Next time, fight don't ask, don't tell

There is a hidden form of discrimination that rampantly rages throughout the military forces that protect America. Homophobia finds its way onto federal legislature with the don't ask, don't tell policy in the military. Fear of gays is initiated by nearly every religious text on the planet, but this is an example of how poorly separation of church and state is being upheld, when religious law is being enforced on the masses, even on those without religion.

The reasons to support gays in the military are endless. Homosexuals have no adverse effects on heterosexual soldiers, they are just as, if not more, able to complete tasks for the military than straights, and troop morale and brotherhood felt among one another will be unchanged, so dismissing a capable member of society because they “love the wrong person” is entirely illogical.

Thirteen thousand people have been fired since 1993 because of that love, adding to skill shortages such as linguists, fighter pilots and medical experts.

A few small religious organizations claim that homosexuality is immoral, and allowing them to serve would give that lifestyle a stamp of approval. They cite only the bible, 2,000-year-old book containing numerous inconsistencies that has been shaped, changed and edited over all this time. These small, hateful groups are also misrepresenting the religious majority. A 2009 Gallup Poll shows that 58 percent of Republicans and 60 percent of regular churchgoers completely support the repeal.

The next time disgusting and primeval legislatures such as don't ask, don't tell are written, work hard to campaign against them. It would help a massive group of capable and skilled people resume their jobs in defending and fighting for this country. Discrimination could approach its end with a little push from legislators and their constituents.

Jonas Chaves

Naperville