by Bhumika Ghimire

Created on: February 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 30, 2009

The debate over whether people are born gay or they choose is to be one is still undecided. But does it matter? What adults decide to do in their private life is not for the public to dictate, as long as it is legal. As far as I understand the American legal system does not see being gay as against the law. So discriminating against gays is against the American way that promises freedom to all to live their life the way they want.

US military is a symbol of national unity and national strength. It is not a partisan institution, the President may be a Democrat or a Republican-military serves under the commander in chief with equal dedication. The force serves America-not Republicans or Democrats, conservatives or liberals. "Don't ask, don't tell" policy that effectively bars publicly gay individuals from serving in the military defeats the unifying character of the military and is also against the American way.

What is the difference between a gay service member and a straight one? What is that makes a gay person not fit to serve openly in the military? Do they have a gene or something that makes them unfit? If a person is qualified and ready to serve, sexual orientation is the last thing stopping him or her from joining the forces. Instead of devaluing people based on their sexual orientation, the military should used test based on skill and experience level to decided whether a person is fit to serve or not.

I strongly recommend that President Obama end this discriminating policy and welcome openly gay citizens in the military. His presidential campaign focused on "changing America" and creating a more open and accepting America. If he allows don't ask don't tell to stand he will be standing opposite this own promise of change. Yesterday, June 29th, the President welcomed the LGBT community in the White House to mark Pride Day and still did not make an announcement on the discriminating don't ask don't tell policy. I think he should have used the opportunity to declare his government's intention to end the practice.

It is equally important that the President bring those of opposing view into discussion on ending don't ask don't tell. Yes, this policy has to go but it would be unwise to totally neglect those who support it. The President has to create a bi-partisan approach to ending don't ask don't tell.

Conservatives who support don't ask don't tell also have a role. I ask them to reconsider their position. Are they happy discriminating against their fellow citizens just because their lifestyle is "different" and how would they feel if their own child, friend, family members was gay and was being denied the opportunity to serve openly? And please don't bring religion into this debate. I mean they used religion to justify slavery, are we going to go through the same road again?

Don't ask don't tell is not just the military's problem. It reflects America's attitude towards gays. For a country that talks about promoting fairness around the world, America better start it at home by allowing gays to serve openly in the military.

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