Yeah for Gay!

[bailewen]

...waitasec...I I mean...oh whatever. Anyways, about fucking time:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/19/us/po ... ml?_r=2&hp

[Andy_S]

New US defense policy under consideration includes:
(1) Immediate destruction of all USMC dress blues, to be replaced with dress baby-blues and pinks and the Marine Corps Hymn to be replaced with "YMCA";
(2) US Army Kevlar body armour to be phased out and replaced with studded leather gladiator armour;
(3) "Magnum, PI," 'taches to be forthwith cultivated among all (male) ranks;
(4) Advertising of this new policy in Pushtun to raise the morale among our hairy Afghan allies, who all love the brown cake; and
(5) Free screening of Andy_S' all time favorite film, "Lesbian Lavatory Lust" to all female recruits.

[yusuf]

I'm surprised no one stood up in the house and shouted 'This is Spaaaaarta' .. anyway good on em, can you imagine what teh enemy would think if being attacked by an all gay platoon, flyng a rainbow flag, playing judy garland on the stereo instead of death metal and then going on to kick ass up and down the battlefield..

[Giles]

Indeed, about time too.
I'm curious to see how this story continues when it comes to actually implementing the principle in - literally - the rank and file. Still discrimination and resistance against (openly) gay soldiers, or now more acceptance? I guess it'll take a while at the very least.
But still a good move. If the US military can get its culture turned around on this one, then maybe in the long term it could have a knock-on effect in other 'taboo' areas like (professional) sports...

Cheers,

Giles

[Steve James]

It really means the most to those in the military who were discharged because it was discovered that they were gay, even after distinguished service. The culture of the military, with its male-bonding rituals won't change. Well, it may not be as easy to call people some names The number or percentage of gays won't change from what it ever has been, even in Sparta. If it means anything, I'd bet the meaning lessens the close it gets to the front line.

[bailewen]

According to the military's own internal study, for 90% of the soldiers who have knowingly served together with gay folks it already doesn't mean anything.

That's right, most of the enlisted folks stopped giving a shit about the issue many years ago.

[cerebus]

most of the enlisted folks stopped giving a shit about the issue many years ago.

I certainly couldn't have cared less myself when I was in the Army. As long as the person who's fighting with me is reliable and knows what the hell they're doing, that's all that matters...

[Andy_S]

Good to know that the GI in the next foxhole will "have your back," or will possibly even "cover your ass" during any form of "rearward movement."

And of course, like every good soldier, make sure that "your weapon does not fall into enemy hands" or you may find yourself suffering from "blowback."

Etc, etc.

[tsurugi]

[Darth Rock&Roll]

Finally, one more reason to say "so what, do your job" lol

[nianfong]

rock on. bout time they repealed DADT

[Chris Fleming]

I certainly couldn't have cared less myself when I was in the Army. As long as the person who's fighting with me is reliable and knows what the hell they're doing, that's all that matters...

That's pretty much the consensus in the Army apparently. Could make you then think that it never was about people serving in the armed forces but rather an agenda of further normalizing a lifestyle that many find aberrant.

[klonk]

Things traditional are traditional for a reason. The reason is not always good, but it deserves examination.

"I couldn't shoot him, Sarge: He was cute."

[Chris Fleming]

[Doc Stier]