Today on CNN Newsroom
Lieutenant Dan Choi’s Military Future
UPDATE 7/1/09: The board of Army Officers decided Tuesday to recommend Choi be discharged for violating the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The final decision, however, could take up to a year to be made.
6/30/09: Lieutenant Dan Choi faces a board of Army Officers today, which will determine the fate of his military career. Lieutenant Choi violated the military’s “don’t-ask, don’t tell” policy earlier this year when he shared during a television interview that he is gay. He received a dismissal letter from the Army shortly afterward, but decided to fight it. Choi says that despite the consequences, he doesn’t regret his decision to come out. He says that if he is discharged it is his platoon that is being punished, not him, and that he refuses to lie and hide his identity. Choi is a West Point graduate and fluent in Arabic.
Choi says he believes being a leader for gays in the military is more important than following what he believes is an unfair law needing to be appealed.
We want to know what you think is the right decision regarding Choi’s military future. Should the board let him continue to serve his country and platoon despite his violation of “don’t ask, don’t tell” or should he be discharged?
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well, board or not, just the paperwork in his file will effectively finish his military career... the Army Officer Corps want files that read like Audie Murphy...anything less is not desired by the Officer Corps, and such are "left to wither on the vine"...
NO!!!!!!
Didn't President Obama eliminate the "don't ask, don't tell" policy?
It's disgusting that the military even has a 'don't ask don't tell' policy. All homosexuals should have equal rights, no matter their career choice. One day people will open their eyes and see that. I'm waiting for that day.
No, he should keep his job. His sexual orientation has nothing to do with how well he does his job. Honesty should be rewarded NOT punished. What message are we sending our kids with this policy of 'don;t ask, don't tell', that lying is ok?
no i dont think he should loose his job! i dont think it would be fair to boot him out of the military because of his sexual orientation. he shouldnt have to hide it no one should hide it. if he is willing to fight for this counrty then who cares who he likes!.
He should be removed from the Army. It's simple, he purposely violated a directive. If President Obama changes the rule later, maybe he can be reinstated.
Who cares if he's gay or not? if he's good at his job, he's good at his job.
By law, they must discharge him. If Lt. Choi's board did the "right" thing and didn't discharge him, they would be taking the law into their own hands outside of the channels that we use to maintain civilian control of the military. Not a good idea.
Let's repeal the law, so boards like this one stop existing. But the leadership for doing so must come from the President and Congressional Leaders, not military members. By the way, my thoughts to Lt. Choi. When I had my DADT discharge board, it was one of the most degrading, humiliating experiences of my life.
This is best answered with a question.
Does don't ask, don't tell seems to you like true democracy?
Fred
Get over it! He's an asset to the military! He's honest, West Point Grad and fluent in Arabic. Are we ever going to put this "gay" thing to rest? He's not hurting anyone.
At some point we have to accept that even if people are "different" they can make a positive contribution to American life.
This man has put his life on the line to protect us from terrorism.
If his buddies trusted him with their lives, I trust him with mine.
A decision should not be made while the president is reviewing the policy.
No–Lieutenant Choi should not be released from the military because he "violated" the don't ask, don't tell policy. The policy is absurd. Asking someone to keep their sexuality a secret for fear of punishment is like asking a person to disguise their race as a precaution against racism.
Dan Choi should be allowed to still serve. He was honest.
If your politicians followed his example, then your country would not
be in the mess it is.
Doug in Canada
He broke the rules. No one asked him to change – just to be silent on that one subject. He joined knowing the rule. He broke it. He has to go.
Whether someone is Straight or gay doesnt detract from the sacrifices that our military makes. As long as sexuality, whether straight or gay is kept out of the barracks who cares....after all, we work with all kinds of people outside of the military and it doesnt interfere with job performance. When bullets are flying, noone cares about your orientation...only whether you can do the job or not.
I am very proud he is in the milatary. Don,t ask , don,t tell is leaving out a very valuble and talented part of society
IF I AM IN THE BATTLEFIELD, OR ON ANY MISSION FOR THAT MATTER, MY CONCERN IS THAT MY FELLOW SOLDIERS CAN PERFORM THE JOB THEY WERE TRAINED TO DO, AND DO IT EFFECTIVELY....THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION DOES NOT COME INTO PLAY....I SUPPORT THE ENDING OF THE DONT ASK DONT TELL POLICY....ALL AMERICANS SHARE THE SAME RESPONSIBLILTIES "REGARDLESS" OF THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION....CMON AMERICA, FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS....RESULTS!
Lieutenant Dan Choi should not be kicked out of the military. Its 2009, dont ask dont tell is unfair to everyones rights. Just because someone is gay doesnt make them unable to fight for the country.
Ask those soldiers that he served with what they think! Unfortunately, this shows that "telling the truth" and " I will not lie" is not always the answer.
yes he should lose his job, who cares if your gay or not,why should your job know? you have a job to do, all these gay people are so proud, they have to let everybody know,it's time to put an end to this...
Being a military member myself, I agree that "Don't Ask Don't Tell" serves absolutely no purpose in National Security of the affectiveness of the US military, all statutes in place must be adhered to by all enlisted and officer member. That being said, since this law is probably going to come to an end, I believe to discharge LT Choi would be a rather severe punishment.
There is no way a person who has devoted his life to a military career or any other career should be asked to step down from that commitment. Would we ask any other professional to do that becauser of their sexual orientation? I think not. What century are we living in anyway?
He broke the letter of the law, he should be given the boot.
he violated a military policy. he said he will never lie during an interview, but that doesnt mean opening up ones personal life. the idea behind "dont ask dont tell" is to keep that aspect of a soldiers life private. Bottom line is he violated a military police and must be held accountable for his actions. I am a former soldier myself and although there were policies in effect when i served i did not agree with, they are the rules. there is a right way and a wrong way to go about trying to change rules and policies, but Choi was flat out wrong, and deservedly so is going to be disciplined.
Life is full of rules and when he signed up for the military he knew the rules ,even children have rules. Ones sexual preferance should be kept to ones self...not in the military or in the tabloids.
Honesty among the troops is important – he shouldn't have to hide who he is, but be judged on his work, service and integrity while serving our nation. This would be a good policy for our politicians also.
Since the President has announced his intent to stop the "Dont Ask Dont Tell" policy, why can they not implement a moratorium to current discharges scheduled while the President works with the Pentagon and Congress? If at the end of it they do not overturn this policy, then they can proceed with the discharges – why the hurry to do it now? It would be different if Choi was not a qualified, dignified soldier – but this is not the case. All accounts say that he is an exemplary soldier and as an Arabic translator, has a skill that is definitely needed.
No! If a company in the U.S. fired someone for the private life they would be sued. Why should the military be any different. As long as he is doing his duty, its not our business what L. Choi does in his private life. Our own constitution contents we have the right to the pursuit of happiness. If he is keeping our county safe, he is owed our respect. I am not interested in his private affairs.
"Don't ask don't tell" is costing taxpayers a lot of money! Every time someone is discharged under this policy, taxpayers have to pay to retrain his/her replacement.. I strongly dissagree with the military's basic charge that gay people cause discipline problems!!!
While the policy may be deemed unfair by many, the bottom line is the Lt. Dan Choi's action violates the military conduct that he swore to uphold. His action warrant disciplinary repercussions, however, dismissal might be an overkill considering the complexity of the military policy.
i am really torn between two things. i feel that noone should have to hide, thats not what our country is about. its about being open, and being accepted for who you are. at the same time i feel that the "dont ask dont tell" policy is something that the military was founded on many many years ago. so why should it change now, and any gay man or woman knew this when they enlisted.
Equal but separate. Combat troups just live too close together to allow sexual interest to complicate the mission.
It isn't called don't ask don't tell for no reason. What about that they don't understand?
I know I would beg my straight sons not to go to the arny if they were all open and my son's had to think about that while they was there!
Ruby.........TN
if he is a good soldier what difference does it make if he's gay or not. It shouldn't matter...
I commend Lieutenant Dan Choi in fighting for his rights. All U.S citizens should have the right to serve their country. Furthermore, forcing soldiers to lie to one another undermines the fundamentals of the U.S military. This country is at war. Losing a soldier who is fluent in arabic and has a desire to serve his country is ridiculous.
If ever there was a simple answer to a question, this is it. Of course he should not be forced out of the military.
While the "don't ask; don't tell" policy was designed to prevent violence and hate crimes within the military, forcing gay and lesbian soldiers to hide their sexual orientation sends a message that hating them is acceptable and that their only option is to hide because they will receive no protection from the military. Allowing Choi to serve will bring about the change America is ready for. It is about time.
While it is factual that Lt. Choi violated Army policy, it is also a fact that "don't ask, don't tell" makes homosexuals a pariah and violates civil rights and equality for all human beings.
Today is a good day to repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Lt. Choi's willingness to stand up to this discriminatory policy shows he is the type of officer that the Army needs, one that doesn't go along with the status quo when it is so obviously wrong.
This soldier should not lose his job due to the fact that he is gay. As a mother & grandmother I find it appauling that we would treat our troops with such insensativity. Time for our military to come of age.
a HERO is someone who is willing to stand up for what they believe in.
Mr Choi is that hero
Of course he should be able to continue his service in the military. Dont ask dont tell is absolutely unfair and blatantly prejudice. Keeping sexual behavior among soldiers in check is one thing, but this policy forces gays to live in fear. It also allows straight people to say whatever they like about gays and not face any resistance because noone can let on that they themselves are gay. Why in this day in age a policy like this is in effect amazes me? Are we in the 21st century???
I believe everyone is forgetting that serving in the military is not a Constitutional right, but a privilege that is not allotted to just anyone. The military discriminates every day against people that are over weight, under weight, too short, too tall, not smart enough.
If Gay men and woman are allowed to serve in the military, where will they be housed when in the barracks? Currently, a man and a woman are not allowed to room together, will two gay men be able to room together? Or a gay male and a non gay male?
I am all for gay marriage and gay rights, but the rule in the military is you cannot be gay for one reason or another. If you let gay men and woman in, then you will have to drop the weight requirements (if they can do the job), height requirements, standardized tests, and any other rules the military has.
"Don't ask, don't tell" isn't an option, its a policy, and as an officer its his responsibility to uphold military standards. Gay or not, he is acting out and should be punished for that, not his sexual prefrence. This policy isn't persucuting gays: Its to ensure equality in the service without repremand. No one is telling him he can't be gay.
I am a gay man and think don't ask don't tell needs to end! I think gays should be able to serve openly. However Dan Choi knew that he was breaking the rules by coming out and did it anyways, when you break the rules you pay the price! He should be discharged, but allowed to start over in the future if don't ask don't tell is overturned. But this it the army we need these guys to follow orders and play by the rules.
Choi is one of the best men that the military has to offer when it comes to leadership, skill and multilingual knowledge.
If we look back in history, imagine how small and less prepared Alexander the Great's army would have been if they had a "don't ask don't tell policy".. Sexuality has NOTHING to do with how excellent you are as a human, soldier or any skill/ability. He deserves his job back, especially for being a loyal enough soldier and man to be honest about who he is.
I do believe that Lt. Choi should recognize the rules and guidelinex of the organization he decided to be a part of. I've always been told that we all have to folow the rules, even if we don't like some of them. LIke playing ball...3 strikes you are out, even though you want to try until you hit the ball. He was fully aware of the regulations before selecting to be a part of the armed forces. He totally understood what the ramifications were when he decided to go against the rules and "go public". If he wishes to be an advocate, then that also brings responsibilities and consequences. May the choices he make be worth it to him.
President Obama thinks "Don't ask Don't tell" is a bad policy and is trying to change it and thats great. Shame on America for encouraging people to hide and be ashamed of who they are. What happened to "America, land of the free" or "All men (or women) are created equal"? Shame on any woman who agrees with that, you had to fight for your right to vote just because you were a woman. Shame on any african american who agrees with keeping gays as second class citzens, you too had to fight for many years to get the rights you have today. All PEOPLE are created equal.
The military IS NOT a civilian business. Military policy is not to be challenged by openly violating it! An officer is to lead by example. Bad example!
LT Choi served with distinction and that's what our military needs. It's time that the govt stops getting into a person's bedroom and looks instead at the quality of this officer's service. Pres. Obama what happened to your promises to repel this "don't ask, don't tell" rule? If all the gay and lesbians were to be discharged, we would not have much of an armed force left. Please consider LT Choi's contribution to this country.
Are you kidding....of coarse he should be outsted!....if everyone would follow the laws ...there should be no question.......FOLLOW the law....don't agree???? CHANGE IT !!!!!
Certain few don't follow the law....this is the problem with the un United States!! This is the Problem We rally behind law breakers and now this is the norm...and we accept THIS form of change!!!!!
Betty,
My father served in the US Army for over 45 years. he received the Meritorius Service Award from the President and had the highest regard for his men. he never once was concerned about who was gay. He was more concerned with who really did not want to be there and was not a team player or might freeze when under pressure. Leaders are taught to recognize these attributes. That being the case, who cares about someones sexuality. Let's be honest, if someone is called to defend this Country, who cares whether they be black or white, gay or straight, Christian or Jew... It's a job that needs to be done and we are damm lucky that these Brave individuals risk their lives for the likes of us! God Bless our service people..
John
White plains NY
I formally believe that if people just shut their mouths at the right time, and only said what was necessary...we would be a smarter, peacefull, and better nation. "Should Lieutenant Dan Choi loose his job because he was gay?" My answer would be no, its his business, his preference. "Should Lieutenant Dan Choi loose his job for lack of brains?" I would choose a definite answer of yes. If he had shut his mouth and only said what was necessary, he wouldn't have been in this dilemma.
Only the US military would be stupid enough to think forcing people to lie to keep their jobs is going to make the US "safer". All those who lie to protect their jobs are major targets for blackmail. This soldier with the backbone to stand up for justice is EXACTLY who we need in the military. Unfortunately, we will probably lose him. And thus another incredibly important Arabic language document sits untranslated. Let's just hope it isn't detailing the next major attack.
I think the main issue is that we need to REMOVE THE CHURCH FROM THE MILITARY! It's been in there too long. Maybe then the Gay military members won't need to fear who they are.
THEY NEED TO REMOVE THE "DONT ASK DONT TELL"
We should all feel pround that even though they know the trials and tribulatrions of being gay in the milaitray and yet they still find the strength to fight for our country! I salute them!
no way. it is the antiquated thinking of old men (i am 63 and straight but to the young i am ancient and sexless). to throw out a person because of their personal brain love map is ridiculous – some of the best and brightest are denied service. and just a reminder, julius caesar, alex the greaT and richard the lionhearted were all gay or bi, as were many other great military leaders.most modern militaries have no problem with gay members, so why should ours. let people alone on the basis of their sexuality (genetic not a choice by most scientific studies). i hang my head in shame for the military's fear and celebrate mr choi refusing to sit at the back of the bus. yours with respect, dohan, md
This country is supposed to stand for Civil/Equal/Human Rights and members of the armed forces are supposed to be people of honor. So how can you condone a policy such as 'Don't ask, don't tell,' where you are encouraging people to dishonor their position.
Lt. Choi has clearly displayed both honor and courage in confronting his dilemma with total honesty.
This country needs to move on from it's appalling legacy of discrimination against blacks and gays and minorities and start acting on equal rights under the law – start practicing what it always seems to be sanctimoniously preaching to the rest of the world – HUMAN RIGHTS.
Like so many of our corrupt and dishonest politicians who every day seem to crawl from under yet another rock, this is the worst kind of hypocrisy.
This man is highly experienced and obviously very capable. Talk about friendly fire!!
LET'S CLEAN UP OUR ACT AND GROW UP!
Lieutenant Choi should be allowed to continue to serve his country. "Don't ask, Don't tell" is a discriminatory policy based on nothing but the chauvinistic fear of other military personnel of working with or around a homosexual co-worker. The esprit de corps defense of "Don't ask, Don't tell" little more than a straw man.
That is complete bull what the military is doing to this man. So what the man is gay, so what he talks about he is gay on national tv.
Your not god and you have no right over man. Give him back his job.
-Aaron
Yes, he should be discharged. He knew the rules when he enlisted. Therefore, he should suffer the consequences for violating those rules. When you are employed by any company, you agree to abide by the policies of that company. The same is with the military. Besides, homosexuality is still offensive to the majority of the world's population and as a spouse of retired military, I can tell you that behavior is still considered unacceptable.
The president should realize that just as race oriented separate but equal policies were illegal and immoral so is Dont ask- Don't tell.....we are all equal under the law and exclusion due to sexual orientation will ultimately be found to be wrong and illegal.
Yes, Dan Choi should be able to remain in the military. More people might agree with me if you would tell more of his story. He is an example of bravery and a decorated soldier. His story flies in the face of the notion that openly gay people would be a detriment to the goals and missions of military service.
Isn't honesty, integrity and courage what we look for in the members of the greatest military in the world??? I believe that are the qualities Lt. Choi has displayed by refusing to hide in the shadows about his sexuality.
If Lt. Choi is discriminated against just because he's gay, what does that say about our military, or our country??
Sexual orientation does not impede his ability, nor anyone else's to do their job.
It is time our country lived up to the words of our Founding Fathers that "All Men Are Created Equal" and have inalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness!!!
Lt. Choi should NOT be dismissed from the military. This ridiculous policy should be overturned, in light of the fact that 12,000 have been forced out while we have been lowering the standards for military recruits. He can speak Arabic and therefore is a valuable asset to the military. The rationale behind don't ask don't tell is outdated and ignorant. I really admire this man and anybody who is willing to serve this country, whether the war is just or not. Keep fighting and I will keep writing the Obama administration to overturn this archaic rule.
He will not be the first to be discharged. All military members raised their hands to uphold the laws of the nation, and this policy "don't ask dont' tell " is the law of the nation. It must be respected. Until it is changed by congress, those who violate it must face the consequences that apply.
If the Army was Drafting like they were when I was a combat medic in Vietnam, it could be debatable if he was drafted. Since it is an all volunteer Army, I don't think he should still be able to serve and be dishonerabley discharged. At the very least a Undesirable Discharge.
By all means he needs to be punished for breaking the rules. He knew what the policy was and still decided to take matters into his own hands. Rules are put into place for a reason no matter how big or small. Don't ask don't tell is just that, keep your mouth closed and fight on. One nation under GOD and he will be judged accordingly whether it be by God or the U.S. Military.
I'm a gay man that served eight years in the US Army during the Reagan Administration. (Long before the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy) While the command never knew I was gay, the men I served with did know and the situation never presented any problems for them or myself.
I still do not understand how being gay in the military harms our defense forces. The US military has yet to offer a single example how an openly gay man harms in any way the ability of soldiers to preform their duties.
Additionally, it seems that the cases of gay men (Like Lt. Choi) that have been removed from military service have done more to harm the assets and ability of the armed forces. Wake up guys, gay men have added much more good to this world and we have yet to realize any of the fears that senior commanders tout.
Gay men have and still serve our country with honor. Isn't honor what we hold dear? If it's not broken, don't try to fix it.
Having been in the military for 19 years myself, I think in a short answer yes. I dont think that the fact that is is gay makes him a bad person, or a bad solider, but when you think about the living conditions of the military it would not work. I've been deployed many times where 12-16 men live in one tent. I dont think that would be conducive to military life.
of course not!! WE NEED SOLDIERS!! with recruiting being the lowest in decades we need to move with change and stop these ridiculous rules that don't add anything to our military.
It is time for this policy to be dropped – it was only meant to be a temporary measure while the political culture evolved. The social culture already has already evolved – very few people under the age of 30 even care about gay/straight, and the average age of our military is about 22 years old, so they are past the blatant discrimination. There have always been gays and lesbians in the military, and there always will be. Drop the hate and see how honorably they can serve!
I'd think he must have agreed to accept the "Don't ask don't tell" policy in order to join the military service. Now he has broken his word. Seems to me his heart, mind and actions are more focused on gay pride rather than his commitment to the military.
Perry B
lt.choi should not be fire... but if the military is going to let gays in the military they should make special accomondations for those gays...like when they put women on ship, they have thier own berthing and restroom accomodations,straight soldiers shouldn't have to sleep and shower with someone with the same sex attractions....if so i should be able to shower with the female service personnel!!!!
As a former member of the Uniter States Navy assigned to a aircraft carrier the Don't ask Don't tell was not in place when I was in.It should have been! MORALE shouldn't take back seat for a few people life style.Thank you Mr.Choi for you service under false cloud!
I think that his career should not be in jeopardy due to his sexual preference I do how ever feel that he does deserve some sort of punishment because he did breach the don't ask don't tell policy.
No way should a patriot like Lt. Dan Choi be discharged, don't ask don't tell was a dinosaur at the moment of it's birth. If this country wants an all volunteer army then they need to figure out how to deal with gay persons in the service. If we have to go back to a draft everyone who doesnt want to serve just says "I'm gay", and they are automatically excempt? Poppycock! The nation needs to face the fact that some of the best and the brightest are gay, grow up, deal with it. BTW I am not gay, but I would be proud to have gay men and women willing to protect my country and me and be allowed to do it with no stigma whatsoever!
Don't ask don't tell means just that! If you wish to serve you go by the rules no matter who you are. As for myself he needs to be gone no matter what.
Iagree with Jo Anne Foulk if he is gay thats his buiseness who are we to dictate how people live their lives
Lt Dan Choi is an American Hero, he is a victim of discrimination, The soliders know they have gay troops, I have never heard one complain of it. They dont even fet the indignity of seperation, they are told you must pack your bags and simply leave. is this how we treat heros?
Presidnet Obama needs to sign the wavier to stop these dischrges and send it before congress. make them deal with this issue they have ignored far too long.
Everyone is playing hot potato when peoples careers and service to this country are being threaten.
It makes me sick! No, not because there is a gay soldier serving his country but because this country he is willing to give is life for is treating him like garbage just because he was honest about who he is. And he will most likely suffer the consequences for the rest of his life. The VA is going to deny him 'G.I. Bill' benefits and (hopefully just) some potential employers will not hire him thanks to a discharge formerly known as a "Blue Discharge". Not only should this man be allowed to stay in the military but should the military get an idea about the fact that we life in the 21st century and not in the middle ages any more! Let this brave man serve his country in the best way he can: as an active member of the military.
That stupid policy should be scrapped asap! What about politicians who commit immoral acts and violates the public trust? They get to keep their jobs. These men and women are fighting for us while we get to sleep in peace and eat our fat burgers. If we don't care who politicians sleep with, why should we care who some soldiers sleep with? I would take one Dan Choi over one thousand Gov. Sanfords. We have become such hypocrits with double standards and so blinded by hatred of anything or anyone that does not look like us or behave like us. Get over it already!
I was a soldier and I did not want gays serving beside me. He broke millitary pollicies. He should resigh!!!!
Lieutenant Dan Choi should be discharged, therre was a policy in place for a reson. There are going to be soldiers in the quarters, platoons, camps, etc....including in areas where showers are shared which will make some soldiers uncomfortable. Im sure, in many situations there is a division between women and men when having sleep quarters, showering, etc which not to place someone in a "compromising position", "tempt", or cause "wandering eyes". In this case, a "homosexual" can have an attraction to another soldier where the "heterosexual" may act out in rage/anger causing problems and/or criminal act towards them (Vice-Versa). This is opening a can of worms which will be detaining "soldiers" from siging up or getting into problems when they find out there are "homosexual" in their unit. Too much to continue writing but BE CAREFUL as this can only lead to problems. (I am not against "homosexuallity, just keep it discrete)
I guess as a society we just don't get it. Rules are in place for a reason. I think the military has been flexible enough to amend its policy to let gays and lesbiens have equal rights. I think the soldier should lose his job .
The so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy has been a grotesque injustice since the day it was instituted. It's a shame that in the 21st century our military policy regarding personnel has been dictated by ignorance and hatred. Everyone who knows the U.S. military knows that LGBT Americans like Lt. Dan Choi have been serving with honor, dedication, and professionalism. Lt. Choi is a perfect example of why "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" must go. Indeed, our national security has been jeopardized by this foolish policy.
In this day and age its very difficult to make any kind of statement without being forgotten in 2 days.
Great Job Dan Choi for coming out and putting a face on the "Dont Ask, Dont Tell" policy.
The military in the past and, I believe, in this case will take the lead in redefining homosexuality and service to our country in times of peace and war.
It takes and individual as this fine officer to lead the charge for change.
I would follow this officer into combat, knowing he would have the best interest of his men and his command.
Roy D. Schickedanz
Glenwood, Illinois
What ever happened to the old adage: "Honesty is the best policy?" Lieutenant Dan Choi has been honest which is more than we can say for most politicians and other leaders in all strata of society around the world. Perhaps if they adopted and lived by that standard life might be better for all.
I believe that all those who want to judge and throw the book at Lieutenant Choi should ask themselves: "Am I that squeaky clean myself?"
I am 200 % sure that some of those who will be pointing accusing fingers aren't telling.
Dan Choi you are loved and respected in TEXAS thank You for your service to our country sir.
The board of Army Officers should turn to president Obama and ask him to move forward to request the removal of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy.
It weakens our troops, it forces members of the military to lie about themselves and to their fellow troops, and it doesn't reflect the times we live in.
Aren't their more important problems we should face and worry about in our society and in our military?
Lieutenant Choi should be able to continue his honorable carreer – no questions asked !!
Lt. Choi should ABSOLUTELY NOT lose his job, position or rank on the basis of sexual preference any more than I should solely for being "openly disabled" or Pres. Obama for being "openly bi-racial!" The "Black America" series shows we have progressed as a society... but obviously not enough if Choi loses a very much needed job!
Or Choi seems to be physically and mentally capable of fighting for this country. If I were in the service, I would absolutely with no reservation have Lt. Choi stand with me. Men and woman work next to, play sports with and fight for freedom with homosexuals every day. Some we know about, some we have no idea about. This is not something that will put anyone at anytime in harms way. There are more unstable straight people in this world that we should be more concerned about. Finally, I would like to say, get over it and leave this man alone.
Hey look, if I can be in the fox hole with my girl friend I would never be able to focus on my job, and should I be allowed to take showers with with female soldeirs as a male soldeir and act if though I am not attracted to the opposite sex, should the same apply for people that are attacted to the same sex?
This is a perfect example of why the policy should be ILLEGAL! Don't ask don't tell is blatant violation of human rights. The discharge will probably stand because it is currently policy. I find it so repulsive that a county that boasts itself as the land of the free can be so discriminating. The media does not give Gay and Lesbian issues enough coverage. If this guy was a Black man or if this was a female being discharged due to their gender or ethnicity you can bet the issue would be much bigger than the media and everyone elese in this "Land of the Free". To those who maintain that being gay is choice and not something you are born with and therefore makes it less important, you are wrong. Even if it was a "Choice" everyone has the right to choose whether the majority likes or not. This kind of discrimination makes me very emabarrassed to be an American. To those of you who say, if you don't like it leave, I will be more than happy to leave if you donate a dollar each, so I can afford to, I would not hesitate to move to Canada by the end of the month... I love my county, but if my country is going to continue to hate me because of who I am, then why the hell would I or anyone elese want to stay here. You sure don't mind taking my taxes so as a tax paying, law abiding citizen, I and everying else like me are ENTITLED to EQUAL RIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!
Don't Ask Don't tell was a horrible compromise in the first place. The U.S. is the only developed nation that has such an foolish law. Don't ask don't tell does not contribute to national security in fact by forcing service members to hide their identity causes a method of extortion. (i.e. I will keep your secret if you provide me with ___?___.) without the retribution of legal proceedings for the service members that are gay. It means that no one can use the information against the service member. Plus the U.S. can retain some pretty talented individuals. BTW I am Gay and a Veteran.
I have visited Arlington National cemetary, and have never seen the word straight or gay on any tombstone. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell " is a stupid rule and does not make us safer....
The military in the past and, I believe, in this case will take the lead in redefining homosexuality and service to our country in times of peace and war.
It takes an individual as this fine officer to lead the charge for change.
I would follow this officer into combat, knowing he would he the best interest of his men and his command.
Roy D. Schickedanz
Glenwood, Illinois
"Violated" Don't ask don't tell. That is what Mr. Choi did. It is not about his choice of who he likes to have sex with. I don't care who anybody want to have sex with, it's none of my business! Why tell? No one want to know!!!
But he overtly broke the rules, knowing the possible consequences. Mr. Choi should be dismissed from the Army for that reason.
And any one else who breaks the rules.
Closets are for clothes!
This is an all volunteer Army, so I dont't think he should have a leg to stand on. If there was a draft and he had been drafted like people in the Vietnam war, he might have an argument. I think he should be given a dishonerable discharge or at least an undiserable discharge for not following the rules.
Dismissing Lt. Choi is another example of hiding from the realities of life. Homosexuality has been wrongly demonized by self serving clergy, some whom we find out later are gay them self. But the board will have no choice but to send him packing because of the homophobic law passed by Congress. What a waste.
Like others who are not gay, I am a staunch supporter of the rights of the LGBT community. 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' will be repealed eventually by this Congress, in my opinion. I feel badly for Lt. Choi, certainly a officer who served our county in a distinguished and honorable way. Unfortunately, under current Militay law, he did violate policy and for this I think he will be not allowed to serve. It is trajic but he can use his "freedom" as he is doing to speak out and encourage this change be speeded up. I am in support of Lt. Choi and other gays who serve in the Military, but I realize there are those at the Pentagon working with the President to prepare for the change. As with Healthcare, not everything gets done on our timing, but rather as Congress sees fit. It is maddening at times as we elected these people and they are not listening, for example, Diane Feinstein in Ca. over Healthcare Reform.
If the gov't does not want gay people in the military, and they can't get married, well why not just stop paying taxes.
I bet those laws would be changed quickly.
Mr. Choi is a true American hero!
He should not be discharged for his sexual orientation. He is an individual who has choosen to serve his country and put his life on the line for the Red, White and Blue. If he is capable and is doing his job without acting out sexually, let him and other Gays do their jobs because they all fall under he same code of conduct as the rest of the military personnel. This dont ask, dont tell is so un-american to all Americans. We are about Freedom and that right to be who we are without being shamed on hiding who we are. There are a lot of Parents of Gay Children in America that want the same rights, and respect our county gives others. But some dont get the message out of fear.
"Dan Choi " Go home!! You knew military rules and laws. Suffer the consiquences!!!
No! Absolutely not. Lieutenant Dan Choi should not be dismissed from the military because of his sexual orientation. The military’s “don’t-ask, don’t tell” policy flies in the face of the spirit of the Constitution. It contradicts its own argument for the need of a culture of honesty and integrity in the armed services. The US military would do well to align itself more fully with other democracies in this regard and to embrace for all of our citizens the freedom that all our military service men and women fight for. Perhaps Choi’s appeal will contribute to the growing movement of full incorporation and freedom for all Americans.
Yes, he should keep his job. Sexual orientation should not be a basis for employment in any job.
All Americans should be able to safely be who they are in all situations. Knowing your fellowman is especially important in a dangerous situation.
A safe environment for every soldier fosters comradarie and the strongest bond possible between individual soldiers which in turn improves the odds for the best possible outcome at a time when emotional connections are most important. This type of personal connection can make the difference between life and death in certain situations.
While I respect an individuals right of different sexual orientations, I feel that this does not hold a place in the military to be openly disclosed. If the (don't ask don't tell) policy is removed i fear that we will have more problems then we really need to deal with. With even more disciplinary actions causing loss of even more manning. I feel the President should focus on the fact that we don't have enough manning to the jobs we have now in all branches not about the openness of gays in the military. We in the military are held to a higher standards, we are held to a strick set of rules and are required to follow these rules. Mr. Choi violated a standing policy. He knows what the policy is and what would happen if he violated this policy. Mr. Choi Deceived the US Goverment and should not be reinstated and should be not only discharged from the military but it should be a dishonorable discharge. Mr. Choi said he won't lie but he already did that.
Addendum: It is NOT inappropriate for a soldier to refuse an order that is against the law. DADT is a military "policy." Nondiscrimination is a National Law (read any EEOC Poster in a workplace).
Don't Ask Don't Tell is a policy that is out of step with this day and age and should be repealed. This country uregently needs brave qualified men and women who are willing to serve during this critical time.
Lieutenant Dan Choi has distinguished credentials and has served our country honorably. He has specific skills that are required if our country is to prevail in the middle east.
His sexual orientation should have absolutely no bearing on allowing him to continue to serve. If a private employer were allowed to fire an otherwise qualified employee simply based upon sexual orientation it woujld be considered an outrage. I think it is high time we hold our government and military to the same ethical and social standards. Don't force our gay young men and women to lie about who they are as a condition to serve this country.
This is not the judgement of LT Choi's character it's about sexual tension on a job that makes you depend on someone with your life and can make things complicated, and that is why we don't go on missions with female's. Jeff Male Soldeir
I recently met Dan. He is A fine example of everything a soldier should be. His sense of honor as a West Point grad does not let him live a lie. I applaud his sense of duty and honor. We are asking too much of people to hide who they are and yet expect them to give everything, including their life, in service to our country.
We are one of the few western countries that has such archaic and discriminatory laws regarding out military. The idea that someone is fit to serve their country as long as they "do not tell " but are unfit for duty if they do, is the most absurd policy anywhere.
I sincerely hope the right and just thing is done in this situation. Keep the faith Dan!
The rule was broken. He should be punished. If you think that polished boots are not part of service and decide not to polish them, you will be punished. No military punishment is soft. Unpolished boots will get you (and your coworkers) more punishment than a normal civilian thinks is fitting the crime. Following instructions is the biggest part of military service!
And since Lt. Choi is choosing to be so HONEST, let's be HONEST with each other. Men and women in the military are still human. There are jerks on the street that harrass, torture, beat, and kill homosexuals. Do you HONESTLY believe that none of those people made it to our military? This policy is not in place to keep a gay man from hitting on a straight man and/or making him uncomfortable. It's in place to keep that gay man healthy and safe. Healthy and safe means he can do his job effectively. All it will take is one "look" from Lt. Choi and someone somewhere will misinterpret it and the outcome will not be pretty. Does that make it right? Of course not. But the TRUTH is that if the policy is dropped and someone ends up getting the beating of a lifetime (or worse), there will be "hate crime" trials and our own military will end up being polorized which is the OPPOSITE of cohesive.
By the way, have you ever been in a bar when the navy pulls in to town? Sit in the corner and watch the obvious cultural differences. The english language is just about the only thing that these sailors have in common. Let's not add to it. Keep sexuality out of the military.
I agree with Joe above, if gays are denied equal rights such as marriage and serving their country, then they should also be denied to pay the taxes that keep this country alive and that fund the politicians salaries that make these laws. No Equal Rights = No Taxes!!!!!!!
I'm not even sure why this is an issue – it's ludicrous really. These men and women are willing to die for their country whether we're (the USA) "supposed" to be at war or not, and people are concerned about their sexuality? The sad part is that these gay men and women aren't even getting credit for the service they've already provided; which, from various news sources, interviews, blogs, etc., they would appear to have stood out at least as much if not more than their heterosexual peers. Also, there isn't even a sound argument supporting the restriction on gays and lesbians in the military so how can the federal government even ethically justify the current policy as it stands – or anything even remotely similar?
Mike Hicks
Minneapolis, MN
I beleive it is wrong to discharge this man from the military based on his sexual preference, Im gay also and I would be appalled if I were discharged from the military just because Im gay. Just because this man is gay does not mean he is not qualified to do his job which is to serve his country, this is an outrage for this man to be discharged just because he's gay. Im demanding that President Obama intervene and let this man continue to serve his country, being gay does not mean you can not serve the country in the military, what is wrong with America.
Scott Stodden (Freeport, IL)
i work for the dept. of the Army & the issue here is not his honesty; it's really not the fact of whether he's gay or straight. he joined the Army as one of it's officers, someone appointed to lead, knowing full well this info (his sexual orientation) was not to be disclosed. he cannot be expected to lead other soldiers & command them to follow rules that he himself will not adhere to. again, this is not about honesty – the military keep secrets all the time and as officers, there are certainly facts that he would be privy to that he couldn't disclose to the public so his argument is an emotional fallacy. he made an emotional decision & now doesn't want to pay the consequences. i don't care if he's gay or straight personally. it's great that he's doing the job & doing it well, but the point here, is that he violated a major rule. in the least, he didn't adhere to the officer's code of conduct. he could have worked to help overturn the "don't ask, don't tell" without openly saying "hey, i'm gay...." before this rule was dismantled. he should have waited until the time was right, which is after that rule was changed. and the fact that he is now campaigning & crusading is certainly not working in his favor; likely only drawing attention to himself in a negative light which will force the Army to make an example of him. you cannot throw tantrums & expect to be rewarded. besides, whether you like it or not, the law is not on his side. even if/when the rule is overturned, he will not be eligible to come back in because he is showing that he is a loose cannon. what kind of message does this send – so the next rule that he doesn't agree with, he'll just choose to violate it in the hopes that he'll get what he wants. not a good example.
If the board abides by "regulations", which it is empaneled and entrusted to do, then he will be dismissed.
It's not the right thing, but "It's regs."
Only Obama or the Joint Chiefs can authorize otherwise.
Like someone above, I don't want someone in the military who disobeys rules; that is not his job. The military is not political, and they are not meant to be. Like someone else said above, we like to condone people who break rules (at least, of course, until it hurts you personally). The military has always discriminated, but I haven't heard any smart, fit multilingual patriots who don't fit the height/weight/bodyfat requirement complain. Few Asian men/women even fit the bill. Is this discrimination? Yes. Is it there for a reason? Probably (See caselaw that says this is okay.) Having never been in the military, we shouldn't judge their rules. Only those within the military can judge them, but, if I've heard correctly, those opinions do not factor into your decision to pick up your weapon or not, because it is not your decision to make–it's the government's (and those higher ups who affect the government's strategic decisions).
Hey Sammie, I am just curious about the policy itself. If someone did not actually admit they were gay and someone in the Armed forces discovered they were gay by whatever means, would they also be discharged because you suspect they are gay or because someone else says they are gay?
I think the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy should be abolished and all of those soldiers who were forced out of the military should be reinstated. So many of these people were exceptional soldiers respected by their troops and most importantly, had/have talents desperately needed by the military to protect our country and bring to justice those terrorists responsible for 9/11.
This policy, carried out probably not as it was intended, is blatant discrimination. President Truman ended racial discrimination single-handedly without the approval of Congress. I understand that top military leaders of that time threatened to resign, but didn't. Did that work? What do you think?
Look at Colin Powell. He was a great and influential leader during the first Iraq war. Would his talents have been available to our country without Truman's courageous action? Maybe not. I was less than impressed by Powell's actions at the beginning of the 2nd Bush war. He let himself be influenced by the fear-based misdeeds of that presidential administration as he had allowed his own fears of the "other" to discriminate against gays in the military. Does he see the irony in that? If not, shame on him.
Serving with honor is the issue – if a person serves with honor there is no reason their sexual orientation should come into the discussion – The Uniformed Code of Military Justice has prohibitions about sex in the military establishment – Lt. Choi is a prime example of not addressing the real issue of service and not sex. Honor and Patriotism is the real litmus test
He should be put out. He broke the rule.
He should have kept quiet until the rule was changed. Folks might have known he was gay any way. Just like many others in the military. Just dont say it.
It is just sad that all americans dont have equal status under the law. It is ironic that those against this equality, claim moriality as their stance on the way back from argentina, or a stop in the airport mens room..
he needs to be seperated. Straight men do not need the burden of another man possibly looking at them sexually. It is the same scenario as seperating women quartets from men, accept this one is potentially devestating to the military.
He should be allowed to continue to serve. Don't Ask Don't Tell should be suspended.
Seriously? Why are we still talking about this? He is gay, so what?
Let him keep his job. He's gay, not a felon.
Absolutely Not! If I were in Iraq or Afghanistan and had to choose between an experienced gay lieutenant who is fluent in arabic or a straight lieutenant who is not fluent in Arabic or as experienced, there is no question I'd choose the gay lieutenant. Not because he's gay. I'd choose him because of his experience and skills. The military needs to get over this issue and move on. We spend too much time infighting with our own people and not enough time focused on our true enemies!
Lt. Choi should be dismissed from the Armed Forces. He knowingly violated a military policy and should face the music. As a military member, I dont feel comfortable serving with homosexuals. Not because I disagree with what they are doing, but because I dont want them checking me out in the shower in Iraq!
I think he is a brave man to come out that he is gay, he should not loose is job, that is crazy, yes he violated the dont ask dont tell policy,but how many people talk about there Hetersextual lifes, he should have rights like anyone else. Tony from Kentucky.
We are who we are!! Asking someone to hide their identity and at the same time sacrifice so much for the freedom of others just seems ridiculous!! I voluntarily separated from the US Air Force for this reason alone. Change the policy or continue to lose great soldiers like myself and Lt. Dan!
He should be removed, if not, then let us straight men shower with women as he does with men.
What a waste of talent if he is discharged for telling the truth.
DADT should be abolished.
Obama in spite of saying he can't do anything about ..can and should.
Whatever happens this young man will go on to do a wonderful job in what ever he does.
So what sammie and others are saying is that Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, et al should have waited until blacks had civil rights before they marched or "came out" as black????
See how absurb these comments about "it's a rule, he should follow it even if the rule is illegal" sounds?
Lt. Choi's situation is making people aware of the discriminatory "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
If he had not "told" that he is gay, but someone found out, would he still be discharged?
Are soldiers, whose lives are on the line, really so fearful of having a gay man in their tent?
Why would gay people want to serve under this policy? I honor them for doing so.
I support Lt. Choi and hope that our military will not lose another dedicated, brave soldier (and one that speaks Arabic, no less) to this ignorant and shameful policy.
Democracy = equal rights for "every single person" = people should be able to stay who they are as long as they dont harm any one else.
People have been killed over reaching democracy throughout history.
Lets make sure we know the true meaning of democracy and freedom advertised being practiced in the US, otherwise lets confess we are no different than those countries who are killing their own ppl just because of screaming for democracy!
why gay people work and pay tax while not getting the same rights as other !??!?!
IT IS NOT FAIR!
when is the rest of the world going to get over "being gay"
IF he looses his job, then why not fire every gay person in the world, this is beyond ridiculous, a waste of time, and money,
LET HIM BE!!!
As a taxpayer...the cost of training these linguists is enormous and to lose just one, because of sexual orientation ,is absurd, if only for economic reasons, not to mention the social injustice it creates for men and women who are willing to serve their country.
He violated the policy, plain and simple. The consequences are spelled out. He should be discharged. If we start letting the policies of the military bend and sway then what is the point in even having them? Policies are put in place in the best interest of the military and civilians.
Yes, He should be discharged from his current position because he broke the policy. It is no different from one of the employee breaking a policy at work and getting fired. if you don't like the rule, you can fight agist it without breaking it. He clearly knew when he made the statement that it would cause if to loose his position.
It's time to be rid of this absurd policy. Canada,thanks to Minister of Justice and first female prime minister Kim Campbell, got rid of the absurd policy against gay people in the Canadian Forces.In what year?
1992! Canada,the UK, and other countries already allow gays to serve openly in the military. I think that gays who serve are even braver than the others,because of what they have to go through on a daily basis in their lives.
When I joined the Military, I signed plenty of forms saying I understand the "Don't ask don't tell" policy. Think about this. I live on a ship for six months at a time. I sleep with all men. Women sleep with all women. We use the bathrooms and shower with all men. Women use the bathroom and shower with all women. For the most part, men are attracted to women and vice versa. If gay men or women are allowed to "run free" throught the military, is it not discrimination to let Gay men shower together without letting a man and women do the same?
For President Obama, I am very happy with many of the decisions that he has made so far. However I don't think he has a real understanding of this issue if he is still contemplating removing it.
My beliefs remain the same as the majority of the people in California who have AGAIN voted that marriage shall be between a man and women.
This is a regulations that is govern by the military. His fate (Lt. Dan Choi) is in President Obama hands. This should be taken very seriously because of the nature of not only his relationship but living life freely as all "Americans" do. This law should be changed because he did his duty to the fullest and thats what we all do in life and the tribulation we go through! I believe he deserves the best appreciation of being honest and to keep his duty to the fullest! Our President will acknowledge that this is an "American Dream" that all people can live there life whatever they choose to do!
He should be put out! He knew the rules.Why did he feel the need to tell everyone?Who wanted to know?How does what he did help anyone much less the military mission?I hate this stuff,I don't care what you do in your bedroom,but why do you feel you have to broadcast it to the world. Are you not comfortable with how you're living and want outside approval??
Was it not Martin Luther King Jr. who said that people have a responsibility to disobey unjust laws???
Lt.Choi is honorable in his disent. He shows valor and courage for being willing to be on the front lines of this issue.
How can President Obama stand on the sidelines while a fellow American is being so blatantly discriminated against.
Lt. Choi's sexual orientation has nothing to do with how he performs his job or how his peers perform theirs. We want our military to be honest and trustworthy.
Coming out about his sexual preference does NOTHING to harm national security, so those saying that this relates to "Top Secret" information are just showing their ignorance.
If he broke a "rule", then he broke a rule!! Doesn't matter WHAT rule...you can't pick and choose which rule should be upheld and then what rule should not be upheld. A RULE is a RULE!! Isnt' that what we teach our children!!???
If anyone think gay and lesbian people have not ALWAYS SERVED in our military must be nuts. They have not injured or jeopardized their troups because of their sexual orientation.I know because I served with them.
They took an oath to defend the CONSTITUTION for everyone except themselves apparently. Oh that's right they fought/fight to defend it but are not allowed to enjoy their rights. If this was Starbucks,McDonalds or Walmart the ACLU and every civil rights lawyer would be all over it. I guess the Military is not an EQUAL OPPERTUNITY EMPLOYER.
i can't belive whats happening in america.gays have no business in the military. be for real. we survived this long without them. what is wrong with you people. men don't want them in the army. if. you put them in the army. we don't need them. get it.
I feel that the "Dont Ask, Dont Tell" policy should not be changed. Military life and civilian life are totally differnent. We have to have perfect unit cohesion at all times. That would make some of us uncomfortable. i would rather them keep that to themselves.
Most of the people who are for the removal of the act have never served and really doesnt understand.
Yes, I feel that he SHOULD retain his assignment. Just because he chooses the life style that he is so proud of, why shouldn't he risk HIS life just as my son has had to do? Why shoud he remain safe here in the U.S. while so many others are "on the line"?
Dan Choi derserves to keep his job.He is qualified , honest and has a good sense of himself and these are qualities any employer would want in an employee.Why not the military? His sexual prefrence does not belong in this conversation.
I was an senior captain in the Air Force when I was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." I agree that my sexual orientientation has absolutely nothing to do with my job performance or the loyalty my troops showed me. However, I knew for all 10 years of my service what the rules and regulations were, in particular the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Never the less, I voluntarily raised my hand and took the Oath of Office freely. Lt Choi is a West Point graduate, and I would assume an intelligent young man who understood the policies he was going to be living under and governed by. While I do not agree with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and am an active opponent against the policy, I cannot ignore the fact Lt Choi knowingly violated a military regulation and is subject to UCMJ action. Whether or not we agree or disagree with the political policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" it IS the current policy under which every military member is serving. You have to remove the politically chagred atomosphere around "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and face the fact LT CHOI WILLINGLY VIOLATED A MILITARY REGULATION.
Lt. Choi should not lose his career. He also should not have to hide that he is gay,nor should any other LGBT person have to. People need to mind there own business!! Live and Let Live!
Liars, bigots, backstabbers ,and the like are allowed to serve in the military and have rights why shouldn't gay people have rights? Hate crimes against LGBT need to stop!!! Nobody in this world is perfect.
GOD created everyone!!
J Roberts
WI
Lt Choi should absolutely NOT be removed from the military. He spoke clearly of the training he was given at West Point when he made the declaration on The Rachel Maddow Show. Who cares if he's gay. President Obama has already declared DADT will be repealed– so Obama should put a Stop-Loss on the removal of any further military personnel for being gay. KEEP YOUR PROMISES OBAMA!
While I think DADT should be repealed that doesn't change the fact that it is the law. Lt. Choi broke the law and he needs to pay the penalty for it.
Military officers are not supposed to make political statements or take political actions. While the actions of Lt Choi does not rise to the same level, the nation of Honduras shows what happens when military officers become politicized. Lt. Choi came out as a political statement ,and in a nation that prides itself on civilian control of the military and a military that stays out of the political debate, and that can never be allowed. Political actions by military officers set dangerous precedence and swift action needs to be taken to put an end to it.
The discharge of this fine warrior is a national disgrace. The policy is wrong, it's costing us money and more importantly lives. Each time the army "fires" an gay man or woman, we pay for retraining a new soldier. Many of these people who have been discharged are Arabic translators and desperately needed to keep America safe.
I find it ironic that we have Barney Frank and other gay men and women serving as our representatives, but are still engaged in labeling fighting men and women as unfit for duty because of whom they love.
Lt. Choi has served this country with dignity and honor. When will this country grow up and stop looking for someone to look down on. People don't seem to mind having military personnel that commit murder, molest, and kill because they like killing. But they get upset with someone who is a homosexual. Do they really think that they will be sexually attacked? Do they look at every woman as a potential mate? I don't think so. There have always been gays in the military, here and around the world. This kind of bigotry lessens us as a society and a nation. We need to take off the rose colored glasses and get a grip. How can we be so holier than thou, when our soldiers are commiting suicide, when women are still being raped, when our children are still being molested (usually by married heterosexual men), and when the divorce rate is a little over 50%? I'm sorry this is so long but it pisses me off that I am denied the same rights as everyone else because I'm gay. My partner and I have been together for 15 years and have adopted 3 wonderful children who were drug exposed. We are wonderful neighbors, who keep our home looking good, watch our neighbors children and pay big taxes. But we can't get married and have the same rights as ALL married people. I feel sorry for the people who oppose gays in the military and marriage right for gays. It takes a lot of energy to spew so much hate. Just think how much people could do with that energy. They could help stop child molestation, domestic abuse, hunger, homelessness, etc.
He has right like everyone else. I believe that he felt that being gay was something he wanted to address. I say if it did not conflict with his work performance and his obligation to serve in the Army he should not be discharged.
Yes he should, that's the policy and it's good one. Homosexuals upset the cohesion and effectiveness of the military.
Another fact about "DADT": A friend of mine who served in the military was constantly asked by his superiors questions like "why don't you bring your girlfriend?" or even "do you have a girlfriend?" and "why don't you have a girlfriend?"!
Maybe everyone asking one of these questions should have gotten a blue discharge.
But for this poor guy there was little he could do other than telling lies to cover up the truth that he is gay.
What do we learn here? Well, obviously it is OK to tell lies because if he tells the truth he will be punished. Oh, and he will be punished just for the fact of telling the truth.
Someone mentioned earlier that keeping a "secret" is part of the "job" as a soldier. So now this country considers the sexual orientation of any gay or lesbian service member a state secret but the sexual orientation of heterosexual service members are not???
If this is so then I would expect our government to protect the rights of gay and lesbian service members rather than exposing them to narrow minded views of some poor homophobics.
I would trust Lt. Choi with my life every day but I can't say the same about the majority of even the current administration.
Yes, Lt Choi should be relieved he knew the rules prior to coming into the military. He knew the "don't ask don't tell" rules before signing on the dotted line. Now, he's on national television saying "I will not lie" well it seem to me, he started out lying when he entered the military. I do not think we should ask the military to change it rules for this soilder or any other or others that come forward at this point or in the future. You are "gay now!" that fine, stay that way but do it outside of the military. You can say what you want but unless you are in the military and are a part of that band of brotherhood, you do not know what psycological effect this has on other service members. The public and the polititians need to get a grip on trying to win vote and soothe heart string on gay issues.
I am in the military and I volunteered, so did he why wasn't he gay from the start?
The policy of dont ask dont tell was the best thing going! The one thing a male soldier should not have to put up with is a homosexual hitting on them while serving his country. If they want to allow homosexuals in the military fine but they should have just as strict harassment rules like women in the miltary enjoy! No straight soldier should ever be subjected to homosexual advancements period! While we are at it we need to make taking showers for everyone. Why does a straight guy have to shower with homosexuals, it aint right. Men cant shower with the women because of womens fears of being violated, well what about straight guys?
Dan is my West Point classmate and he's a fine man. I think that very soon this country will be embarrassed by how we treat such a large segment of our citizens, as education continues to eradicate outdated prejudices. It's about time that we begin measuring our merit not by who what we reject, but by what we embrace. To let Dan stay active duty with his soldiers is to embrace justice and equality.
I bet the military would fold up and disappear if the rules were changed and it was perfectly alright to be gay and join the military! I`m straight and served my country in the Navy. I paid into the Montgomery GI bill in which after getting out I couldnt use it right away because feeding my family came first. Well then I had the same government who I served for tell me I had to give up my college money because I didnt use it in a manner that suited them! I`m tired of hearing all these minority groups complain about being unfair when I had money stolen from me after I served my time and not by criminals but our own government! Do I sit around and feel sorry for myself or do I pick myself up and do what I have to do?
If you are an accomplished soldier with a good record why shouldn't you continue you career. This DADT ruling is rediculous and once again proves that congress is as useful as a milk-bucket under a bull!
Personally, I feel that 'don't ask don't telll' policy should remain. This does not mean he is unequal, but it will make me and a lot of our military more comfortable. I think he should keep his post in the military, UNPUNISHED, if he wishes to serve our country, then why deny him? I don't mind homosexuals in the militaru at all, but something about sleeping and showering with a homosexual man makes me uncomfortaable. Again, he should be allowed to remain in the military. If he is removed, I WILL join a fight against the decision.
As a 26 year USAF vet I am not opposed to gays, bisexual or who ever serving. Just shut up and do your job. I don't ever remember a guy or gal walking into work and stating what sexual activity they participated in last night. Gay or Straight. It just seems to this old vet it is a gay attitude of in your face with it. Even when guys bragged constantly about their sexual conquest they where told to shut up, no one wanted to hear it. So my advise to gays is shut up an do you job.
But I do have a question......you interviewed a USAF Lt Col with 19 years serve. You said he 400 flying hours..........I don't think that is possible. I served 19 on flight status, with combat time and had around 4000. Basic flight training and training in one type aircraft would get him half way to 400 hours so I think you got something wrong.
"I am in the military and I volunteered, so did he why wasn’t he gay from the start?"
Such a dumb question can only come from someone with an IQ significantly below 100!
L.C. should receive a 'blue discharge' just for that!
I don't recall any statement on whether or not Lt. Choi "was gay" when he signed on. That isn't even an issue here because either he or the person who would have asked him about it would have been in violation of DADT right at that point.
But just because some rules have been put in place in the past shouldn't mean we can't oppose or discuss or change them in the future. The church said that earth is the center of the universe and that everything else rotates around earth. The church also said earth is flat. They burned people alive who said something else.
Maybe we all should get in line to get burned because "PROGRESS" is such an evil thing!
He should ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY be permitted to continue serving our country! This man is an asset to our armed forces. To do without him and, instead, cater to backward, ignorant mentalities of others who serve and can barely read and write English let alone have fluency in a second language such as Arabic, would be a complete travesty, injustice and embarrassment to our nation and those who serve.
A resounding NO. He should not be allowed to serve. He violated the rules. Why start a precedent of breaking rules as OKAY? The millitary does not need such distractions. No different than putting women in the men's barracks. Just imagine it, males ogling other males in the showers. Pretty soon there would be fights. After all, one of those in a "partnership" has to try to be the woman. Well, their chromosomes remain the same, they are males lusting for other males.
If they can't serve and obey the rules, send them OFF and OUT.
Mr. Valles,
You are ignorant and bigoted and obviously have no idea what you are talking about.
Have you done a study on gays in the military? If not, then I suggest you keep your stupidity to yourself in future.
No Jessie,
Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, et al could not change their skin color/race/national origin at will – please people stop comparing the Civil Rights movement to the Gay Rights Movement! Lt. Choi has the physical ability to sleep with both men & women if he elects to, just as any other gay person is biologically capable of mating with the opposite sex regardless of his/her alleged sexual orientation. people cannot, at any time, opt to be any race other than the one they were born, despite desire. Not to mention, Fred Douglass & Harriet Tubman risked their lives & MLK Jr. & Rosa Parks spent nights in jail, hence they were willing to pay the consequences for their actions if/when they were caught! A fact Lt. Choi & you seem to be overlooking...fine, fight the good fight! but suffer the consequences to support the cause – don't whine about it! i'm not anti-gay in the military; if you are a qualified soldier, airman, sailor or marine – excellent! i am however, against active military officers not following the rules set before them & displaying emotionally erratic behavior when i am depending on them to lead.
just say touche'....
the issue at hand is not whether the rule should exist, it's the fact that it does...and Jesse, don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect. i've broken my fair share of rules, the difference is, i sucked up the consequences.
To all those who are saying that Lt. Choi should be discharged because he knew the rule, and that all army men and women should blindly follow orders... are you saying that you wouldn't have applauded if someone had stood up to a policy of racial or religious discrimination? Shame on you.
Lieutenant Choi deserves our respect, and the respect of the army. If someone has the discipline not to turn tail and run away from open fire, surely he has the discipline to be able to tell people about his sexuality without making unwelcome advances on other people.
Also, I have heard of so many people being discharged for violating the "don't tell" part of the policy; can someone find out whether anyone has ever been discharged for the "don't ask" part of the policy? Does "don't ask, don't tell" apply only to gay people? If people want all soldiers to blindly follow "don't ask, don't tell", shouldn't straight people not be allowed to talk about their own relationships?
And if the answer to the above questions is yes, does THAT make you see how stupid the policy is?
Sammie, you did not answer my question about the Don't as Don't tell policy. I want to know if someone Asked ANY military male if they had a girlfriend, would the person asking that question be Discharged? Why don't you try it. Go ask any male or female person if they are gay. I want to know if you will get discharged for asking... According to the rules and policies you are standing up for, you should be discharged.... I dare ANYONE in the military to test this policy and see if the Don't Ask portion is adhereded to as well...
AirForceCop June 30th, 2009 10:57 am ET
Lt. Choi should be dismissed from the Armed Forces. He knowingly violated a military policy and should face the music. As a military member, I dont feel comfortable serving with homosexuals. Not because I disagree with what they are doing, but because I dont want them checking me out in the shower in Iraq!
So what you are saying AirForceCop is that you don't mind other men checking you out in the shower as long as you don't know about it....
I guarantee you that there are plenty of gay men and woman in the military and they may or may not be checking out the person they are showering with. If you are that concerned about it then you should be demanding private showers, that is the ONLY way you will be able to be sure that you are not being "checked out" in the shower...
I dont think that he should lose his job. If one should be punished for being gay or lesbian, then one should be punished for lying about who they really are. As long as they want to be honest and not feel like they are lying to their people that they are serving why does it matter? It is their life not ours. After all the thing in this world these days is happiness. Thats all anyone ever needs. I am with him one hundred percent on this because, I wont hide who I am either just to protect America. "Be who you want and dont change because others ask you to IS MY POLICY!!!"
REPEAL THE DONT ASK DONT TELL!!!!!!
Dan is my West Point classmate and he’s a fine man. I think that very soon this country will be embarrassed by how we treat such a large segment of our citizens, as education continues to eradicate outdated prejudices. It’s about time that we begin measuring our merit not by who we reject, but by what we embrace. To let Dan stay active duty with his soldiers is to embrace justice and equality.
Equality can have no double-standards. People who are against equal rights for gays are no different from those who opposed the civil rights movement. It is to our own shame that we are allowing men and women, who have courageously and patriotically served our nation, who are good tax-paying citizens, to lose their honor, careers, and benefits, by booting them out of the military. (These people should all be reinstated and recompensed.) When will we finally learn the lessons of discrimination and equality?
Its time for the new america,christianity started this country but doesn't mean it has to end it.We need goverment to change faster, the world is changing faster than we proably expected.The law has to be followed until changed,its a shame a good man like that is punished but the path has to be started for the rest.
Definately repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell"!!!! (Mr. President, what are you waiting for?)
Our military needs all the willing, talented people it can get! Oh, and private showers for everyone, please.
Choi should absolutely be allowed to stay in the military!! The military thought he was a great soldier when he was "straight," right? So what changed? He's gay!! Who cares!! I wish I would have had the guts to stand up to the Marine Corps before I was kicked out for homosexual admission!! I hope the military realizes how stupid it is to get rid of someone for being gay.
We don't get it in Canada. The gay miliatary were in full uniform in Toronto's Gay Pride Parade. The Metro Toronto Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Armed Forces all had booths recruiting after the parade.
Of course Dan Choi should keep his job!But then again we have gay marriage nationally from the Atlantic, to the Pacific to the Arctic.
Mr. Clayton, I was in the military for over 12 years and I was personally hit on by my fellow gay soldiers one of them was my superior officer. Your angry response to my prior comments obviously struck a raw nerve. I stated my position and I stand by it.
As I've been following this whole Lt Dan Choi story something has been bothering me...
Why is Dan Choi a 1LT? He was commissioned in May 2003, then was on active duty until summer of 2008 – that's five years. Promotion to CPT in three years is all but automatic these days. Unless you've gotten in trouble or been a truly terrible officer. The rest of the West Point 2003 grads are all Captains. Why isn't Dan?
Anyone have any idea??
thanks!