In an editorial in today’s paper, The New York Times is again beating the drums for one of its favorite causes — repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which would allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military.
Apparently, The Times thinks the military is an equal opportunity employer — and that every adult American has a right to serve. But certain people are automatically disqualified, based on various conditions and infirmities. A 110-lb man can’t join the Navy SEALS. The vision-impaired can’t train as pilots. And homosexuals shouldn’t serve openly.
The Times tries to frame the argument as what’s good for the armed forces. “Thousands of service members have been discharged from duty [due to 'don't ask, don't tell'] at a time when the military is stretched by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.” I can’t recall another instance when the paper expressed concern about military readiness.
In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that men who have sex with other men accounted for 71% of all HIV infections. (That’s among a group that represents perhaps 2% of the U.S. population.) Rates of every other STD are two to three times higher among male homosexuals than in the population at large. That’s why the American Red Cross won’t allow them to donate blood.
If gays are allowed to serve openly, the average Army barracks could soon resemble a hospice or VD clinic.
If The Times is really concerned about the loss of trained personnel, it should consider a 2008 poll by the Military Times in which 14% of respondents said they’d leave the military if the ban was repealed and an additional 10% said they’d consider leaving.
If that’s an accurate reflection of sentiment in the ranks, getting rid of “don’t ask, don’t tell” would result in a mass exodus from the armed services which would make all of the homosexuals discharged under the current policy pale by comparison.
The New York Times might as well admit it: The paper doesn’t care about readiness, morale or national security. For The Times, all of these factors must give way to the so-called rights of homosexuals.
Related Articles
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Repeal of Law on Gays Would Break Volunteer Force
Supreme Court Denies Challenge to Gays-in-Military Law
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