[quadrant]

Dear Sir:

To a former enlisted man, and E-4, the opinions of a three retired generals and admirals means nothing.
They did not live in barracks, a place where there is no privacy.
They did have to deal with questions of small unit integrity and cohesion where any suspicion of favortism is a serious problem.
And they did not have any idea of the pressures facing junior enlisted personnel, many of whom suffer from loneliness and disorientation on a daily basis.
I do not doubt that many gays wish to serve in the Armed Forces, but the United States government is under no obli-gation - moral, legal, or ethical - to accede to their wishes. No gay individual enlists or joins the Armed Forces without knowing that for the term of their enlistment, their sexual orientation must remain private. If any gay person cannot do that, then he or she should refrain from joining the Armed Forces. To join without that conviction is to make a lie of his or her enlistment oath. Before enlisting a gay person must ask him or herself, "Is my sexuality more important that my oath?" They must understand that the answer to that question will be a measure and a test of character. What gives the views of these three officers special credence? Were any of them mustangs with a unique understanding of the morale of the troops? Were any of them combat commanders of great skill? Were any of them great strategists or tacticians? Were any of them distinguished by their knowledge of military history, policy, and law? In fact, the opinions of the flag officers mentioned in the article cannot in any way stand against the opinions of dozens, nay hundreds and perhaps thousands, of retired flag officers who oppose allowing gays to serve in the military. To those who say that the US is depriving itself of the services of talented individuals, I reply: We will survive. The United States Armed Forces have endured Civil War, two World Wars, an inconclusive war in Korea, and a political defeat in Vietnam. It can survive and prosper without the services of those who cannot abide its regulations and policies. WATCHMAN

[little jeremiah]

Thank you for your voice of reason, experience and intelligence!

[FormerLib]

The United States Armed Forces have endured Civil War, two World Wars, an inconclusive war in Korea, and a political defeat in Vietnam. It can survive and prosper without the services of those who cannot abide its regulations and policies.

Great post, thanks!

[tuesday afternoon]

Bump.