xepherys

Hmmm... first of all, simply disallowing you to join isn't having the "define" you, at least not any differently than you "define" yourself. And second class citizens? Hmpf!

First of all, many gays and lesbians in the military right now are finding it much harder than they expected to get out by playing that particular card. Why? Because it's more important to keep troop strength high. The don't ask don't tell policy may be silly, but in all reality it's a GOOD idea. Not a GREAT idea, but better than other options at this particular point in our societal climate. Frankly, the government is representative of the citizens of the country. If you look around you, those representing us (those people are also citizens as well) are not ready and don't feel the populace is ready for mainstreaming gays and lesbians. Why do you think two more states have just recently changed or overturned previous changes and now again have constitutionally prohibted gay marriage? Just because you and I and a few forward thinkers here at the TFP don't have a problem with it doesn't mean that a large percentage of the country doesn't as well. By not allowing gays to talk about their sexuality in the military, it protects all involved. Those that would be uncomfortable with it need not have lowered morale. Those who might get their asses kicked becuase of it are safe to not worry about physical retribution. The military itself saves itself a lot of headache, hassle and lega issues by preventing both of the former events from occuring. My ONLY criticism of the military regarding their stance is that you must "swear and attest" to the fact that you are straight, even if you aren't. Frankly, a don't ask don't tell policy should mean that box and signature line should never exist to begin with.

However, I think the GLBT section of society overreacts to this type of issue. Much like I think virtually all minority groups do in our country. I grew up in a town that fostered the gay lifestyle and had several friends who realized early on that they were attracted to the same sex. I've known gay men (not so much on the LBT of GLBT, in all honesty) for most of my life. I think it's great to stand up for what you believe is right. However, if the majority of Americans don't believe you should be granted certain rights due to that, well... that's the downside of Democracy (or any assembly). Here, at least, majority rules. Even if the majority is against you, that can change. Be thankful this isn't a communist country. In fact, be thankful this isn't several other countries if mandatory national service does come into play. In some countries, you'd be forced to serve, would eventually be outed, and would be ostrocized or worse. Aside from a very few European countries, gays and lesbians have more rights here than anywhere else in the world. Why be bitter about that? You want it changed? Great... slavery didn't get fixed overnight. It took a goddamned WAR to end slavery. Why do you think ending bigotry about sexuality will be any less difficult?

At any rate, that was my long winded rant. I apologize for misreading your public school teacher comment. Yes, that's true... and as I said, I'm fully pro-teacher. I think it's a wonderful profession. If I weren't a greedy bastard, I'd love to teach. Kudos to you!