Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy

In Anthony's "America How Much Do You Know" Blog, he talks about the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy.

The theory behind this policy is that if you join or are in the military and you are gay, you shouldn't tell  anyone and no one should ask. Over time I have learned that policies and rules are made as a reaction of something else being done; meaning someone did something and someone else (with power) made a rule. Reactions only lead to more reactions in politics. Needless to say the policy is being reviewed because a group of people disagreed.

The real question apparently seems to be "Is the military ready to allow them in?"  According Anthony the Pentagon Study found 71.9% of service members thought the repeal would have mixed or no effect' while 6.8% said positive and another 21.2% said negative. This research seems to promote the repeal. It seems it  really shouldn't matter. However Anthony also found in that same study that when troops were asked how it would affect them only 52% said there would be mixed or no effects on their units or tasks. Overwhelmingly 48% said they would treat gay soldiers differently.

Initially when I read this blog I wanted to go to the defense of repealing this action for the benefit of equality of the gay population. However research cannot be denied. 48% of anything is a lot! Almost half of the troops today say they would treat their fellow soldier differently! WOW! I can almost appreciate the fight against the repeal now. Before limiting yourself to the mere accomplishment of more rights for gay soldiers, you must open your eyes and get full perspective. If 48% of your co-workers say they would treat you differently because you're gay...and your job description may include operating heavy artillery....more than the safety of these soldiers might be at stake.
To my understanding the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy has been passed by the House and President Obama. Anthony says the next big question is "How long before the policy takes effect?" Defense Secretary Robert Gates is stressing the military needs time for training, preparation and necessary education before the policy takes effect. While I agree with Anthony and Gates that the military needs time, I must say that it doesn't matter how much time or preparation they take. I can only see one of two possible actions. 1) You treat the military as the work place. Understanding some subject matters are sensitive. Sexual orientation does not affect the job and doesn't need to be known to complete your job. Or 2) You wait for another Reaction....