"On Gays in the Military, Obama Disappoints"

This article from The St. Petersburg Times, describes how the government hasn't taken action on repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The article first criticizes the Supreme Court and how they only take a small percentage oft he cases submitted to it and refused to hear a case involving the policy. That the government's main interests are military discipline and cohesion. Also how the Obama administration showed support for discharging openly gay troops. This is not surprising to read about because I read in another article how some gay activists are questioning Obama's commitment to repealing the policy and allowing gays and lesbians to openly serve in the military. I think people need to keep in mind that the president does have a lot of issues to deal with and discuss, and that if Obama said he was going to repeal the policy, then he will do it in time. I do agree with the fact that's it's been a long time with that policy being enforced and that it definitely should be repealed, but, then again, it does take a while for a law or policy to be repealed because there are always going to be people who disagree. The author of this article also criticizes Obama's actions and says, "Now as president, Obama in not only defending the law's constitutionality but standing by as gay soldiers continue to be thrown out of the military due solely to their sexual orientation." The author believes that Obama is supporting the policy, rather than trying to repeal it. Also that the U.S. needs all the help it can get, meaning all "able-bodied troops," to serve in the very long and ongoing war. And that it shouldn't discriminate against gay and lesbian troops. The author writes, "Then there is the ban's waste of talent and resources, which saps rather than enhances our military readiness." He or she believes that discharging soldiers because they are gay is a waste of perfectly capable, determined soldiers who are willing to fight. Similarly to what I read in another article, the author mentions the fact that the majority of Americans support gays serving openly in the military and that 71% of those who had experience with gay troops in their unit said it had either no impact on their morale or the cohesion of the team. The article then closes with the statement that Obama needs to follow through with his promise to repeal the policy because the troops deserve to be treated as equals in the military. I think this article is different from the other ones that I've read because it criticizes the government's role in the issue. And I think it's something that should be discussed more because, really, it's the government who makes the final decision.

"ON GAYS IN MILITARY, OBAMA DISAPPOINTS.(NATIONAL)." The St. Petersburg Times (St. Petersburg, FL). (June 12, 2009): 12A. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 8 Feb. 2010 .