We need to reinstate Don't Ask, Don't Tell

First off, it should be noted that the idea of homosexuals serving in the military is not a new one. Often, the strongest, most cohesive military forces in the world would readily accept gays into their ranks, believing that the stronger morale bond between men that gays had would strengthen their armies and make their soldiers fight more effectively. Probably the best example of this was the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite Theban military force composed of 150 gay couples. Until their defeat by Philip II of Macedon (whose son, it should be noted, conquered most of Africa and Asia, and created the greatest empire of his time), the Sacred Band of Thebes was thought of as an invincible, undefeatable military force. Its soldiers defeated the Spartan army during the battle of leuctra, even when outnumbered (and it should be understood that the Spartan army was among the most effective fighting forces in the world). The only real reason that they were defeated by Philip II was because of technological disadvantage, and, even on their last battle, all 300 of the soldiers fought to the death. http://www.britannica.com... The point of this example is to solidify the idea that homosexuals are not inherently unfit for combat. Many gay military units have been incredibly successful. Many gay soldiers have fought incredibly bravely. The denial of the privilege of serving in the military based on the actions of mentally unstable sex offenders is ridiculous. Also, gays will remain in the military regardless of whether they are officially homosexual. The only real change we can experience at this point onward is official. If the bill is reinstated, gays will stay in the military -- except, instead of being open about their homosexuality, they will remain in the closet and not come out about it. This will create increased tension between suspected gays and their friends and comrades in the military. There won"t be that much actual positive change, but there will be more distrust and tension. Even before DADT, gays joined the military and lied about their sexual orientation. As previously mentioned, the problem with sexual assault is not caused directly by homosexuality but from problems with mental instability, lack of control of one"s emotions, uncontrolled anger, and hunger for power. And the problem with sexual assault in the military is not exactly new -- it has been going on long before gays were officially integrated. Rather than blame the whole problem of sexual assault on gays, we should focus on two primary elements of the solution to sexual assault: mental help for both the victim and offender (as well as mental screening for new recruits), and reporting and enforcing the actual crime. https://www2.humboldt.edu... http://www.csom.org... Frankly, the link between sexual assault and the DADT policy is not even concretely proven. The rate of official sexual assaults has also risen in the male to female category -- because, in general, these crimes are being reported more. The military is beginning to crack down on the crimes, rather than let them slide, causing more official crimes to be reported and recorded. There is not necessarily a link between the repeal of the DADT policy and a rise in sexual assaults. Many of the male-male sexual crimes are not perpetrated by gays. And, according to officials at the Pentagon, the cause of the apparent increase in sexual assaults was not the DADT. http://mediamatters.org... http://mediamatters.org... Ultimately, regardless of their sexual orientation, sexual predators commit crimes. Rather than use gays as a scapegoat, we need to focus on the larger problem of sexual assault in the military and crack down on it.