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The Wright Perspective℠
Social Commentary from the C-Suite to Main Street℠
A Blog by Gary Wright II
Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants "flexible" DADT?
Friday, July 3rd, 2009
I know you guys are probably tired of hearing me whine about the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy - but this week Defense Secretary Robert Gates (a leftover from the Bush era) insulted our entire nation by wanting "flexibility" in enforcing the policy.
Integration - Should that have been a "flexible" policy? Letting in minorities only when we want to, only the ones we want to, and only when convenient for the government? No - all minorities deserve an equal chance to serve their country.
Women In Combat - Should that have been a "flexible" policy? Letting in only the women we want to serve in combat? No - all women deserve an equal chance to serve their country.
The DADT policy has been abused since it's first day of implementation, and making it "flexible" is just asking for the policy to be abused with no accountability or oversight.
Why is our military choosing to lower it's standards while denying otherwise qualified people based on their sexual orientation? They are signing thousands of "moral waivers" to let in drug addicts and felons (many guilty of violent crimes).
The cost of this policy to our country is almost incalculable. It isn't just a matter of counting those discharged - many others (many straight) are choosing not to re-enlist and choosing not to be recruited into a military that openly discriminates.
This isn't a "gay issue" - it is a human rights issue. I will accept nothing short of full repeal by Congress, but I would accept an Executive Order temporarily, until Congress fixes the laws.
It is up to us to make our leaders accountable for their actions and call them out when they are doing something stupid. Gates is looking kinda stupid right now....
-- Gary Wright II