http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070313/ap_ ... itary_gays

it's about time somebody speaks his mind

This is weird. While this guy certainly isn't my hero, I don't feel like he should be so pressured to apologize for expressing his views. Since when are people not allowed to make up their own minds about what's right and wrong?

It's not like he's trying to change any policies to make it more difficult for gays to serve in the military. He supports the current policy just like his critics do. And he was asked about the topic so why wouldn't he share his personal feelings, especially since he feels strongly about the issue? I realize some people will try to equate this to making racist or sexist comments, but it simply is not the same.

no, you're wrong grandpa
it is completely in the same ballpark as making racist or sexist comments

and even if you feel strongly about it... you're wrong

See, to each their own....because this guy just disgusts me - to sit there and talk about how he feels homosexuality is wrong while his orders result in the deaths of THOUSANDS upon thousands of people shows a ridiculous double standard to me...I don't see any clear commandments about Homosexuality, but there sure as hell is one stating "Thou shall not Kill"

Not trying to disparage you aFreshStart4Me, I know you have spent time in Iraq and that we probably have opposing views on the entire conflict but this is so hypocritical that it really infuriates me.

Of course, I also feel that he should obviously be entitled to his opinion - but I feel that having an opinion is one thing, and being asked as a representative of our country, a country where church and state are supposed to be separate, is another thing entireley.

Meh.

Does anyone actually think the majority of military commanders DON't feel this way? As in, "it's a sin, let god sort 'em out." He's a fifty something year old marine... = not known for their tolerance.

Oh, well thanks for clearing that up.

Why isn't it?

War is a part of life, a part of humanity...always has been, always will be. So I guess Washington ordered thousands to their deaths too, as well as Patton, Grant, Eisenhower...what makes they diffrent

Well, why is it?

Homosexuality implies a behavior. Race and sex do not.

Let me just clarify that I don't think the military should kick people out or deny people the right to serve because they are gay. They shouldn't have to keep it a secret. "Don't ask, don't tell", however, is a compromise that will probably have to stay in place to keep either side from being completely furious over the issue.

because sexual orientation is a choice, just like skin color or gender.
[/sarcasm]

So...
Homo = bad behavior? Hetero = good behavior?

I think the guy's an asshole, but I generally prefer that assholes let us know what they're thinking so we can more easily identify them. And I hate those fake apologies. If it's what you believe, even if it's fucked up...at least admit it.

Scary part is we've probably got a decent majority in the US that agrees with him.

BTW cats, your hero's haircut is not within regulation

well that's last time i google "gay soldier"

First of all, I haven't aligned myself with this guy's comments. On some level, I agree with nobody's post.

Second, even he isn't saying gays are bad, and straights are good. Chances are, he believes that monogamous, heterosexual intercourse is the only kind that's OK. Which would mean in his viewpoint, "heteros" are almost as often engaging in "bad behavior".

Also, the whole categorization of people as "straight" or "gay" has its flaws.

drinky,
i get with the whole everyone (even assholes) get their own opinions part of what you're saying...

i just think that the opinions he decided to vocalize fall into a very similar category as racist and sexist comments

Oh everything is immoral if your code is strict enough. He probably fucks his wife through a sheet, so who cares what this particular Duke thinks?

His son graduated from my school last year. I didn't really know him, but he was in one of my classes.

Great, now I am turned on.

But this is the problem I have with this whole thing.

How is it the same? When and where was this decided?

To me it feels like thought-policing.

There's a difference between saying "these people are bad" and "this action is bad". Of course, when people are identified with a particular act, saying you think that act is wrong might seem like you're judging them as being bad people. That's not necessarily the case although with this guy, it may well be, given his idea that the military would be condoning homosexuality by allowing homosexuals to serve.

It's a fine line, but I think people should be allowed to express their ideas on the morality of homosexuality. Just because our society at large has now decided that it's OK doesn't mean everyone should have to fall in line or keep their mouth shut. They shouldn't be allowed to discriminate, either.

one could argue so is homosexuality...look at the Greeks. Jus' sayin'.

i think drinkys like me and just likes challenging an argument

Since they joined the military.