imrandy's Blog

Obviously, the times are a-changin', but there's still a ways to go. It's a shame they weren't honorably discharged, and I think the military should make amends and give them honorable discharges. I know there are those people out there who will say they violated policy--policy, schmolicy! The policy is changing becuase it was wrong. It used to be some homosexuals were labeled communists. Well, McCarthyism is dead! Discrimination against anyone is discrimination against everyone--to paraphrase the famous quote. And hate is hate--it doesn't matter how people try to justify it.

Prejudice is prejudice, and I'm sure there are racists in the military who must get along with people whom they wouldn' ordinarily associcate. I don't see why gay people can't be gotten along with by homophobes. People just need to get along no matter what the circumstances. Otherwise, we'll all kill each other. Who is to say that two so-called "straight" men might not have a situation where they must share a sleeping bag. What's the point?! Would a "straight" person refuse survival because someone is gay? Just because someone is gay doesn't mean they want to have sex or may become aroused in such a situation. We need people to realize that. What would happen if one or both of the straight guys got aroused? Do you understand? We're talking about survival, not sex. It's never fair for someone to be the brunt of jokes, especially when the jokes are hateful. I suppose we should assume all people are ignorant and hateful. It's like saying "boys will be boys" and do stupid things like sexually harrass females, etc. It's wrong! Should we assume gay people can't handle stress? I'm gay, and I handle stress on a daily basis. I would hope the military isn't discussing this matter in the field. It should just be that gay people may or may not be your colleague in the field, just as various races may or may not be in the field. I'm sorry, but homosexuality will never be accepted by all people, just as not all races are accepted by all people. It's just not going to happen. Acceptance of gay isn't beginning with the military. Obviously, it isn't accepted by a great percentage of society

To You It may be ridiculas. However, Most people in the military do not see thing's your way. I've been there, and I am just letting You Know the frame of mind of most people on Duty. Armed forces have strange traditions and views that have been around for over 200 years. Day one of boot camp they tell you up front the military has no room for you if your gay. As far as the sleeping bag, No person would say no to stay alive. It's the ridicual that you have to deal with back at the Barrack's. Is it wrong? Yes it is! what can you do. I do agree with you on all levels of equality. I also wish you the best. Things will change, Change takes time. As far as your Stress, If Your's is by choice to be open? Is it possible Your choice can make a Un-Gay Roomate in the Military Stressfull and open to Ridicual by others if he or she has no choice who to room with. That's exactly what happens. I'vf seen it. Is it wrong? yes of course!!! People seem to be rude. Why people feel the need to ridicual people based on religion, race, or sexual pref I'll never understand. I hope I did not offend you in any way. I was made fun of just for being Jewish!!

I understand, and thank you for being open minded!