The title is, obviously if you know me, tounge in cheek.

Think about the *history of Don't Ask, Don't Tell...

The Sodomy (oral or anal sex in a hetero or gay situation) Laws made sex acts illegal, as well as grounds for dishonorable dismissal from the armed forces. Why?

In the 40's, being gay alone was  grounds for discharge from the military. The government gave an assortment of reasons for such a thing. Gays are more succeptable to torture. Gays are communists. Gays are minions of the devil. Gays are spies. Gays have a preference for fuscia camoflauge, which is too expensive to make. Gays are a security risk. Etc. Etc. Etc. Today, most people realize that these are not only bad reasons, but they don't really even really make sense. Does being gay affect a person's inclination towards approval of communism? Of course not!

Interesting side fact, a lot of men and women used "being gay" as an excuse to avoid the draft.

Another interesting side fact, today it is still very difficult, if not impossible, for an outed gay to get a job in a classified government position because they are still considered a "security risk." I wonder why.

Fast forward to the Clinton Administration. While it was a campaign promise that gays would be able to serve in the military, Clinton created an amendment to that - you may serve in the military, but only if you pretend to be straight.

Now, in a way, I think DODT protects gays. I mean, there are a LOT of bigots out there, let's face it. Some people will find out that I am a bisexual and decide that they suddenly need to kill me. Why? I couldn't tell you.

But then again, why is engaging in a homosexual sex act grounds for dishonorable discharge? Engaging in a heterosexual sex act is not. And often, raping a woman in the country in which you are stationed is not. Interesting, isn't it?

I guess I couldn't say exactly where I stand on the issue. I wish it was safer for gays in the military. In that setting, I would be gung-ho (is that the phrase?) for repealing it. But as we still live in a world where homosexuality is frowned upon, it's a tough call for the reasons stated above.

Discuss.

*Note: I am NOT a history major, and there may be some discrepency of exact facts or dates. However, I'm rather certain that I have the jist of it there.