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President Obama pledged during his presidential campaign to end the military’s ban on gays serving openly, otherwise known as Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. The president has been in office for over a hundred days and the armed forces continue to fire gays and lesbians who violate the military’s policy on serving openly as a homosexual. Lt. Dan Choi of the New York National Guard is an Iraq War veteran and a West Point graduate. He also happens to speak fluent Arabic. Choi received a letter of discharge from the Army for “homosexual conduct.” His firing comes after he came out in March along with 37 other West Point graduates in a group called Knights Out.Lt. Choi joined Carol Costello on CNN’s “American Morning” Friday. He acknowledges he made the choice to publicly admit his sexuality. “I publicly admitted who I was. I refused to lie and to hide my identity. And because of that, they said, it doesn’t matter that you graduated from West Point. It doesn’t matter that you’re fluent in Arabic. It doesn’t matter that you went to Iraq and that you want to deploy again. Pack your stuff and go home. You’re fired.” The Department of the Army’s discharge letter to Choi states, “This is to inform you that sufficient basis exists to initiate action for withdrawal of Federal Recognition in the Army National Guard for moral or professional dereliction… You admitted publicly that you are a homosexual which constitutes homosexual conduct… Your actions negatively affected the good order and discipline of the New York Army National Guard.” Choi says the letter was a “big slap in the face.” “I raised my right hand and said I want to serve. My commander in chief is going to send 21,000 troops overseas. I want to be one of those… Basically, by me saying I am gay, they’re saying that that ruined the good order and discipline of the entire New York Army National Guard, which is very ridiculous. From what I’ve seen, my unit has been very professional. I’m very proud of my unit. They respect all soldiers for what they can do as members of their team.” The White House has not yet commented on Choi’s case, but their website’s statement on the policy currently reads: “He [President Obama] supports repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in a sensible way that strengthens our armed forces and our national security.” This is a change from what the website previously stated in April, which was ”President Obama agrees with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Discrimination should be prohibited. The U.S. government has spent millions of dollars replacing troops kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation. Additionally, more than 300 language experts have been fired under this policy, including more than 50 who are fluent in Arabic. The President will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure it helps accomplish our national defense goals.” Since the passage of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in 1993, more than 12,500 men and women have been discharged from the military under the law. http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/08/dont-ask-dont-tell-continues-under-obama/ 
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One of the dumbest policies in the world IMO . I give a rats ass what your sexual orientation is and wonder what it has to do with one's performance as a soldier .
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Christian America still hating on a minority group? Big surprise. 
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Regardless of the validity of the policy..........it's still policy. Abide by it or accept that you brought the punishment on yourself.
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“I publicly admitted who I was. I refused to lie and to hide my identity. And because of that, they said, it doesn’t matter that you graduated from West Point. It doesn’t matter that you’re fluent in Arabic. It doesn’t matter that you went to Iraq and that you want to deploy again. Pack your stuff and go home. You’re fired.”
So he thinks he's special. Sorry. It doesn't work that way.
I don't have a problem with gays serving in the military. I have a problem with any soldier bucking the system to make a point, then crying because they weren't given special treatment and were punished.
He should have thought of that BEFORE going against the policy.
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy.
Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
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Ditto, thanks for saving me some typing OT 
LET'S GO BROWNS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/OldSixty-Two/new0400001.jpg) [b]WOOF WOOF[b]
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#gmstrong
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I don't see it as thinking he's special or whining. The guy bucked what is clearly lunacy. Life isn't fair, and I imagine he knows that. I also imagine he's aware that his actions could potentially cause a bit of a stir.
We have a president who promised that he's put a stop to this nonsense...I think it's up to someone to make it a point to remind him.
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Quote:
Christian America still hating on a minority group? Big surprise.
You would think that if it was 'hating' on the group....they would not only allow homosexuals in the military, but make sure they are on the frontlines.
#gmstrong
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Look man....gays are never going to be accepted by the general population in the military.
I have changed many of my views on gays over the years, but I am telling you it's just not going to work if you go to a "open" policy....unless you don't want that mean S.O.B. who will stomp on someones throat in the Army or Marines.
As a matter of opinion and survival, I do.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
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That's not much different than saying 'Southern boys will never accept blacks within their unit'.
And the idea that mean S.O.B.'s would decide that they don't want to be a Marine because there might be a homosexual there...first off, I think it's simply untrue -- those boys follow orders...beyond that...that's a very selfish line of thinking...the ideal serviceman is selfless...so I wouldn't mind losing anyone who thought like that.
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That's cool man, you can think what you want.
I agree.....if it is a policy, most will obey the orders, and the ones that don't will be charged with a hate crime and put in prison for 30 years.
That fixes everything....at least in your world.....but I admit, your world and my world are two different things.
Have fun going in to the future my friend, I hope it works out for you.
I really do.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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j/c
When I was in the Navy (yes, go ahead, I have heard all the lines before, you've got nothing new to tell me) we had a few guys who we knew were gay. It wasn't too much of an issue because it was kept quiet and no "flaming".
But I can tell you this. If there was a gay man in the boiler room serving with me, neither I nor anyone else in that division was aware of it. And if there had been, it would not have ended well for that gay man. And no, not from me. But there were some very mean, very gruff folks down there.
I have nothing against gay men and women. Never have. But there are places that even I don't want to be around a gay man. Men's locker room, berthing compartment, open shower/head area where space is at a premium and there generally isn't a lot of space.
The majority of the folks I saw getting discharged from the military under the don't ask, don't tell policy were/are very much heterosexual. They used this policy to get out of their contract.
KeysDawg
The fact that some geniuses were laughed at does not imply that all who are laughed at are geniuses. - Carl Sagan
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Thanks....and as I said, it just isn't going to work.
Shoot, I doubt it would work on a football team.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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Quote:
I agree.....if it is a policy, most will obey the orders, and the ones that don't will be charged with a hate crime and put in prison for 30 years.
So we should continue to implement flawed policy based on the fear that our armed forces would act like lawless animals?
I know that you are in no way, shape or form attempting to belittle our soldiers...but in a way, that sounds like a rather unflattering portrait. And I'm not disagreeing with you, either. I think we'd see a lot of that kind of stuff happen.
But I think it's crazy to have detrimental, illogical policy in place because if we didn't, the dullest crayons in the box would act up.
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You know what? I agree with you Ballpeen; it won't work out very well if this thing is unconditionally lifted. Why won't it work? Because the majority of Americans are ignorant and fearful of homosexuality.
I know this is anecdotal, but my roommate is gay. That's right, I sleep five feet away from a gay man, and it doesn't bother me at all.  I do not think it is a coincidence that the majority of people in this homophobic nation do not know someone who is homosexual (at the level of friendship.)
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Quote:
You know what? I agree with you Ballpeen; it won't work out very well if this thing is unconditionally lifted. Why won't it work? Because the majority of Americans are ignorant and fearful of homosexuality.
Yup, the majority of people in this country are ignorant and intolerant. I love how you call out this country.
Try being gay in the middle east, or really, in any country other than the U.S. and see what kind of ignorance is encountered.....
but yeah, it's just the U.S., isn't it? 
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Quote:
You know what? I agree with you Ballpeen; it won't work out very well if this thing is unconditionally lifted. Why won't it work? Because the majority of Americans are ignorant and fearful of homosexuality.
I know this is anecdotal, but my roommate is gay. That's right, I sleep five feet away from a gay man, and it doesn't bother me at all. I do not think it is a coincidence that the majority of people in this homophobic nation do not know someone who is homosexual (at the level of friendship.)
But in this case you are wrong Mantis. My wife and I have 2 very good friends who are gay men partners. We just traveled to Las Vegas with them a few weeks ago.
We have even been over to their house and have had them here for dinner....can you imagine that!
Really man, if you have a point to make, make it. Otherwise, just be silent because it will serve you well in life.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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I don't see it as thinking he's special or whining. The guy bucked what is clearly lunacy. Life isn't fair, and I imagine he knows that. I also imagine he's aware that his actions could potentially cause a bit of a stir.
I would have to see how his interview went, but reading his quotes tell me that he is whining.
If I were to have seen a quote saying that he knew what the punishment would be, and that he did it to make a point, my opinion would be different. Unfortunately, I read it as a guy who is using his credentials to say he should be given some slack because of how those credentials read.
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy.
Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
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He was asked how he felt when he got the letter. He said it made him "extremely angry."
I watched the rest of the interview. Had he said something along the lines of "I was expecting this, and I'm prepared to fight against this" I would be inclined to change my opinion. But because it appears he was emotional about all this, leading me to believe he was somewhat surprised, I don't feel as though he did this knowing full-and-well that he was going to be booted out of the military.
My opinion remains the same.
I haven't served in the military. I'm not gay. Clearly, I don't know what it means to be a gay person in the military. Still, it doesn't take a gay person in the military to understand that if you take on the military by bucking the system, you ARE going to suffer the consequences. He should have been smart enough to know what was going to happen, and it appears to me that he was taken by surprise by his firing. That isn't a reaction of a calculated move, so I can't say I believe he was making a huge sacrifice for other gay personnel in the military. He certainly isn't going to make things go any faster for Obama. But then again, his decision making can easily be called into question.
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy.
Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
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Look man....gays are never going to be accepted by the general population in the military.
They will, just not now or in the next few decades. America struggles with the notion of gays during peace time.
lets start there, then worry about military
President - Fort Collins Browns Backers
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If you know the rules of the game before playing, don't cry like a baby if you suffer the consequences for intentionally breaking them.....don't forget this guy got a >$250,000 education courtesy of the taxpayers and only then decided to come out. Gee, he got the goods and now doesn't have to honor his military commitment. How convenient.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
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Sometimes your so naive its adorable ... Quote:
He was asked how he felt when he got the letter. He said it made him "extremely angry."
I watched the rest of the interview. Had he said something along the lines of "I was expecting this, and I'm prepared to fight against this" I would be inclined to change my opinion. But because it appears he was emotional about all this, leading me to believe he was somewhat surprised, I don't feel as though he did this knowing full-and-well that he was going to be booted out of the military.
Bro .. he knew he was gone .. as did every other single one of his 37 Knights ... this is a NO BRAINER ... the second they came out they knew they were out ...there was no other conclusion .. FOR NOW ..
he could act any way he wants ... his a MILITARY OFFICER ... he thought this through .. its what they do .. Military Officers put more thought into and have more contingency plans for there morning crap, shower and shave than some people do in there entire lives about anything .....
they did this for one of two reasons ....
1. they did it because they wanted to get the issue in the public eye for Obama ... they got the proverbial ball rolling ... they would have liked to stay in the military but thought there "rights" as gay men and possibly ladies was more important ...
2. they wanted out of the military and decided they may as well kill two birds with one stone and get the ball rolling ....
it really is that simple ... cause there is NO WAY they did not know they were going to GET BOOTED OUT the second they admitted it ...
like I said .. sometimes your so naive its adorable ....
I wonder if Da man Is Hot has a relative close to this one so he can give us some more good "inside info ...... 
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I've already made my point. Perhaps you and arch missed it when I said the majority of Americans fear homosexuals. I wasn't calling you out. I'm glad to know you are not part of the fearful masses.
Now, this is not directed at you but to anyone who thinks that, because gays have it better here compared to anywhere else in the world, they should quit whining and deal with it. Just because gays get stoned in middle eastern countries does not give us a liscense to ignore bigotry in our own.
And Ballpeen, I'll be silent on this issue when gay teenagers stop committing suicide because they have been brought up to believe that their sexual orientation is abnormal and disgusting.
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Quote:
I don't have a problem with gays serving in the military. I have a problem with any soldier bucking the system to make a point, then crying because they weren't given special treatment and were punished.
He did accept his punishment and although I'm not any gay rights advocate, I don't believe that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should apply to his freedom of speech. You say you don't mind gays serving in the military, and by what I read all he is doing is expressing his belief that the system sucks.
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Quote:
he could act any way he wants ... his a MILITARY OFFICER ... he thought this through .. its what they do ..
Naive is as naive does
One of my bartenders is a former Ranger, former officer. He can't function in this world if I'm not giving him orders and instruction. Think for himself? Yeah, good one *L* I've known several other former officers, and while they aren't all like my bartender, they ARE just like the rest of the worlds managers: Some know what they are doing and some don't.
I don't doubt for one moment that they were trying to make something out of this with their club and whatnot. However, he's not talking as though he made calculated moves. He's angry and he's upset, and it looks to me like he bit off more than he could chew, and deep down is surprised that it actually came to this.
Now it's time to say something that could draw some ire........
He talks about his Unit, and how this ruling effects (or doesn't effect) them. My opinion is that while he's proud of what his unit has accomplished and how good they can function, I find it ironic that he's chosen to take a stand which puts being gay in a more important standing than what his unit actually represents.
By going the route they did, they've robbed the military of some excellent personnel, and in so doing have hurt the very unit and ideals that they supposedly believed in.
Obama stated he'd work on this. They should have let it run it's course without trying to be bigger than the military. They chose fighting for gay rights in the military over the ideals that the military represents and the goals they've set.
As noted, I've no problems with gays in the military. I don't like the premise behind "don't ask don't tell" even if abolishing it will cause some serious ass-kickings when the doors are closed. But I don't like seeing someone trying to buck the system then whine and get angry when they are booted out.
They aren't going to change a thing. A SMART officer would have known that. The military doesn't bend to pressure. They are like the IRS, they can do what they want when they want.
If Choi and his group get upset at what's happened, they should have thought about it all the way through before doing what they did.
So either he didn't think it all the way through like you said he did, or he isn't nearly as smart as you may believe him to be. In either case, he blew it, and isn't sounding like someone who made a calculated move. There's too much anger in his statements for me to believe that.
It looks to me like he thought he knew what he was doing.........until the inevitable happened. Now, he isn't so sure.......
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy.
Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
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the majority of Americans fear homosexuals.
Fear? I hear this all the time. "Homophobic" again using fear as a basis. These groups use the term "fear" to suggest that the personnot accepting them is odd or weak in their thinking. I personally don't see it as fear at all. It is a moral decision. Liberals use "fear" to justify their position. Since some people have a moral problem with homosexuality, they are portray as if something is wrong with them. Homosexuality is not a "normal" behaviour. Sexual organs are for reproduction, it is society that portrays "sex" as entertainment, for lack of a better word.
I have gay friends and don't have any problem with them, but I've even talked to them about it and even they feel it is not actually a normal condition. It is a choice for them, not a necessity.
Our society has systematically made it acceptable, which could be a good thing. But, it also can cause problems when it becomes "experimental" . It can tear at the fabric of a family, and cause many problems concerning the morals of a family.
When using the term "homophobic", I feel it is derogatory statement. Namecalling if you will. Just because someones upbringing or moral basis does not agree with you, you call them a name. What difference is that to someone calling a gay man a "fag? To me, they are just as demeaning.
I find it funny how these "minority groups" can namecall and bash people who don't agree or even maybe understand them, but if they recieve the same treatment, it is "hate".
#gmstrong
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Quote:
Homosexuality is not a "normal" behaviour.
Neither is drinking the milk of another animal. Sitting in front of a computer screen for eight hours a day goes against our physical make-up as well. Breast augmentation is not normal. Antidepressants are abnormal. Smoking cigarettes? Grossly abnormal.
Attempting to define 'normality' is a very slippery slope.
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It can tear at the fabric of a family, and cause many problems concerning the morals of a family.
What does that even mean?
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When using the term "homophobic", I feel it is derogatory statement. Namecalling if you will. Just because someones upbringing or moral basis does not agree with you, you call them a name. What difference is that to someone calling a gay man a "fag? To me, they are just as demeaning.
I agree that the gay rights movement is getting pushy...but I think it's about time. They're overdue and had put up with a lot of bigotry for a long time.
Just because someone was brought up to believe that blacks were inferior doesn't mean I have to slow down my pace to keep up with their stupidity.
As for the term 'homophobic'...I'd apply that word to someone who is so uncomfortable with homosexuality that they can't function socially or rationally when faced with it.
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He did accept his punishment and although I'm not any gay rights advocate, I don't believe that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should apply to his freedom of speech. You say you don't mind gays serving in the military, and by what I read all he is doing is expressing his belief that the system sucks.
You are no longer a civilian when your in the military. Therefore you do not have the same rights as a civilian. It's not a place you go to act out and try to make your point. Its where you follow rules and obey.
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He is a civilian, he was discharged from the Army. I don't understand why some here don't seem to be respecting his right to express his opinion? The guy is volunteering to be placed in harm's way to protect our freedoms yet is being referred to as a whiner? The reasoning behind such thought escapes me.
Last edited by Reckon; 05/10/09 02:38 AM.
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I never said he is a whiner. All I'm saying is you have to pick your battles. And for as bright and intelligent this kid is, he chose poorly. He broke terms in his contract that where there when he signed up with the Army. That's why he was legally discharged. Actually, if the military wanted to push the issue they could do much more.
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Neither is drinking the milk of another animal
I find this the same as eating the flesh of another animal. We are carnivorious.
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Sitting in front of a computer screen for eight hours a day goes against our physical make-up as well. Breast augmentation is not normal. Antidepressants are abnormal. Smoking cigarettes? Grossly abnormal
You can't use these as examples, they are not similar in any way to "homosexuality. Good try.
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Attempting to define 'normality' is a very slippery slope.
I mean in a biological way. Our sex organs are for reproduction. The "normal use for them is far different then what is happening in gay sex.
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It can tear at the fabric of a family, and cause many problems concerning the morals of a family.
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What does that even mean?
To some families it is against their religious beliefs or their sense of morality. A child involved in a gay lifestyle can isolate them from their family. It's not a right or wrong thing, and I'm not saying it in those terms. IMO the family is a very important part of everyones being, when the relationship between immediate family members is stained, it can break down the family structure. To me that's a bad thing.
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I agree that the gay rights movement is getting pushy...but I think it's about time. They're overdue and had put up with a lot of bigotry for a long time.
Just because someone was brought up to believe that blacks were inferior doesn't mean I have to slow down my pace to keep up with their stupidity.
These points a agree with somewhat, but thinking it is alright for them to label others because they are a "minority" is just as unfair.
Many blacks call whites by deroggatory names, and even other blacks. To me that is unfair also. To label a white person who lives in a mobile home as "trailer trash" , or to use the demeaning references towards Asian people, or even calling middle eastern people names like "towel head" are just as bad as calling a black man the "n-word". I hate them all, and consider "homophobe" in the same category. It's a term made up to bash those who disagree with a lifestyle. It's just as wrong.
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As for the term 'homophobic'...I'd apply that word to someone who is so uncomfortable with homosexuality that they can't function socially or rationally when faced with it.
That's you, but the way I usually hear it, it is a put down.
#gmstrong
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I mean in a biological way.
Again...drinking the milk of another animal is wildly abnormal biologically. It's not even on the same page as being a carnivore. We're the only species to do it, and I believe a little less than 30% of humans do so.
Taking antidepressants or other biologically altering substances is, in fact, abnormal to our biology.
Putting foreign substances in our body such as breast implants is, drumroll....biologically abnormal.
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To some families it is against their religious beliefs or their sense of morality. A child involved in a gay lifestyle can isolate them from their family. It's not a right or wrong thing, and I'm not saying it in those terms. IMO the family is a very important part of everyones being, when the relationship between immediate family members is stained, it can break down the family structure. To me that's a bad thing.
That's not homosexuality tearing at a family...that's a family's bigotry and intolerance tearing at a family.
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These points a agree with somewhat, but thinking it is alright for them to label others because they are a "minority" is just as unfair.
Many blacks call whites by deroggatory names, and even other blacks. To me that is unfair also. To label a white person who lives in a mobile home as "trailer trash" , or to use the demeaning references towards Asian people, or even calling middle eastern people names like "towel head" are just as bad as calling a black man the "n-word". I hate them all, and consider "homophobe" in the same category. It's a term made up to bash those who disagree with a lifestyle. It's just as wrong.
OK, but you can't have it both ways...for instance, if I were gay, I'd consider someone telling me that my lifestyle was a 'sin' or 'immoral' to be an aimed insult...just as you find the term 'homophobe' to be an aimed insult (although I don't think you should, as I really don't see you as one...but again, that's only my opinion).
As for bashing someone who 'doesn't agree with a lifestyle'...I have no problem with anyone who does so. However, when you begin to deny them the right to get married or share benefits that everyone else does, you're no longer merely 'disagreeing with their lifestyle'...at that point you're advocating the dictation of how they can lead their lives.
No one should be ridiculed for being uncomfortable with homosexuality...they should, however, be ridiculed for trying to make the rest of the world adhere to that belief.
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Is homosexuality a lifestyle choice?
I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch......
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Fear? I hear this all the time. "Homophobic" again using fear as a basis. These groups use the term "fear" to suggest that the personnot accepting them is odd or weak in their thinking. I personally don't see it as fear at all.
I do not want to get into a semantic battle over the meaning of "fear," but I will address it briefly because I think it is important. There are currently five states that have legalized gay marriage. This indicates gay marriage is not acceptable to most Americans. For the moment, let's suspend any possible moral arguements about gay marriage and only focus on the reason why most Americans do not want gays to get married. They probably agree with your assessment that homosexuality undermines the traditional family or destroys the institution of marriage. My question is, if one does not "fear" this outcome, then what would motivate one to oppose gay marriage or issues of gay advocacy?
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It is a moral decision.
You are going to have to elaborate on why you think it is a moral decision. On what authority do you base your moral objection?
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Homosexuality is not a "normal" behaviour. Sexual organs are for reproduction, it is society that portrays "sex" as entertainment, for lack of a better word.
If sex is only supposed to be for the purpose of reproduction then why does it feel pleasurable? Why can't sex have multiple purposes? I think I know your answer as this ties back into moral authority, but I will let you say it first.
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I have gay friends and don't have any problem with them, but I've even talked to them about it and even they feel it is not actually a normal condition. It is a choice for them, not a necessity.
So be it. But not every gay person is like your friends.
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Our society has systematically made it acceptable, which could be a good thing. But, it also can cause problems when it becomes "experimental" .
"Experimental"? Like when people experiment with heterosexual sex? You aren't saying much here.
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Is homosexuality a lifestyle choice?
It is as much of a lifestyle choice as heterosexuality. Feeling an attraction for a particular sex is different from living out the lifestyle.
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...they should, however, be ridiculed for trying to make the rest of the world adhere to that belief.
So people who don't believe in it are wrong? Therein lies the problem. If someone thinks it is wrong to be homosexual, they are wrong automatically. Who made those rules.
Just because it is accepted by many, it is wrong to be against it. Again, the minority is always right.......that is the problem. Just as they have the right to be gay, others have the right to believe it is morally wrong.
The problem I see, is people are being forced to accept it. That's BS IMO. Just because you don't like homosexuality, doesn't mean you are a bigot or intolerant. Hell saying someone is a bigot for not accepting someones sexual preference could be called intolerant then.
#gmstrong
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I really wanted to stay out of this conversation but I think what you just said makes a lot of sense.
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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The problem I see, is people are being forced to accept it.
Would you rather just shoot us?
#gmstrong #gmlapdance
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Would you rather just shoot us?
I was thinking along the lines of incarceration.............thats what we do to drug users, and they are just making a lifestyle choice. So why is sexuality that different?
I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch......
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Legend
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Legend
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I don't see it as thinking he's special or whining. The guy bucked what is clearly lunacy.
Lunacy or not, he bucked official protocol, Phil. You may be right that he's not whining. I don't know the guy personally, so I'll be the last to say. You may be right in that the policy is lunacy. However, neither is the issue here.
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Life isn't fair, and I imagine he knows that. I also imagine he's aware that his actions could potentially cause a bit of a stir.
Then it seems apparent to me that either
1. He did think he was special, and that his objections to his consequences would change policy (at least for him)
2. His personal cause was more important to him than his 'call to duty.'
Either way, he made choices that set him apart from the Uniform Code. It may make him newsworthy for 15 minutes, but it also put him in violation of a job description that he swore to uphold. His behavior put him in breach of that agreement, and as such, his employer was lawful in its excercise of his dismissal. Case closed- due to a preponderance of solid facts.
Either way, I'm ok with how things shook out for him. He broke standing rules, and was censured for it. He made a public issue of it, and got the attention he seemingly wanted. What's the problem here, at least as far as this specific story goes?
The validity of "Don't ask/ Don't tell" isn't the issue here... that's for another debate. An American soldier bucked the rules of the military. Until the rules change, every other soldier who does the same can and should expect the same.
Now.... you want to start a thread about the validity of "Don't ask/Don't Tell" as a viable military policy? You might find my answer very different from the gist of this post.
"too many notes, not enough music-"
#GMStong
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