholes. I'm one of them.

I am stunned that this is being discussed! They are good enough to fight and die for our great country but only if they hide who the really are? Tell you what, bring all the gay men and women home and let only straight people fight. Why can't people leave judgment to G-d? Men are flawed and should have NO influence on others. Sad, sad!

When African American Soldiers were integrated into the military opponents claimed readiness and troop moral would suffer. And lets not forget about females. Both of these claims have been proven wrong and bigoted. I have been in the military for 15 years and fought in Iraq. In that time I have served with African American, female and homosexual Soldiers that are more competent and braver than I am. It is time to lift the ban on homosexuals and females in combat positions.

I am a Navy veteran who served on a carrier for 4 years…we had many gay and lesbian sailors on our ship who served proudly and honorably…did their duty…sometimes better than the straight people I worked with! How many gay men and women have served on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, been shot at, and saved the lives of their straight comrades?! Honor and duty do not discriminate, and neither should we! I honor and respect ALL our soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors who answer the call of duty, regardless of sexual orientation! To all those who serve and still serve, gay or straight, THANK YOU!

Good to see there are a limited number of bigots on this blog. Wouldn't it be great if there was also a limited number of bigots throughout the U.S.

Being from a modern society a person's sexual orientation hasn't meant anything to me or anyone I know for that matter.

There are hetersexual couples all over the U.S. and the world cheating on their spouses, getting divorced, involved in child pornography, regularly hire hookers and continually go from a one night stand to another one night stand etc. etc. but for some reason the bigots think this is okay and/or normal. WOW!!!!!!

Whoever signed the bigoted comment as Veteran, better do not use thsis good word next time. The appropriate signature for you Bigot

JP – You make it sound like "the gays" will attack you in the foxhole!! Give me a break – heterosexual men and women serve together all day long and they don't break out in sexual acts – and it would be unprofessional if they did. So what's your point, really? You think homosexuality is wrong because it says it in YOUR bible? I don't care what your bible tells you – nor is it anybody's responsibility to abide by your bible. Gay people are NOT sexual predators, nor will they act any differently now (while serving) than they will when the ban is lifted. They just won't get kicked out (over 10K now) for talking about their families and their lives the way that heterosexual people do (like hey – my wife/husband and I went to the movies this weekend. Have you seen that movie?) Please keep your religious perspective out of the argument – it really has no place. It is everybody's honor and right to serve THEIR country

Seriously if you are willing to take orders & potentially give your life for our country does it really matter what your sexual preferences are? That you have to be straight in order to serve the country is ridiculous.

We as people of this world, must accept each and every individual sexual orientation, color, race and religion, because it is not up to the humans to judge how people run their lives, but it up to the people whom lives decently among us. GOD judges all human sins, so America, we have to deal with the fact the gays live among us. If you commit adultery, you commit sin, so let each and everyone accept their faith.

Homosexuals should not be confused with being feminine , some of the macho athletes are gay. Alexander the great, the most famous warrior in history was gay.Discrimination against our brave, dedicated and patriotic
soldiers is an abomination for which this country stands..freedom and equal justice for all.

Some of you made a comment about other countries having gay in their military forces serving openly, but those are other countries. You should join them. I don't have anything against gays but We, the most powerful armed forces in the whole world don't need that.

Let's get serious though. Is wartime right for this expiriment? Everyone saying they don't want people serving who are against this kind of thing is fooling themselves. These are the people who fight our wars. Period. Would it bother me? No. However I screwed up and said something stupid once and regardless how many women I was with it was a never ending gay joke on me. I got Irate about it. I was even asked by my superiors if I was gay. The military , I mean straight up combat arms grunts, well look at the demographics. I remember sitting around with the loudest group of guys ever and talking about what guys talk about, sex. And thensomeone says something about a gay sex act. These guys don't want to hear it. Be realistic, there are few progressives out there pulling triggers. Tell me I'm an idiot bigot if you want but I am a realist.

I guess the military will no longer be a safe haven for intolerant, backward types.

If some one chooses to be gay that is their desicion
they werent born that way

i dont want them in the showers……. sick

There have always been, currently are, and always will be gays serving in the military. I'm gay and I served on active duty from 1990-1994 in Desert Shield/Storm, Somalia, and Bosnia. They asked me when I enlisted, and I lied. I achieved te rank of E-5 in less than 3 years. I have several letters of commendation, as well as a Navy Achievement Medal. Most gay people I know served honorably and had similar experiences. It was the greatest four years of my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. For you people on active duty that have a problem with gays serving, get a grip. If you discharged every gay person on active duty right now you would have to shut down all military health care facilties and nobody would get paid on the first of the month.

I think the "don't ask, don't tell" Policy is the best compromise there is. I think there does need to be revisions to the Policy to stop so many discharges.

soooo, does this mean that all those who were discharged for being gay would be able to re-enlist without any issues?

Dennis, I think your predictions on polling the military are far from accurate and I am almost sure, from personal experience, that they are far closer to the publics opinion than you think. As a veteran of 5 years I served in the Navy and was out at all but one duty station (that being a training command of less than 3 months) and during that 5 years encountered no homophobia either from my peers or superiors. Your pessimism concerning our current military force is disappointing and degrades the proffesionalism of our military.

They said the same thing about blacks in the military. It will disrupt unit cohesion, etc., etc. Well, it disrupt it, for a while. They got over it. Progress was made. Brains were enlightened. If our military is the greatest in the world and they can handle the stress of war I think they are capable of handling openly serving gays.

I am a gay officer serving in the US Army (in the closet of course) and I for one do not go around a stare at other guys in the latrines or in the showers. Get over yourselves people – not all gays are looking to jump the guy next to them. We just want to be able to serve openly and defend our country like the next man. Gays and Lesbians can shoot a weapon, drive a tank, fuel an aircraft, translate a language, and do everything else that the straight soldiers can do (except for get married in most states, but thats the topic of a different rant…). The military has discharged so many qualified soldiers for this stupid reason at a cost of millions of dollars worth of lost training and re-training of someone to fill their spaces.

JP asks, "….did God intend for same gender to be sexually and intimately involved with each other?"

Um, do you thing God intended for people of any gender to be firing AK-47s at each other? Get real: God is not involved in anything regarding warfare.

As for those of you who fear gays will scope you out in the barracks, how about you guys wake up and smell the napalm, too? What makes you think you're that desirable?

Gays, many of them, servie in the military. Don't Ask, Don't Tell doesn't prevent that, it will just keep the paranoid guessing about who's secretly scoping them out.

How time! My God…America is the land of dreams and we move at turtle pace. Jeez. However, I'm really proud of America. We're making really big steps in the right direction. Yay, we're all growing up. Finally.

Gays love their country as well. If they want to join the military to help fight and protect their country, then who is ANY BODY to deny them that right and honor? Psh.

I am a retired Army veteran, and during my first 3 years in the military, I had a roommate who was gay . He was my friend and I allowed him to use my car, him and his friends, I saw him as a friend. We were roommates, and if I was sick, Henry went and got me some medicine and I did the same. I have nothing against gays being open in the military. My only problem is that my roommate ask me one night, are we friends, and I told him, yes, we are friends, he then, proceeded to say is that ALL. The very next day, I went to my platoon sergeant to tell him about what happened and that I wanted to move to another room, because I did not like the conversation the night before. My point, I have learned to accept sexual orientation of another, as long as they do not tried to do the same as my ex-Army buddy-Henry. As of this point, if I have to serve, again with an open gay person I would not discriminate , because you will have to deal with the "Maker". We are all humans, and we will let GOD deal with sins of the human race! That is for all people and not just gays.

Michael Hsu:

You all ready serve with gays!

jp
former member of the Air Force.

Where is all of the right-wing patriotism? Do you think the troops are that unprofessional that they can't handle working with someone they think is gay? When did ignorance become a point of view?

What a country we are! So we will allow our gays to fight our wars and die in our wars, but wont allow them to have any rights here at home? Doesnt this sound the same as sending African Americans to war back in the day when they were segregated? They were good enough to fight our wars but not to have equal rights! Why is it ok to discriminate against select groups and not others? I believe all people are equal…regardless if they are white, black, gay, straight… EVERYONE deserves to have rights. We give immigrants free medicaid and cant discriminate against them. Lets start taking care of our OWN!!

Michael Hsu – You said "Hell no! We won't serve with gays!"

I got news for you buddy – you already do !!!

And even though you hate me – I still got yer back !!!

Semper Fi

There were homosexuals in country in 74 and there's gays eatin' sand now. GET over it!

YES!!! Beautiful choice.

When someone fights for this country and is not given the same rights as everyone else, yet will still fight in hopes of change… that's an American Soldier! I don't think people really understand how this subject affects those without the rights, so here's a clue. When a homosexual soldier has lost their life do to combat situations, what do you think its like for their spouse at home? Their spouse won't get the letter, or call, or any acknowledgement at all. There are no benefits for those who make the same sacrifices by watching their loved one leave on that plane or boat and serve a country who does not recognize them. There are no support groups for those spouses, while their soldier is on the front lines risking their lives night and day for people who don't appreciate their services and judge them on who they love. So I stand up for Obama's plan and say "Thank You" because change IS needed. America is a land of the free and of opportunity, it is a constitutional right that is being denied to some of its citizens.

I hope this doesn't result in a surplus of REAR ADMIRALS?

It is past time to do away with the outdated "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It was reported that Arabic translators are being discharged from the military under this misguided policy.

There seems no justification for discriminating against Americans wanting to serve in our armed forces.

FINALLY!

As a gay soldier in a medical unit in San Antonio, I have been out for two years, and guess what? NONE OF MY BATTLE BUDDIES CARE!!! Thank you Obama!

As the most recent in a long line of a military family, I have to say I am ashamed of comments so ignorant. If they wanted to cut hair they would go to school for cosmotology—-not sign up to honorably defend this nation just like straights do.

And I am tired of the mentioning that Hussein being his middle name makes any difference. Does the name Schmidt or Petersen make you a Nazi just because they are Germanic? Thank you for your service, but your comments are not needed. This is for the, as you said, the US Military/Joint Chiefs of Staff to decide.

"Their prejudices against "alternative lifestyles" would hamper the mission and discipline. Leave the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" alone so we can maintain discipline and "focus" in our military"

Maybe the dumbest justification (in a long and illustrious line of dumb justifications) for a policy that does absolutely no good for anyone or this country.

The problem is not the gay and lesbian individuals who want to defend their nation. The problem is the bigoted folks who don't even grasp the values of freedom and equality for which this nation stands.

I don't speak for everyone, but I'd rather have openly gay soldiers than stupid soldiers.

I am glad to see that someone somewhere finally recognizes that who one chooses to love OFF DUTY has no affect on who they protect ON DUTY. Gays have always served in the military (sorry, bigots, it's true!)…and their blood is just as red when it is spilled to keep us free. Having the right to serve honorably as who they are without risking being kicked out is just the right thing to do. We ask them to make the ultimate sacrifice for us, it's about time that they are given the same rights as their fellow soldiers. On another note, however, there are plenty of close-minded people hiding in the ranks – so here's to hoping that those who lower the nobility of our Armed Forces see this as a reason to finally leave… Home of the Brave — and Free! Go Army! Hooah!

I here a lot of right wing nuts spreading the hate. All I have to say is the tables have turned, you had your eight years to destroy this country and now Obama is going to put us back on the path of progress.

Creepy thought that a fellow male soldier living in my barracks might be sexually lusting after me. But hey, having homosexuals serving openly in the military might not be a bad idea. By knowing who is homosexual might make it much easier for certain adjustments to be made.

I have been in the Navy for 16 and a half years and I have been to Iraq twice. I am gay. Veteran you should be ashamed of yourself! Many like myself have served our counry proudly. It's a good thing you are out of the US military. We don't need people like yourself.

Oh boy, here we go. Can we please work on getting the economy back on track?

The present policy is hypocritical in that there are many thousands of gay and lesbian service people serving their country honorably, but they are forced to hide or risk losing their careers. That is no way to treat people.

If others in the military cannot accept that, they should not be in the American military. Other countries have accepted gay and lesbian service people serving openly, and there is no reason we should be different.

There are at least four separate studies conducted by the military and paid for by the taxpayers that show permitting gays to serve has no negative affect on the military. It is only the bigots and extremists who continue to want to discriminate. This is action whose time is way overdue. Gays have been serving in the military for decades.

To "Michael Hsu" you are serving with gays now and just don't know it. Think about it…please!!!

I can't figure out what all of the fuss is about. I am a vet and so is my husband. Just get rid of it already. We have always been there and will always be there.

Only because they need the bodies.

A survey of Americans. How about a survey of the military? I don't think you will find it to be near that 70%. I don't believe it should happen.

What's next pink camouflage?

The discrimination and pure idiocy that some servicemembers create must end. We as soldiers shouldn't have to worry about anything else than our task at hand; To serve and protect this country we love so dearly.

To Veteran: While I respect the fact that you served in the military, I have great issues with what you're saying. First, to refer to the President-elect as 'Hussein Obama' is simply disrespectful and just stupid and I hope that everyone can see that you're just trying to invoke a sense of fear by using this man's middle name. And you do this while hiding behind an anonymous alias. And then to stereotype all gays and lesbians is just further disrespect to the gay service members already in the military and the countless others out there who would like to join. I've known a number of gay servicemen and they wanted nothing more than to be able to serve their country. Looking at other nations and their policies on gays (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gay_military.png) you can clearly see that very, very few countries have such a ban. The majority of our allies allow gays to openly serve. What are your concerns about that? Do you feel we should now limit our military's involvement with these other countries because one of our soldiers might encounter one of their gay ones? And I'm curious to know what your opinion on women serving in the military is? Do you feel we should apply some stereotypes there?

We're supposed to represent equal opportunity… let's start acting like it.

To all of you who will condemn this and use religion to justify it… The God I learned about in Sunday school would not discriminate gays.

It's about time. We should be ending discrimination whenever we can!

This has to be the funniest thing I've read (in a "We're-laughing-AT-you" way). How ridiculous can you possibly get? Bullets whizzing by your heads and you think somebody's gonna want to do your nails for you? Maybe put a little more product in your hair? "Hey, your uniform needs a little touch up.. I got just the right thing to make it pop!!"

While we're at it, "Veteran", who let all those blacks and women in there, anyway?!?

At least this is one step in the direction of treating gays as human beings. Their sexually should not mean they do not love their country and may wish to serve it.

Man!!!!

Nascar has been commercialized, country music sounds now sounds like rock music, the US elected an African-American president, GM trucks and Hummers are going the way of the dinosaur and, now, gays may soon be serving openly in military… …not a good time to be a closed-minded redneck, huh? What's next, a Jeff Foxworthy rap album?

hehehe

Veteran – nice to see that the "freedom" you served to uphold was meant for only those you decide deserve that freedom. How big of you to share your ignorance – Thank you.

Good. About time.

And the bans on gay marriage are gonna be next to fall.

Every day I am more and more proud to have voted for this man twice.

To 'Veteran' above who thinks gays should not be allowed in the military: Your typical display of ignorance and closed-mindededness actually aids the argument that the ban should be lifted. The vast majority of American military and citizens realize that there are gays throughout every walk of life and that one's sexual orientation has no more bearing on the ability to function well in the military than innumerable other differences we all have. Get your head out of the sand!

Obama I supported you in 2008 and I will do that again in 2012. But I don't think is a good idea to repeal don't ask, don't tell. marriage should be between a man and a woman. Not the opposite around.

Disgraceful comment by Matt T. You obviously never served your country. As a military officer and Obama supporter, I guarantee this is a "third rail" issue with military leadership. Look at the big picture: little gained at high (very high) political cost.

oh you military people who support this stupid policy.. get real!!!! I was good enough to serve for many years in the USAF…. had a very high rank… and actually went to Nam! DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME THAT I AM NOT AND WAS NOT FIT TO SERVE! We are everywhere, you morons… wake up!!!! You have no idea how many gays are currently serving.. WITH HONOR!… you served with us.. and along side of us… and you just didn't know it. Take your insane, medieval thinking back to the dark ages where you belong!

Veteran – I am willing to bet you had those very people backing you up and you just didnt know it. Your ignorance and hatred is so pathetic.

Whats it matter if they are openly gay in the army or closet gays in the army? Either way they are gay and being gay does not affect their job and duty. Having spent 3 years working on DLI in Monterey, CA as access control and doing random vehicles inspections, it was painfully obvious when some of the soldiers were gay and this policy was really meaningless. It's out dated and being gay should not prevent someone from serving in the military.

finally we crawl out of the middle ages decades behind the rest of europe, isreal, south africa, many south american nations. it's about time.

Long overdue

Um, Veteran…

The military is not MANDATORY. Therefore, the person who has your back, whether he or she is gay or straight, CHOSE to be there. He or she would rather be backing up a comrade than "cutting hair or designing clothes." How ignorant of you! As far as I can remember, career choice is still a choice, not a draft. So you rather die than be saved by a gay soldier? Fine. I don't want soldiers like you in my American military.

I can't believe some people… "Veteran" who posted before me is a prime example of what's wrong with some of the citizens of this country. I can't say I'm for someone being a homosexual but isn't America a place that is supposed to be for equality and fairness? Why are we still allowing the stereotypes to plague our minds? Quit watching TV sitcoms about gay people and understand what they are really like. To say they'd "rather cut hair or design clothes" lets me know you are horribly out of touch. If you are a true "Veteran" then you'd realize you fought for everything this country stands for and that a homosexual would be just as reliable in a "wartime situation" as a heterosexual.

Michael Hsu November 18th, 2008 7:46 pm ET
Hell no! We won't serve with gays!
———————————————————————————————
Grow up.

I didn't know a single service member that cared about sexual preference. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a political football. We just wanted to do our jobs. Letting gays serve openly wasn't going to hinder anything then and it sure as Hell isn't now. On the contrary, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" complicated what should have been a non-issue for us.

Let gays serve openly. Let all service members be equal under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Let us worry about important stuff like our missions.

So if you are not gay minded, you will become so! This is what part of an Obama White House is going to bring with his Presidency. If your centrally minded, you will need to become even more so.

The change about to come is going to cost everyone, so you better look at a security system for your children’s welfare, because the left side of the swindle is heaver!

Everyone here opposed to ending Don't Ask Don't Tell resorts to outlandish stereotypes or outright bigotry. I work with gay people all the time and have many gay friends, and not one of them cuts hair or designs clothes. All this hysteria about openly gay people in the military sounds a lot like things that were said before the military was integrated racially.

The American military is well-trained and professional. I am confident that they can carry out their missions regardless of being gay or straight.

As a former enlisted aircrew member in the USAF, I can definitely say an openly gay crew member or "ground pounder" would hamper the mission. You have young and dumb teenagers enlisting in the armed services. Their prejudices against "alternative lifestyles" would hamper the mission and discipline. Leave the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" alone so we can maintain discipline and "focus" in our military. As a dumb 20-year old, I suspected several fellow crew members of living an "alternative lifestyle". However, I gave them the respect and dignity they deserved. If these individuals decided to "come out" it would have affected the mission and our focus despite sensitivity training. Not from me necessarily, but from my fellow testosterone driven Airmen. USAF officer must not be much of a leader or completely out of touch with reality…….

I say let gays serve openly. Then the irony of gays defending the rights that they themselves are denied will be more evident. Equality for all!

I currently serve in the Air Force and have served in Iraq among other places. I think that the ban on gays serving openly in the military is a horrid thing. These people work beside me and many others, and serve with honor yet they are not entitled to the basic rights and freedoms that the rest of us in the military have, enjoy, and take for granted. Yes they knew the rules when they joined, but lets face it most straight 17 or 18 year old kids have no clue what they are getting themselves into when they join. Why should gays be held to a higher standard? Life is hard enough in the military and gays have it that much harder. Regardless when and if DADT is eliminated gays will continue to serve with honor, its time that we honor the sacrifices that they have made. Gays sacrifice more than straight service members like myself, they sacrifice any chance of normalcy and lasting relationships. If you serve and you can't bring yourself to serve with a gay then please leave my military because I don't want someone that ignorant watching my back.

Veteran, get a grip !! You would probably be surprised that some of the people you described as rather wanting to cut hair or design clothes were most needed in the current war as translators. They probably fought right along with you when you served. As a matter of fact, they were probably more man than you were. Get over your stereotypes. Perhaps you should take some time and meet a gay military person who voluntarily enlisted to serve their country.

Formet vet speaking and i say…..the army is not right for gays. sorry but it's not, i don't want to know when I'm in a latrine that's not private some gay girl is checking me out.

i think that any sexual act regardless unless by people who are off the base shouln`t be tolorated period. other than that a persons private sexual life is their bussiness. i also think anyone caught having any sexual act while on active duty and on a military base should be immediately be given a dishonorable discharge. the armed forces is not a private sector job therefore should be handled with extreme mesure. however sex acts on a military base unless it is between 2 married people. where the married partner has authorization to be on said military base. (see above) however a persons life style and sexual preference is soley up to the individule. and should not be scruntanised by anyone. after all who is anyone to judge another. for if people read and believe in the bible jesus himself said he who is without sin cast the 1st stone. and on that note there should be a greater seperation of church and state.

As a former GI, I don't have a problem with allowing gays to openly serve, but some will. I think unless Obama is going to go after legislation in every state to give gays 100% rights like the right to get married, etc, then don't even begin to dictate a social-experimenting policy to the DoD! Furthermore, there are a lot of issues affecting the country currently and he should put his energies into things like the economy and re-address this issue later on. Sure, I know he "owes" the gay coalitions, but don't do like Clinton did after he first got elected or else you'll get another "don't ask/don't tell" piece of legislative garbage and further alienate both side! Translation: pick your battles carefully.

Unfortunately VETERAN is showing his/her true self by calling president-elect Obama by his middle name and portraying all gays as intent on fashion and hair. This is another misguided attempt at more fear and hate mongering as we've seen over the last 8 years. Gays deserve the same rights and opportunities as everyone. Period

I frankly don't care if you are GLBT and serving our military. I will always thank ANYONE WHO SERVES IN OUR MILITARY and support them 100% all the time. The only thing I don't get is why you feel the need to tell someon you are GLBT. What is the purpose? Is there some sort of identiy problem and this will help you resolve that or is it something else.

Unlike one AF vet, this AF vet had no problem with willing Americans serving in our Armed Forces. If the policy is lifted, I'd like to see retroactive changes in DATD discharges to the people thrown out for homosexuality have a chance to return to service if they choose.

and another thing are we going to give every soldier and infantry soldier in the military sensitivity training? Because they will definitely need it. And even if they did, would or could the commanders and infantry commanders enforce it? NO WAY. But then again if they are going to sign up for the infantry, they know it isn't going to be a cake walk from day one. I am conflicted.

Michael Hsu, you already serve with them. Why is the Christian right so outspokenly backwards? I'd want to keep it to myself, so my friends didn't know I was out of my mind.

Hey Veteran,

Gays served open in the military during WWII and no one seemed to have a problem with that. The doors closed sometime after the war. My dad, a 22yr Navy Vet told me this. Since the doors have closed, it seems as if hate crimes, violence and career destruction had escalated. Check it out and get back with me.

USAF Vet, 25yrs

Dear Veteran,

As a military man myself I am disgusted , that you would use the uniform of our great nation as a shield for your own prejudice , it was people like you that at one point that said blacks and others would be the down fall of our military. I have served with gays, and could careless what they do in there bedrooms as long as they carry there end of the mission when it,s go time. So please do not pull us into your disgusting world view.

Hey Michael Hsu, you already do serve with the gays you buffoon. If I was you, I'd keep my ignorant thoughts to myself. Better chance of hiding the fact that you're a caveman that way.

The way our military has been depleted in, oh, say the last 8 years we need all the good men and women we can get. If they want to volunteer and serve our great country then that is an honorable thing.

Forget about the naysayers and bigots like the one who kept calling President-Elect Obama by his middle name and saying that these people "would rather cut hair or design clothes" all the while posting under the name "veteran", as if to give himself more credibility. The military is all volunteer, if they wanted to cut hair or design clothes that is what they would be doing. They wouldn't be volunteering to serve their country. It is their country as much as it is ours, let 'em serve, let 'em be heroes.

Good order and disicipline of a unit anyone? 2 wars? We don't have time for this in our Army! It will happen, its progressive…got it! But I have infantrymen and artillerymen to worry about in a combat zone. This without them trying to kill each other over sexuality would be nice! Understand they are bigots but they fight our nations wars not rows of progressives. If this goes through there had better be a line for blocks around every recuriting station!

Thanks President-Elect Obama, right on time once again.

Memo to Michael Hsu,
I've got news for you, you already serve with gays buddy.

Time to get out now that homosexuality will become mandatory. Obama one term and he's voted out.

Michael Hsu:

Then quit. I doubt if you have ever served in the military or risked your life for another person, but even if you have, quit. Bye. We don't need your kind. I will celebrate anyone who wants to serve this country, regardless of sexual orientation.

And to Veteran: if they are in the foxhole with you and your life is on the line, I doubt you'd turn down their offer to save you. I also doubt that if they volunteer for military duty they would prefer to be cutting hair. Grow up.

Wow! When people are forced to live in close quarters, dressing, undressing, sleeping, eating and going the bathroom next to or infront of another person it makes it difficult having a person who is OPENLY gay in the fox hole with you. It is the same as putting a male and female in the same fox hole soley because of the sexual desires… THERE IS A REASON males and females are not to be in the same FOX HOLE together! We don't currently put females on the battlefields. And that is only ONE scenario that affects our troops when it comes to Openly gay military personnel!

As a soldier it is important to know who you are serving with! I would rather know that my buddy in the foxhole is focused on the fight rather than worrying about being outed. All able bodied men and women should be allowed to serve regardless of their sexuality. We spend way too much money training our military only to have them outed and discharged. Lifting the ban will also stop people joining for special skills and then outing themselves and leaving to find better jobs. Lifting the ban has many advantages. Besides, not many in the military really care anyway. As long as you can do you job who cares. BTW i have been in 21 years.

Opening the ban will create so many more headaches for the military as far as budgeting and costs and such. Having been deployed and having to share a living space with another person for long periods of time, I would feel the same level of uncomfortablity living with an openly gay man as a heterosexual woman would feel living with a heterosexual man. It would lead to having seperate rooms for gays and lesbians or forcing everyone to be completely co-habitated. Same applies for bathrooms and showers.

Love how people have nothing intelligent to say just hateful, bigoted remarks towards Christians (and, yes, contrary to popular belief, just because a prejudice comment is made towards a Christian, doesn't make it not prejudice). Living the military life for years now, I have to say "Haven't they thought this through?" I am certain that being openly gay in today's military would only hurt the gay person, and may even put their life in danger.

Hey "Veteran," your comment "It won't work and the men and women of our military don't deserve, when put in a life or death situation, to have to rely on someone who would rather cut hair or design clothes to be their back in a wartime situation." is completely ridiculous. Being a man that is sexually attracted to men has nothing to do with wanting to be cutting hair or designing clothes. Gay people in the military obviously WANT to be there, and there is no reason that they would be any more or less effective in serving. In addition, "Don't ask don't tell" isn't about keeping gay people out of the military, it's about making them stay in the closet. Repealing it and letting them be themselves in the military will only make them a more complete person and therefore a more complete soldier, pilot etc.

I'm ashamed that you speak for our military. Bigotry and hate are NOT American values.

Plus, you are obviously trying to imply something by calling Obama by his middle name. Trying to induce fear and prejudice?

It's time that the American people and military move past these discriminatory policies.

Ms. Tausher and her cohort should show us just how she'd like to live with twenty or so other women, share showers with them, walk around undressed, toilet beside them, sleep beside them, and know that some of them are out of the closet lesbians. That, I'd love to see a video of anytime soon.

See that's the big problem for many of us. Heterosexual folks often find it objectionable to become a sex object to their bunk mates. In fact, as a heterosexual man my choice would be to bunk with some heterosexual women. So, why should only homosexuals get to cohabitate and shower with the ones in their sexual fantasies?!

Wow! When people are forced to live in close quarters, dressing, undressing, sleeping, eating and going the bathroom next to or infront of another person it makes it difficult having a person who is OPENLY gay in the fox hole with you. It is the same as putting a male and female in the same fox hole soley because of the sexual desires… THERE IS A REASON males and females are not to be in the same FOX HOLE together! We don't currently put females on the battlefields. And that is only ONE scenario that affects our troops when it comes to Openly gay military personnel!

That's a load of cotten picken crap. There is no way I would want to serve with someone that is gay and every one of my brothers in arms would tell you the same thing. Could you imagine being in a foxhole with some queer that is allowed to be open about it? I would be asking that I be issued a flack jacket and plates to protect my rear end from being shot at. I don't care about gay rights. If your gay, keep your mouth shut and I won't bother you.

I think it is high time to change this policy. People should not have to hide who they are to be able to sacrifice their lives for us. If someone wants to serve in the military, police, or fire agencies, they should be able to do so regardless of sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, gender, etc. I would certainly not want to condemn someone to hiding if they are willing to die for me. It is time for us to accept each other as we are and to celebrate our similarities and differences.

The morons who refused to let blacks and women serve are the same morons who have refused to let gays serve. The sooner we get rid of these moron, the better our army will be. Our military to serve the entire country and anyone should be able to serve.

Homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord, creator of the universe. This country was founded on Biblical principles, just look at the constitution and the fundamental beliefs that the propelled the founding fathers into action. Whether liberals accept this or not, it is still the fact. Jesus loves you and he would have you turn to him. But that is ultimately up to you.

I have no idea why CNN keeps erasing my messages. All I want to say is that as long as people do not flaunt their sexuality and are not exhibitionists, they should be allowed to participate in the military.

Nothing against President-elect Obama (I voted for him), however I do not beleive it is best to allow individuals that are admittedly gay to serve openly in the military. Yet, I do believe it is time to eliminate the don't ask don't tell policy. How about this, maybe it should be law/congressional mandate that gays are not allowed to serve in the miloitray because their service is detrimental to good order and discipline. I know some of you are going to eat my lunch for my opinions, but really, did God intend for same gender to be sexually and intimately involved with each other? No, I do not recall ever reading that in any Bible, nor do I recall ever hearing a sermon stating such. Call me old-fashion and logical, does anyone recall Adam was a man and Eve was a woman; and if I'm not mistaken they were placed on earth to start humankind. To put it mildly, this is not about civil liberties and civil rights, this is about what is right and what is wrong. Marriage and sexual intercourse is meant to be engaged in beyween and man and a woman. Some of you may say I have a closed mind, okay fine I'll by that. Some of you may say I have something against gay individuals, and you are wrong. I disagree with the lifestyle, I have no issue with the individuals. It is not right, it goes against God's word and it is naturally wrong. I have (and have had) relatives who engage in this type of lifestyle, and while I disagree(d) with their choices in this area I still love(d) them as human beings and as my family. Allowing gay individual to openly serve in the military would diminish the operational capacity of a unit, and possibly place mission effectiveness in jeopardy. It will simple cause too many problems.

"Opinions founded on prejudice are always sustained with the greatest of violence."
- Francis Jeffrey

we don't care if you accept us. we are not asking you to do that. and that's not what the end of DADT is about. we're citizens just like heterosexuals are and are capable of being as patriotic as you… that's what this is about; being able to exercise our rights as citizens to serve our country.

it isn't about heterosexuality.
it isn't about homosexuality.

it's about allowing all citizens, regardless of who they are, to exercise every right they are given within our government.

For anyone out there, that believe the military doesn't already have
gays in its Ranks. I have a brige to nowhere to sell them. Gays have
always been part of the Military as long as there has been a Military.
Some the troops know whom they are, and some noone would
imagine to be gay is gay. From lowest Rank to the Highest Rank.
I've personnaly seened it all. So, yes it's time to get rid of the so call
rule. It hasn't worked anyway. To the email Veteran: He/She don't
have any ideal about the military from the statement made. Maybe,
that haven't been in a combat situation. Believe me, out there you
don't care what sex, color, sexual choice the person has, as long as
they know their responsiblity, duties and mission.

Michael Hsu– you don't belong in the service- or have you forgotten, it's the United States Army, not Friends of Michael. This time, you and W are not the deciders.

To be replaced by what? "Ask, Tell?" "Don't ask, Tell?" "Ask, Don't tell?"

It's about time.

And while they're at it, they should impose a ban on heterosexual men and women serving in the military.

The brave gay men and women of our military don't deserve, when put in a life or death situation, to have to rely on someone who would rather be sitting on a La-z-Boy eating cheetos in front of a large screen TV, or some bimbo with too much make-up who'd rather be looking for a husband.

I'm sorry, but the comment made by "Veteran" just makes me want to vomit. How can he lump the entire gay community into people who "would rather cut hair or design clothes". I guess his eyes were wounded in battle, or he might have seen that there are gays doing every type of profession out there that is equally done by the straight people. It's about time the American people woke up and realized that sexual preference is one SMALL part of what makes up a complete gay person. Take some time and look at the person as a WHOLE rather than pick them apart piece by piece just because you don't like some of what you see.

So-called Veteran – Hussein is his middle name, is it too much to have to type 6 more letters in front of it? Remember that you tried using that name over and over again to influence the election, and you did – you helped him win! Thank you! Now keep on going with the stereotypes til you have made sure we win again! You are so useful to us now – your arguments only galvanize people to make sure your hatred and bigotry go away!

Hsu – Hell yes you will serve with whatever person the military tells you to serve. If you don't, it is dereliction of duty, and if you do something to harm your fellow soldier that happens to be gay, then you too will go to prison with all the other 'enemies' you are sure to become 'intimately' acquainted with inside!

Dear "Veteran" who posted on November 18th, 2008 7:47 pm ET. You sir are the reason our country has been held back in the arena of social equality for decades. Prejudice is good for no one. Hate is good for no one. Do you think women in the military would rather be home in the kitchen raising the kids? I hope Don't Ask, Don't Tell is overturned and you are stationed with a homosexual person. Perhaps then you'll learn that they are just like heterosexual except in their sexual preferences. I have lived with one and been friends with a few, they are perfectly capable of doing anything any other human can do.

Veteran, you stated "It won't work and the men and women of our military don't deserve, when put in a life or death situation, to have to rely on someone who would rather cut hair or design clothes to be their back in a wartime situation."

In a wartime situation, don't you want the best people possible surrounding you? Does it matter what the sexual orientation, as long as your fellow troops are as committed and disciplined as they can be? From your comment, you wouldn't mind having a straight soldier watching your back, even if he would rather be playing football, or drinking a beer, and not focused on the task at hand.

Your argument has way too many holes in it to be valid.

As long as it's done right it'll work. However Being uncomfortable being naked in front of a homosexual is not bigotry anymore than feeling the same way about the opposite sex. Also will the same rules regarding sex apply precisely the same? Regarding adultery and deployments?

As a Infantry veteran. I think this could work in many different jobs in the military. I just don't see how it would work when the infantry is concerned. Wether we admit it or not a vast majority of infantry soldiers are homophobic ( speaking from personal experience). It would be too much for the country boys to wrap their heads around. I'm not saying it is right , but it is how it is. The guys would be scared to shower with a openly gay soldier in basic, sleep in the same tent, and the list could go on and on. The hazing alone would be out of control.

It's about time. But I fear that there will be violence against gays in the military by some of the more jar-headed members. Some of the comments above by small minded people seem to reflect that.

It's ironic that gay soldiers fighting for our freedom don't get to have much of that freedom. It's time to step into the 21st century people. Put your middle-ages thinking behind you and realize that a good human being is a good human being, regardless of color, sex, religion, or sexuality.

And to "veteran," a good soldier is a good soldier, no matter who they sleep with. When the time comes, a gay soldier will be there for you and not thinking about how to style your hair.

I doubt many gays and lesbians would rush to sign up to defend their country anyway. Why would you want to fight for a country that's been fighting against you all along?!

For the person who said "Hell no! We won't serve with gays!". Guess what? You already do. They probably sense you are an idiotic homophobe, so they don't come out to you.

And for the prejudiced "Veteran", you must be a veteran of Vietnam or even before that to hold such frighteningly absurd stereotypes. Wake up! I read an interview with a young person CURRENTLY serving in the military who stated that most of the people of his generation don't have an issue with gays—-it's the older folks who grew up thinking that all gays did was cut hair and design clothes that had the problem with it. Out with the old guard and in with progress!

Honestly people, with so many male heterosexual soldiers killing fellow female soldiers after impregnaing them, the real concern about who's "got your back" should not be about gays.

HEY IDIOTS – "Veteran" & "Michael Hsu" –

You already serve with "THE GAYS"

Your comment about "It won't work and the men and women of our military don't deserve, when put in a life or death situation, to have to rely on someone who would rather cut hair or design clothes to be their back in a wartime situation." IS SO DUMB AND FULL OF BIASED BIGOTRY IT'S HARD NOT TO LAUGH!!! You think gay people only design clothes and cut hair? NO STUPID – they do all the same jobs everyone else does……but you are too dumb to realize that they are all around you (maybe if you did – then you would realize that they are just like everybody else)

This ban will be lifted in '09 – get over it.

to the "veteran" trust me, if they would have rathered be cutting hair or designing clothes, they wouldn't have signed up for the military… there is no draft so all those in the military are there because they chose to be… so before you go showing off your ignorance, think back to when you were at war… whose to say that the ones protecting your back weren't homosexual? just because they were asked, doesn't mean they told the truth… GO OBAMA!!!

Veteran–not all gay people want to design clothes or cut hair–what world do you live in?!

Let everyone serve our country without worrying if they want and can. Way too many qualified gay military personnel have been canned who's talents are very necessary.A lot of Arabic translators were kicked out comes to mind

It's time to end discrimination against anyone for their sexual orientation. Or anything else for that matter

A lot of gays have served with great honor (And died ) for our country. Sure some will be uncomfortable with gays, but they should know they are all in the same boat, with the same goals. We all are Americans!!

Hey Veteran-I think the fact that some homosexuals join the army means that they wouldn't rather be cutting hair or designing clothes-they clearly would rather be serving their country

Michael
You say you won't serve with gays. Don't look now, but you probably already do. You just don't know it because they are not supposed to let you know.

Well, if the argument about sexual tension holds, we shouldn't send mixed troops out into combat zone. Or what about straight people who have differences on their team? Soldiers put their team above all conflict. They live and die together, and watch each others' back.

I quote President Reagan when he was shot at. In the operating room, Reagan joked to the surgeons, "I hope you're all Republicans!" Though they were not, Joseph Giordano replied, "Today, Mr. President, we're all Republicans."

Serving is serving. Men and women can put their country above personal divisions. When you're sick and need urgent help, you wouldn't care if the doctor was gay, straight, or of a different skin color. You risk your life for the country gay or straight, so you shouldn't be discriminated against.

WE HAVE READ SOME OF THE BLOGS AND IT IS AMAZING THE LACK OF LOGIC WE FIND. THE TRUTH BE TOLD AND LOGIC BE STATED IN A QUESTION.

"IF ONE ENEMY HAD A GUN TO YOUR HEAD AND ABOUT TO
PULL THE TRIGGER AND THE PERSON THAT CAN SAVE
YOUR LIFE IS GAY, HOW MANY OUT THERE CARE WHAT
HIS/HER SEXUAL PREFERENCE REALLY IS".

LIFE IS LIFE AND IN ALL OUR HEARTS THAT WANT TO LIVE A FULL LIFE REALLY DON'T GIVE A D. AS LONG AS WE GET TO LIVE IT. SEXUAL PREFERENCE IS PERSONAL AND TO EACH HIS/HER OWN AND "GOD".

This all goes to prove that the greatest oxymoron (heavy emphasis on the moron) in the English language is "Military Intelligence".

The military, in its esteemed wisdom, got rid of six Arabic translators, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF TWO WARS IN ARABIC THEATERS! Why, because they were gay. Never mind the millions of dollars and months and months of time to replace them. Never mind the fact that being gay has nothing to do with military readiness.

Don't intelligent people exist in the military? I know Colin Powell was there once.

The USA is the only major country that doesn't allow gays to openly serve in the military. For the homophobic military folks, this has had them housed with gays for years. If they open up, and do away from the "don't ask, don't tell" then they can have 4 separate dorms. Male straight, male gay, female straight, and female gay. Housing is really the only issue. If a person desires to serve their country and wear the uniform proudly, I have no problem with that. PDA is still not allowed in uniform. ;o)

It makes one wonder how and why on God's earth people in this country enact laws like they are the higher being while they hold a Bible in one hand.

You already do Michael. How incredibly small of you to say that about someone who would take a bullet for you. I don't believe you are actually in the military.

President-elect Obama will do what ever is right. If he thinks gays should be able to serve in the military without restrictions, he will support that. He believes in the freedom America promised years ago for all. That does not mean that he agrees with that lifestyle, it only means that it is God's place to judge.

The hateful comments here are really disgraceful. Bigots don't deserve to wear a uniform with the American flag on it.

Veteran — Its people like you who are the reason that there is even war in the world

End discrimination, of every type, everywhere.

They were dying over there, same as the hetero soldiers. Don't we owe them at least this much? Man, I hate haters.

I don't care if gays serve in the armed forces however the only problem that could come from this is the fact that instead of fighting they would be all over the other service members who are trying to server there country and complete there missions.

With that out of the way again I don't care if they serve, hell I don't care if they get married and become miserable like the rest of the world its there life let them live it the way they want to.

Regardless of your religious or moral views this is a no-brainer. It's a danger to our security to keep a policy such as DADT. It strips us of talented and willing service-members and for those serving in the closet, creates a true security risk. We need every American to be able to serve their country and to do so with vigor and pride. The old arguments of misconduct and cohesion are bunk. Any straight or gay, or male or female service member should be held to the same conduct. No hanky-panky, professionalism, etc. This isn't condoning a life-style, it's making the right decision to protect our forces, and our country.

Veteran…. surely you don't think that you DID NOT serve with any gays do you. If so then the ignorance of your generation and bigotry of the past is worst than I thought.

Grow up, get real, leave politics and religion alone. Ask Anne Boelin, Henry VIII and the Anglican Church.

READ…. study to show thyself approved…

Obama did not oppose Prop 8 and he was not to be seen or heard from as gays marched last weekend for their rights.

Evidently Obama only believes in rights for certain minorities like blacks.

Are gays not people? Obama talks about tolerance but he's a woos and doesn't walk the talk.

Why is it that the pedophiles, rapists, adulterers, liars, cheaters, and criminals think it’s OK to hide behind their “Christian morality” and judge gays who happen to be tax-paying Americans who simply want to serve their country? Get a grip and look in the mirror, people. If your S*#t stinks, you have no right to judge others. (And guess what? Yours stinks, too)

Let's see anyone convicted on a felony cannot vote but can enlist in the military and get a reduced sentence and get military benefits but don't ask don't tell sexuality is sstill an issue. Change We All Need.

This just occurred to me. We will be essentially forcing people who don't share the same basic principles and ideals to live and work together, and we will punish and re-educate those whose ideas don't conform to the new way of thinking. Hmm, in past history, what countries have done this. I wonder. Can anyone help me out?

Oh, and so the CNN moderator prints this,

OBAMA in 2012

Now comes to the end of " dont ask .. dont tell " …and the beginning of " ASK & TELL ALL " ….

I am not in favor of homosexuals, but if that is the life they want to live or have to live then they just as liable for this country as anyone else. I say let the serve. They have to obey the same laws as anyone else and if they break those laws then they are just as liable as anyone else.
It should not make any difference to others who serve. If anyon thinks their blood is not as red as their own they will find out it is. It is not going to make any difference.
I have known people who were homosexuals ever since I was 12 years old or so and I had my patted by a grown man, but that is as far as it ever got other than hinting they I could make some money. I was as poor as dirt, but not poor enough to start fooling around with anyone of them, and I still ignore them.

Veteran… you're a sad, pathetic person. Gays in the military "would rather cut hair or design clothes"? We have a volunteer military, smart guy, which means that gays serving in the military chose to serve their country and risk their lives. They're just as willing to lay down their lives to protect their comrades as anyone else serving. Also, your repeated use of Hussein Obama makes you sound childish and bigoted. But maybe you call everyone you know by his or her middle name, even if that is not the name he or she goes by. You are weak.

Wow, there's some pretty ignorant comments here. As a former Navy Submariner, I can honestly say that about 99 out of 100 people on my entire base could have cared less about what your sexual orientation was. In fact, there were many many people who didn't exactly play for one team exclusively. Extremely liberal, "Veteran"? Countless nations have already allowed gays to serve openly, so how is this concept new and "extremely liberal"? And I don't know about the air force, but in the real military, in the submarine fleet, I never guys more interested in "cutting hair or designing clothes". I was actually discharged honorably under the don't ask don't tell policy. I'm now a pre-med student in Detroit, but I often think of how great it would be to go back.

I agree 100% with the comment from soldier from iraq.

I support the lifting of the ban, perhaps it will end prejudice in the Military, especially the Canadian Forces, which while they say they allow gays to openly serve, still discriminate.

The real problem is that those in authority are afraid that a soldier will look at the enemy and say: "He's too cute to kill." Why is it so hard for people to tell the truth?

Having proudly served my country in the Army for twenty years I think it is about time to retire the Don't Ask, Don't Tell thought process. While I was in the Army it was not that you are white, black, brown, yellow, gay, straight, bi, we were all camouflage defending the United States of America. Even before the policy was in place most people didn’t care what your race or sexual orientation was. What mattered the most was can you do your job and if needed go above and beyond the call of duty. As a supervisor and leader I expected results to the best of the ability of the people that I supervised and worked with. The ones that stood out were justly rewarded. I lost count of those that I highly recommended for promotion because of their commitment to duty and not because of their race, creed, color, religion or national origin.

@Matt:
Personally, I think most soldiers would rather have the enemy sneak up on their backside than have a gay soldier, be it friend or foe

it's about time! this is a totally outdated policy.all discrimination in this country needs to end.we are all Americans and deserve the same respect. these are honorable people being discharged for idiot reasons.

YES WE CAN

we need to clean all the corruption /descrimniation and all that is going on wrong in every single department in this country

our children deserve a better future from what cheney, bush, palin, coleman, limbaugh, hennety, had envisioned..

stop all DESCRIMINATION AGAINS ALL AND IN ALL LEVELS IN THIS COUNTRY.. time to BE A TRUE AMERICAN

Let God deal with the issue.

Allowing gays to openly serve in the military will be disasterous. It will destroy our armed forces just like it did when African Americans were allowed to serve 60 years ago. All the anti-gay foaming at the mouth makes me wonder just why they are really so afraid. When people are fighting together for their lives, I seriously doubt if a person's sexual orientation is going through their minds. You could even argue that if one guy finds another guy's butt cute…he just might fight a little harder to protect it LOL.

Matt T – What exactly do you mean "has my back"?

November 18th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

If the sexuality of the man or woman in uniform who has your back matters to you, then you deserve to become a casualty.
______________________________________________________

well, its alright, gays in the military have each others backs

Dear veteran- do you really think 'someone who would rather cut hair or design clothes ' would rather be in a foxhole w/ bigots like yourself when they apparently be in a salon..come on now.

If this is repealed (Which I am for) there best be proper protection for the few brave folks who come out as a result of this. As in, there will be backlash and it will come out violently.

How many attacks have gone silenced or not even picked up by the media that have been on folks who have been accused of being homosexual?
We need proper awareness that being gay doesn't make you a lesser solider..

Oh yeah, let me just say this-those who serve do not have to have the gay agenda forced upon them. Imagine soldiers hitting on each other and your stuck having to call your soldier who is gay your battle buddy-the whole thing is perverted and disgusting.

GET RID OF THESE MILITARY LAWS. THIS ONE THAT SHOULD BE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST. "GITMO IS OUR NUMBER ONE". WHAT PEOPLE DO UNDER THE COVERS OF THEIR BED ARE THEIR BUSINESS. "TO EACH THEIR OWN PREFERENCES". WHO ARE WE TO PENALIZED THE SECOND OLDEST SEXUAL ACT IN MAN'S/WOMEN'S HISTORY. SOON THERE WILL BE LAWS THAT PENALIZED KISSING PRIVATELY IN MILITARY. LET US NOT FOGET THAT ONE OF THE FORCES BEHIND THE "WHITE PAT. PARTY" (GLENN MILLER –GREEN BERT) GOT HIS START AND RECRUITED IN THE MILITARY. BAD THINGS COMES FROM BAD IDEAS THAT BECOMES THE LAW OF THE LAND. LET US NEVER FORGET THAT FOR A LONG TIME THE MILITARY HAD LAWS THAT DID NOT ALLOW BLACKS AND WOMEN DO NOTHING BUT "STEP AND FETCH IT" TASKS. NOW LOOK WHAT WISE IDEAS WITH WISE LAWS DID, NOT ONLY FOR THE MILITARY, BUT FOR THE COUNTRY AS A WHOLE.

How bout we ask the military if they want this? I'd guess 70-30 for Don't Ask Don't Tell. The concern for the implementation of Don't Ask, Don't Tell was to ensure morale in the military. This should not change unless the military sees to it that it will not affect troop morale. No need to mess with the psyche of the military in a time of war.

I saw this today and had to share my thoughts. It's not a political statement but of religious tolerance.

Newt Gingrich said: "There is a gay and secular fascism in this country."

Then this:
A sign outside the Spirit One Center in Wichita, Kansas reads: "America We Have A Muslim President. This Is A Sin Against The Lord."

It shows you how backwards and dividing people can be. First of all, Obama is not a Muslim. And if he was, as Colin Powell stated, there are many Muslims that are US citizens that have died for our country while in the armed services. For people in churches like this one, to advertise themselves as "Christians," they are total hypocrites.

It's also interesting to me how Sarah Palin relates to people like this. SHE THINKS HUMANS EXISTED ALONG WITH DINOSAURS AT THE SAME TIME 4000 YEARS AGO! AND SHE HAS USED A WITCH DOCTOR TO CAST OUT EVIL SPIRITS!

How do I look at the Bible and religion?

Should the Bible being taken literally or figuratively? Take Mark 9:42-48, which tells Christians if their hand or foot "offends" them, they should "cut it off," and if their eye "offends" them, they should "pluck it out." If you take this literally, you would engage in self-mutilation. Clearly, this interpretation is nonsensical! On the other hand, if the believer says he does not take the Bible literally, then the skeptic will retort that the believer has implied that the Bible means whatever the believer wants it to mean. Hence, any person’s interpretation is as good—or poor—as anyone else’s. There are PLENTY of other examples. Do I believe, literally, that Noah took 2 of everything (worms, tadpoles, etc.) on his ark-NO. I was raised a Catholic and am a Christian but I have common sense also.

PEOPLE THAT BELIEVE THINGS LIKE THAT OR THINK OBAMA IS A MUSLIM ARE FANATICS AND KOOKS! WAKE UP-THE EARTH IS MORE THEN 4-6 THOUSAND YEARS OLD AND WE DIDN'T LIVE WITH DINOSAURS! IT'S TIME FOR THESE RELIGIOUS FANATICS TO GET OUT OF OUR GOVERNMENT.

Hopefully, a period of tolerance is here and we can, together, try to solve the many problems this country is facing. I'm so tired of hearing the hatred, bigotry and division because people may not believe what other's believe. We should be able to tolerate everyone. Our country is a melting pot and needs to be governed in that way. Hope everyone is doing well-be happy and healthy.

That would be great!!
Gays/ Lesbians/ Bi already serve in the military, it is about time that they get the respect they deserve for risking their lifes for this country.
It is, however, long over due.

Michael Hau, if you're in the military, you ARE serving with gays. You just don't know who they are, since they can't "tell."

The military has usually lead the way in opening doors for those who's civil rights are stamped upon (ending segregation, etc). We've lagged in this area for far too long. A gay troop can squeeze a trigger or fly a plane just like a straight one. Let em' serve while living their life openly. Conversely, let the bigots leave…we don't need em' serving with us. You hinder our mission. It's about time we move past the backward ways of old. Thanks, President-elect Obama. It'll be a pleasure to serve under you.

Our country preaches equality, it's about time we stop being hypocritical.
It's about time Don't Ask Don't Tell is eliminated.

Equal is Equal. If only homophobic veterans knew how many gay vets saved their you-know-whats when they served together!!

You think that just because they are in the closet that they don't exist?!?! Wrong. They were your friends and they had your back.

And you had theirs.

Until now.

hypocrisy, we would not let them get married, but would let them in the military

We've had gays in the military since we've had a military. After all, Baron von Steuben of Valley Forge fame brought with him a 16-year-old boy as his "interpreter." The lad did not speak English. Many other nations allow gays to serve without hiding their identity and without harming unit effectiveness. So maybe we can stop being hypocritical and let the military get on with doing its job. (But Desert Storm's comment is funny.)

The pink tutu's still try to come in the back door huh! Keep them out!

The rump rangers would love it! No way do we want or need it!

i'll believe it when i see it.

I am totaly opesed to having gays in the Military.I was molested buy my division officer wile serving in Vietnam I went to his supearor and told him what happend and he told me it would be my word againest his and he being an officer they would believe him befor they would belive me only an enlisted man.This has had an efect on me most of my life and he did it several times I will never get any resolve for this.it happend when I was 20 years old.I have nothing againest Gay persons but I do have an problem when some one takes advantage on some one for there own plesher.

we don't need the gays and lesbians in the military, it would just create a problem with the straights, it is just a way for people from CA (thats where these "officials" are from) to keep trying to bum rush the straight people. Keep them out!

Long overdue. Equal is equal.

Seriously….. what is the difference between serving in the closet or out? Regardless, it's the same job…. they lay their lives on the line just like anyone else! And I doubt they are so desparate to corrupt those who are not interested!!! *LOL*

It's the Christian Right's idea that men and women are so easily corrupted! Makes one wonder if they are very secure in their sexuality?

Same thing with same sex marriage. I can't understand being so terrified of what other people are doing! If my neighbor gets a divorce, does that mean I am bound to get one? This so called corruption business is catching. Are married couples, Christian married couples, afraid that if marriage is legal for gays that their spouse will bolt and run for it?! *LOL* Seriously…. sounds like paranoia to me. How else would it impact them?

Thank God this antiquated way of thinking will go away. Let the men and women concentrate on the job at hand, and nothing else.

Obama and Biden will make a sensible team.

The end of "don't ask, don't tell" is the beginning of "never mention this again", thank you.

I am sure windbag, attention cravers, Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson will have something less than intelligent to say about this. Here comes the Christian right, preaching the same right-wing nutjob junk that lost them the election.

If the sexuality of the man or woman in uniform who has your back matters to you, then you deserve to become a casualty.

Its about time that it was lifted!

Here we go with the extreme liberal left ideas of Hussein Obama wanting to allow gays to openly serve in the military. The article gives the impression that the US Military is for removing the ban. I'm sure there are just as many, if not more, former military leaders who are opposed to the idea but once again, the left meida doesn't include those numbers. As a veteran of 25 years of the US Air Force, I hope the Joint Chiefs of Staff stand up to Hussein Obama on this issue and tell him how bad of an idea it is. It won't work and the men and women of our military don't deserve, when put in a life or death situation, to have to rely on someone who would rather cut hair or design clothes to be their back in a wartime situation.

Hell no! We won't serve with gays!

It's more than about time. Gays have been serving in the military as long as there has been a military. It's shameful that we make them hide their orientation – and criminally dangerous when we remove translators of critical languages from the service because they're gay. Dozens of Arabic translators were discharged before and after 9-11 because of their sexual orientation.

What most people don't know is that the military has perverted "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to have more gays discharged than before its inception.

Those who have a problem with openly gay troops are much like Sgt. Schultz of Hogan's Heroes, preferring to "see nothing," rather than acknowledge how many of our servicemen and women are oriented toward the same gender. Rather than continuing to fool yourselves, let's let these heroes stand as tall in their uniforms as everyone else.

People don't give soldiers enough credit. these aren't the soldiers of the 80's, this isn't yesterdays army. My husband is active duty military and currently deployed to Iraq. I have been to the family meetings within his unit. I have met almost all of his soldiers. These are for the most part, smart, down-to-earth, relaxed, dedicated soldiers. They don't care who is gay or lesbian. There are some gay/lesbian members of my husbands unit. We all know who they are, they know that we know. Guess what, other than a few immature soldiers fresh out of high-school, no-one cares!!!!! Don't ask, Don't tell, is a Clinton leftover. It is outdated, and treats soldiers as if they are too dumb to know right from wrong when it comes to how they treat others. Sure some soldiers will treat others wrongly because of their sexual preference, but how is that any different from society in general? There are immature homophobic people everywhere, the military included, but these soldiers are smarter than people think. I should know, I am married to one!

It's about time. It is never justifiable to discriminate against any American citizen no matter what excuse is used.

David

Finally, we get a president that understands the American People. Go Obama. We need to stop discrimination against everyone. This is America.

Rangers in the night exchanging azimuths, somewhere in the night….

It is time for people to come to grips with the gay issue. Like it or not there are millions of homosexuals. They teach our children, work in hospitals, represent us in court, serve us in restaurants, fight fires, fight crime, work in factories & stores and they also risk their lives serving in the United States military.
I have enough trouble minding my own business and it is time that people do the same. What you do in your bedroom with a consenting adult is none of my business. I know gay couples that have been together for 30 years, They raised their children, paid their taxes, cried when they were sad and laughed when they were happy.
They are people, folks. Just like you.

Don't that just eat your butt rednecks. Obama is going to give Homosexuals guns to fight but take yours away.

Queue the Christian Right in 3….2….1…

If they want to give their lives in service, God bless them. As the legendary Chris Rock says, "If they wanna fight, let 'em fight. 'Cause I ain't fighthing!"

Good. A gay person can quietely server but not marry or have the same rights as other families. They serve and are killed ans should never have to hide behind a stupid law.

Thank the family loves dirt the people loves the dirt am i love the dirt like me. I like the dirt .The big girl loves the dirt.The little girl love the dirt.The mom loves the dirt.

As long as people don't find a perverse satisfaction of flaunting their sexuality in the faces of others (whether they are homosexuals or heterosexuals), they should be able to join the military. The military has no room for exhibitionists, they are trying to fight wars.

As a Gulf War Veteran I think it is time for us to end this "backwards" policy and stop wasting precious time, energy and resources on keeping fellow Americans from serving our country.

God Bless America!

Tyrone Brown
Seattle, WA

That utterly makes me sick……wasnt it San Francisco that kicked out all the Marine recruiting stations. I feel bad for them when they get there first hazing

Is it doomsday already?

Allowing gays to serve in the military…really bad idea. This will not end discrimination, it will only make matters worse. If you think a heterosexual soldier will not feel uncomfortable showering with or sleeping in the same room as an openly gay soldier, think again.

I think Don't ask don't tell has helped the Armed forces stay concentred in their work instead of worrying about their camarades sexual orientation. This law is not not against anybody's sexual orientation but it's way for soldiers to keep their sexual life Private.

I think the country has grown since "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". I think everyone knows that there are gays in the military and as long as they do there job, that should be it.

If our warriors can fight Al Queda, they can live with gays because they've already been living with gays.

I say the gays should just keep their private lives, private. Why rub salt in the wound.

Leave it alone. The policy as is works fine.

And how many military leaders DON'T want it repealed? How about both sides of the issue?!?!

Other countries have been serving together for a long time. Just because someone is gay, [it] does not make them want to have sex with every person they meet! Do straight people want to have sex with everyone of the opposite sex they meet!? (I guess some do.) Being gay is NOT a choice! I know because I am one and I never filled out a questionaire! I am a son, neighbor, hard worker and I respect people. Just being gay does not make you "bad" You have good and bad in ALL walks of life. Gay people have been around ever since God created US. I think the people who don't "like" gays either were/are:

1.) Taught to.
2.) Are ignorant
or
3.) Just like spewing hate about people only to make THEMSELVES feel better…

Don't even go to the bible for your "support". I live the life the Good Lord gave me and there are things in the bible that are no longer seen as abhorations. Men shave now, you don't marry your wifes' sister when she [your wife] dies, no more stoning, etc. If you want to state an opinion, get your FACTS straight. Some people do not even believe in the bible and that is their own choice. This is America! Land of the free. That's what makes us different from the rest of the world…

Oh darn – the Pope – that human in Italy that is worshipped by only God knows how many people – will condemn our President even more. How can we ever survive? GAG ME WITH A SPOON.

I don't want government in my bedroom or living room or anywhere else. If men and women can serve together in the military, this should have never been put in place to start with. It's from the dark ages for and by the extreme evangelicals that are holier than thou to everyone except themselves.

Its a shame that there is still discrimination of all types. It is not safe to be different. Sad but true.

So what's next? Military-funded sex changes? No wonder this country is the world's laughing stock. Our morals are being flushed right down the toilet.

This is complete insanity. What is wrong with our nation? There's no problem with gays serving in our military, but stay in the closet for crying out loud!

Supposed true story:
A salty Navy Master Chief was retiring after 26 years service. At his retirement ceremony the captain of his ship congratulates him and asks why he chose now to retire, He answers in a voice load enough for the crew and guests to all hear: "Well sir, when I joined the Navy it was illegal to be a homosexual, now it's OK, and I'm getting out before it becomes mandatory."

So it's O.K. for openly gay persons to serve in the government and military, but it's not O.K. for them to marry?!?!?!?!……..hmmmm……

This is long overdue. Equal protection either means something or it means nothing.

So I guess its OK for gays and lesbians to fight and defend our freedoms while they are being denied their rights to legally married here in this country. Of course this way when they get killed in action, the government won't have to pay their partners back home any benefits, so we save uncle Sam some money that way too. The hypocrisy in this country never ceases to amaze me.

1992 – Don't Ask Don't Tell.
1994 – Contract with America.

I voted 'No' on 8 and think that the Don't ASk Don't Tell policy amounts to Jim Crow for gays in the Army. But lets not give mouth-foaming right wingers any ammunition, please?

As a former Marine I would welcome to our ranks anyone who wants to serve their country by wearing the uniform. As long as they conform to the Uniform Fode of Military Justice, and defend the country against all enemies foreign and domestic, who cares about their lifestyle!! Discrimination no matter the target is wrong. If some of you knew the cheating and wife swapping that goes on among the heteros in the military you would not be so quick to judge.

Don't ask, don't tell?

How about: Don't Care!!

Don't let the gays defend their freedoms!! …