A silly discussion. Maybe you should site the first blonde killed in action. Sex,gender and/or race should not be a factor in discussing service to your country.

Sent by Blackie Ray | 2:13 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Having spent 11 years in the Marine Corps, including three tours in Iraq, I know many gay and lesbian service members who serve with honor and distinction.

As a Captain, I commanded a battalion of Marines and there was no secret that I am gay and the majority of them did not care. I was a good Marine, a good officer and loved my Marines and my country.

This policy of don't ask and don't tell wil be remembered as a dark time in our history and I celebrate the day it passes

Sent by Captain Rick Duncan, USMC (Ret.) | 2:19 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I served in the Army from 87-91, was in the Gulf war, and served with one of the best units around. I was in an MI unit out of Fort Bragg. There were definitely gay people in my unit, and it had absolutely no bearing on how they performed their job. On the other hand it seemed rather than supporting their soldiers, the fear based rule of no gays in the military actually weakens the military. the rule does not allow soldiers who are gay to be the best soldier or person they can be, because they have to hide this aspect of their life. Really it comes down to our inability to just live our own lives and stop being so scared of everything. Some people are gay, it is different, and if you are not it can sometimes be unfathomable for many of us, but because gay people are near you, you are probably not going to turn gay. Let's be a better society.

Sent by Corry | 2:20 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I am totally and completely opposed to a change in this policy. I served in the U.S. Marine Corps. I witnessed first hand the effects of service women in contact with service men. The competition, the conflicts, and the effects of these on relationships and effectiveness. People know the situation before they enlist and accept it by their enlistment. Why is it necessary to put others under this type of stress ? This issue is completely different from the intergration of the military. What about the rights of others not to be exposed or placed at risk because a relatively small group wants public recognition. Few people on active duty will speak freely about their feelings because its just not politically correct. What about people who will not enlist out of fear of being exposed to unwanted sexual advances from the same sex.

Sent by Michael | 2:28 PM ET | 07-28-2008

All the years of my childhood I dreamed of serving my country. I studied books on the military and obsessed about it to the point where my parents got tired of hearing me talk about it. It gave me a compass with which to guide my life.

After I joined ROTC, I got caught by one of the training officers at a gay dance sponsored by the school. Purely out of fear, he reported me to the commander and I was summarily dismissed. I was denied the privilege of serving my county, something I have deep anguish about to this day.

It is too late for me, but this policy must be overturned. We don't ask heterosexual solders to sublimate their off-military time sex lives, why should gay service members have to avoid dating or forming loving partnerships simply because of who they are?

The military services of almost every other western nation in the world, most of whom are U.S. allies are fully integrated and accepting of gays and lesbians. They have not had problems with morale or unit cohesion.

Gay and lesbian people have served in the military since it was created, most with distinction and honorably. Not allowing them to be themselves is wrong and hurtful and it can lead to unintended consequences like my being denied the privilege to serve because of some closeted person's fear.

Sent by James G. | 2:30 PM ET | 07-28-2008

If I were in a shower with someone of the opposite sex, I be checking her out. I'm sure she would be uncomfortable. Thus it's not allowed.

I don't want to be in a shower, butt naked, with someone who may be checking me out. I'd never shower.

Don't forget about morale and unit cohesion.

Sent by anon | 2:31 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Apparently Americans are more afraid of gays and lesbians than they are of terrorists. How else can one explain the dismissal of so many patriotic service people whose skills and expertise is so sorely needed to combat terrorism? Repeal "don't ask, don't tell" and let everyone who wants to, and is capable, serve his or her country proudly.

Sent by Christine | 2:35 PM ET | 07-28-2008

We hear Pres. Bush talk about how are military is fighting for our freedom in Iraq. What freedoms are WE fighting for over there? Our soilders fight alongside with many other nations who ALLOW gay soldiers, yet we are supposed to be America the Free. I lost a lot of respect over Colan Powell when he failed to support gays in the military. As a black man who would have never been there had it not been for Pres. Truman he showed no understanding for gays serving.

Sent by Eric | 2:36 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Your guest has distorted the callers comment about integrety.

The caller said, THOSE who joined BEFORE the policy.. and the Admiral distorted the integrety issue by changing the discussion to those who joned AFTER the policy.

Sent by anomous | 2:38 PM ET | 07-28-2008

The ape in the room that you are not discussing is the evangelical religious movement that has infiltrated the military. Many of the senior commanders including our current commander in Iraq have been promoting the "born again" message. How can they ever treat gays with repect - they think these guys are "damned." This religious connection with the senior leadership could be an entire program.

Sent by Rich | 2:39 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I am a former Army Officer: the UCMJ covers fraternization and harassment. I do not see how a well behaved person of any sexual orientation should pose a problem for any unit, combat arms or otherwise. If someone misbehaves by making sexual advances, that is a violation of the UCMJ regardless of which genders are involved. The rules are already in place.

Sent by Bill Bonin | 2:40 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War as a Russian linguist. At the time they were just really starting to put women in greater numbers. There were men and women we served with that we knew were gay, but it was not an issue. It made no difference in our job. Sexual harassment by males that we did not work with, was a problem, however.

Sent by Barb | 2:40 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I feel that especially in today's world asking gays and lesbians to hide their identity is equated with saying women or other minorities can't serve. Obviously this would never be a policy in the 21st century, so why is Don't Ask Don't Tell still accepted?

Sent by Jackie | 2:41 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Not to bring in a tacky TV show to this oh-so-important topic, and "The L Word" is a tacky TV show, but they had a segment in season five where a lesbian army officer gets investigated for being a lesbian because of her relationship with one of the main characters in the L Word, Alice. It was the best part of the show that season and it really showed how difficult it would be to have committed life to anyone of the same sex if you were in the military -- there's just that constant stressful risk of being found out, which means being discharged. I would rate this as one of the best story lines on "The L Word" and I wished the story line had happened on a main stream show that most people watched. I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to leave out one of the most important parts of your life -- the person you love -- from the job where you spend most of your time. Don't Ask, Don't Tell has always seemed inane to me. There's no difference between a gay and straight person other than who you love.

Sent by Stephanie | 2:43 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I am 31 years old, and a strong supporter of militarism in the United States. I took the ASVAB in high school and scored quite high- I was courted by both Air Force and Navy recruiters most of my senior year. I can honestly say, as an out BIsexual male, that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was one of the Major factors in my eventual decision not to serve.

Sent by H.S. "Cras"h Crawford | 2:43 PM ET | 07-28-2008

To suggest that all these folks "lied" about their status when joining the military is unfair. I'm sure many are unaware of their orientation at age 18-20 when many if not most join. To then penalize them seems very unfair.
I served with and even roomed with gays when I served and there were no issues at all.

Sent by Jean | 2:44 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Thousands of gay men and lesbian women served our country in WW II, the Korean War, Vietnam and in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Many of them died for this country and many, many more were wounded.

They deserve equal treatment and respect.

Just require professional behavior and personal integrity whatever the one's sexual orientation.
Alexander Franks

Episcopal Priest, retired

Sent by L. Edward Alexander Franks | 2:46 PM ET | 07-28-2008

The Sgt who called in said, "what about the feelings of those in the military who don't want to serve with those people".
1)Feelings...in the military? Yeah, right
2)"those people"? What if I don't want to serve with someone who doesn't want to give freedom to Americans, gay or not? When you say "those people" you're right up there with the military and civilian folks who didn't want to integrate the armed forces. In other words...prejudice that doesn't belong in the military.

Sent by Bob Grzesiak | 2:48 PM ET | 07-28-2008

The amount of time, effort and money wasted on investigating and seperating gays and lesbians from the military is a huge waste. I spent 5 years in JAG and it's just such a shame to see men and women who want to serve being pushed out because of the narrow mindedness of a tiny portion of service personnel is just disheartening.

Sent by Ellen | 2:49 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Please ask the Admiral why men and women don't shower and birth together? Now, how can that answer be applied to sexual orientation.

Thank You
GMC Michael Brown
USN, RET

Sent by Michael Brown | 2:51 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I am a conservative christian and do not believe in the homosexual lifestyle HOWEVER, I don't believe that sexual orientation has anything to do with the abilities of an individual to serve our country and protect our borders. I don't ask my co-workers who sit next to me at work what they do behind closed doors, why would I care if someone working next to me were gay. The statistics of a gay person and a heterosexual person harrassing a co-worker are most likely the same.... so I'm not sure I understand the issue. I like oranges and someone else likes apples, does that mean they can't protect me or my country?????

Sent by Melissa | 2:53 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I am currently in the Army Reserves and a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom from Uzbekistan/Afghanistan. I am "out" to my unit and am grateful that absolutely no one cares about my sexuality. When I am in uniform, I am there to perform a job. My unit recognizes that and respects that. My partner has been included in every aspect of military life, including Family Support activities. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is definitely an out-dated homophobic policy that has absolutely no bearing in today's military and society.

Sent by Bret, Wyoming | 2:57 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I am very ambivalent on this one. I go to church with and am friends with a number of gay people, I think that gay people should have the same rights as anyone else.

This issue is that men are often sexual predators given power, a hierarchical organization, and opportunity. Thus you have in mixed gender units all sorts of tales of abuse, failed marriages, and unwanted pregnancies.

Having served on a surface ship, where privacy is nonexistent, I would think it would be an imposition on heterosexuals to have open homosexuals sleeping in the same quarters and showering in common showers. We don't impose such things (mixed quarters) on 17-year-old women in the service - why should we impose them on 17-year-old men? On the other hand the bath house culture of New York in the 70s demonstrated that segregated homosexuals in a permissive environment isn't so wise, also.

I guess, though, that there is no getting around the rights issue. So the Navy (my only reference) is going to have to make major structural (literally) changes in their ships to allow for more privacy and also impose some very serious consequences to people who abuse their authority through sexual predation.

Sent by WDannen | 2:59 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I was interested in the first caller's comment that he's been approached in an "inappropriate" way by gay men 3 times in his life, always in a civilian context. His remarks were supportive, but the obvious contrast is to the experience of women. Contrast the "discomfort" in military units allegedly caused by the presence of gay members, with the enormous problem in the military of sexual assault, including rape, by heterosexual servicemen against servicewomen. There are sexually dangerous & violent people in the military; they are heterosexual and male, and the problems they cause go way beyond mere "discomfort".

Sent by Anne Wilson | 3:01 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I retired from the Navy in 2007 after a career as a physician, the last 13 years as a psychiatrist treating active duty sailors and marines. The "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy (and earlier worse discrimination against gay and lesbian's in the military) is not compatible with providing good mental health care to active duty members. Sexual identity issues (not to mention gender identity issues-yes there are transgender active duty members also) can at a minimum contribute to anxiety and depressive disorders. If a psychiatrist (or other mental health provider) is hesitant to ask because of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy" or the active duty member is afraid to bring this up as an issue of concern then an important issue affecting treatment outcome is missed. It was also my experience that the enforcement of separating homosexual individuals is spotty and inconsistent. Many commands know that they have gay and lesbian individuals serving but choose not to proceed with investigation or separation even with evidence presented unless someone else within the command threatens to go above the CO. It is time to end discrimination of any active duty member based on their sexual orientation.

Sent by Katherine Immerman, MD | 3:05 PM ET | 07-28-2008

While the Federal enforcement of perceived morality is wrong (in the case of homosexual service and there fitness to serve) are you willing to risk the health , welfare and lives of Service Men and Women by changing the policy?

While we may say that it will be no problem that is a lie. if just 10% object to the policy, and of that percentage 10% of them act on their feelings, that is 1% that will act out in a manner that is not only inappropriate but violent. The first time a couple showed up at a Family Readiness meeting or Dining In there will be words spoken, and like spears , once launched they will not be recovered.

Sent by David Smith | 3:05 PM ET | 07-28-2008

This comment is about the second story, having to do with elitism (I cannot find a separate blog for that story). Little of it made sense because the words "elite" and "elitist" were treated as if they are the same. They are totally different. Elite is generally a function of birth; elitism is an attitude. One can be very elite but not be at all elitist. That is why a member of the elite can call another person, elite or not, an elitist. They are totally different concepts. Thanks.

Sent by listener in oregon | 3:06 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I served 24 years active and retired. 1/4 of that was enlisted. I served from PVT to Bn Commander. I do not recall any job description that included sexual orientation in the job description. I administered more disciplinary actions due to hetrosexual rather than homosexual actions. When the sexual orientation impacted on job performance there was usually a correction required.

Sent by Otis Bowles | 3:15 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I served US Army 1959-1961, my Asst. Adjutant was gay. Brilliant man but gay. I was Courts & Boards Sgt. for my Battlegroup and reported to him.

Many knew of his preference, most to a man would have killed for him and some would have died to protect him.

We need to get with it.

Sent by Jim | 3:18 PM ET | 07-28-2008

With regard to the Don't ask Don't tell policy in the military, I noticed that the group of people that was aired on the radio program were either pro gay or least in favor of repealing this policy. I am not in favor of acting prejudicial against any group. In life we have to deal with a diverse group of people whether they look different (black, white yellow) of have different beliefs cultures and so on. I can't emphasize this enough. There is however such a thing as common sense. There is such a thing a disagreeing and having a different opinion with without being labeled homophobic. This seems to be a favorite gay label for heterosexuals who just don't agree.

Unfortunately showing how "enlightened we are" has taken front seat to common sense. It doesn't make sense to put a large group of men or women in the peak of their sexual drive and tell them it being gay is OK. What about the rest of the heterosexual men or women. Do you think that's a situation they want to be placed in. Especially on a ship or a distant post where there are little other sexual options.

Also another point that won't be politically correct or popular. Some heterosexuals feel that there is a gay agenda to actively promote homosexuality. Unfortunately the prison system has helped create homosexuality. Now they want another organization (the military) of the same sex to think it's Ok. Even our school systems instead of teaching tolerance for the many differences of people, actively teach homosexuality is Ok. Just another choice. Some of us don't want our children to be taught that. It's against some of our moral principles. And you know something? "That's OK too. To have a different opinion is OK.

Sent by John | 3:27 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Sorry not to have gotten to this in time for the discussion.

The policy shopuld be "Don't Ask, Don't Care".

I served in the Air Force in the early '60's when we were all Draft Bait. I served in Taiwan with at least one gay fellow Airman. He was a bit flamboyant, but otherwise a great friend, and a smart and effective soldier. His sexuality never was an issue.

I recently drove my anitque military vehicle (1954 Dodge M-37, 3/4 ton 4x4) in our Pride parade here in Portland. I had banners made for the doors, camo background and bright orange letters "Don't Ask, Don't Care". It was a surprising hit! Much clapping and cheering, and thumbs up from gay and straight spectators alike (sofar as i could tell just by looking).

It is time for the hetero-sexuals in the military to be 'straight but not narrow'. like most of their fellow Americans.

The idea that we discharge Americans with critical skills like Arabic speakers for reasons not related to performance or criminality, beggars rationality. The military needs to resolve the problems it has with hetero-sexuals acting improperly with opposite sex service members, rather than harassing gays who serve quietly, with distinction.

Sent by Paul Millius | 3:58 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Don't Ask Don't Tell was a real stab in the back by Bill Clinton to all the gays who voted for him. The policy was laughable from day one. Is Elaine Donnelly for real?

Sent by Mo | 4:05 PM ET | 07-28-2008

By law we cannot disrcriminate in housing and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. Why should we ask our military to be any different? It is time for the civilian community to ask for an end to the discrimination against gays and lesbians who are in, or want to be in, our military.

Sent by E. Ivar Husa | 4:11 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I am the Commanding Officer of a United States Submarine. I personally find our current policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as morally repugnant for all the reasons stated by Retired Admiral Barnett and a few more that were not mentioned.

I also believe that our current policy presents security issues. Sailors who are trying to maintain their sexual orientation a secret are at risk of being blackmailed for secret information.

It is time to change our policy and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly.

Sent by Anonymous | 4:55 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I served in the United States Army for three years. I had been trained in Interrogation and had graduated with honors from the Chinese- Mandarin course from the Defense Language Institute. After almost three years of training, I had to give in to the pressures and come out with my sexuality. While on active duty, it was very painful to never be able to build any true relationships or camaraderie with my fellow soldiers because I was too paranoid that someone would become suspicious of my sexuality. The only relationships I had consisted of webs of lies from some other person that I had to believe I was. Keeping track of this fake person was a chore in itself. I became depressed, quiet, and my personality and sense of who I was diminished. Being in this state, I didn't feel like I could be helpful to the Army and decided it was best for me and the Army that I leave. After being trained for almost three years in highly critical skills, I played janitor for my company for nine months while I waited for my discharge papers to go through. I still deal with the guilt for not being able to finish my Army contract. I know if the DADT policy didn't exist I could have been in Iraq or Afghanistan helping with the fight on terror. I could have taken the place of a soldier who has already been deployed three times with a family waiting here at home. Apparently, the one in power would rather I stay at home than help fight his war.

Sent by Brian | 5:00 PM ET | 07-28-2008

Reading these other comments sounds like people are just groping around in the dark as what to do. The Bible has the answer to every problem in life if you just take the time to read & understand it. God's love for you all is unconditional so keep him first in your decisions and the right answer will be revealed to you.

Sent by Jim | 6:04 PM ET | 07-28-2008

The Sgt asked "What about the feelings of the soldiers who do not believe in the 'practice' of homosexuality." I would respond that no body is asking you to be a homosexual just stop standing in the way of those that are and still want to serve. Also, to address the statement that soldiers in Combat arms are not gay is SO way off. I know many gay soldiers that are Combat arms.

Sent by Steve | 6:40 PM ET | 07-28-2008

As a former sailor, I had no problem with homosexuals working on my ship. I in fact had many gay friends in school and never once felt any pressure to be gay or confusion as to my sexual identity.
This policy of don't ask, don't tell simply is not working. Of all my former gay sailor friends, only one has not been 'found out' and hence summarily been dishonorably discharged.
Patriotic Americans deserve the right to defend their beloved country regardless of race, gender, beliefs or sexual orientation.

Sent by Gary G. | 6:58 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I think the policy should be repealed. If a citizen wants to serve their country, their sexual orientation shouldn't hamper their desire.

Sent by Gustavion | 7:16 PM ET | 07-28-2008

John,
Alghough opinions like your are welcome, studies and stastics show that you are in the minority on this one.

While you are probably hetrosexual from your comments, is having sex with women that you work around or see in the shopping stores on your mind 24/7? Yet this is the summary of the rational that you use against gays and lesbians being able to serve proudly and equally alongside their American straight comrades.

Shame on you, John.

Sent by James | 10:14 PM ET | 07-28-2008

I was listening to the show yesterday. I wanted to call but was nowhere near a phone.
In Sept. 1988 eight women were placed on the pier in Naples Italy off the USS Yellowstone (AD-41) and told to find their own way home. They were discharged from the military for cause. CNN did a story on this at the time. I remember because I knew most of these women. They were charged with forcing newly arrived shipmates into lesbian sexual activity. An investigation was undertaken while crossing the Atlantic and they were placed on the pier in Italy.
I wanted others to know that at times those of a homosexual preference can be a bit pushy. Just another side to this story that I have not heard on the air.

Sent by Michael | 3:15 AM ET | 07-29-2008

"I wanted to let others know that at times those of a homosexual preference can be a bit pushy."

As a woman in my early 20s (not a member of the military), let me impart some knowledge on you: some heterosexual males can also be "a bit pushy."

Would it be fair for me to generalize all heterosexual males as people who behave sexually inappropriate, just because I've encountered SOME that do? I mean, Michael, should I assume that if I met you, you would behave in a sexually inappropriately way? (if I'm incorrect in assuming that you are a heterosexual male, please feel free to ignore the last sentence)

Homosexuals are NOT more pushy, promiscuous, or anything else than heterosexuals. Yes, SOME homosexuals act in ways that are sexually inappropriate, just like SOME heterosexuals act in ways that are sexually inappropriate. This does not, however, mean that ALL homosexuals or heterosexuals do.

It's unfair to treat all homosexuals as if they were the same person - just like it would be a unfair for me to lump all heterosexual males into one category.

Sent by Marie | 5:11 PM ET | 07-29-2008

@ "Michael" -

Those of a heterosexual preference can be a bit pushy, too.

Sent by Bob | 5:26 PM ET | 07-29-2008

I am a retired LCDR who served in the Navy from 1977 to 1994, so I got in on the beginning of "Don't Ask Don't Tell." I asked one of my colleagues who was firmly opposed to gays serving in the military, "Are you afraid you're so attractive that any gay man couldn't resist you."
He answered, "I'd be afraid that I'm not."
So may be it's the blow to the ego they can't stand.
I heard all the arguments against women in the service and all the arguments against gays and let's get over all of them and let the best people serve.

Sent by Christina Verderosa | 7:20 PM ET | 07-29-2008

This is not a serious problem in America today. Most military age people have grown up while homosexuality has been relatively ackowledged and accepted. These are young adults who America is sending to fight and possibly die. I would imagine sexuality is one of the least of their worries. Sexuality is a personal matter and I believe these young people would be able to deal with this issue on their own. Perhaps roundtable discussions within their own groups to deal with issues that might arise would be helpful. Let them handle it. My answer would be- Don't mention. Ever again.

More worrisome to me is the fact that our children's education is going to hell with 30% of all students who enter k-12 never graduate high school, becoming no profitable service. We're paying the House Armed Services Subommittee personnel (12 members) to sit around and rehash this same old issue for years on end. There will never be a yes- no answer to this. No one can change what is no matter how many times it is asked. The fact that our children's education is going to hell with 30% of all students who enter k-12 never graduating high school, becoming no service to anyone is a problem. Maybe this committee could focus on helping to educate students through school programs and/or classes. Then, you can sit around and wonder if they're gay and whether you should we ask them or not. You're beating a dead horse. Now get to work and do something productive. Getting real sick of our government waste.
This tells me one thing. Our government has WAY too many committees not getting anything accomplished.

Sent by priscilla | 2:19 AM ET | 07-30-2008

I am pleased to be following this conversation. I am looking into joining the armed services as a psychologist and this is a tough subject. As a lesbian, its psychologically stressing for the government to allow a legalized form of discrimination. Most disturbing is that as a mental health professional we take an oath to be advocates for our lients and help them with whatever issue may come up. What message are we telling these soldiers who come to counseling that an area that may be of utmost stress to them cannot be talked about? I think this is an honorable profession and I do agree with many of you on the pt that at this time in history our society is ready for this change!

Sent by Prospective Officer | 7:22 PM ET | 08-23-2008