Obama moves to end the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy

I accept my opponents position and will gladly offer a rebuttal to his argument with apologies for not responding during Round 2. We have absolutely no idea whether or not the unit cohesion would be jeopardized or not. The entire formation of the policy was for the safety of homosexuals, obviously because some heterosexuals were uncomfortable with their presence. Such instances represent the feud: Allen R. Schindler was brutally murdered, to the point that he was barely identifiable. He was an American Radioman Petty Officer in the United States Navy and was only 22 years old. Also, Barry Winchell, an infantry soldier in the United States Army, was murdered in 1999 by soldier, Calvin Glover because he was gay. The above countries clearly don't have the same issues with gays as America does, because we have had two men murdered due to their sexual orientation. The policy requires that homosexuals conceal their sexual orientation-homosexuals know the policy when they sign up. They know the consequences. When signing up for the armed forces, one's sexual orientation is never brought up- if a homosexual chooses to reveal their sexual orientation, then that is their decision to subject themselves to discharge. The policy has protected them and created comfort for "homophobic" heterosexuals. Also, there is no reason for them to reveal their sexual orientation; it is against the armed forces regulations that members can even partake in sexual activity soldier with soldier, and since their sexual orientation is not needed, what is the point of revealing it, if it is going to cause discomfort amongst other soldiers? There is no reason. Since the policy has not failed it's duty, there is no reason to demolish it. Even if a homosexual was discharged because of their sexual orientation, it is also because they were committing a sexual act with another homosexual soldier- their business outside of the military is not under military jurisdiction. Regarding my opponents assumption of religion and ignorance. Religion plays absolutely no aspect in this debate. It will not be negated. Times have changed since the policy was established, but not to the point where the armed forces are ready to reveal the sexual orientations of their soldiers. Homophobia is a disorder, and it *does* exist among many heterosexuals and while many are becoming more accepting of homosexuals, others are not. Since my opponent has recognized that homophobia is a disease that can be cured, key word *can*, does not mean that it has. America breeds many pious church goers who are completely against homosexuality and will never accept it. A hand full of those people join the armed forces and do not want to know the sexuality of their fellow soldiers. Regarding the military's strength The United States of America has the strongest military in the world. It has remained this strong with the policy still active. If the policy is banned, and homosexuals are allowed to serve, heterosexuals that are truly uncomfortable with being around homosexuals will not enlist, essentially depleting potential soldiers. This might be ignorance, but those who have strong faith in their religion will not surround themselves by homosexuals. Sodomy began with soldiers in the Bible, and many religious people don't want anything to do with it. Civilians don't walk around asking what someone's sexual orientation is, and there is no reason for them to do it in the army either. This issue is just another social right being fought for, when really, our freedom is more important, and if a homosexual truly wants to serve their country, keeping their sexual orientation a secret is a small price- the best thing is to keep the policy active and let soldiers assume that their sexual orientations are equal regardless of what they really are so that they can perform their duties as called upon. References: http://wikipedia.org... http://www.defenselink.mil... Personal interview with a Ret. Staff Sergeant who wishes to remain anonymous (returned from Iraq spring '09)