The US Military going to Harvard to recruit?!

You never can tell, but Im prety sure we aren't looking at a draft any time in the near future. But who can tell? Depends on what happens in this crazy world of ours.

[Timber Loftis]

As I mentioned, Mr. M, I'll defend "don't ask, don't tell." Hey, man, it's obvious from the first day in the military. Communal showers and beds. Why do women and men not shower together in the military? Simple - some people would be too shy or offended to be looked at in a sexual way while bathing. Well, if you know the guy next to you in the shower is making eyes at you, it's the exact same problem, no?

As for giving up rights, no kidding. You are told when and how to eat, bathe, drink, think, sleep, etc. But, on a simpler scale, the military uses all sorts of things to qualify you for jobs that would be suspect in society generally: flat footed, weight, eyesight, just to name a few.

So, unless you propose either (a) getting rid of gays in the military generally, or (b) coming up with a solution to these problems in the face of known sexuality amongs all, then "don't ask don't tell" is the only reasonable alternative.

BTW, why is it important to announce sexuality to begin with? It's *private.* I may like kinky stuff, but I don't see the need to tell everyone I meet about my inflatable Mary-Lou Retton doll. Why, then, do a fair amount of homosexuals feel the need to advertise? Our right to privacy exists because some things simply should be kept in the bedroom.

[Charean]

That makes sense, Timber. I knew quite a few gay sailors back about 15 years ago. Things were of the "don't tell" variety. Frankly, it really shouldn't be an issue unless the individual makes it one by their behavior.

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: As I mentioned, Mr. M, I'll defend "don't ask, don't tell." Hey, man, it's obvious from the first day in the military. Communal showers and beds. Why do women and men not shower together in the military? Simple - some people would be too shy or offended to be looked at in a sexual way while bathing. Well, if you know the guy next to you in the shower is making eyes at you, it's the exact same problem, no? As for giving up rights, no kidding. You are told when and how to eat, bathe, drink, think, sleep, etc. But, on a simpler scale, the military uses all sorts of things to qualify you for jobs that would be suspect in society generally: flat footed, weight, eyesight, just to name a few. So, unless you propose either (a) getting rid of gays in the military generally, or (b) coming up with a solution to these problems in the face of known sexuality amongs all, then "don't ask don't tell" is the only reasonable alternative. BTW, why is it important to announce sexuality to begin with? It's *private.* I may like kinky stuff, but I don't see the need to tell everyone I meet about my inflatable Mary-Lou Retton doll. Why, then, do a fair amount of homosexuals feel the need to advertise? Our right to privacy exists because some things simply should be kept in the bedroom. You know you just hit on something that I have wondered about. The only problem I have ever had with gays is their seeming need to tell me about it. I don't really care what your sexuality is, thats for you to do in your own home. I don't feel any partucular need to run down the street or to have a parade to announce that Im a heterosexual. Or that I was raised Catholic or that Im a minority here in my local community. Sheesh, keep personal things out of the office and in your personal life. What is it with this obsession to force the details of your personal life on others? PS. Thanks for the answer.

[ 10-31-2002, 03:38 PM: Message edited by: MagiK ]

[Spelca]

I think they have all of those parades because they're a minority that's often being discriminated. And the parades are a manifestation (right word?) to show that they're there and that they're not much different than others, and that they have the same rights. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Btw, I have never met a gay person that had to tell me all about how they're homosexual. But I guess there are some that are like that... But still you cannot generalise because of a couple of people you know, or see on tv. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[antryg]

I wonder if the same colleges that are outraged at the military for discrimination refuse to allow recruiters for the EPA or Dept. of Justice?
Maybe when it is something that they want or like, they contract selective memory loss. It might help to remember that it is all part of the same federal government. I find it hypocritical to accept those things you want from the left hand while being morally outraged at what the right hand offers. If the "sneaker" division of the "Global Grabbing Conglomerate" used slave labor and highly flammable materials to make tennis shoes; the outrage would be directed at "Global", the parent, not just a part. In the same way we need to accept responsibility for all the actions of our government.

My apologies everyone, I deleted my last post because on rereading it I realized I had rambled off topic in a big way, and I have been nicely asked tho try and keep from rambeling so I shall [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Timber Loftis]

I didn't know there was a "right to have a gay parade" in any state. Maybe I need to read up. I agree that it's not something anyone cares to have you declare publicly.

As a group, homosexuals find a lot of identity in their sexuality, and many feel the need to express it. They demand the world accept their differences. Fine. But, when the differences are sexuality-oriented, it creates a tough situation. Accepting someone whether or not they are homosexual in no way translates to a mandate that I approve of grown men wearing Daisy Dukes and talking with a lisp, now does it?

Similarly, I accept that Christians have all the rights I do. But, I still reserve the right to make fun of annoying bible-thumping Jesus crispies who peace-love-happiness-and-heaven me to death.

ps - In case I'm seen as a gay-basher because I'm not in the mood to be PC today, let me mention that I have worked on gay rights and interned on judiciary committees (house and senate) in a state legislature during the time it was drafting a "gay marriage" law. These issues were my job three days a week for 5 months. And, I was proud to be a part of it.

[ 10-31-2002, 04:35 PM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ]