'Don’t Ask Don’t Tell' As a Gag

by Elizabeth Dovell

The outdated Clinton-era policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was created as a compromise that would allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve in the military without creating divisions inside the armed forces. Ironically, the policy has worked against this goal. More than 13,000 troops have been discharged upon violating the policy—hardly a measure of unity. In fact, the policy serves as more like a gag order intended to shield those with misconceptions of homosexuality from discomfort. Instead of a united US military, the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy serves as a distraction to a significant portion of the US military.

Gays and lesbians in the military have found ways to skirt the rules and reach out to those who they believe to be homosexual as well. Code words and references to gay characters on television shows have become the language used to communicate with one another. One has to marvel at the effort these soldiers (who are making such a sacrifice in their willingness to put their lives on the line) are putting forth simply to express their individuality.

Our sexual orientation is a large part of who we are as human beings. To deny American troops (truly, any human being regardless of citizenship or creed), the right to speak their true identity is truly deplorable. The fact that we are willing to allow these soldiers to fight our battles overseas but not have the right of speech on this subject is almost laughable.

In a country mired in the midst of an economic crisis and embroiled in various military conflicts, are gays in the military truly worthy of our concern and our scorn? The millions of lobbying dollars being thrown at Washington could be spent on more noble causes, rather than attempting to erode the rights of Americans citizens--indeed, American soldiers.