Streetwise

In January 2010, Congress started a revision of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which is the policy restricting the United States military from efforts to reveal closeted gay, lesbian and bisexual service members, while barring those who are openly gay, lesbian or bisexual from military service.During the State of the Union address in January, President Obama stated that he will work with Congress and the military to “finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.”The policy was introduced in 1993 by President Clinton who, while campaigning for the presidency, had promised to allow all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation to serve openly in the military.Prior to 1993, it was military policy that stated, “homosexuality is incompatible with military service.” People who engaged in homosexual acts or professed openly that they were gay were discharged.Since Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has been passed, more than 13,000 service members have been discharged for homosexual conduct.This month’s Streetwise question asked, “Should Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell be overturned?” Read below to see how four individuals responded.

Rob Thompson FalconYes, I think they should overturn it because the military is not a social project. The military should not have to worry about legitimizing peoples’ lifestyles. They have a mission to do and that is to protect the United States. If we are going to legitimize their (homosexuals) lifestyle choice, then what about people who are pedophiles, transvestites, NAMBLA (North American Man/Boy Love Association) members? It is not natural.
	Lisa Swan Colorado SpringsI don’t think they should (overturn it) because our military personnel work so closely together they should not have to worry about having to look over their shoulder.
Cory Fosgat PeytonIf it doesn’t affect how they do their job, then it shouldn’t matter.
	Sandra Strnad CalhanI find it discriminating and I feel if they can do their job it shouldn’t matter what your sex, race, color or creed. If they are willing to fight for America and die for America, then it shouldn’t matter.

The Ins and Outs of StreetwiseStreetwise is a way for readers to share their thoughts and ideas on a particular topic.Some readers might be curious about how the NFH determines topics each month. Sometimes, topic questions are based on “hot button issues” in the local or national news. Other times, they may be based on events happening in the month such as holidays or historical dates.The decision about whom to ask is completely random. Angie Morlan will “hit the streets” (or stores) in Falcon and take the first four people willing to give an answer and have their photo taken. The latter is the more challenging part – people will readily give their opinion but are not as willing to have their picture taken.If there is a topic or question you would like to suggest, send an e-mail to Angie Morlan at angiem@newfalconherald.com.