The Flaming Fifth: Is it Time for a Gay Regiment?
So the military sets the rules for all the soldiers. The moral standards of the military are high and should be maintain. That moral standard applies to much more than gay/lesbian lifestyles. Fraternization between the ranks, adultery and moral turpitude of any kind are no no's that apply to the members of the military. They, the military, have a higher standard for just reason. That is the military way.
So the gay community, which is by and large intelligent, seems to have a problem fathoming the military code of conduct. The recent number of openly gay Arab language interpreters that were release from service, yet again highlights a non-issue.
If a gay individual wants to be openly gay and press for gay rights, the military is not the place to be. The don't ask don't tell policy is well publicized. It would be hard for an individual of average intelligence to not realize the meaning of the policy.
So for the gay members of the military to suddenly realize their gayness and come out, seems a little abnormal. Perhaps it is time for the Flaming Fifth Gay Regiment. In the Flaming Fifth all the standards of the code of military conduct would have to be maintained with the exception that they could ask and tell. While there may be a little more lavender in the regimental flag, there would be no other difference between the Flaming Fifth and other regiments.
The gay service members that were recently released from active duty feel that they can perform the jobs as well a non-openly gay members of the military. I have no doubt they can, other than the fact they can't seem to comprehend the don't ask don't tell policy.
This article was submitted for non-payment. Associated Content has not reviewed and does not endorse the views of this author. The author's use of the term lavender was intended to be humorous not inflammatory.
Published by captdallas2
Florida Keys life inspires many to artistic endeavor. CaptDallas2 is no exception. Writing songs, music and articles fills his time off the water. From boating to how to wipe your butt, the politically in... View profile
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11 Comments
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O, back to your first comment. Gays have rights in this country. When someone beat or kills some one they are subject to the courts. If someone beats or kills someone out of hateful predjudice, the suffer the punishment of the hate crime laws. Do you feel that American laws, military or civilian are discrimiatory?
Excellent question O,
One electing the flaming fifth would be serving themselves and their country. I am a part of that country. Sexuality is a private matter in polite society. The don't ask don't tell policy respects that privacy as long as the same respect is given. There are many gays that have served with distinction in the military, but not by pressing a gay agenda.
If gays are looking for total mainstream acceptance, where the majority accept their life style. Where the majority adapt their lifestyle, there will be a long search. Tolerance is not a bad thing.
Excellent question O,
If one elected the flaming fifth versus the regular military, they would be serving themselves and the their country. I am a part of that country. While I have not issues with gays, the military serves in areas that do have issues. Gay rights in this country are protected. That is not the case in the rest of the world. While respect and privlages are granted in this country, respect and privlage is earned in the military. There are gays in the military that have earned respect, but not by pursuing non-military agendas. Sex and sexuality is most often considered a private matter. As it should be! That may sound old fashion. Then many sensible things are.
For me, I would be derelict in my duty as a citizen if I were to accept, or expect, anything less than an America in which all Her people are treated as real American citizens. Historically, we know that granting second class status to segments of our population has, in fact, torn the color and fabric of the American soul. We still see these scars today. My question to you would be, once you create this flaming fifth, your new buffalo soldiers, who would they serve? Would they serve you?
Then that would be a reason for the flaming fifth. They can be gay, anounce they are gay and still serve. As you allude, the new buffalo soldiers.
If I remember correctly, several years ago an American soldier was murdered on base because he was gay...it would seem to me that his killer demonstrated great difficulty interpreting the military moral standard. There was a time when we didn't allow African Americans or women to serve either. This has changed, and the orientation line will fall as well. The military has sought Arab interpreters since the 9-11 attack because they knew they could be invaluable in intercepting messages from our enemies, perhaps foiling future attacks. For the military to release these interpreters from service, gay or not, seems ludicrous and counterproductive. Considering that gay men and women can be killed, beaten, and harrassed, I think it takes a great deal of courage for them to enter into military service. If I were fighting in Iraq, I'd want someone with this level of courage to be fighting right beside me. As the old saying goes, united we stand, divided we fall.
Interesting article!
have to say that i agree with you on this one. great piece
Loved it! :)