by Jennifer Spraggins

Created on: April 26, 2009   Last Updated: May 09, 2009

Homosexuality has been a longstanding issue in the United States, from allowing marriage to allowing those who serve the military to express their sexuality within military duty. The military has proven to be a more egalitarian aspect of our society, allowing people to ascend rank, rarely without consideration of race or gender, although the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on homosexuals continues to be a thorn in the foot of both military and civilian society. President Obama has promised to change this venerable policy, and as a result, there are groups invested in this change pushing to finalize the new policy by 2010 (DiMascio 2). Issues, including economics, the war on terrorism, and the new war on piracy, have taken the forefront in the President's priorities, which has caused many to doubt his commitment to changing this policy and believe that he may be following in the footsteps of former President Clinton.

The Social Breakdown

The issues that are deeply rooted in the "don't ask, don't tell" policy violate some of the most basic rights of an American citizen. The military, with all the noble and chivalrous connotations that people give it, is a business, and by being a business, is not allowed to exclude any one person based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. With that being said, there is no reason why a person can be chosen to shed blood for the country, and not be able to even reveal their sexual orientation. The Clinton administration, who acknowledged discrimination, in many ways as a "problem of the heart," did not take action and was criticized for it. Many are still morally against homosexuality, and believe that repealing this policy will open yet another pandora's box in the fight for a "moral America." However, with the diverse populations that inhabit the U.S., there is a line that must be drawn when it comes to personal morals and the protection of civil rights. Those who are entrusted with protecting the rights of all U.S. citizens must, in many cases, abandon their moral beliefs. This has been achieved in our society, one example being interracial marriage, which was once (and for some people, still is) thought to be religiously immoral. The Obama administration has recognized this wrong, and is making an effort to correct the institutional injustice.

In the meantime?

At this point, rest assured that the "don't ask, don't tell" policy is on borrowed time. The Obama administration is faced with issues that anyone would agree will take precedence over this particular issue, but it is by no means forgotten. The U.S. is already making strides towards creating a more egalitarian society for those who are homosexual, and changing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy will no doubt soon be another great stride. While waiting, people must continue to fight for more support for a policy that could be forgotten without presence from the American people. Continued lobbying will keep this issue in the forefront, and one day allow both hetero- and homosexual soldiers to be able to openly fight side by side.

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