the rix mix

The armed forces of the United States have always been a laboratory for breaking down cultural barriers in American society. They are the "melting pot."  Each major war has changed American society by mixing  together, under pressure, different regional, economic, ethnic, religious, & racial groups. A long period of relative peace in '70s, ''80s & '90s integrated women into the military, although they lag behind in combat duties. But no duty in Iraq & Afghanistan is really safe, behind the lines.  Now it time to follow the example of the British  armed forces & welcome gays & lesbians to serve our nation openly.  Which American politician would go to Afghanistan & tell gay British Marines that they ain't tough enough? Senator McCain?  He also knows the British navy is smaller than ours but choice.

In Israel, "Homosexuals serve openly in the military, including special units, without any discrimination."

We allow women in some combat flying positions, but are behind some other nations.

Uniquely among nations, Israel conscripts women and assigns some drafted women to infantry combatant service which places them directly in the line of enemy fire. However, approximately one third of female conscripts (more than double the figure for men) are exempted, mainly for religious and nuptial reasons.

Social conservatives are aware what  ending the military Don't ask, don't tell policy will mean down the road a few years; a lot of patriotic out vets marching in parades & saying, rightfully, that they've earned some basic rights at the federal level. Also, more & more social conservatives recognize that attempts to prevent gays from achieving full equality have become no more than fruitless tactics delaying what is inevitable. If polls are correct, many more Americans (around 70%) want to end DADT than support marriage equality. Full marriage quality (calling it "marriage)" still doesn't have  majority support, & may not have it for a long time. But ending DADT will lead to national recognition of domestic partnerships in order to provide spousal & family  veteran & Social Security benefits to vets. We need to do that sooner rather than later. It isn't a matter that can be left to the states.

Labels: blogging against theocracy, culture, in the news