Quote Originally Posted by SNAFU View Post
IMHO he's lining up votes,,gays,,welfare recipients,,.......
I am 100% in agreement with SA Friday on this issue, but I also agree that B.O.'s motive is simply to buy more votes. As with Sa Friday, I expect that my response below will bring shouts of "liberal", but they would be inaccurate.

During my 20 yrs, I worked with many individuals in uniform that I knew were gay, and many others that I suspected of being gay. Most of these individuals were good, conscientious, hard workers, a few were somewhat anti-social and difficult to work with, and some were pieces-of-shit that were breathing oxygen that someone with value could be using. So, pretty much, it was the same dynamic that I encountered in the hetero troops. I didn't have any inappropriate or uncomfortable situations with heteros - or gays -- at least not in the sexual side of things. What was important is the individuals ability to get along with others and complete the mission. I watched many outstanding troops (both male and female) run for a military discharge at the first chance they could get BEFORE they could be officially "outed". I even knew one married guy who committed suicide before returning from Turkey so he wouldn't get outed here in the states.

I think it's about time to end "Don't ask; don't tell" and all other limitations on homosexuals in the military. The DoD already has a number of "out" gays in civilian service as well as many contractors - both working side-by-side with those in uniform.

As SA Friday said, any inappropriate sexual conduct can be covered by the existing Sexual Harassment policies. Lets move ahead and focus on what's really important - accomplishing the mission.

ETA: For the record, I'm hetero.