Comments on: Gays: Keepin’ the Dream Alive http://moaablogs.org/inside/2010/02/gays-keepin%e2%80%99-the-dream-alive/ Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:45:59 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Gina DiNicolo http://moaablogs.org/inside/2010/02/gays-keepin%e2%80%99-the-dream-alive/comment-page-1/#comment-769 Gina DiNicolo Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:44:48 +0000 http://moaablogs.org/inside/?p=575#comment-769 Mr. Nicks, I think you are correct, and I had not considered that added dimension. The Gates-Mullen testimony well, that's another bizarre tale and more on that later. I have no feelings either way on this issue, but am stunned that it had morphed into such -- an issue. I do agree with you, and the many facets are striking. Mr. Nicks,

I think you are correct, and I had not considered that added dimension. The Gates-Mullen testimony well, that’s another bizarre tale and more on that later. I have no feelings either way on this issue, but am stunned that it had morphed into such — an issue.

I do agree with you, and the many facets are striking.

]]> By: Troy Nicks http://moaablogs.org/inside/2010/02/gays-keepin%e2%80%99-the-dream-alive/comment-page-1/#comment-768 Troy Nicks Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:26:33 +0000 http://moaablogs.org/inside/?p=575#comment-768 As Adm. Mullen rolls out his endorsement to the Senate, my concern is that the debate hasn't addressed how this will actually play out in the ranks if it becomes reality. There are restrictions on on-duty heterosexual behaviors, and those restrictions would apply equally to gays. However, off-duty flirting, displays of affection and gossiping will surely accompany official policy permitting gays to serve openly. Unlike a civilian situation where one has some ability to avoid offensive activity, military members will have no choice but to be immersed in it. Legally, they will be forced to tolerate it. This situation will be extremely repulsive to most troops, and the net effect will be divisive. Recruiting, retention, and combat effectiveness will surely be impacted. Military service does not include all the rights that citizens enjoy. From that standpoint, an open-gay policy is just a social experiment. Balanced against its impact on national defense, this policy is foolish and unnecessary. As Adm. Mullen rolls out his endorsement to the Senate, my concern is that the debate hasn’t addressed how this will actually play out in the ranks if it becomes reality.

There are restrictions on on-duty heterosexual behaviors, and those restrictions would apply equally to gays. However, off-duty flirting, displays of affection and gossiping will surely accompany official policy permitting gays to serve openly. Unlike a civilian situation where one has some ability to avoid offensive activity, military members will have no choice but to be immersed in it. Legally, they will be forced to tolerate it. This situation will be extremely repulsive to most troops, and the net effect will be divisive. Recruiting, retention, and combat effectiveness will surely be impacted.

Military service does not include all the rights that citizens enjoy. From that standpoint, an open-gay policy is just a social experiment. Balanced against its impact on national defense, this policy is foolish and unnecessary.

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