March 27th, 2010:

Re: Marine Corps General James Conway: Marines Would Not Be ‘Forced’ To Live With Gay Soldiers, ANNE FLAHERTY | 03/26/10 05:05 PM |

WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps’ commandant said he won’t force his troops to bunk with gays on base and would give them separate rooms if Congress votes to allow openly gay service.

Three things.

First, the troops already live in barracks with gay and lesbian service members, they just don’t know it. The fact is that there are many gays who have obeyed the rules and have not outed themselves in order that they continue to be able to serve. They serve honorably, and the marines living with them are not harmed.

Second, this “separate but equal” logic from General Conway stems from Jim Crow days when blacks were given the same privileges as whites, but only in different locations, like restrooms and drinking fountains.

Third, segregating gays into their own barracks will only fan the flames and achieve a more hate-filled atmosphere among the troops. Setting them aside will paint targets on them and will foster violence.

Homophobic reactions and fear mongering through the media, mixed with hatred are not very flattering traits for one of our nations highest ranking military officers. Instead of getting rid of the thousands of gays that serve today let’s get rid of a few old pasty white men who stand in the way of doing what is right. Firing one general who is bucking orders, instead of hundreds of soldiers who are not, is a clear and much more logical path to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

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