Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Judge Orders Lesbian Air Force Nurse Reinstated
Writer: Bill Mears
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: 9/25/2010
Length: 786 words
link: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/24/military.gay.reinstatement/index.html?npt=NP1
Major Margaret Witt had served in the Air Force for more than 20 years when she was discharged under the governments "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The militaries "don't ask, don't tell" policy is a policy that does not allow gay women and men from serving in the military. She was discharged because she was openly lesbian. Witt was discharged over four years ago, and has just now been reinstated. This judging that the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was unconstitutional, has led congress to stop their legislative duties this week in an effort to repeal the law. This controversial law has led to the dismissal of over 12,500 gays and lesbians in the military. President Obama is working to repeal the law, but the military argues that they are in the best position to evaluate whether the law should be repealed or not. In conclusion, Margaret Witt's case has brought about awareness to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Congress is now taking action, and so is President Obama. Other judges have also ruled this policy unconstitutional, so Margaret Witt was not the first to fight back for her civil rights.
I think it is good that Obama is taking action. It seems incomprehensible to me that no one did something against it before. I think espacially in gouvernment institutions should be taken care of law and civil rights.
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome that the government is finally being more supportive of gay rights and peoples civil rights. The whole point of government is to protect our civil right. I'm glad Obama is one president who actually knows what he is doing.
ReplyDeleteI think its time that this bill be repealed. I am happy that Obama is working on it in order to further help civil rights. I think that our government should never have issued a bill even if it is "don't tell".
ReplyDeleteThe don't ask don't tell policy has been in the army for several years. Although Margaret has every right to be gay, she broke a specific army policy, and if any soldier breaks army policy, they are deemed an insubordinate, and are either punished or court martialed. Margaret has every right to be gay, but she does not have the right to go against army policy. Until being gay is openly accepted by all communities, and the army rule is lifted, then Margaret, like everyone else, must follow it.
ReplyDeleteI think it is good that Obama is more accepting of different people. As a member of the Gunn Student Body, we are one of the most accepting high schools. To have a president that is willing to change the rules of common society is life changing. Obama is making changes to have a good affect on different people. I mean really who cares who you like if you are willing to fight for our country then it shouldn't matter what goes on between you and the person you like.
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ReplyDeleteIt's really good that something is finally being done about this situation. It's horrible how people in the army were discriminated against before. Even though technically they were fired for breaking the rules ("telling" when they're not supposed to), it was still extremely unfair. The rule itself was unreasonable and discriminatory because no one should have to hide who they truly are, especially when it comes to just keeping one's job. It's really good that Obama is working help these people and repeal the law.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Isha said. The law doesn't make sense, both from a civil rights standpoint and from a purely logistical standpoint. Having a gay soldier in the army doesn't jeopardize anything. For an institution such as the military that's centered around self-discipline, it should be the irrationally homophobic soldiers, those who's personal prejudice would get in the way of their duty, that are removed. Plus, removing valuable members of the armed forces, like NURSES and TRANSLATORS, for something entirely contextually irrelevant like sexual orientation is beyond stupid.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, I'm glad that "Don't ask don't tell" is finally falling.
I believe that everyone should have equality in anything they do, no matter their race, ethnicity, or religion. That's why I am so happy that this unjust "Don't ask don't tell" law is finally being overturned. People should earn their spots and what they believe in, or look like should not affect their chances of getting a job or keeping a job.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Julia, i think everyone should be equal and have the same rights as everyone else. It should not matter what race, ethnicity you are you should be aloud to do the same as everyone else. If you are willing to fight for our county it should matter who you like, they are risking there life for our country.
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