Don't Ask, Don't Tell and Ron Paul Analyzed

Written By: Dan Stanley  |  Posted: Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

A recent hot button issue concerning homosexuals in the military has arisen. The President and Congress are moving towards repealing a law instituted under former President Clinton. It was a law that allowed homosexuals in the military as long as they did not make their lifestyle known. If repealed, the homosexual could announce his homosexuality unabashed. Added to this is a new twist. Congressman Ron Paul is now supporting the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law.
He said as follows:
"I have received several calls and visits from constituents who, in spite of the heavy investment in their training, have been forced out of the military simply because they were discovered to be homosexual. To me, this seems like an awful waste. Personal behavior that is disruptive should be subject to military discipline regardless of whether the individual is heterosexual or homosexual. But to discharge an otherwise well-trained, professional, and highly skilled member of the military for these reasons is unfortunate and makes no financial sense."
The result of this change in the Congressman has made for much furor among his supporters. If the truth be known, it reveals a previous division among his supporters that includes democrats, republicans, independents, libertarians, constitutionalists and conservatives. Granted, these words merge at certain points, resulting in a certain amount of agreement and at other times disagreement. This division, though, can be reduced for the sake of terms to two classes of supporters, especially in regards to this particular issue. First, there are the libertarians. They fundamentally agree with repealing the law, and believe, to put it loosely, we should "live and let live." As long as you don't bother the other guy, leave him or her alone. Let them claim and act as they want as long as they do not intrude on another person's beliefs nor harm that other person. On the other hand, the conservatives (social conservatives?) believe it is wrong to allow homosexuals to openly proclaim their lifestyles. It is an immoral lifestyle and it should not be supported in any way, form or fashion. Their reason, among others, are the effects it would have on the unity of the military as well as their ability to function when fighting in a way that is best. It will weaken the military cohesion and ability to do its job according to many who have done credible research in regards to open homosexuality in the military.
To compound this problem, those in the military who are chaplains (some having written an letter to the President in this regards) are convinced this will limited their ability to teach all the Bible and speak openly and plainly about the sin of homosexuality. They are probably right. Of course, it could be due to freedom of religion they may be able to continue to speak plainly on these issues. Time will tell if the law is repealed.
It is my observation and conclusion that the answer is much simpler. It is to recognize the need to not allow any type of immorality to be publicly proclaimed or promoted in the military. Should the adulterous man or woman be allowed to speak freely of their adulterous "affairs?" Should the soldier be allow to brag about his or her flings with the opposite sex? Should pornography and obscene jokes be allowed in the military? We certainly would oppose stealing or raping or lying or assaulting other soldiers. We oppose even allowing the talk of such actions. Does the military knowingly allow men and women to commit adultery or fornication of various forms? My guess is married soldiers breaking their vows by sex outside of marriage is frowned upon and may even experience consequences due to their infidelity. I am fearful, though, to find out how loose the military might be concerning soldiers involved in sex outside of marriage for single people. Pornography?! My guess is it is everywhere.
The best answer is to not allow the promotion of immorality by letting soldiers participate in it nor even to allow the verbal promotion of it. This includes homosexuality as well as adultery and fornication. Put is back in the closet, whether lies, obscenity, homosexuality, adultery, or any other form of immorality. If someone is going to be involved in an immoral life style, then they will have to do so by stealth. The Bible states that it is even a "shame to speak of those things done in secret." You and I have a God given conscience. Whether a Christian or not, the vast majority of Americans know it is wrong to men to abandon their wives and for wives to abandon their husbands. We know that men and women involved in same sex relations is wrong. We know unmarried people should be going to bed together. It is simply wrong and destructive to the individual, the partner and to our homes and families. The military is a tough place to be in. War is hard and those who have been in it know better than myself. A certain amount of crudeness and rudeness accompanies soldiers lying in deserts and swamps in peril being killed in defense of their country. My hat goes of to all who have done so. It has been my privilege to honor many soldiers during funerals. Let, then, those in the military have the integrity and courage they display on the battle field keep showing up on their bases. Don't allow immorality of any kind. And let us support any such efforts the military make take in this direction. Don't fall for the lie that it is all right to proclaim ones immorality, regardless of beliefs. Some beliefs are plainly wrong. One large one in America is the belief that somehow it is o k to abandon ones vows and indulge in sex outside of marriage. Wrong. It is unnatural and a violation of both conscience and God. Better a new law. Don't do, Don't say.