Debating the Ban in Air Force Times
On July 23, Lt. Col. Robert Blair wrote a letter to the editor of The Air Force Times asserting that lesbian and gay Americans should not be allowed to serve openly in the armed forces. His letter, in response to a statement by former Congressman Bob Barr advocating repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," read as follows:
In response to the June 25 column “It’s time to let gays serve” by former Rep. Bob Barr [Frontlines], his opinion has no weight. He goes through the usual list of reasons why gays should be allowed to serve — basically saying “because we need them.” He is not on a Navy ship where a seaman “hot bunks” (shares a bed among three shifts where one guy wakes another and takes his hot bunk as they change shifts). He is not in a foxhole with a gay soldier. He is not in cockpit with a gay airman. He is not in the gang latrine or group shower or doing group activities requiring close contact.
I respect the fact that he used to be a congressman; however, I don’t see where he has a dog in this fight. According to his biography, Barr never served in the military. Just because America is becoming more immoral doesn’t make sin acceptable. I don’t want to sound like a fanatic by quoting the Bible, but it is clear, as are the Quran and most other religious doctrine. Homosexuality is a sin. Hollywood liberals can whine all they want about equality and minority groups, but it won’t change that. Gays don’t belong in the military.
Blair's letter set off a debate among Times readers about the issue, with two particularly compelling responses. The first was from retired Master Sgt. Daniel L. Jones, who wrote that,
I disagree with Lt. Col. Robert Blair’s statement that gays should not serve in the military [“Gays should never serve,” Letters, July 23]. Not only are they serving now, but they have been serving for quite a while. And they have been doing it honorably. In fact, I am confident in saying that Blair has probably served with gay service members during his career.
I know of several gay veterans who served in Vietnam in the foxholes he mentioned. The only thing they were thinking about as the enemy was shooting at them was doing their duty. I also know several gay Navy veterans who shared the hot bunk, including a submariner. And gays are in aircraft, as well. Several left the service decorated for heroism under fire. Let’s not forget Brig. Gen. Virgil A. Richard; Rear Adm. Alan M. Steinman; and Brig. Gen. Keith H. Kerr, all gay retired service members.
Many of the arguments to exclude gays were used in the past to justify the discrimination against and segregation of blacks and women in the service. The arguments are tired and worn.
Since Blair brings religious belief into the discussion, don’t forget the Bible has also been used in to support slavery and the subjugation of women. Does he still hold to these views? Also, there are Christian churches that not only accept gays but ordain them.
And so Blair doesn’t think I disagree because I’m gay: I’m not, I just don’t like discrimination.
Senior Airman David Weindel also weighed in, writing that,
In response to the July 23 letter submitted by Lt. Col. Robert Blair, I am appalled not only by the prejudice, but by the bigotry displayed by Lt. Col. Blair. Homosexuality is not a lifestyle choice. More and more studies are showing that the brains of homosexuals react differently than those of their straight counterparts.
Col. Blair implied that homosexuality is somehow a sin, yet in the animal kingdom it can be observed that nearly every animal group exhibits homosexual activity to varying degrees. Furthermore, to base his opinion not on good science, but instead on hearsay, Col. Blair shows the true depth of his ignorance on the matter. To quote his response, “He is not on a Navy ship where a seaman ‘hot bunks,’” and “he is not in a foxhole with a gay soldier.” These statements are hauntingly reminiscent of the excuses used to justify exclusion and discrimination of women and minorities from the military. To think that when you are in a foxhole being shot at, a gay airman is going to “make an advance” at you is ridiculous and unrealistic. Under these circumstances, survival will be the only concern for both a straight airman and a gay one.
Liberals are not the only people fighting for equality. What scares me most is the fact that, while a leader in a highly diverse military, Col. Blair closes his mind to reality and chooses to lead with myths. I can honestly say as a straight male serving in the military I would not have any problems or concerns serving next to a homosexual. To demean a person who wants to answer the call of his nation to protect the freedoms he and you enjoy, Col. Blair, is completely and utterly wrong.
LGBT service personnel can take heart that there are many speaking out, in public forums, in support of their service. In fact, there seems to be a rapidly growing consensus among military personnel that lifting the ban is the right thing to do.
- Steve RallsLabels: in the news
-----08-12-07
Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.