Gays in the military

[LittleBuddhaTW]

Strangely, though, the US military has been a force for change in the area of basic civil rights. The real problem is the hang up with homosexuality. The religious right and even the left are against it in general. They don't need reason as they have the bible to back up whatever they say.

Well gosh darnit then, I'm gonna push to have the NFL shut down since the Bible also says that handling a pig skin is a sin and an abomination.

[QuietMountain]

Well gosh darnit then, I'm gonna push to have the NFL shut down since the Bible also says that handling a pig skin is a sin and an abomination.

Yeah, one of the arguments I have with my parents is over the literal way they interpret anything that is in the Bible about homosexuality. But, the fact that with many other things -- like handling pig-skin or wearing clothes made out of two kinds of cloth -- they ignore. And, still more they take figuratively. Doesn't make sense to me that this particular topic they'd (meaning conservative Christians and others) hold to so strongly, but be willing to "compromise" on things that I'd think were more important.

[Tigerman]

... (and the idea of patriotism) doesn't usually attract the most tolerant kinds of people.

Imani... I just want to make certain I understand you.. are you saying that tolerant people are more likely to be unpatriotic while patriotic people are more likely to be intolerant? I consider myself about as tolerant as anyone... and I also consider myself rather patriotic.

Now, re the issue... I have no doubt that gays have and can serve effectively in the military.

[Tigerman]

Well gosh darnit then, I'm gonna push to have the NFL shut down since the Bible also says that handling a pig skin is a sin and an abomination.

Yeah, one of the arguments I have with my parents is over the literal way they interpret anything that is in the Bible about homosexuality. But, the fact that with many other things -- like handling pig-skin or wearing clothes made out of two kinds of cloth -- they ignore. And, still more they take figuratively. Doesn't make sense to me that this particular topic they'd (meaning conservative Christians and others) hold to so strongly, but be willing to "compromise" on things that I'd think were more important.

No offense meant to your folks, QM, but in my opinion, many "religious" people are quite confused. Witness the Vatican now scolding the US and its handling of the recently captured Saddam... In the eyes of the Vatican, Saddam (true evil incarnate) is to be treated with compassion, while gays are considered immoral. Go figure???

[kimichen]

Pvt. Gayboy will be trying to seduce and/or "convert" Crpl. Straightguy; and, b.) Sgt. Gayman and Pvt. Gayboy will, at an inopportune time (like the middle of battle), start having sex and cause their comrades to be injured or die.

I've never served in the States. But I served in Taiwan, I don't think it a good idea for gay people to serve. Not because they will do harm to others. But others will do harm to them.

According 10% theory, if your ugly oily SIR wanna take advantage of you, I don't think you can say NO easily.

I don't know how female soldiers go in the US army, can they live with male comrades?

I think the army is the nastiest place I has ever seen, don't hypothesize that there are good people. Whether the US army is better. Dunno! Maybe.

[Flicka]

According 10% theory, if your ugly oily SIR wanna take advantage of you, I don't think you can say NO easily.

Yes, but if he's hot and it means a promotion, why not?

[QuietMountain]

I've never served in the States. But I served in Taiwan, I don't think it a good idea for gay people to serve. Not because they will do harm to others. But others will do harm to them.

This is not a reason to keep gays out of the military. This is a reason to change the attitude of the people in the military. This thinking is the same attitude that says I should keep quiet about being gay because other people might treat me bad or they may feel uncomfortable. Why don't we just find ways to educated people, instead of giving in to (and, therefore, tacitly encouraging) their prejudices by hiding.

According 10% theory, if your ugly oily SIR wanna take advantage of you, I don't think you can say NO easily.

I don't know how female soldiers go in the US army, can they live with male comrades?

I'm not sure what the 10% theory has to do with your superior trying to take advantage of you. :?: However, this could happen whether your suprerior is straight (with female soldiers) or gay. But, this could also happen in the civilian world as well. There are many documented cases of bosses (both straight and gay, as well as both male and female) who have used their positions of authority to force sex out of subordinates.

"Hey, sweetheart... *wink* come over here and take some 'dick-tation' or I may have to reconsider that raise/promotion/your job." hock:

[QuietMountain]

No offense meant to your folks, QM, but in my opinion, many "religious" people are quite confused.

Meant to say this earlier... no offense taken, tigerman. I don't know about other "religious" people, but my folks were brought up in a conservative Christian environment, as was I. In that environment you are supposed to develop a personal relationship with God. However, often, that doesn't involve searching things out for yourself. Instead, people listen to a preacher/pastor/minister and what s/he says is considered... well, gospel. I think the same is true for many people and the Pope. Even though the pastor (or Pope) can be, and is, often wrong or, at the very least, a bit biased in their study of the scripture.

In the evangelical tradition I grew up in, at least, we were encouraged to seek out answers on my own. However, there are still topics that you are not supposed to (or, at least no one does) question. Homosexuality is one of them.

Needless to say, I didn't heed that unspoken rule.