Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Continues Under Obama

Well, this is at least one thing the zero has done right

It just goes to show how far we haven't come as a nation. Here you have someone willing to risk their life for their country only to be told that they don't matter. It has been my experience that a lot of people can't accept in others what they can't accept in themselves. It's definitely more of a loss for the military than it is for Lt. Choi. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Choi is a patriot and wants to serve our country. Plus, he has skills that the FBI, CIA, and the military are desparately in need of. So why was he kicked out? Because he loves his country? Because he chose to use his much needed skills to help the country instead of himself or another country? Who makes these policy decisions? Who signed that letter? This is absolutely ridiculous. God bless this man for volunteering to serve my country. I am thankful that there are men out there like him who are looking out for me. Unfortunately, this country is now less safe because Choi is not there to help protect it.

why would you ever want to be part of an organization the treats it's members this way. I am not gay but I am very glad I never had anything to do with the military and their bigoted ways.

Horrible.
Truly the the most ridiculous policy our country has ever had.
End it now!
13,000 individuals released for being honest and true about who they are....funny, I thought that's exactly what the military was about.
Honesty, loyalty and love of country.

So sad, it sickens me.

I was also ousted from the Navy after my commander learned of my sexual orientation. Nothing the government can do will repair the betrayal I've experienced from this discharge. I still love the military, and would go back in a heart beat if recalled, but Barack Obama lied, just like all the other politicians. and to think, I voted for him for that reason.

President Obama could have ended the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy with a signature on an Executive Order just as President Clinton established it in an Executive Order. Before Pres Clinton's Executive Order, he would have been courts marshalled for no less than conduct unbecoming of an officer.

The letter/memo sent to the Lt was probably a standard template where a clerk could type in the individual's name and organization.

Additionally, the NY National Guard is the NY Governor's militia, I believe commanded by a one or two star general. What are they doing for or to him?

"Don't Ask Just Tell" the armed forces to stop wasting taxpayer money in dismissing fully-qualified personnel from serving our country. Good Lord, how long does it take for the Pentagon to hatch an idea?

I heard this story on MSNBC, but I'm not saying I watch it to compete over CNN, no no. The story I heard from Choi felt like he's being slapped hard by the people who tells gays "to lie over their orientation" in order to serve in the army. This is getting pathetic over the DADT policy, note the acronyms. It's unpatriotic to throw gays and lesbians out of the army because of them getting out of the closet as gays or lesbians. Anyone, not matter what of their creed, orientation, or status, or marital status, has the right to serve in the army. I say to them, let them serve, as long they don't "hit on them." Don't Ask Don't Tell must be taken out! Period!

Good for him. Took great courage to be proud of who he is and to refuse to stay in the closet. He did the right thing by coming out and I'm personally very proud of him. The military should be ashamed of what this policy does to our young men and women who wish to serve our great nation.

If anyone needed proof that Don't ask don't tell hurts our nation's security, this is it. At a time when the military and the intelligence services desperately need officers with Arab language skills, at a time when we know that our ability to fight terror is being hampered by a lack of officers with Arab language skills, we are turning away linguists because of their sexual preference.

You can debate the wisdom of this young man's not continuing to hide his identity as a gay American in order to continue to serve – but the bottom line is that the 'dont ask dont tell' policy is a disgraceful policy.

Bigotry and descrimination of this sort should be a sad footnote in the history books – not a abhorent reality of 21st century America.

President Obama – you have prided yourself on being able to focus on many things at once. Please put an end to this policy of government sponsored descrimination. It weakens our nation by expelling skilled and necessary citizens from our military and, perhaps worse, it weakens the very moral fibre of our Democracy.

Cut the Crap. Only real men are to be in the Army. I support the Military for firing him. This nations sucks and it is going to Hell.

I saw this young man on Rachel Maddow's show last night, he is articulate, great personality and nice looking. What a waste of our money to educate him at one of the academies and then because he is gay to kick him out of the military. Oh, I guess we don't need him, he is only an Arabic translator. This is one thing that I am upset with Obama about and this is something he promised to change. There was also a young woman officer that was being discharged due to being a Lesbian. I am very disgusted with this country, Are we going backwards? A young lady being murdered because she was Jewish, prejudice against gays and blacks. I was hoping for more under the new President.

I appreciate the military for adhereing to strict moral standards. The military is 100 percent oposite of the civilian world and unless you are part of it you don't and won't understand that way of life. Homosexuality would be a downgrading of a higher standard of living.

Any commendations, medals, awards and honorable discharges bestowed upon members of the New York State National Guard during the time of Lt. Choi's service should be immediately revoked since it had been declared that their good order and discipline was negatively affected by Lt. Choi's homosexuality.

What I don't understand is that it would be illegal for me to deny someone employment at my company because of their sexual orientation, but the United States Military can "fire" a good soldier for admitting that they are a homosexual. I don't get it. They recruit people that have gone over seas and raped and murdered innocent people, murdered pregnant soldiers and burried them in their backyard after burning their body and knowingly still employ people that are obviously mentally unstable. How does this happen??? I am a national guard soldier myself and I would be proud to serve with Lt. Choi.

WOW....He wants to fight for his Country, One that dosent want to fight for him. How sad is that???

WAKE UP AMERICA!

This kind of discrimination is slowly, but surley on the road to making gays and lesbians the next minority to be frowned upon and abused by the public. It seems our country always needs someone to hate. Centuries ago, it was african-americans, decades ago, it was women, and now it is gays and lesbians. People are pushing young gay and lesbian kids to commit suicide. Something has to be done to stop this. I'm only 16 years old and I know this. I'm also gay and tell you all that read this that being gay is NOT a choice. I can't help it. Just please don't let this escalade into something bigger.

The previous Democratic President, Bill Clinton, also found that once in office, and even with the title of Commander in Chief, you can't simply order the US Armed Forces to stop being homophobic.

It seems that Obama faces the same obstacle.

As a military veteran I have an uncomfortable truth for you, the great majority of people serving in the milittary are poor and lower middle class, and do not share the ideas of diversity that others might. To inflict openly gay members of the military will surely have the effect of lowering morale. Not pretty, not nice, but that is the fact. Our national security is more important then how you feel.

What a disgrace. In this day and age to destroy someone's life and career because they are homosexual is abhorrent. Throw in the fact that he speaks Arabic fluently and that's doubly insane. And how does homosexuality make him "morally or professionally derelict" or "negatively effect the good order and discipline" of the National Guard. The government is pathetic. And as long as homosexuals are treated as second class citizens, they are under absolutely no obligation to pay the same taxes or obey the same laws that that the first class citizens, heterosexuals, do. It's high time Gay Americans start fighting back, with violence if necessary.

I wish all gays would go back in the closet. Main stream america is getting sick of the gay agenda and how they jam it down our throats.

Surprise surprise, Obama is a politician, it's his job to lie, back out of promises made in the 'heat of campaigns'. Holds true for 100% of our elected officials. I'm not gay and never had any problems serving with those that were. The rule stinks.
USN 70-77, USA 78-01

Wow! to the first post.

Most of the people in this country are no better than the freaks we're trying to protect ourselves from.

Take it from a combat vet. gays and lesbians deserve their rights but keep it out of the military. there is no room for that stuff in combat, you want to be gay be gay stay out of the military......

Obama sucks and I can't wait for him to be gone after the 4 years.Those who voted him in are now realising that he can't not be trusted. All he wanted is to be on the big stage.He has no idea what he is doing . He is a puppet of those old democrats. Can't wait for him to move to his filthy chicago.

Live with it. You knew what the rules were. You decided you couldn't live in hiding and they decided that you broke the rules. What is the problem? You are being who you are, and they are being who they are. Stop whinning!!!!

READ the policy and stick to IT, by admitting that your GAY openly violates that RULE, then why admit it in the first place. It's welcoming to know that you want to serve your country, but follow directions and abide with the law.

THERE are RULES that needs to be followed and there WILL be consequences if you broke those RULES. So admitting to breaking that RULE is just fair and justified.

If "don't ask, don't tell" is repealed, the military should end all gender specific segregation. No separate showers, bathrooms, living quarters, clothing or equipment. All the same, whether heterosexual or homosexual, male or female.

Aaron,

I served in the Military as a submariner during the Cold War. Your bigoted response suggesting that gay Americans are a 'downgrade' compared to straight Americans is a big part of what is wrong with our Country. It is hard to believe that in the 21st century, this sort of prejudice exists.

Where exactly does your sense of heterosexual entitlement come from?

It seems to me that if Lt. Choi wanted to serve and become a person of high integrity in the service, the least he could have done is keep his mouth shut and do his military job(s). If he's more interested in telling the world who he is, then at least for the time being he is in violation of the, "don't ask, DON'T TELL" policy. After all, nobody is asking him.

All of these personnel who join the military know the regulations and for him to say that after all he did he should get special treatment is unbecoming.

My son just joined the Air Force. He is a straight male ready to serve. I can say he would not care if a fellow troop member was gay or straight as long as they do there job and don't "impose" there sexual views on him. Just as he would not tell them what he likes. I support all our troops gay or straight. Putting your life on the line is far more important than what you like in "bed". Its unfair and everyone should not have to lye about who they are. We all have our own ways of thinking. Is this america ? God Bless all our troops period. End of story.

How can a nation who to claims equity for all, be so hypocritical. The Military and government – all of which is sworn to support the nation and the principles of the constitution openly breaks its the most basic of its own laws.

In this day and age we are still discriminating based on sexual orientation. It is no more a matter of who someone is or their committment to their country then gender, color or religion. Get rid of the ridiculous rule already Obama will you???

The military has been saying it needs more people for a long time. I believe instituting the draft was even discussed at one point, even if not implemented. Why is it leaving out people who are capable of serving when they need extra soldiers? Orientation shouldn't have anything to do with how well you serve. How does saying three words "undermine" the NY military? I'm confused.

The discrimination facing gays and lesbians in the military is akin to that which used to face blacks and other minorities in the armed services. It wasn't right then, it isn't right now. Neither sexual orientation nor the color of one's skin determines fitness to serve and protect our country.

"Your sexual preference should be a small part of your identity, at least it is for normal heterosexual people. They don’t go around announcing their sexual preferences." - Whoaaa... Not even close to true; just turn on the television, or the radio, or open a magazine! Or maybe you don't mean the word "normal" as in "the majority of".

Anyway, I am all for kicking gays out of the military so they can stay safe here at home and hang out with me!

Even as a West Point Graduate, Lt Choi cannot seem to follow orders ,his Oath of Office, or his sollom word. If he had followed the Orders of the President of the United States his discharge would not have taken place. To be a good leader one must first be a good follower.
"I, [name], do solemly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State (Commonwealth, District, Territory) of ___ against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of the State (Commonwealth, District, Territory) of ___, that I make this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of [grade] in the Army/Air National Guard of the State (Commonwealth, District, Territory) of ___ upon which I am about to enter, so help me God.[3]"

I work for the government and that's all they do is LIE. When they are done with you, they are done. No questions asked, here's your papers, now leave. That pretty much sums it up. Sorry Choi...you're worth so much more.

Why would anyone want to serve and protect a country that doesn't respect them. The religious nuts and bigots runs America...time for decent people to move out...try Canada maybe.

Well regardless of how you feel in this matter the LT's chain of command had no choice but to remove him from service. This does not mean he was a bad soldier in any respect. Their is a policy in place that the LT was well aware of. By his public statements he not only violated this policy but brought a political argument into his military service.

The military follows laws and regulations The fact that he openly outed himself demonstrated his desire to have a political conforontation. To think that the good order and disapline of his unit would not be affected by being the focus of a political fight is not realistic.

There are many gay service members in the military who are professionals and patriots. You give up alot of things when you raise your right hand and for gay service members that means they can not be open about their sexuality. It is simply the way it currently is.

If you feel the current regulatins on this issue are not fair attack congress or the administration. Leave the Army out of it. The army will follow what ever guidelines and regulations are in place. The fact is most of the services are far too busy with important matters to care one bit about this. So if you want to fight this fight good luck but if you want to fight it while servering kindly get out.

Open homosexuality is detrimental to good order and discipline. The people who support it,by and large ,have not served.

Yet another example that gay American's are in fact discriminated against for nothing more than being who they are. The policy is shameful and should be rescinded immediately. I wonder if President Obama will have the courage of Lt. Choi.

Obviously the nation is poised for a larger battle over the rights of gay men and women...and our president, a man I wholeheartedly support and champion, will have to make a very difficult but important decision. As a gay man, I think the time has come – not only for gay people but for the nation – to stand up to the discrimination that has plagued America, just like other civil rights fights in the past. I find it interesting to note to those who do not approve of gay marriage, the repealing of DADT, and legal/adoption rights of gay people are also, in many instances, some of the most intolerant, ignorant, and hateful "Christians" in our nation. What kind of message does that send to others, including our children? Those of you with legitimate and respectful concerns – please speak out and take the reigns.

I applaud the decision to 'fire' him. Lt Choi agreed to the policy upon signing up. An officers conduct sets an example for the enlisted folks who report to him. If he chooses to 'flaunt' the rules, he doesn't have a leg to stand on when his troops decide to do the same.

When this happens, discipline and morality breaks down. That makes for a very ineffective military.

Also, has anyone thought about the Iraqi civilians? I believe homosexuality is against their religious beliefs.

I don't believe in rape and murder. If another country's military came to my country to 'help me', I wouldn't want their help as my acceptance of their help will indicate that I approve of their morals.

I don't go around telling everyone that I'm heterosexual. The only time I speak of it is when I am propositioned by a homosexual.

Heterosexual, homosexual or whatever, keep your sexual orientation to yourself. I personally don't care to hear it.

The gay community will ATTACK anything that gets in the way of their agenda, even though they comprise only 2 -3 percent of the total population. I am in the military, I do not want to shower and perform personal hygeine with a gay man checking me out. I have been SEXUALLY HARRASSED BY GAY MEN ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASSION in the community.

So this West Point graduate, he does not bother to tell you that when he took the oath, he also said he would agree to follow ALL THE RULES. Well guess what, he didn't. Bottom line is this: gay and lesbian comunity, get a life. We do not care if you choose that lifestyle, just quit pushiing it on 97 – 98 percent of the population. Yes, I said you chose that lifestyle.

This is outrageous. We must remind our president and fellow lawmakers that discrimation of any kind in our military is un-American. Lt Dan Choi is an asset to this nation and his absence will be another senseless loss to our security. And for those who fear gays in the military, don't tell me no gay US soldier has ever bled or died for this country.

I served four and half years with the 82nd Airborne in an infantry unit. I spent a tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. My question is not if gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve, they definatly should. My problem is more administrative; if you're going to have homosexuals living other homosexuals and with straights as well, are we then going to have co-ed showers and living quarters. I understand that not all homosexuals are attracted to everyone of the same sex but why should they get a 'free show' and everyone else isn't afforded the same allowances? I personally think they should go for it, I don't have a problem with it in the slightest, but I think you have to make similar allowances for straights as well.

I have the right to fire an employee if he/she says that they are gay. I should have the right to run my company with the morals and standards as I see fit. I think the military should have that right as well.

I don't think people are truely looking at the real issue at hand here. I'm not exactly sure of the real reasoning this mandate originated, but think about the logisitics involved in overturning it. Instead of having two sexes, you will now have four. Instead of two seperate dormitories, showers, and such, you would now have to have four. This is not a decision that is easily applicable due to financial and management restraints.

Choi is an American who served his country well and would be willing to continue to do so. Because of his sexuality, the military is forcing a person with the exact skills they need to leave the armed forces. What is wrong with this picture??

Numerous states are now looking at the rights of same sex couples to marry and yet the military still requires people who happen to be homosexual to leave. Haven't these people been serving the very country that promises "freedom and justice for ALL"?

I believe Choi and everyone in the Knights Out should be allowed to stay in the military if they choose to. They are excellent service men and women who should be allowed to continue to serve this nation.

And President Obama must put an end to this immediately!

Yeah, Don't ask and don't tell!

And while you're at it....

Black people paint your faces white, and girls...wear a fake penis! You know how you disrupt us here!!!!

You're in the Army Boy!

(This is sarcasm moderators)

Mr. Choi was not fired on the basis "military policy". He was separated from service in accordance with a federal law passed by the Congress, signed by the President, and upheld by the Supreme Court.

While senior leaders have some discression in setting priorities of enforcement, simply choosing not to follow the law because you do not agree with it is not an option for service members at any level. To do so is what leads (always) to chaos and (potentially) to coups.

If you don't agree the law is right, say so on your editorial page – but the bias of portraying the military as homophobic or stupid because they follow the law (and the orders of the Commander in Chief) needs to stop.

mytoys, that is an ignorant comment on your part. Obviously youhave NEVER been part of the military but you you cast judgement on us? Shame on your for belittleing the insitution that protects you from harm and has had politics forced upon it.

President Clinton made a lot of mistakes, but in my opinion, this one takes the cake. "Don't ask, don't tell" is the most senseless and most blatant method of discrimination that I'm aware of, and it's stamped with the government seal of approval. It's disgusting. I also think it's pretty degrading to our troops – we entrust them with our safety, every American is indebted to them for life and longer, and yet, we don't think they're professional enough, and capable enough to handle working alongside a homosexual? The argument that having a known homosexual in the ranks somehow disrupts the "good order and discipline" within a military unit is a bad one. I think that most people in this day and age are accepting of other individuals' personal choices.

Homosexual soldiers are the same as any other soldier – and they deserve our honor, our respect, and our gratitude. We need to stop discharging qualified and brave individuals from our military for a reason that has absolutely no bearing on their qualifications and their ability to serve. Asking these individuals to be honorable by definition of their duty and then asking them to lie or cover up something that is central to their being is pretty shameful. President Clinton might have been better off imposing "Don't ask, don't tell" on Monica Lewinski.

This policy is and has always been unconstitutional and regardless of President Obama's intent to repeal this policy, the White House and the people of the United States need to stand up and protect these individuals, like Lt. Choi, that have put their life on the line protecting us.

Absolutely, this is insane. I am sure President Obama will get this resolved quickly!!!

Aaron – Where have you gotten your facts. Numerous studies have proven your logic to be complete crap. You are part of a limited number of homophobes that have or still serve in the military. The whole idea that gays demoralize the military came from a handfull of top brass years ago. Some of these same top brass have come out themselves, not as gays, but as homophobes that have openly admitted it was their own homophobia that led them to suggest these policies.
Please grow up and face that fact that you are not so hot that gay soldiers can't keep their hands off you.

All he had to do was NOT announce to the world "I like to have gay sex" and he would still be in. I think he is selfish for "coming out". He got a free education, and then decided "Oh my, I can't live like this"?

I guess I will not go back into the army...I can clearly see they are going to change the policy in light of this story...I REFUSE TO SERVE..

If they implemented the draft, I am assuming I can claim I am gay to avoid it. Or do we have a double-standard there too?

I too am a servicemember, and agree it would cause issues.

When deployed you sometimes have open bay showers, or 'gang showers' as they are sometimes called. No heterosexual man wants another man looking at him while naked. Thats just the way it is, and for gays a 'gang shower' is an all you can see buffet.

The ones who come out would be beaten, made fun of, ridiculed, and messed with over and over again. There is no way around that. As such it is SAFER for them to either stay in the closet or stay out.

Don't like the policy? Dont freakin join. Stay home, and work in the civilian sector. We dont need you here.

STUPID! they discharge talented professionals who are desperately needed, and on the flip side allow convicted felons and high school dropouts to join the military. STUPID!

I support Lt Choi and all the others still serving. I retired form the USAF after 21 years and can finally state in public I am bisexual. I do not understand the culture that is permitted to exist in the US Military. We have "hate crime" legislation on this and yet the military can continue to discriminate...I know of many Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals in the military and none were creating problems...sad that it is the 21st century and we are still thinking like this

I disagree, yes the military is full of lower and middle class, but we have diversity training several times in a year. And believe it or not, it helps us deal with lots of situations. I spent 6 years in the Air Force, I see and understand a lot more because of the training that I had went through, and I am comfortable enough that it wouldn't have bothered me to serve with a homosexual person.

One of my biggest issues with DADT is "Security Clearances". We were told that being a homosexual caused people to hide and cover up things in their lifestyle so they were "Risks" in the security situation. DADT tells them to do just that ; LIE. If I lied about my credit rating or about some other personal thing I would lose my clearance, but these highly training people are actually TOLD to lie via the policy. Doesnt that MAKE them a security risk? Could they be extorted into breaking security rules and worse, blackmailed into betraying their country. So DADT actually undercuts the national security. Flawed policy!! It makes Less secure.

Why are you insulting blacks by comparing them to gays? Don't equate my skin with your sin!!

Why can't people just live and let live?

While I was in the Army we had several soldiers that were openly gay in my units. This is for both men and women. However, when it came to gay women, it seemed the unit command turned a blind eye to them. We had one female soldier who went AWOL to be with her girlfriend and was caught at the girlfriends house and only given a article 15 with 30 days extra duty. The male soldiers were usualy kicked right out after the command discovered they were gay. There were a couple that they did not kick out so to me it seamed like it was a matter of the commands discretion on if they enforced it. Although, they should have been more even handed when it came to treating the females the same as males.

I agree with the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy for a number or reasons. First and foremost, all people are not understanding. If the policy was revoked and people were open about their sexuality, how long would it take before hate crimes against homosexuals in the military makes headlines? I'm personally think that sexual preference is an individual decision, but in a wartime situation are others going to feel the same way? Isn't that why women aren't allowed in combat? Because the men would act differently and not fight like they should. Same concept. The military is not saying to hide what you are, they are saying to keep it to yourself because no one needs to know about your personal life. We're not here to make friends people, we're here to serve and defend our country.

A persons sexuality has absolutely NOTHING to do with their ability to perform a job... zero, zip, NADA! This country is so uncomfortable with it's own sexuality... it's disgusting! Several of my friends are gay and/or bisexual. That's their thing... they know it's not mine... and we all get along fine. People are so quick to label others. "Signs, signs... everywhere are sign. Blocking up the scenery... breaking my mind! Do this... don't do that! Can't you read the signs?" A person is proven through their actions... and, as far as I am concerned, Lt. Choi's actions make him a patriot to the United States of America who should have his commission reinstated immediately! And, by the way, I'm prior service Army... so, I feel I have some grounds to speak based on that fact as well. Respectfully Submitted – Andrew

DADT is a federal law, not an executive order. It cannot be changed with an executive order.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/10/654.html

It took a lot of hope and courage for Choi to out himself, everything we expect from a military leader. What the president is doing on this policy is backpeddle and cowar on moral principle, not something we expect from our Commander-in-Chief. Democrats need to grow a set and face the ignorance and bigotry of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" head on. It was wrong what the Republican-controlled Congress forced it on Clinton and it's wrong now. The only difference is that the Democrats can change it... that IS what we elected them for.

Leave the war to the straight people. They're begging for it. We gays will just sit back and enjoy "not dying or shot dead in Iraq".

Hey gay communnity and those not in the military, leave us alone. We live and work under very peculiar circumstances that you do not understand or appreciate. I will serve with these people under the current policy only. Do you know how many people will leave the military if this is changed? Trust me when I tell you that the current policy is the best policy.

I make my own choices in life, to include being heterosexual. You are free to make your own choices too. I have never once asked a gay or lesbian friend to change. I do not discriminate, I just do not agree.

Most of y'all are thinking, "Poor little gay guy". But if he was allowed to stay, what about the rights of most of the others? If I was in the military I would not want to be associated with this guy. Especially in private areas such as restrooms, etc. Don't get me wrong, I have freinds that are openly gay. However, I am also open with them that I feel that what they are doing is nothing more than sexual perversion being legalized.

It's a shame that LT Choi has been dismissed from the service. West Point grad w/Arabic language skills has been "fired"? And what is so unbecoming about this young man being forthright & honest? He had the integrity to come & say this is who I am. He's gay, so what? Aren't there more important things to worry about in life?

When will this last barrier fall? I'm a veteran & served w/gay & lesbian soldiers, to me they were simply comrades-in-arms. Even had a gay platoon sergeant who was gay & also a highly decorated Vietnam veteran. In fact some of the soldiers I served with didn't try to hide their homosexuality too much, they simply did their jobs day in & day out. And my commanders were content to let them soldier on.

To LT Choi and the others who were discharged because of DADT 've but two words for you: Drive on!

President Obama- we are waiting for an end this hurtful policy. You are trying manfully to achieve many things that cost a great deal. Ending this government- sponsored policy of discrimination now is one positive change that would not require the budgeting of a single dollar. We have waited so long and so many competent, professional young people have been hurt by this- please don't delay any longer. End this now.

Very sad!!! Obama needs to step in and change the policy....I was raised in a military family and have a father who is a retired General and I am very dissapointed this has continued to be a practicing policy in the US.

If you, like me, are sick and tired of hearing all the gays, lesbians, feminists, blacks, hispanics, etc., complain about being treated differently, then I suggest we STOP TREATING THEM DIFFERENTLY. Nothing will quiet their complaining quicker than treating them equally and fairly. Simple, huh?

That's funny, I knew a female Lt that came out in the Oregon Army National Guard, Ellie Werk (sp?). She also held a government office in Central Oregon. They never kicked her out under the "Don't ask Don't tell" policy which was in effect at the time.
Double Standards for Lesbians vs. Gays?

He's willing to die for his country and it can't accept him for who he is. Look at what we have come to. This country doesn't stand for equality, it stands for bigotry and alienation. This is an example of how some people want to build a wall around our country and push out everything they think is immoral. This country is full of many beliefs not just theirs, and they wont others live their own lives the way they want openly. They would rather be like Iran. They're more like terrorist than patriots!

Dear President Obama,

Please end the don't ask don't tell policy.

Unfortaunately, for many of you whom have not served in the military such as I have for 20 years, the concept and rules are clear, the ramifications in the lower ranks or in the field for breaking such rules can be devasting. A unit can loose it's moral or become untrustworthy toward it's own members. In hostile or remote territories, many more of my commarades would and will come home as fallen soldiers. The rules were clear and Mr. Chio made a concise and clear descicion without reservation while using his rank and authority in which to carry out his descision. The consequences of his actions were known and do not reflect great credit upon those whom have served or continute to serve. There is a place for don't ask and don't and he chose to repeal them for his own benefit.

I don't know the reason for him coming out and I don't care. He was discharged because his admission that he was gay assumes that he will engage in homosexual conduct. That conduct, in military terms, is detrimental to good order and discipline, both of which you need to have an effective military. He didn't have to come out, he chose to. His discharge is his own fault.

lol yes 'Active Duty', all the gays have totally "chosen" their lifestyle. I just woke up one day and said to myself "By God, it's high time I started sleeping with men!"

If you seriously believe that, you've identified the country's problem with gays perfectly: there are people who think that being gay is just something that you can turn on and off. Just like I'm sure you could turn off being straight.

When they start allowing Co-ed rooms, and open Co-ed showers, then that should be the time they allow gays to serve openly.

Think of the logistics. In boot camp, you would have to have a separate platoon for the gays, and in the fleet, you would have to have separate rooms for them. Just like they do for the females.

Stop all the whining. When will you all realize that equality only applies to those in the majority? Once you all understand this, we will have a whole lot more peace around here.

As with the vast majority of comments on this page, I'm infuriated at what happened. If you're upset, do something:

THE WHITE HOUSE: 202-456-1111

We're all emotional about this. It's time to get real change done and let the President know.

To Douglas From USA

As far as the Iraqis go, Woman are for Procreation and Men are for Please. During my 2 tours in Iraq it was very comman to see the Iraqi men holding hands, hugging, kissing and speaking of sexual acts they would do to each other.

I did not vote for Obama, probably will not vote for him in '12 either. The one thing he promised for "Change We Can Believe In" was that things would be differrent. I have 23 years in the military, and have seen this don't ask/don't tell nightmare created by Clinton become a source of shame for the military. Obama could fix this now by ordering DoD to eliminate this policyand begin accepting Gays openly and without prejudice. Yes, it will anger the far right and many of the older servicemembers who would not vote for him anyway, but it is a change that is sorely needed.

Obama will play politics with this in order to try and secure re-election because he is more interested in being popular than being a leader. If he cannot exercise some leadership over a matter of internal policy, how can we expect him to exercise leadership over a larger (and possbly unpopular) decision that would put US troops in harm's way?

Obama stands for change? Whatever.

As a veteran of Iraq it doesn't bother I am conflicted. I could care less what others do on their free time. When you serve you do it for your country. Obviously this is a smart man who is fluent in Arabic and is a capable leader. On those merits he shouldn't have been fired but the Army values state Integrity as one of the pillars of its existence. He knew going into this that he would not be allowed to come out and keep his job. I commend him for having the bravery to stand up for who he is but he did know the law and he did know what would happen if the truth were to come out (pun intended). I do think this law needs to be changed. As a former linguist I understand how hard it is to learn Arabic. I took nearly 1.5 yrs in Monterey, California learning it and it was not easy. This is a highly sought after language and it foolish not to keep him for that in itself. I know the majority of people will scream from the rooftops about how wrong it is and i agree in principal but you also must understand that the average person can't do what we do and will not understand the commitment involved. No one will understand the concept of giving your rights up to serve but when you make these sacrifices you also understand that you are expecting to live up to a certain standard and that doctrine is lifeblood. He knew the consequences and I can guaruntee he waited until Obama became President to force change which is not always the best thing. So before people cry and complain understand that when you put on that uniform you don't the equal rights anymore. You sign those away in order to be a aprt of somehting bigger then you. You give them away so people can cry and complain without being persecuted. You're not out there fighting and watching your buddies die but sitting on your couch and complaining about the news. So think before you type. I commend him on one hand but he broke the law regardless of how assinine it may be. Its still a law and until they change it theres nothing he nor you can do. Its the way of the world.

If u want to continue to have gays in the military that bunk together there really is no need to have seperate living quarters for the males and females. The policy was to keep sexes apart because of sexual problems that arise. Seems like the same thing to me when u put gays with their own sexes that they are attracted to.

Unless you've been in the military then you can not understand the mindset/culture and how gays do or do not fit into it. Unfortunately, homosexuality is still a "big deal" to a lot of people. Whether it's because they hate the gay community, or because they support it fervently. For centuries, our country's military has kept gays from openly serving. We can't expect that issue to be corrected by a president signing an executive order or three. Changing a subculture like that takes time, diligence, education, compassion, and patience. President Clinton took a big first step in that process when he implemented Don't Ask Don't Tell. But it was just one step amongst many needed steps. America as a whole needs to be more accepting of homosexuality, and it will then filter into the military subculture. The mid-grade officers with open minds need to become generals. A million other steps, including people who sacrifice, speak out, and pay a price for their commitment to this cause such as Lt. Choi. I was proudly in the Army for four years. I can tell you that many of the people I served with would not have cared about a person's orientation, but there are still some who would. And those relative few would react violently in certain instances to homosexuality in the ranks. Homophobia is still there, and always will be. But before we can risk soldier's lives by allowing them to serve as openly gay, we have a lot of work to do. And it starts in each of our own homes by discussing things with our children, and raising them to not have the bigotry of our generation(s). And we have to each, on our own, look at the big picture. That's the wonderful thing about America. We have problems, but we've got the right to speak out and act to fix those problems.

This man joined the service with full knowledge of our policies. It is his fault and no one else's that he was discharged. Men and women claiming to be homosexuals should not be allowed to serve for the sole reason that it would decrease military effectiveness. Do not feel pity or sorrow for this man. He man be a graduate of West Point, a veteran of Iraq, and what have you. But an educated man who commits a crime is still fully responsible for the consequences.

Being a 20 year Vet myself he got he deserved. It's interesting to find out if the pro-Choi sympathizers have ever served their country or others...or just their own me-me-me agenda.

As someone in the military, I don't give a crap what someone does on their own time when it comes to relationships. Seriously, it's not against the law, so why should it be against military policy? If he/she has the skills, why not let them serve?

Change we can believe in all right... We need to start promoting the Modern Whig Party. Founded by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, they have in just a short time attracted about 30,000 members on a common-sense, rational platform of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and yes, bold social progression. Even with the socially liberal bent, they are attracting thousands of disenchanted Republicans.

rules are rules. There are obvious homosexuals that serve in the Armed Forces and those who joined knew from the get go about the "Dont ask Dont tell" policy. Those who choose to make their sexual preference public must be discharged. He very much knew exactly what the reprocussions would be and he chose to ignore that. He is responsible for his own actions. We all make choices on a daily basis that can be negative or positive. He happened to make a choice that owuld negatively affect his career. He should have thought long and hard about his "coming out" before he did so. Plain and simple he knew and now he has to pay for it.

What is with everybody in this country? Why is it now okay to be gay and throw it in everybody's face? I'm GLAD the military fired that guy, he knew the rules but slapped the military in the face by choosing to disregard it, and now he's crying? A TRUE soldier follows orders and the rules, and is proud to serve by showing the utmost respect for his country and the military rules he/she has chosen to protect, not wag his thing in front of the cameras and shout out about where he chooses to put it.

Homosexuals have no place in the military and definitely no place around NORMAL heterosexuals. they need to go find a country of their own to "come out" and stay there. Don't continue to poison life as it should be. You people are just WRONG and don't need to be in society. You're just like lepers and need to be segregated from the rest of the world. I don't want you protecting my country.

This story just reminds us all how ridiculous the America can be. In any other circumstances we would all be commending this guy as a 'patriot/hero/angel' and any other cliche we could think of. But he's gay, so he deserves to be barred from helping defend this country and his fellow soldiers and fired from his job in a recession. Crazy stuff.

Wisconsin Paul, it's funny how you mentioned gays and getting things rammed down your throat in the same post. That's homosexual behavior and you should be fired from your job. (Just trying to make a point).

Funny how people that have never served in the military can be so quick to judge them. You have no idea what we have to deal with. In the Navy, you sleep in compartments that can have up to 150 men or women living in them. I could careless if someone is gay. But think about this, if you know someone is gay and they look at you while you are changing, what runs through your mind? Is he checking me out? Yes, we are a prudish people and because we have this hang-up about sex and the naked body, things will never change.

The gay and lesbian life is contrary to the laws of nature. No god in the equation, no politics in the equation, no opinion in the equation, just nature. You are by nature incorrect.

Rrrgh, this is so stupid. But you know what's almost worse to me? About 1 in 10 comments on this story SUPPORT the decision to kick this dedicated soldier out, just because he revealed something that he shouldn't have to hide. Explain to me exactly how who he's attracted to affects how disciplined or qualified he is. Yes, following orders is important when you're in the military, but this is a part of who he is and they're asking him to lie about it. Because what, someone might feel uncomfortable? What about the racists that still exist, maybe they feel uncomfortable having a black person in their unit. Should that person be fired too? We really do have a long way to go...

Is is time for the 30000 or so service members now serving in the armed forces to come out and be dischared, what whould the military do then? Its horrible that people are being discharged from the military because of who they are and love. Also to Suc My Wang...you have no idea what your talking about. Straight people don't have to admit they are straight because they are. Gay people can't admit they are gay or they will be dischared. See the difference..

"I appreciate the military for adhereing to strict moral standards. The military is 100 percent oposite of the civilian world and unless you are part of it you don’t and won’t understand that way of life. Homosexuality would be a downgrading of a higher standard of living."

The military is a small sample of the general population. We have druggies and men who beat their wives and kids in here too... Or the people who steal from the military or pull off other fraudulent activities. I think someone's sexual orientation is not a concern of us.

Meant it doesn;t bother me what you do in your spare time. But again if you've never been in that culture and been a part of something liek the Army then don't cry equal rights. When you sign on that dotted line you give up your rights. He knew it and disobeyed his order. I know he's probably a good guy but these things are black and white. Maybe in the future things will change but without rules and regulations being upheld to the highest standards you have nothing. Ask yourself why we have the greatest Army, the best Marines, the strongest Navy or the best Air Force. It is b/c we have put order and regulations that follow very strictly. It may be wrong but don't criticize unless you've been there.

I'm gay. I agree with the decision to fire him because he broke the rules. In order to lead you must follow the rules.
That said... this rule absolutely must be repealed. It's stupid to think that what someone likes in bed affects their ability to shoot a gun. What exactly are they doing out there that makes it more likely for a gay person to ruin the military?
For those of you who say you do not "flaunt" your sexuality. Try going through your day without looking at or speaking about the person you love or are sexually attracted to. Try having to sit through everybody else's conversation about how their husband or wife does this or that for them, anything from she helps me tie my tie to I love when we cuddle on the couch. When you are gay in the military, DADT means you can't say ANYTHING. It's not about being able to sexually harass your fellow soldiers. How about not being sexually harassed yourself by other hetero soldiers trying to hit on you because they think you are straight? You don't like it when gay people hit on you. Here' s a clue... we don't like being hit on by you either.
DADT flies in the face of the military honor code. It forces people to come up with elaborate lies about the simplest day to day events in their lives. If you are in the military with a closeted soldier, you are living with a liar. If they can't tell the truth about who ironed their uniform, then what else could they be lying about?

He knew the policy when he and his fellow Knights decided to come out of the closet. It appears he had a political agenda or wanted to challenge the Army. Too bad for him that the Army does not work that way. The policy will stand and be enforced until it is rescinded. The president could do it but he has it. He should be happy he is out since the Iraqis are targeting their own gays. What would they do if they got an American homosexual.

Why did he feel the need to "come out" in a way such as he did? I'm heterosexual, I don't join a heterosexual group to make sure everyone is aware that I'm heterosexual. Honestly, I don't care if someone is homosexual or heterosexual, but constantly having to proclaim your homosexual is a little strange. I don't have conversations that refer to my sexuality, pro or con, so why do homosexuals feel the need to do so? If you're truly comfortable with who you are, you don't require validation or recognition from other people. You can be happy with yourself regardless. Stop forcing yourselves into victim status and then crying about it.

Umm, I am sorry, if he wants to serve let him serve with the women.

Why does a person who likes men get to be around them all the time. Share showers and barracks??? How uncomfortable do you think it makes those other men feel??

Do straight men get to bunk with 40 women and take showers with them also??

Dear Active Duty:

Maybe you should visit the website that is your namesake to see what the world thinks of your "Active Duty" soldiers.

i extremely disagree with the don't ask don't tell policy. for one the military is wasting a lot of the soldiers in skills and then lose them when they come out. i think i read some place that when they are kicked out of the military the CIA or FBI often contacts them if they are a linguistics specialist to work for them

The day will come when the military will beg for recruits gay or straight. The military is simply flaunting their bigotry. Women serve our country, blacks serve our country and gays have been serving for years and you cant tell me there commanding officers didn't know. The age of DADT is gone and our country will eventually say "what was all the fuss about?". We are all citizens of our country and have the right to serve. We should be thankful for our volunteer servicemen whatever their sexual orientation. We no longer live in a world where we fight battles soley on the battlefield. Bravery now comes in the colors of the rainbow...

I think most military servicemembers are ambivalent towards the presence of homosexuals in their units. In my opinion, as a ten-year veteran in the Army who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, as long as you can run, ruck, and fight, I don't care what you do with your private life.

Ultimately, though, the most important thing to the military is the ability to successfully accomplish its mission; there are few individual rights important enough to outweigh that obligation. But I think, generally speaking, the bulk of military servicemembers are open-minded and intelligent enough that the presence of homosexuals, bisexuals, etc, would not disrupt the unit just on its own. The problem that might come up–and that already exists in co-ed units–is when relationships affect missions. But that's no reason to bar entry to the military; it's an issue for the unit's leadership to handle, no matter what the sexual orientations of the persons involved.

All that said, it's worth noting that it's not the "military's" ban. The restriction is mandated by the United States Congress, by way of 10 U.S.C. 654. It's not a DA policy, nor a DoD directive. It's a law passed by Congress and signed by the President and upheld by the United States Supreme Court. President Obama can't simply wipe it away with the stroke of a pen–it will require legislative action as well. It can be done, but it's not as easy as some of these posts seem to indicate.

Finally, I think this lieutenant deserves what he got or will get. You do NOT, as a military professional, try to effect political change like that. He knew what the law was, and what the repercussions would be, so to act surprised is insulting to a profession charged with defending those laws. If he wants to fall on his sword, though, and make a statement in doing so, then he can have at it (and more power to him)–but he should not be surprised by what he's forced to pay. The heart of civil disobedience is taking the punishment to draw attention to the failure of the law. Thoreau's wrote his essay because he did not feel he should pay taxes to support a war he did not believe in, or slavery; but Thoreau went to jail in support of his beliefs.

Racy, You really seem to have some emotional issues. Calm down. Obama is POTUS, your Neo-cons are in total disgrace and gone. Scoreboard baby! From your diatribe it is obvious you have no clue what it takes to be a man! WAW WAW WAW.

I keep hearing over and over about this "gay agenda" - someone's going to have to fill me in on this one. I've been a proud, out, gay man for 13 years now, and I'm seriously clueless - no one told me at the meetings, no one sent me that month's newsletter, etc.

Get over yourselves, folks! Sexual orientation is NOT a choice - no one chooses to be ridiculed in middle school, no one chooses to hate themselves for who they are, and no one deserves the treatment that Lt. Choi has endured for, when they day is over, serving their country.

You wouldn't kick someone out of the Armed Forces for being a woman or being black (also something you can't control), so why a GLBT individual. I would have LOVED to do what Lt. Choi has done, but I stayed out of the services b/c of the very same reason.

Stop the bigotry – stop the hate – end DADT immediately!

This is very disheartening to me and definitely hits close to home. I served in the Navy as an Intelligence Specialist, and was discharged for the very same reason. I was never reprimanded, always did my job well, and moved up faster in rank than anyone else in my division, yet because I'm gay I apparently am not fit to serve. The sad thing is most civilians are very ignorant and don't even know that you can be discharged for being openly gay. There was a poll taken while I was in and over 70% of military personnel that are aware of a gay service member in their unit simply did not care. Look at the U.K., Russia, Israel, Australia, etc. we are the last major industrialized nation in the world to not let openly gay people into the military. It all boils down to this, do you really think that gay people join to engage in promiscuous activity? Do you think that by people being gay that they are automatically incapable of doing their job? Oh yea and one more thing last year more convicted felons, people convicted of committing aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, and vehicular homicide were accepted into the military than ever before. This isn't about the "gay agenda" this is about the right to serve and fight for our country.

And don't call us backwards or ignorant. We volunteer to serve so the vast majority of you can sit i front of your tvs eating chips and complain about things you don't understand or care to. Its convienent to write these blogs but not one of you would stand up and say this in public. Admit it. The law is wrong but it is a law that was approved by Congress, signed by the President and upheld in the Supremem Court. Every single person that apporvoed it was put into office by voters, not the military. If you don't agree with it then pay attention when you vote or stand up and say somehting. Don't belittle the fact that we serve honorable and fight for your freedoms. We willingly give up our rights so you don't have to.

I served in the military. During time of war.
There were a few gay men there.
They were able to do their job with reasonable efficiency.
But they were a distraction to the straight soldiers.
The men who don't want to be approached by the gay soldiers can develop a negative attitude toward the gays.
That is not how to build camaraderie or morale.

Let's look at the process of signing up.
It is made clear the military does not approve of gays in the service.
The don't ask don't tell is widely publicized.
Therefore it is dishonorable for a gay to sign up for service.
They are telling a lie from the start.
In some instances they are joining the military to find other gay men.
It made some of my friends most uncomfortable to know that "Johnny" was checking them out in the shower room.

If gays have to lie to enter service they should have no surprise at being rejected if they "come out of the closet."
The only choices are to eliminate the ruling in a democratic way or for gays to stop lying in order to enter service.

I have a gay cousin who I watched grow up. He is a good, kind person. Intelligent, hard working, and cleaner than a lot of men I know. As a family member I care very much for him. And woe be unto anyone who harms my cousin. But, if my cousin entered the military and got booted out, I would not defend him for lying to get in.

Bottom line, change the law, or honor it.
After all that is what the military is all about. Truth, honor, and respect.

Professional Life vs Personal Life miss manners 101.
Know the job you are applying for otherwise do not be disappointed if you are fired because you don't abide by the institutions rules and regulations.
DON'T ASK(no one will ask)
DON'T TELL(no one tells, not even you)
DON'T PURSUE(no one will investigate)
DON'T HARASS(no one will ridicule you...)
Every six months military personnel have GMT(General Military Training) and homosexuality, fraternization is included. Obviously the service members that TELL did not follow the DADT rules.

Thank god he's out. First it was no gays in the military, then we allowed the "don't ask, don't tell". Now they want more. Give them an inch and they'll try to take a yard. Being a veteran myself, I personally do not want to be showering and living in a foxhole with a homosexual, just as men and women shouldn't be showering and put in awkward situations as well. This gives way too much opportunity for indiscretion and threatens the mental and moral discipline of our armed forces.

The problem is if you get beat up under don't ask don't tell it's not a hate crime. Why would you get beat up? Clearly you've not been in the military service. There were openly gay men in our squad, they were shunned, and it made group showers very uncomfortable. Modest women do not want to shower with men, why would it be any different for a man to shower with another man who loves men? The guy i mention would stand naked against the wall and watch us shower. Because he didn't come out we couldn't get rid of him, but he ended up getting the crap knocked out of him by another guy. Under any other circumstances this would have been a hate crime instead of a pervert getting what he had coming whether he was gay or not gay. I say keep the don't ask don't tell it serves a purpose. You might as well pass something in the code of conduct that having sex in any other position than missionary is acceptable and allow blow-jobs. The code of conduct is for all behavior is very relaxed. Unless you have pictures, talk about it to other military persons, or something stupid like that you're fine. This soldier did something he shouldn't have, and went against policy. Some things are out of principal and this was one he should have upheld.

It's really a shame. For the people who are glad that gays are fired from the military.....why don't you get your sissy behinds over to Iraq. Personally, anyone who would put themselves in combat zones are the true men and women heros, no mater if you're gay or straight.

Hey, I got a mind bender for you: the gay and lesbian life is contrary to the laws of nature. No god in the equation, no politics in the equation, no opinion in the equation, just nature. You are by nature incorrect.

Do not blame the military. It is the politicians that make policy, not the military. I was active duty for 21 years and knew countless gay men and women. Change the policy. To "mytoys" we are not bigots, we uphold policy made by civilians. Maybe your elected officials are the bigots.

discrimination at its finest. no different then race, sex, religious preference, and all that other good stuff that companies and such cannot legally look at when considering employment. even tho they always do

Roz. We iron our own uniforms. J/k.

I served in the U.S. Air Force from 1994 to 1998. It was very difficult to serve my country because of our military’s discrimination policies. Hiding my sexuality was unfair, because anyone who was straight did not have to hide their’s. For this to be happening in 2009 is a major embarrassment for our country. It is just another way that the concept of freedom is held back. Today we see other countries surpassing the United States in our dream for a sound democracy, where everyone is equal under the law. I can assure you there are a significant number of gay service members serving our country. Other nations have openly gay service members. Their militaries have grown stronger with this policy because they become more united. There are a lot of selfish people living in this country that say they believe in freedom, but try to horde it for themselves. If we don't change our way of being, more Americans will turn to other forms of government. How sad would be.

William O'Neill
Cambridge, MA

JV....You don't know what your talking about. And guess what they said the same thing about Black People serving in the Military. Get a clue.

I understand the consternation and upset this has caused. However, it seems many of you do not attempt to understand the issue from a non-homosexual military stand point. I served in the Army and Army Reserve for 8 years.
For the most part, privacy is nill. You shower together, dress together, sleep within inches of each other, etc. How would you ladies like it if you were given a large shower bay, with no dividers, and told that straight men would be showering with you? You are not allowed your own private facilities, you have to share it with them. So they can sit there and stare at you while you lather up.
This is a form of sexual harrassment. It's no different for a shower bay full of straight men, with gay men thrown in. I shouldn't have to feel like I'm being oggled while taking a shower.
There is no difference between the quality of gay or straight soldiers. The issue is that there is not adequate infrastructure to separate them and give the basic right of privacy from the "opposite sex", or in this case, from the opposite sexual orientation.

Rules are rules. If you knew going in that you might one day be kicked out becuase of being gay or any other violation you make a CHOICE to pursue, then quit complaining. Our military is strife with homosexual members and they CHOOSE not to openly state there sexuality knowing that they will be kicked out. Yes, many homosexual men and women would make great members of our military but we have rules. If you would like to get those changed then lobby the ones who can make changes. Don't try to break the rules and then complain about it. Please remember, he made a CHOICE as a human being to join the military as a gay man knowing that he was in violiation of regulations if he were to announce his sexuality. HE MADE A CHOICE!

He knew the rules regarding the don't ask/don't tell policy and he chose to disregard them. Disregarding the rules and regulations in the military is in and of itself grounds for dismissal. Let alone the fact that he's gay. I don't feel sorry for him. He broke the rules and now he's paying the price and because the price has been costly, he runs to CNN and politicizes the dismissal.

And why would anyone go around in their work place advertising their sexuality? It's nobody's business and it's totally inappropriate to be discussing your sexuality in public or the workplace....period.

I think the policy definitely needs to be reviewed, but I also believe there are situations that having an openly homosexual individual in a unit could cause others in the unit to not perform to their best. And in the military, that gets people killed – our people. Which I think we need to avoid if at all possible.

Do I have a solution? No – this is more complex an issue than I can give a suggested fix for. But to complain about the discharge, when you know what the policy is, is ridiculous!

This is like getting a speeding ticket, and then complaining, "But the limit should be higher." While that may well be true, it isn't the state of things right now. If you want to work outside the system, you have to be prepared to take your lumps. No Equal Rights protesters got busted, right???

Most other G8 nations have gays in the military and they do quite well. Even Israel allows homosexuals to serve.

These strange rules only help your enemies.

As a former Marine, I am against them serving in the military. I have personally seen how homosexual behaviour has adversely affected morale. For those who have never served, its easy to force your idiocy on someone else. For those of you who have and not seen it, then you are blind. I saw one serviceman being confronted by another one who was larger trying to get him to give him a bj very aggressively. If he was kidding around, I couldn't tell. He was not reported by the serviceman or anyone else who saw it. If I had it do all over again and witnessed the same thing, I would have gotten his butt kicked out. This was not an isolated case. If I can't take showers with the women, why in the world would it be permitted for a homosexual to take a shower with me????? You people have no clue what you are talking about. BTW: Obama is the worst thing to ever happen to this country.

I am not sure how I would feel having to be in a state of undress with openly gay men. I know that as a Father I would not want my daughters to be undressed in the mens barracks. I would have no problem serving side by side with gay men and have a number of gay friends.

Hmm, like our country, the military is based upon a foundation that is based upon biblical beliefs. Homosexuals will not enter heaven. Homosexuality is condemmed by God, and thus our "One nation, under God". So I'm appauled by everyone saying that this is wrong... YOU are wrong, the Creator and one true Judge will let you know when you kneel before him as he condems you to an eternity in Hell. Sorry to say...

Believe it or not there is a reason behind the DODT policy, it’s just a matter whether or not people chose to believe it.

The objective of our military is to fight and win the nations wars. How do they do that? They do that by deploying. When these units are deployed the service members are in very close living quarters (if you chose to call it that) and at times deployed for a year or even longer. This type of living condition will make people feel very awkward and uncomfortable. Why should the individuals who are uncomfortable with this have to live in a situation like that especially when things are already stressed (such as deployments to Iraq)? Its one thing to be tolerant of gays and lesbians but it’s a totally different situation when you to have live with them 24/7. It doesn’t seem like anyone here really cares about how the people who will have to live with them feel.

It states that 12,500 people have been chaptered from the military from the DODT policy. It really makes me wonder what the particular situations were. We had a guy in one of my old units that wasn’t “openly gay” but he would try to lure drunk troops (guys) into his room and then attempt to rape them. What I’m saying here is that in some way, shape, or form these individuals violated the policy. Did they just come out and say “hey, I’m gay” or was there a situation like the one stated above the occurred?

How can they claim "homosexual conduct"? Dd they catch him in a sexual act? Did they have cameras on his bed? There's s huge difference between being gay and doing something sexual. Just having the feeling doesn't constitute "homosexual conduct".

Well I hate to say it but I’m am gay, I’m a physician, I don’t openly display my sexuality and don’t feel the need to tell people, but I also don’t deny it. I think it’s despicable for Lt. Choi to be discharged but in all fairness the policy sucks he knew it before he joined. I have not joined nor will I join to serve this country in the military for that exact reason. There are many other ways to serve where I will be welcomed and where how I live my personal life is not an issue. My suggestion is that all gay and lesbians stop joining until the policy is changed and if it never is then it’s there loss not yours. And for the record I too am extremely disappointed with Obama in this regard.

The policy is "don't ask, don't tell." By coming out to them in this way, he threw it in the his units face with a exclamation point. I personally believe live and let live. However, many find his lifestyle disgusting and immoral. This can break down unit cohesion, especially when it's an officer. If this them a bigot, then it makes you one also...

It troubles me as a human being (yes...someone who breathes, eats, sleeps, is getting an education, has innate sexual desires, etc.) that there are such ignorant people. To claim that homosexuals should be allowed to serve, with the caveat of separate dorms and shower is short-sided. It is pretty self-centered to think that you are constantly being checked out by the same sex. To say that the 'gays' are pushing their lifestyle on others is ludicrous. All they are asking for is to be treated like any human being should be treated–with respect.

There is no need to have a "Dont Ask Dont Tell". Perhaps taking a more in-depth look at several European countries and their policies for homosexuals in the military needs to be front and center. How is it that they have functional militaries, with no issue around sexual orientation?

Come on people, respect other people. Simple as that.

It really is quite simple – there were rules in place and he chose to break them. He didn't just say it to his peers; he announced it on public television (prior to the current interview). The military has other rules about public conduct and protesting for a cause while in uniform – not tolerated. When you sign up, you knowingly and willingly give up some of your personal rights, like the right to protest and in some cases free speech.

While I respect his opinion and his commitments, I am disheartened that he couldn't follow simple rules that he knowingly signed up for. I served in the military and have no doubt that I served alongside gay soldiers, however, they knew enough to follow the rules and serve their country – not serve their own needs and try to be poster boards.

President Obama....I voted for you because you articulated your views on DADT and you said you would repeal it. It is, in your words, discrimination, and America does not support dicrimination. I'm sorry to have to say it, but if you don't repeal DADT soon, AND reinstate Lt. Choi, I cannot vote for you again. I just won't vote. This saddens me beyond belief. Why why why is it always okay to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation. President Obama, you are not unaware of the pain and heartache of discrimination, don't be the first black President of the US that sits by and allows its citizens to have their lives ruined by arbitrary standards.

Americans voted for a black president. Americans are voting for a gay American Idol, who is in the top 3. Americans are progressing, into the future, at a rapid rate but our government is still backwards. It’s about time our government caught up with it’s citizens. It’s time to give equal rights to all Americans.

America has a policy of separation of church and state but our government is so full of hate for gay people that they don’t follow their own policy.

Gay people pay equal taxes to live in a country that doesn’t give them equal rights.

There are a lot of posts on both sides of the fence... as a recently retired member of the Armed Forces, maybe I can relay some facts for those who may just be posting on emotions...

1) All members of the military are told & informed in writing of the Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy. If they fail to observe this policy or any other policy, they have to face the concequences associated with these actions... and the concequences are spelled out frequently.

2) As a majority of the services being heterosexual (I am assuming) we do not put men & women in the same rooms or same showers due to the high potential for sexual harrassment that includes "googling" at them over what we may see as sexy... this too is a crime with consequences. Allowing homosexuals to serve openly, in my opinion and the opinion of many others I have spoke with over the years, would create a HUGE burden on the command by having to investigate (true or not) cases of sexual harrassment.

3) Since homosexuality may be common place in many larger populated segments of society, it is still tabu in most all of rural America. Many of our recuits come from rural America and this could impact the already difficult recruiting tasks to allow even more questionable recruits to join the military to ensure enough end-stregth.

4) Being in the military or any other occupation is not a right... Becoming a Dr requires certain moral & ethical standards have to be maintained their license to practice, drivers have to be sponsored to become a professional race car driver, just having money does not give you entry into the occupation, I have never heard of a male mid-wife... and they would probably not be able to earn a decent wage... although an educated and licensed OB Physician or NP is a different story. Life is full of disappointments for many in our society... Choose a profession that you can excel at and one that embraces you so you can embrace it... how successful is a man & women that marry and are "not right for eachother? Some one always comes away dissapointed and hurt...

As a society and segment of society, Be Smart & Live Smart... don't place your bed in a viper's pit.

The man that made this comment was a real IDIOT but his statement was the one bright thing he did in his life. He said, "WHY CAN'T WE JUST ALL GET ALONG?"

To: paul wisconsin

... and maybe the blacks should go back to being slaves, women sent back to the kitchen, and kids sent back to the sweat shops

mainstream?? LMAO – what do you consider mainstream? – the country has become so diverse in the last 50 years – the old boys club died off years ago – of course, there are still a few left around, trying to get everyone to think and act like George Wallace – ain't happenin' buddy

The idea that members of the military are affected by the sexuality of anyone is ridiculous. I served with several people that didn't really hide the fact that they were gay and not one person cared. It didn't change the way we did our jobs or degrade anything. Anyone posting to the contrary is in a tiny minority.
I believe that Lt. Choi 'came out' to protest a rule that has no basis in fact and only degrades the military that is already under great strain. The argument that he should have remained quiet because he knew the rule and what would happen, is repulsive. It is the duty of every member of the military to disobey an illegal order....I believe that this rule is unconstitutional therefore Lt Choi did the right thing.

He knew the policy going in.

I'm also in the national guard... You have to shower, and live in very close quarters with people. Personally showering with someone who is openly gay is not only very uncomfortable... its disgusting. If gays want to be the military, they should shut up and keep it to themselves.

The United States of America is so backward and behind Europe it's embarrassing. The Constitution of this country means absolutely nothing if gays are not given EVERY equal right and opportunity than straights – military service, marriage, adoption, whatever. You can dispute it all you want, but that's what it boils down to. Equality for every human being.

The military is not a social welfare program or a grand experiment. You are also not allowed to quit at a moments notice like every other job in the US. Once you enter you are legally compelled to stay. If I do not like the views, habits or orientation of the people I work with I can quit. A line sooldier can not quit and must live 24 hours a day with their fellow soldiers.
The job of the US military is to defend our nation and it's interests. They do that by killing people and breaking things, not by being inclusive, open, and sufficiently liberal to make everyone on the coasts happy.

Lt. Choi is a trailblazer, educated, articulate and loves his country. It is no small feat to speak another language fluently, not to graduate from the academy at West Point. This situation causes me consternation. He should not be asked to leave the reserves because of his sexual orientation – whether one believes this is a choice or not is not relevant – he has served his country well and his skills are clearly in need.

It is not okay to discriminate against less than 5% of the population "just because they are gay" – the socioeconomic makeup of the military is no excuse for discrimination.

Every day, men and women, gay and straight are putting their lives on the line so that we citizens can sit back and comment on whatever we choose to speak about.

Give Lt. Choi and others life liberty and the pursuit of happiness – rescind DADT now!

Last I checked, no one's been thrown out of the military for admitting to be a heterosexual. While I can understand that a policy is in place and that the military is bound to follow it, it doesn't make the policy any less offensive. I'm a heterosexual and I don't shout it from the rooftops but I'd imagine it would be very difficult to hide your sexual orientation from people you are around on a daily basis. What if these individuals have a significant other – I guess gays aren't allowed to talk about them like heterosexuals do constantly. It's probably a constant effort on their parts to make sure they don't slip up and let out the truth. it's not like they just have to fill in a bubble "gay or straight" when they sign up and then they're allowed to say whatever they want. This is expecting them to keep their personal lives hushed up the whole time they're in service.

It's my opinion (and I don't think Lt. Choi would argue here), that yes he knew of the policy and he broke it intentionally. You can call that dishonorable if you want but I don't think it is. It's along the same lines as civil disobedience. He broke the rules to bring attention to the fact that the rules are unfair. As far as active service men not wanting to be "checked out" in the shower, it's my opinion that every individual in the military should have privacy where that's concerned and not be left open to that kind of situation. Besides, it's a problem no one's ever going to be able to fix because as everyone well knows you can't necessarily tell if someone's gay or not unless they tell you so, the military, along with the dormitories and showers, will never be free of homosexuals – so I'm sorry but get over it. If any appropriate misconduct does occur, I'm sure any member of our armed forces has the ability to report it to their superiors.

To Douglas from USA – Christians are opposed to homosexuality too but we don't throw them out of the country because there are some Christians here. I think it's a bit narrow-minded to assume that all Iraqis are against homosexuality too and last I checked, we never asked for their permission or their acceptance to send our troops over there. And comparing homosexuality to rape and murder is ridiculous and shows that you're just homophobic – rape and murder are not consentual and they're illegal in the United States whereas homosexuality is not illegal here, just apparently in our military. We expect professional behavior from all of our troops; yet no one can claim a woman has never gotten pregnant during service. Engaging in sexual behavior while deployed or on duty, whether homosexual or heterosexual, should result in a discharge from the army. If you're still opposed to repealing "Don't ask, don't tell" fine, but then we should throw people out for admitting they're heterosexuals too. At least we wouldn't be discriminating against only one group. That'll be fun, not having a military...

Let's not repeat the same mistakes of the incompetent Bush administration, who fired almost all of its Arabic translators in the months leading up to 9/11. The reason? They were gay. Our nation's security is far more important than placating right wing bigots. Repeal Don't ask Don't tell NOW!

The way I see it, this Lt. shouldn't be bickering about how he was ousted from the military. Department of Defense Form 4 (Enlistment into the Armed Forces Contract) clearly states the rules of signing such contract. Paragraph 9 clearly has guidelines set out. The Lt. was clear of this when he signed up. He knew that he could not serve openly while in the military. He violated this contract, therefore the military cut him loose. If you don't like to follow orders Lt. Choi, I don't want to risk my life with you on the battlefield. For those who are not familiar, there has been publicity about others not wanting to adhere to guidelines including Army Regulation 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of the Army Uniform.) Two Muslim soldiers wanted to grow full beards and wear turbans while in uniform. This is against Army policy so the Army told them to take it off or get out.

It seems as though these officers coming in today think we owe them something. Show me some dedication and integrity, only then you will have my support. This issue isn't about what you have done (earned awards, deployments, etc.) This argument is about adhering to very specific military policy. Lt. Choi, you failed to do so. Thank you for your time and service, but since you can no longer live your life using the seven Army Values, LDRSHIP, then you can no longer lead my troops into battle.

I'm am gay and not very surprised at the government for this incident. It just goes to show again no matter what your sexual orientation people are people and can chose to be strong productive members of society or not. Kudos to Lt. Choi for standing his ground and showing who he really is. Besides being a well accomplished member of the armed forces, he is a proud gay American and no matter what ridiculous rules our ridiculous politicians put in place let this show every young gay man and woman in America that nothing should stop you from showing who you really are, and not to worry about the reactions of others. My heart goes out to the friends and family of all the courageous gay service members lost over the years in the name of this country. What is it going to take for Barack and the other meat heads in Washington to show the people their lives weren't lost in vain and repeal the ridiculous Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. I mean who is Bill Clinton to judge what moral or professional dereliction is, I mean come on........

oh well, why even come out...you dont have to even bring it up. just do your job during duty hours and be gay when your off duty. We should have a new branch of the military that only gays can serve.....just an idea

How many servicemen or women are discharged, disciplined, etc, under the Code of Conduct rules for Adultery or Sodomy?

The prosecution of gay men or women, I suspect, is disproportionately larger than any prosecutions for other "sexual" related crimes listed in the UCMJ. I suspect that for every shore leave, straight men head to bars and brothels, and sodomy occurs on a regular basis. However I doubt when one of those straight men, during the course of their next active duty workday, were to say that he had committed sodomy, that any officer would be rushing to file charges against him.

In the end, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is discriminatory toward a minority population. Considering we fight around the world to bring democracy and to protect those less fortunate than we, why would we uphold such a policy?

I served as a Marine. The last thing I want in my downtime is someone staring at me in the shower, or any other time for that matter. If don't ask don't tell is taken away, you're going to see a lot of fights occurring and then the UCMJ is going to become a mess based on the fights that will be happening regularly, where as previously they would have just been reported

This man willfully knew he was going against a standing order in the military code of conduct, but he still lied and wasted all the money the US spent on him to educate him. He should be forced the repay all the money.

Being against homosexuality does not make you a bigot. It is morally wrong, period. Homophobia refers to 'fear of'. No one is afraid of them, so the term is applied through ignorance of the speaker. Political correctness has been taken to the extremes of ludicrasy. It is Hollywood, the news media and homosexual groups who are trying to push this immoral agenda. You people are being willingly brain-washed into believing something, you inherently know is wrong, is now ok.

America Land of the Free?
What a joke!

Telling Lt. Choi that he should not have come out, and that he should stop whining and face the consequences of his coming out is like telling Rosa Parks that she should have just moved to a different bus seat, and to stop whining about getting arrested.

The bottom line is that discrimination against gays has no rational basis, that thousands of them have served faithfully in the military simply by not letting the bigots know who they were, and that this discrimination, like any other is based on pure, simple hatred.

See, it doesn't matter whether you hate blacks, gays, Jews, Armenians, or Star-Bellied Sneeches. Hate is hate. Hate is the problem. And I see it in many of the previous comments. You haters can blame gays all you want, but the problem is YOU.

I think people forget why this rule was inacted. It's for the protection of the gays. Yes, it is sad that we have not come so far as to rid people of homophobia, but the fact is it does exist and it is very rampant in the military. Allow these men and women to admit they are gay, and their military experience will be terrible! They will be ridiculed, have hate crimes committed against them and possibly killed. All the while it takes the spotlight away from what these men and women are really here for. The next thing you know the military will be involved in numerous lawsuits because of the treatment or violation of gays' rights. The last thing our military needs is a bunch of distractions during this critical time in our country. DONT ASK, DONT TELL, NO PROBLEMS!

The 14th Amendment of the Constitution states: 'All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.'

Being gay is not against the law. Lt. Choi took an oath to 'support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; '

There is no article in the Uniform Code of Military Justice that even addresses homosexuality. Rather, certain individuals choose to label homosexuality as 'conduct unbecoming' and use that as an excuse to remove someone from the military.

The idea of 'don't ask, don't tell' is an insult, not only to the gay community but also to the military. Lt. Choi needs to be allowed the opportunity to serve.

I've got some news for the "vets" and others here who claim to know that gays and lesbians serving openly would hurt morale. I've been on active duty just under 20 years now and I'm here to tell you that YOU'RE OUT OF TOUCH. Young folks in the military today have no problem with their gay and lesbian comrades. You older folks, from an older generation that had very different values, are the ones with the attitude problems. Today's young airmen, soldiers, sailors and marines have for the most part seen much more combat, deployments and operations than your generation ever did, and they STILL cannot understand why we have DADT. Why the difference? Personal attitudes. Young folks by and large accept people as they are - older folks, not so much.

The reason - the ONLY reason - that we have DADT is to protect older folks (the generals and admirals of 15 years ago, specifically) from the shock of having to admit the fact that they've been serving with gay and lesbian individuals all along with no problems at all. To suddenly develop problems with those individuals after learning who they are would be to admit that the real problem lies with you. And that's just not something older folks are real good at....

I, for one, do NOT appreciate those of you who presume that military folks today are bigoted and cannot accept gays and lesbians serving openly. People with that attitude on active duty today are few and far between. We're not like that - YOU are.

Policies, like this, created and executed by the military are brilliant, simply brilliant – kick someone like Choi out and leave someone like Steve Green in – simply brilliant!

For those of you who say our backward outdated beliefs in "religious morality" still work, this is proof to the contrary.

Undoubtedly this was a stand out member of our armed forces, speaks the language of the enemy fluently and probably had capacity for upper levels of leadership. As a society persecution of these people makes us weaker without a doubt. Just as discrimination of blacks did back in the 60's the anti-gay movement is an unjust movement which directly violates their civil rights!! It's right out there on the table, this violates their civil liberties and we're ALL suffering for it.

I'm not gay, but I'm an atheist and sometimes I think I'm the only one who thinks clearly anymore. A belief thats over 2000 years old which is enforced by a "god" and created by man is silly, it doesn't work, and it's slowing our progress as a society, this makes me angry.

This isn't about him being gay ro straight, it's about knowing the policy. Whether the policy is right or wrong, he knew if he came out, it was the boot. PERIOD. That's like saying well don't send me to jail for murder, because I did it for something I beleive in. You know the rules. Jusr ot not, if you break them, suffer the consequences.

I'll start off by saying I was in the military for 26 years, sexual orientation is not something you select, and the Don't ask and don't tell law is wrong. It is a shame. Now, whether Lt Choi was fired is out of the military's hands. The military must follow the law that says this is what happens if someone comes out as a homosexual. They have no choice. I voted for Obama and every day since I thank God he is our President, but the law is now directed by Obama. Our President has to get rid of this law and the military will follow his lead. I do think Obama has seen some of the problems involved and back-stepped some on his prior committment. Who knows when he will repeal this law but it has to be done. We have to give equal rights to every American.

The notion that people who have never served have no right to call for an end to the military's ban on gay is "NONSENSE!" To service people who think that way I say, "Hey buddy, its not your army!". Its the United States Army. All citizens have a right and a duty to change it to bring it in line with modern values. Service members also articulated this argument before the integration of African-Americans into the Armed Forces. The Military is not a private club- it is a (taxpayer-funded) extension of our society, and I vote to change this policy. Mark well, it is going to change.

The military is a “team sport”. I’m for whatever makes the team stronger. If alternative sexual preference causes a rift then the stakes are too high to allow that to happen.

The fact that one is guaranteed the right to the pursuit of happiness does not mean that there are not consequences to the choices.

PLEASE STOP BLAMING THE MILITARY!

It is a federal law passed by congress and signed by Pres. Clinton. Please blame the law, the congress, etc

Military commanders have no say in the law. But they have sworn to obey and so when Lt Choi goes to his commander and says he's gay, the Commander MUST follow the law.

Thanks!

I was openly bi-sexual and served in the United States Navy and no one ever brought proceedings against me, but I guess it's because he was so publicly open with the media. It's very sad for the military to lose a good man over his exual orientation. For those of you like Anthony in previous post who think gays shouldn't serve I hate to tell you this, but there are many, many gay and lesbians serving now and many who have served its silly that they should have to hid their sexual orentation. As far as enlisted soldiers being too poor and ignorant to except openly gay and lesbian service members...you must have never have serviced...I served and I've never met a group of people so accepting and supportive of their military family we respect and love each other and most people could give a damn what you do in the bedroom as long as you are there for each other when it counts. Most of the service members I served with thought the "don't ask don't tell policy" was stupid and should be done away with, but what do we know according to some of you we're all too poor and ignorant to know any better!

I am gay, I was in the military, and I told my Command that I was gay. My Command was a family unit. I told them I was gay because I knew they would do nothing about it. Were they disappointed? Yes. Did they distance themselves from me once I told? No. In fact I was even closer to my command. I prided myself in doing exceptional work, have the medals to prove it. Of particular interest, my Command had a little less than 100 personell, of those 100 (just rounding up for sake of ease) we had two gay officers, one gay Army Soldier of the Year, one gay Army soldier of the Year candidate, and seven other gay members. Eleven percent of my Command was gay. Taking this percentage further, what would be the result if we suddenly lost 11% of our Armed Forces? Being gay is such a small part of who we are, why does it have to be thrown in our faces?

When anyone in my Command did have the ridiculous notion that I might hit on them, I reminded them that I had high standards, and they were very much below them.

lets not pretend that heterosexual males in the military do not display homo-erotic behavior as a part of their "discipline". we all know the truth of the uber male locker room.

yes. a majority of people in the military have different views than america regarding gays in the military. they tend to be far more socially conservative, far less open to different lifestyles.

but what kind of ethical and moral code allows discrimination and bigotry because it might be inconvenient for people to face the truth that people are different?

there is no reasonable ethical argument for denying equal rights to all individuals in america. and i agree with the post that comments on the hypocricy of the "conservative evangelican right". im pretty sure jesus said he who is without sin can cast the first stone. translation: we are not the judges of other people.

In Response to "Matt":
As a military veteran I have an uncomfortable truth for you, the great majority of people serving in the milittary are poor and lower middle class, and do not share the ideas of diversity that others might. To inflict openly gay members of the military will surely have the effect of lowering morale. Not pretty, not nice, but that is the fact. Our national security is more important then how you feel.

Umm...did you serve in the same military as I did? A large minority of female soilders are lesbian and a sizable amount of male soilders are gay. We fought side by side...gay and straight...very few were as closed minded as this policy. Lower, middle class...buddy, that's where most of us come from and most of us do understand diversity and once exposed to someone we know and trust that also happens to be gay, we adapt our beliefs. All this policy does is give reason to those who do hate gays a reason to hate them and it gives this country further ammo to target them as second class citizens not deserving of marriage, jobs, housing, or to even the right to fight for this country. How horrible slavery and Jim Crowe looks to us now...our kids will look at us the same way about gay civil rights. Shame on us for this insanity!

Heh Racy, If that is how you feel then get the hell out. Lt. Choi is now a hero twice over. There are already 4 members of the G8 that allow it (our allies mind you) and a total of 9 nations. If you think this means they are going to hell keep in mind th at Italy is one of the nations that allows open service. We are suppossed to be the land of the free. It is time to put up or shut up!

As retired military – GLAD to see it! We live under the highest morale and ethical conduct.....tradition, honor. We have to have some standards.....If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything!

Sorry, having been served and being out in the field and barracks with open bathrooms, I see good reasons to keep gays out of the armed forces. There is a difference in civilian life. I don't want to be spending more tax money to start putting new barrack and restroom facilities to house gays. I have actually had under my charge an openly gay man working for me in my civilian job for about 6 years. Beside some drug and alcohol issues, he was a good worker. Happy to having working with me when he was sober. But in civilian life you go to your job and go home. Especially during war time and some mandantory training, the men have to bunk with the men, the women with the women. I would not feel comfortable having to undress as a staight man if I have gays in the barracks with me. How is that fair to us that are straight?

Wow, I never realized that so many people were so blind. The current policies work just fine. If you are a civilian, shut your mouth. If you are retired military and do not support current policies, then shut your mouth. This is for those of us in the military to deal with. As for this West Pointer, good riddens to a dirtbag.

In raising his right hand in willingness to serve, this Lt. Choi was also raising his hand in understanding of the policies enforced by the U.S. Military....particularly the Don't ask, Don't TELL policy...unfortunately, I guess he wasn't aware that joining an organization to publicly display his homosexuality would violate that policy. If one cannot comply with the rules, one should not "swear" that he will upon being sworn in. It's his own fault for being discharged. That's why our military is strong, and I hope they continue to chapter out people that voilate military policy...not necessarily homosexuals in particular...but anyone whose actions do not reflect positively upon our country. Hopefully Obama's finally seeing the light on these matters, hence the statement change on the website.

I serve in the Air Force, and I have no problem with gays being in the military, but I have one question...Do we HAVE to know that your gay? Honestly, is it going to kill you that no one knows about it? Choi joined the military fully knowing about the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, and yet, he still openly admitted to being gay, hence, he broke the rules. What I'm trying to say is that the rest of the military doesn't need to know that you're homosexual anymore than they need to know that I'm hetrosexual.

Ask, Tell, Volunteer, and Shoot To Kill. The United States Armed Forces has progressed with all the alacrity of the State Of Mississippi. "Dangerously Behind The Times" should be the slogan. If the qualifications being looked at are anything beyond, ready, willing and able, then the people making these decisions are the one who need to be removed. My M-16A2 never asked me if I was gay, black, hispanic, satanic, etc. It only asked me to reload. Funny, there is a right to bear arms in the event of a militia, but no right to serve ... Irony, at its finest.

The military is just like the church: Lie about who you are and you can be whatever you want.! Another similarity is that they both are filled with gays!

I served seven years in the Air Force, and I have helped to start two radically inclusive churches in the deep south.

God doesn't hate gays; God hates liars and haters!

I do not understand the fuss. As prior military myself I support all army personnel.. The problem is this has been the Pentagons policy for years. He knew that and still opted to open up. That is just bad judgement on his part. Do I agree with the rule NO but a rule it is.

I am glad the gays want to serve our country. However, I remember why the policy went into place. There are several gay bashers in the military. Once someone comes out, they are at risk of being harmed by the other soldiers. I don't feel the policy should be lifted for that manner. However, I also don't believe in automatic dismissal. It needs to be done on a case by case basis. If the unit is accepting and there is no fear of harm, then leave them where they are. If not, transfer the soldier to another unit, if it can be done safely.

My comment is not about right or wrong, what he did. It's more about something I never see written about or brought up.

A gay guy and a straight guy is the same as a straight woman and a straight man in respect to attraction to the opposite sex. So the gay guy in the army, does he take showers with all the other guys? this is the same thing as women taking showers with guys which doesnt happen. So gay guys in the military should be separated from the men for things like showers, bathrooms etc but could serve in the unit.

If there was a gay guy in my unit, I would respect him as a team member but would not want him taking a shower with me or going in the same bathroom etc. Guys are naked and so he would be looking at us with sexual attraction then.

Gay guys should go into the womens bathrooms. A gay guy views a woman the same as two straight guys view each other, based on what I have been reading and hearing from gay guys I know. A naked woman to a gay guy would mean nothing but a naked man would.

So how would the military get around this? I would prefer eliminatng dont ask dont tell, then I would not have to wonder if my buddy next to me is really gay and he is checking me out whenever he sees me naked.

I have nothing against gays, I just dont want them taking showers with me like guys do together in the military etc.

This is a ridiculous law. Our Armed Services is cutting its nose off to spite its face. DUMB DUMBER & DUMBEST! The resume of this soldier and many others dismissed are impeccable! Bigotry is not acceptable in this country. Civil Rights is part of our moral makeup.

One thing he's done right.

I think that he should be sent to Fort Leavenworth for prison. Likewise, I have nothing against homosexuals. The problem here is that this Officer states he had the courage to do the right thing and be honest about himself.

Unfortunatley, he lied in the begining and that is called a Fradulent Appointment. I encourage everyone to research it. This man is very lucky that he is telling his story on CNN. He should be behind bars for lying to the Department of Defense.

There is no courage in this case, just lies.

Give me a break! He lied for 4-years at West Point, he lied from graduation until he came out with this "Knight's Out" fiasco, but now he's some noble saint for refusing to lie about who he is. He knew the rules and decided to voluntarily break them (including accepting a $250,000 education on the public dime) so eat the consequences and go away. Idiot, I'd go after him for his West Point education to. He just wants to prove a point (which he won't do) so live with your decision.

Hey Ben in Dallas, an atheist is someone who chooses to not believe in God. By making a choice you are admitting there is a God.

Here's a new policy Obama can sign off on: DON'T ASK, DON'T LIE.

Who cares if this guy is gay or not ??? The US and Turkey are the only NATO countries who fire people simply because they are gay. Time to join the rest of the real world !

Do not repeal Don't ask Don't tell. It will destroy military recruiting. As a retired military person and USMA grad I can tell you that while it seems that most people are saying it should be repealed, that is all coming from a very vocal minority of people. No hetero male soldier wants to share a shower or a foxhole with a guy who may be attracted to him. Many traditional christian males will not join an organization that openly supports gays. The role of the military is to defend the country and not to serve as a vehicle for social engineering by a small minority that want their lifestyle mainstreamed. Unit cohesion is necessary to achieve a strong military. Cohesion is destroyed when you throw homosexuality into the mix. And as far as the US being "backwards and behind Europe" if you really want to be as messed up as Europe feel free to move there. Last time I checked the Dutch Army accepts gays and it isn't very intimidating, especially to its potential enemies.

I would also point out, that if you have never served in the military than your belief or opinion does not carry any weight.

Has the British Army collapsed because they allowed in gays? Has the Canadian Military disintegrated? Have the Israeli soldiers lost hope and quit? The Dutch? The French? Are we so much more backward than the rest of the western world? As that great conservative Barry Goldwater said, it's not important that a soldier IS straight so long as he can shoot straight.

I wonder how many men and women have died in Iraq who were gay,I wonder how many died in 2 World Wars how many gay Americans died for their Country but the one thing We do know is when they died next to a straight soldier who also died in battle...There blood ran red,the blood was the same.

Ridiculous.

Everyone complaining that the reason that gays and lesbians should be kicked out of the military is that come shower time its an "All you can see buffet" are out of their minds. Are you people really serious?

How does being black or white, Christian or Muslim, gay or straight affect a person's ability to learn new skills or perform tasks?

A person's race, religion and sexual orientation are not defining characteristics of his/her ability to defend the country he/she live in.

Land of the free and home of the brave?
-–This ideal is for all Americans, not just select groups.

The DoD policy on homosexuality is pretty clear cut. They do not prosecute because a person is homosexual. They prosecute because a person either commits an act, exhibits in language or behavior homosexual tendencies, or commits to a marriage with a person of the same sex. He chose to speak out which violates the policy.
Would you have a problem if the guy violated any other policy in the armed forces and was discharged? What if he wrote checks with insufficient funds? Would you complain then? Probably not.

His decision to come out publicly was his decision. The military has every right to enforce a policy whether it's popular or not. If you read enough about the matter you will find that if he had kept his mouth shut he'd still be in the military. It is commendable that he wanted to stay in. But to feel this was a "slap in the face" goes to show his ignorance in the matter. The military receives briefings on this kind of thing. That he chose to ignore it is his problem. Being in the military does not automatically excuse you from your moral or ethical obligations.

Homosexuals have ruined the Catholic Church.
Let us not repeat this mistake by letting homosexuals
permeate the last sound vestige of our government.

Liberals...leave the military alone...

When morals and virtue leave this country, the democracy created here is doomed. Religion, any religion, helps one define those morals and virtues needed for the citizens to retain control of thier form of Gov.
Just look at the morals and virtues of our elected representatives. nuff said.

As a 30 year veteran of the active Navy, before dont ask dont tell, I can tell you that a homosexual male in a berthing compartment is a detriment to morale. Despite the noise made by the homosexual community about 'normalcy' and'genetic' the fact remains that a large majority of heterosexual males are at best uncomfortable with active homosexual men and many of us still think male homosexual activity is something we are not comfortable with. Many will not admit it because of the PC environment in the workplace but it is true. It is not even based on religion, altho in some cases it is, it is based on a gut instinct that the activity of male/male sex is repulsive.
I digress. Don't ask dont tell needs to be repealed and the United States Military needs to go back to a no tolerance policy for homosexual activity.

I had a friend (female) who was discharged because she was caught kissing a girl on her OFF TIME. The policy states "Don't ask, don't tell". She was asked and according to the "high morals" of the armed forces, did not feel that she could lie about it. What I don't understand is the hypocritcal nature of the policy...she also fought in the first Gulf War. Seems that this country needs to realize that all Americans should have equal rights!

And to comment on a post by paul wisconsin about all gays going back into the closet...shut the #### up! Closets are for clothes...not people!

Everyone should read the promise that Lt Choi made when joining. He agreed to uphold all the standards, like it or not. He then decides to make a political statement. He knew the risks involved before he made his decision. This is just business as usual. The military can't ignore the rules or chaos and confusion will erupt. People are taking this way too personal. But when we are sworn in to give testimony in court, if we are found to be making false statements, we are held in contempt and fined. It doesn't matter what our motives are. He has made his point very clearly, and now he must pay the price for doing so. Simple. As far as the rule goes, the military did not make the rule so why are they being insulted for it?

ActiveDuty – "I make my own choices in life, to include being heterosexual."

So Active, when exactly did you make that choice? When did you examine both genders and your sexual chemistry with both of them thoroughly and decide "You know, I think I like the other gender more"? Something tells me you never made the choice to be heterosexual, you just simply were... much like the rest of us heterosexuals and much like my sister who never chose to like women.

I'm gay but have not been made aware of the "gay agenda". Please, someone tell me what my agenda is, because apparently they left it out of the handbook when I "choose" to "become" gay.

For those of you opposing me because I'm "unnatural", then I presume you have never engaged in any sexual activity other than intercourse with the intent of becoming pregnant. That's right, no mutual masterbation, oral or anal sex.

look –

some people just don't get it. Pres clintons "don't ask don't tell" was a huge step forward for homosexuality in the military. Pres Obama's term has just started; you can't expect him to change that into open homosexuality in the military just like that. The guy is taking a lot of heat for the changes he's "snuck through" already. It'd be political suicide for him to do everything at once. So the people that are slamming these presidents for not doing enough are forgetting that these presidents are their greatest allies.

I am saying that as someone who completely disagrees with allowing open homosexuality in the military, and as someone who didn't vote for either of those jokers.

If the military is more afraid of homosexuals in their ranks than bullets and bombs...

Well, then, they're a bunch of cowards. Simple as that. Throw the complainers out for lacking the courage to defend the personal freedom that this country stands for. When it comes to this country's security, I'll take the vitally-needed translator and well-rounded gay soldier over a thousand cowardly bigots.

A few postings have praised the military for honoring its code of conduct policies. One went so far to suggest that the military holds to a higher standard than the civilian world by doing so. Our military prides itself in Truth and Honor. Imagine, one being true to himself and his comrades. Hmmm...the irony of it all.

Just because something is a rule, DOES NOT MEAN IT IS A GOOD RULE. We live in 2009. This DADT rule is so terribly outdated, Im embarresed to be an American. This is supposed to be a country that is on the cutting edge of decency to its people. All you homophobes, get the hell over yourself. I love how you people automatically assume every gay wants your biggot ass. I bet you people think every girl wants you too...just pathetic. But hey, lets keep sending psychopaths over there to rape, pillage, and murder civilians. They really makes the American image over there look really good. Congrats America.

"MISSON ACCOMPLISHED" -George W.(aste) Bush

DADT – joke or illegal? If gays cannot serve in the military the academies should be prohibited from accepting them as students. Why spend hundreds of thousands of dollars educating them if it is against the law for them to serve? But, if these institutions extended this policy to academy admissions – would it be legal? Don't think so.

JD, Well put! The civilians will never get it though.

How interesting that this news comes at the same time as the news that Steve Green is facing the death penalty for raping a 14 yr old girl and then killing her and her family while he served in Iraq. So Mr. Green is "moral" enough to serve, but Mr. Choi is not? I certainly don't get it. I thought it was our goal to have the best military in the world, not the straightest.

Don't be gay!

The policy is, what the policy is....If you know that your conduct will be prosoctued and you continue that conduct, why are you suprised? Wait for the policy to change, or go through the proper channels to elicit that change.
Why is this such a big story? Do we nail all of the dope smokers to the wall? I know that this is not quite the same thing, but there are some similarites to the arguement.
On a side note, if you have no basis for knowledge of the military and its unique requirements, then get educated or talk to someome who is in the situation.

All of you posters who are lambasting Choi for 'not following the rules' are conveniently forgetting how much the military itself is NOT FOLLOWING THIS RULE. DADT enforcement is inconsistent at best. And, frankly, was entirely suspended under the military's own stop-loss program for a short period of time (see that? The military chose to ignore the Commander' in cheif's order). Meh.... more discrimination. Here's something that none of the active duty posters here are going to admit, but they all know: While there's not a lot of coming out going on the in the military, there is a lot of gay sex happening there. Spend 2 months out on an aircraft carrier with your antenna up and you can't miss it.

How dare you treat us as second class citizens!! The last thing we will EVER do is roll over and play dead in this world. It is as much OURS as it is yours. I promise you, we will eventually have equal rights. Why? Because we are NOT GOING AWAY! More and more of us are born every day! We will NEVER give up this fight for equality. NEVER!

Jim – I served for 4 years and watched my best friend be literally tormented because she was a lesbian! And it was mostly the men doing the tormenting. None of the other heterosexual female soldiers felt comfortable being around her alone! This crap does exist. It as nothing to do with age. We were 22 at the time! Young people are homophobic too! Check you facts!

I served in the military, and knew many gays who were wonderful service members, and over all wonderfull people to serve with, but they denied their sexual orientation, stayed at home instead of going out, all for fears of being caught in a "homosexual" act with the person they are with, or love. Its pathetic, I got out of the military after 8 years not because of the dont ask dont tell policy, I am happily married, but the backstabbing, "you are only a number" attitude has towards services memebers is pathetic. I knew more "strait" people who were wastes of the militarys money because they were dirtbags than I knew gays, and if the military wants to kick out all gay service members, despite their knowledge or skills, I think they deserve the lack of respect from other countrys that they get. I do not think sexual orientation has anything to do with ones patriotism and willingness to serve. I would proudly serve next to a gay man or woman who will have my back, and strive to be excellent versus a strait one who will not.

I served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and can tell you without a doubt I served with gay women. Did it affect me or my fellow officers? Absolutely not!! These women served proudly and were fine officer examples. This ruling is utterly ridiculous

Lucky are those of us who by shear accident of birth conform to the rules set by those who fear what is not them. No one should pay a penalty for deviating from norms others would impose. I see progress, but it is too slow for those already suffering a lifetime of being marginalized. Peace begins at home by accepting diversity. Only then can we go out and judge others.

As a wealthy person, I would rather have someone else fight my wars while I stay in the comfort of my own country. Let someone else do the dying oversears. So, gays...let someone else do the dying for our country. We can protect the nation from aggressors here at home!

As an active duty Air Force officer (since 99) I am embarrased by this policy. More so, though, I am embarrased by the fact that I really feel that there are so many bigoted religious fundamentalists in the services that it really may be safer for the homosexuals to stay quiet. I'd rather lose the bigoted idiots, but then we'd REALLY have a troop problem.

Way to go military!!! I am sick of being called homophobic because I think homosexuality is a crime against nature. Let's try heterophobic – people afraid to be normal.

This is just another left wing liberal point of view that is being crammed down mainstream peoples throats.

Service members who can't deal with gays in their foxholes: time to consider another career. We may not see this policy ended this month, or even this year- but this policy is going down, and sooner than later.

When you raise your hand to serve, they specifically ask if you understand the don't ask don't tell policy. It is not about who he is, he lied in the beginning. I have nothing against homosexuality, and I commend him for comming out. However, he knew there would be repricussions for his actions when he chose to come out. It is like doing drugs and being shocked when you fail a drug test and get kicked out!

I think it is funny how people think that there would need to be 4 of everything because this would create groups of straight male, straight females, gay males, and gay females. These groups of people are out there in the real world all ready and they don't have special bathrooms or housing. There also in the millitary showers all ready. Really those measures would be a step backwards for tollerance. It is about tollerance something lots of us have to work on.

One instance the gays are shown as being fairies and not able to do a combat job. Then the next straights want to say they are affraid of gays. NOT a rational fear.

Why should we allow intolleracne in any shape or form. Even if the millitary is for the poor and uneducated why should we allow these views to foster any longer. Why should the views be sheltered in a goverment branch. Everyone should be educated no matter what cards they started with in life. America has always wanted to educate all peoples.

Then there are people that say "Gay Agenda" what do they mean by this? Is that a group of people asking for the same rights as straights? Are they trying to make you gay? (Don't they say your born that way?) What is truely at stake for straights to allow the same rights to gays? You just dont like it...

i am pro gay rights, but the military isnt a private company. order and discipline is mandatory or people die. not everyone accepts a gay commander or battle buddy. that wont change. dont ask... dont tell. its a good policy. this guy chose to go on tv and announce his gayness. he chose to rock the boat.

I don't agree with gay rights; however, it was wrong for the military to kick him out based on his orientation. You don't mistreat person's because they choose to be gay, but you don't condone this behavior either.

Maybe those who were responsible for letting him go are gay.

Kind of funny how straight guys think that every gay guy is gonna hit on them...seriously? You're not all that

The LT broke the rules, he pays the consequences. That is how most things work (except for some politicos who don't have to pay taxes...but that's another story).

That said, the rule is unjust. You have soldiers with blatant pictures of their girlfriends, wives, "penpals," and playmates – how is this not being OPENLY HETEROSEXUAL? It's my understanding that ANY sexual conduct while on ACTIVE duty is considered breaking the rules – why focus just on gays and lesbians?

They are not, "just 10%" or like a previous post "2-3%" of the population, studies show homosexuality is more likely to be 25-30% but because of the stigma, most aren't open. Being open with your sexuality does not mean flaunting it.

How many of you talk about your wife/husband at work? how is that any different than talking about your partner?

Perhaps if our society can get over their own sexual insecurities, we can move forward. It's 2009! Why are we still living the the pent up, closeted sexual confinement of the Victorian age?

Also, to the bible freaks, how many of you vary your positions in bed? hmm? the bible only condones missionary, how many have been hit from behind – and still throw the first stone?

Gay men are not sex-crazed monsters.

I managed to get through gym in high school and college and at the YMCA with nary an incident. In those days, we called it "custody of the eyes."

*I* am mystified as to why *anyone* would want to serve a country that treats them as second-class citizens.

To those who say that those who have not served have no right to criticize: that's not the way it works.

Our military is under CIVILIAN control ... the Commander-in-Chief is a CIVILIAN; the CONGRESS can amend the UCMJ; CONGRESS is made up of CIVILIANS.

You answer to US; we do NOT answer to YOU.

There is no substantive difference between discriminating against African-Americans or women or Hispanics or Asians or immigrants and discriminating against gay and lesbian people.

Almost 20 years ago, the Pentagon asked for DADT because they were losing too many good people who happened to be homosexual. This was a stop-gap measure to help these people stay in the military and defend our country. It was meant to appease those who are afraid of homosexuals, since technically the military would not know who they are.

That was a generation ago, and now it is time to go to the next step, which is to allow openly homosexual people to serve, because the only thing immoral about homosexuality is living a lie.

By the way, not all Christians think homosexuality is immoral. It is just the way some people were created. According to Jesus, we are all equally in the eyes of God, without qualification. That means regardless of race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, handicap, or any other reason. Most 'Christians' just can't figure that out.

SO – JB NYC – Exactly how many years have you served in the military to protect this country? I'M BETTING ZERO!!!!

It's ridiculous how some people think gays have an adverse effect in the military, yet there is a history of heterosexual misconduct that has always been tolerated. Illegitimate kids left round the world, sexual assault of local women. It's all been hushed over the years. Now the hetero military guys are assaulting their fellow women soldiers. Sounds like the hetero men are the ones with the issues.

Most mistake this for a government policy on morals. While this is morally based, it is enforced for good order and discipline. It falls in the same category as adultery, which has also led to many discharges. If you understand the environment, you will understand the policy. You can't routinely create a situation that adversely effects moral. ie. 60 straight males should not be expected to sleep, shower, eat, and live 24/7 with gay males. The cost to remedy this problem would be worse than the effect that the current discharges cause. Regardless, you must choose the lesser of two evils.

Just how many service men/women are there who are fluent in arabic? Not nearly enough to do the jobs that need to be done. It is utter insanity to dismiss anyone who speaks the language most needed to do the work of keeping this county safe. And to do it for no more reason than homophobia makes it all the worse.

Once again, the DEMOCRATS reveal themselves to be lying backstabbers to their gay supporters. Obama the COWARD-n-Chief will continue DADT, Pelosi & Reid will not allow gay marriage recognition, and all three will oppose adoption by gay parents. With the supermajority in Congress, the DEMOCRATS can no longer scapegoat the Republicans for their own anti-gay bigotry. If Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin had any integrity they would leave the party and become Independents, but they are basically Nancy's house slaves, so that won't happen. Next time, I'm voting GREEN!

I truly appreciate all the thoughtful and honest comments from the readers who say, "He should have been fired," "I own a company and would also fire anyone who's gay," and "I agree with this government policy." Congratulations to you all. It takes tremendous courage and confidence to publically admit to one's own bigotry and discrimination. I give you all a lot of credit for being small-minded and exclusive, you should all be very proud!

The irony of the situation is that the military would have contiued to praise him, had they not found out he was gay. This is so ridiculous. Ignorance is bliss, isn't it...

The point that is being missed here is the MISSION of the US Military is the first priority and requires discrimination in order to succeed in life or death situations. The military discriminates against overweight people and people with certain health problems, mental and physical limitations...women still can't serve in certain positions, and guess what? You can be kicked out for committing adultry. It's not because the military thinks being overweight, having epilepsy, being homeosexual or being a woman are mortal sins, but because their mission is unlike any "job" you may have.... the military's reason for existance is to go to war...., in less than ideal situations, live, work and play together in cramped quarters, and be able to function as a cohesive unit....people's lives depend on it. There are certain behaviors/health issues and gender realities that make that difficult to do successfully, so the military is structured to avoid the issues.

Bill – yes, your country is significantly behind the rest of the world in many many ways. If it were not for the significant population advantage that the USA has on all other developed countries, it would be irrelevant (unlike many other countries that lead in terms of innovation, progressiveness, etc.)

Let's not forget all the foreign nationals who are allowed into the military for the sole purpose of gaining citizenship. We are purposefully denying our services of valuable individuals based on an out-dated set of beliefs. Am I the only one that finds this backwards? We keep out legitimate American citizens who are well-qualified and we let in potential terrorists.

What I don't understand is how some on here say they would have a problem showering with gay servicemen, and then claim that it is a choice to be gay. To me that's a contradiction. If being gay was a choice, then we're all actually straight in real life. If we're all really straight then there shouldn't be a problem showering together, right? Hmm, then why is there a problem? Maybe those men who are scared are actually gay themselves and are too ashamed to admit it. That's what our society has taught us. It has been my experience that men who are uncomfortable with their own sexuality, and who usually have some attraction toward other men, are the ones to lash out at openly gay men.

If the sexisting policy is,"Don't ask, don't tell," what he did is obvious.
Why complain about consequences?

I agree with Bill, we keep using antiquated reasons to keep certain groups out of the military. We have argued that a woman could not be in combat because she would be a distraction, yet the Israelis do not have an issue with it....so why should we. Similarly, the argument that gay men in the showers will cause a problem is just downright ridiculous. My gay male friends always laugh at these assertions, like they are such sex fiends they cannot contain themselves and might start coming on to their fellow soldiers in the shower? are you serious?

As for Mike's comment that I cannot have an opinion because I was not in the military....shame on you, we have fought wars over my right to have an opinion.

He was an officer. He knew the rules. If he broke one he will break another. The military is not the place to play games with rules. Would he punish a lower ranking member for breaking a rule? No matter what his views are, rules are there until changed and officers in particular should obey them.

Regardless of what President Obama wants, it takes an act of Congress to change the UCMJ (uniform code of military justice). What we should be asking is why hasn't an armed services congressional oversight committee proposed such legislation.

Some of you guys need to come out of the closet and stop trying to convince the rest of us you don't find the same sex attractive by condemming others for your own feelings.

If you are so bothered by gay people it's not because you feel sexually indifferent to members of your own sex.

What a disgrace what our military and government is doing, I live in a military town and there is a lot of GAYS and LESBIANS here, they ALL serve our country with valor, courage, love and honor. And they all have the same goal: to serve and protect our beloved country and all its peoples!

I would like to inject that the idea that gays are outlandish with their sexuality, is an idea that is totally absurd. Why should gay people have to silence their love or sexuality, when straight people hold hands, kiss, get married, embrace, talk about there love life, have greeting cards, porn, weddings, celebrate anniversaries, talk about sexual experiences, select mates, date, post personal adds, congratulate each other on relationships, whine about relationships, write books, print magazines, get divorced, and do all the other damn things that involves relationships and sexuality. Love and sexuality among straight couples is a constant presence in our society. The minute a gay person is doing it you get the freak show that has to say we are forcing ourselves on them. Well I have news. The gay community KNOWS we have the RIGHT to be WHO WE ARE, and WE ARE TIRED of being told we must silence ourselves. The gay community WILL CONTINUE to spend less and less of our time CATERING to those of you that are so disillusioned to the world around you, that you think you own the road of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Less and less of us will keep our mouths shut so you can enjoy your bigoted perch. Less and less of us will refrain from holding hands just so you can feel comfortable. Less and less of us will be afraid to share our love so you can think we are 2-3 percent of the population. YOU WILL FAIL IN YOUR EFFORTS TO CONTROL THOSE YOU HATE. THE GAY COMMUNITY WILL PUT AN END TO YOUR SELFISH, PATHETIC and VILE view of OUR world.

William O'Neill
Cambridge, MA

I loved "Mytoys" comment... he's glad he's never had to do anything with the military.

You should be ashamed of yourself. It's people like you, who don't know what it takes to be a soldier, that are turning this into an issue.

The military rules and regulations are clear. The military operates under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This is the law that all military personnel live by. There is no room for discussion. Only under these conditions can the military operate effectively. Can you imagine if people squabbled because they were ordered into combat and had a caucus over rights and such? In short, battles would be lost and deaths would occur.

Choi had a choice. He wanted to make an issue of something and he wanted to politicize it. He was wrong on both accounts. I doubt you even know it's against the UCMJ for military personnel to speak against the commander-in-chief. Effectively, Choi did that.

I'm not an Obam fan and I don't believe in most of his positions. Even so, he is our commander-in-chief and deserves the respect of the office.

I hear various people saying that our military contains many homophobic members who simply can't handle serving with openly gay soldiers. However, we also have a real problem with morality going south and soldiers doing things they aren't supposed to do that have nothing to do with homosexuality.

Perhaps our willingness to coddle the insecurities of soldiers has something to do with the apparent increase in lack of self-discipline. I hear repeatedly that the bar is high for soldiers and they adhere to strict standards of conduct, but that bar, from the perception of someone from the outside, appears to be slipping.

I do not think it is beneficial to treat adult servicemen and women as if sexuality doesn't exist any more than it is beneficial to try to hide sexuality from our children, who undoubtedly find their own interpretations of the same issue. Education, awareness, open communication. That's what -everyone- in our country needs, including our armed forces.

If any woman commenting here would feel comfortable taking showeris with men you don't know and using the public restrooms with men then you have a legitimate reason to complain. Men, if you would like your wives to start showering with other men and using the public bathrooms then you have a legitimate reason to complain. The fact is most women don't want to shower with men who are not their husbands and most men don't want their wives doing it either. But it is totally acceptable to you to want other men taking showers with men who are sexually attracted to them? Just doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Bottom line is though, Lt. Choi knew the rules and chose to disobey them, therefore, he is punished. Much like a child, when they disobey they get punishment (even if it is a timeout). But then again that is another problem with society today. No one disciplines their children so the feel they (the children and in this case Lt. Choi) believes they have a RIGHT to everything, thus so many people here approving of disobeying the rules.

Personal responsiblity is LOST.

For those of you that have never served in the military, you'll never understand the reasoning behind the "Don't ask, don't tell" rule. As with any government agency, change is slow and tedious, and the military is one of the slowest to implement change. I'm NOT saying the policy is right, but for now, there remains a need for it until the military way of thinking can evolve. What is the military way of thinking? The military way of thinking is about trust. Trusting the person next to you is the key to team work...and team work is what the military is all about. Esprit de corp as it is know to "us". Without "IT", you have no military. Our military and its ways have been around longer than our government and it will take awhile longer before it changes. For those of you bashing our military, you know where you can go...I'll be nice...go find another country to live in. You should be thankful of our military for providing the country where your able to speak your mind "freely" is provided. But as for the rule of don't ask...it will change, eventually. For now, however, the policy is in effect and should be followed until it is changed...Thanks.

Why is this not a hate crime?

There is nothing quite like the military shooting itself in the foot. In order to entice more members, the military is now accepting high school drop outs and convicted felons but West Point, Arabic speaking grads need not apply. How short-sighted.

In one response to a gentleman who said that, "you, the great majority of people serving in the military are poor and lower middle class, and do not share the ideas of diversity that others might". I would like to note that when I listen to Lt. Dan Choi speak and look at his credentials I know he speaks for the majority of highly educated military personnel and soldiers in this day and age. I also think and would hope we have evolved as a civilization and a nation enough to abolish this law without it "hurting anyone's morale". It seems like what people want to hang onto is the past mindset of our fathers and grandfathers when in fact we have evolved both educationally and in our mindset of non discrimination. It is time to live in the present and move forward with our thinking America. President Obama, the time for action on this is now.

i don't think it's anyone's place to say "let the gays/lesbians serve in the military". do you have to shower and be forced into close quarters with homosexuals? no. you get to type away on your keyboard from the safety of your homes. i'm heterosexual and i wouldn't want to shower in front of a homosexual. its the same reason why i wait to go home to shower when i work out at the gym. not to say gays are sex-starved individuals who can't be professional – but naked is naked. just like if there was coed showers at my gym i can be an adult and not make a big deal out of it but don't kid yourself if you think i wouldn't be sneaking looks every change i got. its the same thing.

morally wrong/right or not – it's not my place to say "let him serve in the military – what do i care, i never have to be in an awkward situation with a gay person ever so it's easy for me to say". take it from the Marine who posted here, there'll be fights if homosexuality is open. as a soldier your job is to not have an opinion, to not be an individual, to be one small part of a much larger organism. your personal freedoms are signed away when you enlist. you're property of the US. there is no place for sexuality in the military. don't ask don't tell is a great feature in that it says as long as you don't make a big show about your sexual orientation and come out of the closet then the military won't actively seek to kick you out. thats a fair compromise.

For all of you that say it will destroy the military. They're already serving with straight people, and other countries where they do it openly, it has not destroyed their way of life. If you are uncomfortable with another person looking at you in a shower room, you are pathetic, insecure and you may have never known that you had already been seen nude by a gay person, and you lived.
As for this "suddenly" being "ok" to be gay. It still isn't "ok" if you're complaining that it's being accepted by some, and while others are still persecuted for being gay.
This issue cannot be solved by throwing out an opposing persons view of morality. If you don't accept being gay in the military, then you don't have to be gay in the military. If you aren't comfortable around gay people, that's why you don't want to know who they are in the military. If you don't know who they are, then it doesn't matter to you. A blind eye is a sad way to live, to just let people be repressed by others is no better than killing them with your own hands. You are sad people and cowards. You know nothing of fairness and justice, just idealism and radical christian beliefs. You're no better than terrorist, you deserve to die alone, without gay people who were willing to protect some of what you stand for.

I served in the Army for 8 years and I don't have a problem with gays serving but I don't think they should use the same barracks/showers as other men. Men and women are required to do many things seperately from each other. If gays and lesbians can serve and be open about their sexuality then they will need seperate living quarters as well. If straight men and women can't be in the same barracks then gay men shouldn't be in the same barracks as other men either. They would need to further seperate the soldiers; barracks for straight men, gay men, straight women, and gay women. But then that wouldn't be fair either. They won't let men and women shower and live in barracks together, but they would be letting gay men shower and live together?, gay women shower and live in barracks together? Would that be fair?

Gay's and lesbians should be allowed to serve but the military will need to make some changes to accommodate them and keep things fair.

For the LT, I'm glad he was kicked out. I might not agree with DADT, BUT it is an order that he was aware of. If you don't follow orders you get punished. It's simple as that. If the policy changes, then he should be allowed back in with no negative impact. Until the government changes the policy it must be followed just like any other order that you are given while in the service.

I am a straight man who severed for years with soldiers who I knew and many suspected to be gay. The fact that they had to hide who they were was a shame. Despite the fact that most in the company knew or had a good idea that these soldiers were gay did not affect discipline or moral because these were highly skilled professional soldiers and when push comes to shove, that is what most are concerned with.

I am continually amazed that heterosexual men are so paranoid about being looked at in the shower. As a gay man, I always feared the locker rooms in high school. I was always fearful that if I looked at someone, I would be found out. If I looked, someone might take offense. So guess what? I never looked. I imagine (never served in the military myself) many gay men act the same way in the showers. Oh, and don't tell me that straight men don't check out other men. They look too, perhaps for different reasons, but they're looking. I think it's time for the grown men serving in the military to GROW UP! "Mom! he's looking at me! Make him stop looking at me!"

so wait... we don't want gays in the army because they can't shoot straight?

Some people have asked if the military is for individual's rights. First of all, if you have not served in the military, you have no idea of the impact of openly gay men and women would have on the morale and combat readiness of our military units. In the oath of enlistment, you swear to uphold and maintain the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, to obey the orders of the officers appointed over me, the Uniform Code Military Justice, ect. so help you God. The UCMJ does not allow for the gay lifestyle. The morale issue of openly gay men and women is also addressed in the context of the oath of enlistment, "so help me God". This lifestyle is as a sin against God. The bible does not say the man shall leave his mother for the breast of another man, he is to be with a woman, they together as one. I do not endorse homosexuality, and I am no longer homophobic, as I once was. I have several gay friends, both male and female. They taught me just because they are gay, does not mean they are attracted to you, just heterosexuals are not attracted to all of the opposite sex. In a combat environment such as Iraq and Afganistan, there would be unavoidable problems within the unit. Again, as I have said before, unless you have humped a rucksack, you have no idea of the impact openly gay men and women would have in the military.

When you join the military you know darn well that they do not want gays. I served fourty years ,active duty,national guard and reserve .Most of my service was with the U.S. Army Special Forces..If there were any gays among us, I could not tell. There is no place in our military for them.They have to be sick in the head. What do gays not understand about 'DON'T ASK-DON'T TELL?

Quoting Racey:

"Cut the Crap. Only real men are to be in the Army. I support the Military for firing him. This nations sucks and it is going to Hell."

Might I add if this is true its because of wingnuts like Racey. Racey – Hell is awaiting you with open arms.

It's become more intriguing to read what the blogs say than the actual story. What pile of sticks do some of you live in (or under)? To respond to one about how gays keep shoving their "agenda" down throats (by the way, that made me chuckle a little)...there would not be an "agenda" if our HUMAN rights were "allowed" to us. Marriage = man+woman = divorce in like a year. Military = straight? Maybe the military should make sure to put that in their ad campaigns. What exactly is the big deal about homosexuals...is it the fact that we engage in something that makes you want to vomit? Sir, please tell me what two "lesbians" do for you? Hmmm...that's what I thought. And captian sir that was kicked out of the Army – move along – you don't want to be part of that anyway...xoxo...have a fabulous weekend!

All, you cn say this is a great travisty that he was discharged. I don't agree with teh Don't ask don't tell policy but at teh same time it is a rule. Someone said earlier that they cannot discriminate based on race, religion, etc so how can the Army get rid of someone becuse of it. It is in the "Handbook" for a reason to be fired, like it or not it is currently a rule and if we get to pick and choose what rules we follow and break then we begin to lose our society. I think all should be allowed to serve but currently the rules do not allow that. Change the rule, or work to change the rule but it is a rule and he knew it and was basically under an order to follow the policy and he chose not to follow a direct order by the commander in chief, that is reason enough to be booted. Good luck with following Rules down the road at your new place of employment.

OBAMA LIED – GAYS FIRED

There is a question here of what is honorable. The “Don't ask don't tell” policy was in effect when Dan Choi made the decision to sign up. He accepted the 'terms of agreement' at that time. I applaud him for being true to himself. This is honorable. It is also honorable of the military to continue to enforce their laws.

I am so tired of the homophobes in this country that feel that can justify discrimination of gays and lesbians for any reason. Those are the people that need to be labeled for what they are: small-minded pathetic. There is no justification for discrimination. This is one situation where President Obama needs to just make it happen and do the right thing. He says he wants to do it right, then get your butt in gear and do it right...but do it already.

Thank you Mr. Clinton for this idiotic rule.

Former LCPL, USMC, 1991-1993

It's just not right to end any soldier, sailor, or airmen's service to their country because of their sexual orientation. Dedication to duty, professionalism, and discipline are what matter.

To "Mike": " May 8th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

"I would also point out, that if you have never served in the military than your belief or opinion does not carry any weight."

Balderdash. I don't need to have served in the military to know when my fellow Americans' civil rights are being trampled on.

By your reasoning, I'm sure there are a great many things you should keep quiet about.

Anyone that has not served cannot understand the need for the policy. Don't try to compare military life to civilian life until you and every co-worker of the same sex have to share a shower and sleep in close quarters every night. We don't consider it androphobia if a woman is uncomfortable to shower in front of a man, so why is it being labeled homophobia if a man is uncomfortable to shower with a gay man? You can only push liberalism so far before there are consequences.

To those who ask WHY this nonsense continues, look no further than the religious right and the republican party they bought. These are the people who would rob us of our freedoms and rights.

Zach in Chicago May 8th, 2009 1:33 pm ET

Kind of funny how straight guys think that every gay guy is gonna hit on them…seriously? You’re not all that

Bravo Zach. I have many gay friends, military and civlian who are very picky on the men / women they hit on.

And hey, lets go ahead and kick out all the hispanics, blacks, asians, everyone huh? Because I fear blacks will put a cap in my ass, asians will eat my dog, and hispanics will hit on my wifes big booty. Seriously, fearing gays? Great to see what religion and conservatism has did to so many minds, way to go God.

These discriminatory practices occurred to appease a far right conservative groups. To me this group does not believe in our country's sacred national documents. We are all born with all inalienable rights as citizens of the United States. STOP the infuriating discrimination NOW!!

The idea that because one has never served in the military their belief or opinion doesn't carry any weight is as illogical as the opinion that because a man doesn't carry a child, he shouldn't have a say over whether his gf has an abortion. Would you make that same argument, Mike, or would you say that because it's the man's child as well he should have some say? Well, guess what, this is OUR freedom, too, so I think the general public's opinion also matters.

I think the Military is right by firing him. I think only Red Knecks and poor ignorant folk should serve in the military. That's what this nation is all about. Keeping people ignorant and supporting hatred and red knecks.

Why should I be forced into believing or supporting something I think is wrong? Talk about intolerance! As long as you go along and etc... Well I would rather be a homophobe than a homosexual! Nor would I serve with a homosexual in combat! They are a distraction and a genetic hiccup!!!

I do believe the policy is "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" Now for someone who went to West Point and graduated, I'm sure that policy was covered during his time there. Why didn't he say something then? To me that's like an enlisted (non-officer) person disobeying an order and paying the consequences. He knew the rules / policy and decided to tell. If he was so bend on staying in and serving then he should have kept his mouth shut. I have nothing against gay, but they are not special and should live by the same rules and expect the consequences if they don't. Peole were being put out of the services for the same reason long before that policy was in place. The policy was put in place so it wouldn't be so easy to get rid of them, but if you're foolish enough to let them know without them asking then you should be fired. To me that's a fool and I would not want to knowing serve under someone like that.

BTW: I don't even listen to atheist. Their opinions are by default not worthy of my attention.

Dee Jay, yes the military discriminates against overweight people and people with health problems and their are certain height and weight standards for certain positions .i.e someone 6'8" can't be a fighter pilot; however those restrictions are based on potential PREFORMANCE!!! Gays and lesbians have proven themselves time and time again to be competent and capable members of the US Armed Forces. The justification for banning known gay people such as harming morale and unit cohesion lacks any factual support. There have been service members who most of their fellow coworkers knew about their sexual orientation and its wasn't an issue. Furthermore, many comments have said that serving in the Armed Forces isn't like a civilian job; sure niether is being a police officer or a firefighter, and openly gay and lesbian have preformed in those areas as well.

LT Choi knew prior to attending West Point that the current military policy was "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". Whether the policy is correct or not it was and is the policy. He then later after reaping the rewards of a top notch education, the privalege of serving the country in the time of need, decided to come out against the policy.

I think that it is great that he now has the personal conviction to do such a thing. I would NOT consider him a hero or patriot for this action. His patriotism has to do with his service not the decision now to attempt to change the Army policy.

He KNEW the ramification of his actions prior to West Point, in Iraq and in his "coming out". He should NOW be prepared to "salute" the flag pole and hang up his uniform, this is the decision he has now made.

The Army standards are NOT the same as the civilian sector. Very few jobs can be lost due to adultry, where in the military it is jail time. The Uniform Code of Military Conduct does not apply to civilians as it does for military, nor should it. All military personnel understand this and have "raised" their right hand knowing the standard, the military does not waffle on this. LT Choi new the standard and decided not to follow it. It is a very simple case.

NOW with all of that said, all of those who believe that the DADT policy is incorrect should hold President Obama accountable for his campaign promises. BUT remember the miltary is not a test tube for social norms, the emotions need to be removed from the discussion, unbaises debate needs to be held, a policy that is right for the security of the United States needs to be the litmus test, not what YOU would think is just "fair".

Gays do not belong in the military period! Letting them in is just one more of the many steps we have already taken towards the pussification of America; it's no wonder so many nations have lost respect for us. He knew the rules, and he broke them. I don't understand why gay's feel they need to throw their sexual orrientation in everybodies face. who cares keep it to yourself. I know my attitude is far from being p.c. but that is another problem with this company everybody is so worried about offending some small group that we have lost our culture, and America just isn't America anymore.

I am a graduate of Annapolis and served for many years in the US Navy. I swore an oath, as have all military members, "...to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." The constitution I know and love does not allow for discrimination of any kind. I served with gays on several occasions. At no time was there any effect on unit cohesion or the ability of anyone to perform their duties.

DADT is a disgraceful policy and needs to be repealed. It was a poorly thought-out compromise between the older generation of homophobic Admirals and Generals, and an administration that wanted to be more inclusive. I implore all decent Americans to write your Senators and Representatives to ask them to work toward the speedy repeal of this policy. As a country, we're much better than this.

Know wonder Al-Qaedia and the Taliban are winning...

"Cut the Crap. Only real men are to be in the Army. I support the Military for firing him."

Gays have been and always will be a part of the U.S. military...anyone who denies this is a homophobe.

This article is very typical of the media: only tell one side of the story. What does the military have to say in their defense? Or is the media afraid to discuss it?

The media loves to discuss sexuality in terms of persecution. The isolated (and should I say immoral) beating of a homosexual means that anyone who even secretly beleives that homosexual behavior is wrong is a nazi.

I've never been in the military. My understanding of homosexuals in the military hinges, at least in part, around a principal similar to that men and women are in different sleeping quarters to discourage sexual impropriety and harassment. Do quarters also need to be seperated between gay and straight, feminite and butch?

straight men in service don't want gays in there baracks. I was in the Army & I think 95% of veterans &service men now serving feel the same way.

Shane: You are an idiot. Does that mean I should be permitted to walk into a women's shower/restroom based upon those same arguments?

Good for the army. I deployed to Iraq for 15 months where most of that time was spent in small rooms with 10 plus men all living together. If we had had a gay in there with us, we would have gone nuts. Just like heterosexual guys who go for girls in Iraq, homosexuals will do the same thing. Do I want to worry about looking over my shoulder making sure that nobody is watching me undress? Heck no. It's sad to think that the morality of this country is so far gone that we have just given up teaching our kids right from wrong. And all of you people who say that our country should allow this, and especially the people who got kicked out for it, should learn that the military has rules for a reason. If you were a gay and got kicked out for it, but say that you love your country, if you really loved your country so much, you would have followed your orders over following your sexual preferences.

If they want homos in the military they should have there own unit or put them in with the women. The people that argue otherwise should be asked if they would want their son or daughter in the boys or girl scouts to be led by a homo. I'll bet not.

Bill – really? I really don't think those country's militaries can compare to ours.

Matt – I couldn't agree with you more – thank you for taking the time to explain it.

I, too, went to Monterey while serving in the Navy about 15 years ago. My language was Chinese, but the program was just as long and intense. This was "Clinton's Navy" at the time and the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy had just been enstated.

Though I definitely don't agree with discrimination and every person has their own personal right to whatever it is they want to do behind closed doors, that policy is not accepted in the military. It's not only sexual orientation that is ridiculed. How many employers out there are allowed to 'fire' you for being fat? How about being depressed? How about falling in love with an E-4 when you're just an E-3? Many of our rights as 'civilians' are willingly given up when you sign the dotted line. Don't ask, don't tell is the policy, it's the rule in the military, Plain and simple. Is it right? That's not for me to decide. I gave up my uniform. To this day, I regret it. If you are not one who has ever given up your civilian 'rights' for the greater good, then I would recommend you go about your merry way and let the men & women of the military do their jobs.

people claim they want smaller goverment, especially those that lean towards the right. Then goverment needs to BUTT OUT of people's personal lives. No one should care or need to know what person's sexual orientation is if they want to serve their country. They can't have it both ways, yet they seem to want to have it their way all the time. Sad indeed.

Sexual orientation is not the sum of a being. This man is a good soldier. What is wrong with this country that we let extremist laws exist?

To be or Not to be, that is the question....true that is............ A good friend of mine and I were going to enter the Coast Guard together on the buddy system, as we got to the paper work there is an "agreement" that says "I will not engage in homosexual acts, I understand that by doing so can result in my termination in the US Coast Guard." He told the recruiter that he did not feel comfortable signing that because he is gay, and the recruiter, very angry said "get the F out of my office and don't come back!" I walked out and was later assigned another recruiter. Because of this I was entered in to the delayed entry program and had to wait 3 months before zI could go to bootcamp. My friend was willing to join, and serve but because of what he did in his bedroom, he was not allowed to even step foot in the office again. I think its crap! As a retired military man, I would not have a problem serving with gay men or anything. Homofobic men think that every gay men wants them and that if they are around them they might turn gay............guess what my best friend is gay.. I am straight.....and not every gay man wants you because you are a man! get over yourselves! Obama keep your promises to many good men and women are fired because of this! I say yes to patriotism gay or not!

Please everyone, quit saying 'don't flaunt your sexuality' We gay people don't want to flaunt anything, but we do want to be able to talk about who we are in relationships with. Some on here say "I don't flaunt my heterosexuality" but have you ever talked about your wife, or husband? If so, you did something we gays in the military can't do. We would get fired for it.

Just think about that.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a very simple policy to follow – without this policy then gays would never even be allowed to join in the first place.
So why is it so important that you gay people feel the need to announce it to the world and tell everyone about your sexual orientation? Is it really that hard to keep that little bit of information to yourself and your close friends? Why does the whole world have to know?

As far as this Lt is concerned – he did openly break the rules and was punished for that alone. I did my time in the military and trust me, there are a lot of stupid rules (much worse that DADT). If I were to break any of those other stupid rules I would be punished as well.
When you join the military you give up a lot of your rights and freedoms – military life is nothing like civilian life and it cant be explained if you have not lived through it .

well, shane, if i have to tell you the obvious you might feel slighted, but here it goes:

when a heterosexual male looks at a another male in the shower, he looks away and thinks nothing of it. when a homosexual male catches a glance at another male, specifically a male who is soldier-fit and in good shape, if you want to argue that seeing another man's genitalia doesn't stimulate that homosexual then we might not be talking about a homosexual afterall. i go back to my previous statement – i can be an adult if a woman happened to take a shower or undress at my gym. i'm not gonna round around with aroused genitalia. but i'm certainly going to be stimulated. the very definition that makes me a heterosexual is that a naked person of the opposite gender arouses me.

right now there are gays in the military who aren't being segregated or treated differently. why do they have to now be allowed to wear a sign that announces they like people of the same sex? how would that benefit our military? what advantage would we gain on the battlefield by having openly gay people? there is none. so old, outdated morals aside, if it doesn't enhance our advantage then why change it? not everything in life needs to be PC or fair. if this policy bothers a homosexual person they have the option to simply not enlist. it's certainly not a surprise. go join Broadway or the fashion industry or anywhere else where homosexuality is unfortunately celebrated.

First:
I believe that every American should have the right to serve their Country. No matter who they are with the exception of "age". We old guys have trouble handling the "heat" and war is a young person's world.

But...
Until the administrative and infrastructure issues are solved and the funding to initiate the changes is available we should not allow the open service of gays. There are to be a resolution as to what constituets a legal dependent, will the military recognize gay marriages or legal agreements with suvivor benefits? How will you house gay enlisted in garrison? Right now most military houses young soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines two to a room with a share shower and toilet and kitchen. Do you house heterosexuals with homosexuals? Start education courses for the military personnel to understand the action much as the Military took the lead in the late 60s and early 70s with race relations.

You must prepare for the change, provide the right solutions to housing, dependent, and educational challenges. The military can't be a social program, it must be enacted with deliberate and controlled actions. I guarantee that the Military will eventually (rather quickly I believe) accept anyone who is there as a volunteer to defend their country. If the openly gays enter believing themselves somehow different from everyother member they will fail and cause total disruption.

But do it right, not quickly.

Sounds like "Paul from Wisconsin" is a closet homo himself. He says that gays are "shoving it down [his] throat."? Hmmm....Macbeth comes to mind.

"Gay men are not sex-crazed monsters." REALLY??? Have you ever actually WATCHED a 'Gay Rights" parade??? AND you want those people protecting you?

Paul Wisconsin said...
"Main stream america is getting sick of the gay agenda and how they jam it down our throats."

Agenda? Yes, how dare gays and lesbians want to be treated equally! Shame on them for being good, loyal, tax-paying Americans and expecting the same rights as everyone else! Evil gays, wanting to be treated like human beings!

Gay lifestyle does not work in the Military. Openly serving in the Military is a distraction to the morale and welfare of the troops. I don't expect someone who has never served in the Army to understand what I am talking about. Gays in the Military will never admit that it is a distraction and will be a cause of numerous other problems. It is not about hate or discrimination, but unit readiness. If he still wants to serve his country, let him join the FBI or CIA.

The small-minded bigotry expressed in some of the comments here is absolutely astounding. Bigots have no place in a diverse society. Instead of gays finding their own country where they can come out, as one writer urged, I suggest a better solution is for all bigots to find a place where they can all go and engage in their group-hate of all who are different. You are not welcome in this society.

As a Marine of 10yrs I read this story and I applaud the Good Old UCMJ and It's actions. In any military unit specifically infantry unit cohesion is necessary..loyalty and respect as well..a leader without respect of a majority of his troops or non acceptance should not be able to remain because that creates a weak link. To be honest the "don't ask don't tell" policy is not to discriminate against them but to protect them. You tell a group of Grunts there's a homosexual in the mist of their unit and I guarantee you one of them will eventually physically harm the good old Lt. or he may end up going UA at a formation.

To "Douglas from the USA",

"I don’t go around telling everyone that I’m heterosexual. The only time I speak of it is when I am propositioned by a homosexual."

YOU WISH

Idiotic. Apparently gay-fear has a higher importance than national security.

Excuse, me, Racy, did you say that only real men should serve in the U.S. Army?

Hmmm. I wonder what the one-, two-, and three-star female Generals and Admirals would think of that comment? Or the hundreds of thousands of women who are active duty or veterans? That just happens to include me. Well, I can tell you what I think, and that is that it is obvious you have never served! Or if you have, you've never had a female officer.

I can also tell you that thousands of honorably serving men and women of our military are gay, but not out. We've even had some that have been considered for the highest honors in the military branches who were gay. And that some of the greatest military organizations in the world were either led by or consisted primarily of gays. "Real men" are men with courage, heroism, loyalty, and ethics - and whether they are straight or gay doesn't matter one iota!

DeeJay, well said.

It all so has to do with fore knowledge. Every homosexual that joins the military knows of that rule and in the case of the 37 "Knights Out" they also received a full education from West Point a foreign language training under the premise of that rule so it is those individuals that waste the governments money.

First, many of you are being narrow minded when seeing the consequences of his decision to speak out.

Second, Choi signed up for the National Guard and West Point fully knowing the rules. He broke his contract with the government by speaking out. Just like any other contract by an employer, such as major league sports, you break the contract you are terminated.

Third, Choi would after speaking out and then being shipped to Iraq would of faced severe backlashes from others. He would of been a target for discrimination.

Fourth, he disobeyed a direct order not to speak out. So we are telling him its okay to disobey your superiors? So the next time he chooses to disobey and not follow the rules and my brothers and sisters in the military or killed because of his decision. This is okay?

Finally, the law was there for protection it should stay. And I like how some of you (janie) like to add random facts, not true, about CIA and FBI. Way to discredit yourself and others in their opinions.

God Bless America and Mrs. California especially.

OK, I do not see the problem here, no one has asked me about my sexual preferences, nor do I prefer to discuss them with anyone, especially a nation. What you prefer, and do, is your business, just dont talk about it with everyone. That is exactly what the DONT ASK, DONT TELL policy means. They wont ask you, and you wont tell them. No one asked me of my orientation and I did not tell them.
There is a reason for this rule, as someone mentioned before, troops have to sleep in the same beds, utilized the shower at the same time, etc. Homosexuals, admittedly, have a sexual attraction to people of the same sex. This is the same exact thing as allowing males and females to sleep in the same bed, take showers together, etc. This would undoubtedly disrupt good order and discipline and will never be allowed. So why should we allow men who admittedly are sexually attracted to other men sleep in the same bed, take showers with other men who are not attracted to them? Would you let a man who just wanted to serve his country, and was fluent in Arabic and did his job well, take a shower with your duaghter, wife, sister? I dont think so.

For all those who refuse to accept it.... this country is NOT a democracy Or based upon socialism..... it IS a Republic. For those of you who do not know the difference, maybe you need to look it up.

Since when is sexuality your identity? I think that is the most disturbing part about people coming out, how the sexuality is there entire identity.

And why should he be surprised or indignant? He knew the rules, all he had to do was not throw his sexuality in anyones face, and he could go on serviing, but he could not do that. This is all on him.

So, according to some of these comments re: why gays should not be allowed to serve because the straight soldiers would have to, heaven forbid, sometimes openly SHOWER with them and the gay soldiers, heaven forbid, might get AROUSED. Oh my. I suppose then, that we should outlaw all heterosexual gynecologists? Do you idiots honestly think you can't control your sexual desire when necessary? How bloody ignorent are you? Show of hands, please....

So much time and effort on these replies. So much wasted bandwidth IMHO.
Unless you are NOT serious about what you are writing about (just 'stirring the muck') have you tried contacting your senator or congressman? Written a letter to the Commander-In-Chief? Posted on his website?
As it has been mentioned, the military is following edict/law/legislature as they must. It is not the military's fault and it would be 'unamerican' to not follow the law.
If you disagree with a law (or Executive Order) it must be repealed or overturned or ammended.
As fundamentally and morally commendable as this man is for taking personal responsibility and about declaring his sexuality and as central as the core-belief that this is what the military prescribes, it also knowingly violates a part of the USCMJ (rules) which, as contrary as it may seem (and arguably a source of personal identity crisis as well as the epitome of confusion) is one of the fundamental parts of his oath he swore in when he enlisted.
I am not arguing any rights or wrongs here other than to try to get those who are so fully motivated and strongly biased (one way or the other) to contact the legislature departments that can change the 'rule' or keep it the same.
I have a son in the military and I was in the military myself. Whether I agree with either side I reserve for correspondance with my elected representatives (and I am not quiet on almost any subject that I feel strongly about).
So, it's FINE you post here but I sure hope you put your pen/keyboard to work in a direction that will actually have a chance of DOING something in addition to your words here.
Enjoy!

I'll start worrying about gays and lesbians undermining the efficacy and esprit de corps of our troops just as soon as I hear about a gay Tailhook incident.

Lt Choi may be the spark that ignites the cause. As a country I hope we get past this ridiculous discrimination.

My father was a retired Marine, and when I was 18 I had to take a long look at myself and military. I finally chose not to join any arm services due the fact that I am gay. I did not want to have the chance that one day I would be kicked out after serving my country proudly just for being myself. I decided I would have to service my country to my best of abilities as a "normal" citizen. I wanted to follow in my fathers foot steps but did not due to this stupid law " don't ask don't tell. I really appreciate Choi service that he has put in and respect him more for standing up and coming out. I can only pray that one day we can service proudly while being open about ourselfs. Many of gay men and woman will gladly serve this country!
Chris

What I dont understand is why anyone is surprised or outraged over this. The policy was in place long before any of those service memebrs thought it would be a good idea to even join the military. They accepted the oath and lied about their orientation to begin with. During my time in service I served with Marines who were (not openly)gay and when they made their orientation know and were subsequently discharged I was sad to see them go but they entered into the situation knowing that would happen.

"I don't flaunt the fact that I'm a heterosexual"

That's because it is assumed. If everyone assumed you were gay, I'm sure you'd flaunt your straightness plenty. In fact maybe it's not "flaunting" at all; just correcting!

There is a reason they do things in the Military its for group cohesion, trust, etc.. There doesn't need to be any additional distractions. I am a woman and I understand why we aren't allowed to serve in certain functions of the military. They same goes for Gays..maybe they can fill a certain function, but what service are they doing when they openly try to stick out and be different. I don't think I want liberal ideaism to effect what the military has found to work when protectig the security of our country. IF you don't want to be kicked out of the Military follow the rules...Don't tell. Otherwise find another profession.

The funny thing is he can't serve in the military if he's gay, but can join work for the CIA, NSA, FBI or Secret Service being gay.

It makes no sense at all. You should be judged on what you do not who you choose to have sex with.

I see no difference in sending Homosexuals to slaughter than sending Heterosexuals. The end game is the same. Pointless slaughter, enraging the world against the US. FAIL.

I served in Iraq and what DeeJay is saying to totally correct. Imagine working in a combat environment and you have young men and women working closely together for a year...here comes the problems.

1st-People are going to start developing feeling for one another, what is wrong with this, it starts in fighting among the Soldiers. One guy will start to like this female Soldier and another may like her also so they are now competing and not focusing on their combat mission/roles. You can ask anyone that has served and has had Soldiers under their responsibilty and they will tell you that when you mix men and women together away from their families for a year or more, they are going to start sexual relationships with each other. This is why our direct combat units do not allow women, not because they are seen less then men but because it is their jobs to direct the enemy face to face, not from a computer terminal miles away, but face to face and having women in the unit will derail these young men's thinking. They will no longer focus on the mission but be focusing on who is messing with their woman. This is also why Adultery is illegal in the military, how would you like it if your battle buddy is having problems because someone back at the base stateside is sleeping with your wife, this person can't focus on protecting the team from the enemy. One last thing, for the person who stated that they are glad they never had anything to do with the military shame on you.

As a young marine I never considered what impact gays serving in the military could have. That is, until I received an unwanted advance that made me mad as hell. Then I realized, that when I was taking a shower with those I was supposed to fight with, to trust, to possibly die with, some guy was enjoying himself sexually by looking at the naked bodies around him. Gay is not the norm and creates trust issues when openly pursued in the military environment. This has nothing to do with patriotism and everything to do with inter-personal relationships. Just because I am offended or uncomfortable when a gay person expresses interest in me does not make me a bigot. Mr. Choi understood the rules of the club he joined. He chose to violate those rules. What should he expect?

Active Duty.

You sound very insecure. One of my friends at the police academy was gay and quit over repeated comments from an bigoted instructor who had been told to cut it out. I have worked in small unit policing and had no issues with any gay co-workers. We all wear the same uniform and depend on each other to make it home safe. Is the US military so different than that of other countries or even tight knit police units??? I have not heard about any "gay" problems coming up in Kandahar...

I too would like to see more prosecution of heterosexuals under sexual misconduct laws. Adultery is still a crime within the military. Gays should start narcing on all sexual misconduct they see straights doing. If its still illegal to "fraternize" with other soldiers then tell on them when they do! If you find out that a married soldier is carrying on an affair rat them out.
On another note, I do understand the whole "gang showers" thing. But what do other civilized countries do? Are you really trying to convince reasonable people that we cannot afford to spend a little extra money to create a "gay" shower stall?

As a nation, the US needs to grow up! A man that wants to defend you can't serve because he is gay? Tell me how being gay prevents being qualified as a soldier. Service to country, patriotism and a desire to be better as a person are the requirements for military service as i see it. We have gay and lesbian soldiers serving in Canada's military and they are competent professional soldiers. Smarten up you guys, and get with the rest of the world. Stop with the bigotry and hatred and let good people do good work.

Aaron, you are full of it. The military is not all that it's made out to be. I'm speaking from experience myself so don't tell me I have no clue.
Just because someone might be homosexual does not mean they are any different than you and me. Physically they are not, their orientation is not a choice just like being heterosexual is not a choice.

I'm glad I did NOT vote for Obama.... it just shows that politicians promise a lot in order to get your vote, but once they have it they couldn't care less.

And Retired Army,

I'm a Vietnam era vet, and the daughter of a U.S. Army Lt. Col, who served in both WW2 and Korea. Altogether, there have been seven generations of U.S. veterans in my family. My father talked at home about knowing that several of his battalion were gay, but presented no problems at all to morale or readiness. There are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of gays that have served, and served faithfully and well - and whose orientation, while not discussed, was common knowledge. Your argument might have been borderline correct 30 years ago, but it certainly isn't now! But then, I presume you also think that women serving in the military are "distracting" or even blacks!

Aaron May 8th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

I appreciate the military for adhereing to strict moral standards. The military is 100 percent oposite of the civilian world and unless you are part of it you don’t and won’t understand that way of life. Homosexuality would be a downgrading of a higher standard of living.

Aaron, are you serious? I am a military veteran and to say that they are sticking to their strict moral standards by kicking out someone because of their sexual orientation is insane. If a soldier has a child out of wedlock or sleeps around is that moral? Not by a lot of standards, but you wouldnt get kicked out as long as your partners are of the opposite sex. There is no higher standard of living, and someone being gay doesnt place them below you. The real problem is not this articulate,educated, dedicated man who happens to be gay, but the homophobic soldiers like yourself who feel that the a person choosing to love someone of the same sex makes them incapable of protecting your life, your country, and your chosen way of life.

If a regular corporation were to fire you because you are gay, they would get SUED for discrimination.

Mr. Choi knew the laws of the military. When he raised his hand he agreed to abide by the laws of the military .... he didn't. Now he has to suffer the consequences just like all citizens in America has to abide by the laws of the land. Rather right or wrong, the current law is what is it and it does not change just because he speaks Arabic. This has nothing to do with him being gay ... he tried to go against the military institution and lost. As far as I can see, the military is doing a great job at keeping America safe! If there was no Don't Ask, Don't Tell he's still be in the military ... "Ignorance of the Law is no excuse" ... heard that one before?

There's more to this besides Lt. Choi being gay. It has to do with the military being totally embarassed that Choi and most other gay service members, over achieve and accomplish more in their short military careers than most of these bigoted, first line level, grunts posting on here have every accomplish in their lifetime.

Aaron said....

"I appreciate the military for adhereing to strict moral standards. The military is 100 percent oposite of the civilian world and unless you are part of it you don’t and won’t understand that way of life. Homosexuality would be a downgrading of a higher standard of living."

Aaron, are you serious? I am a military veteran and to say that they are sticking to their strict moral standards by kicking out someone because of their sexual orientation is insane. If a soldier has a child out of wedlock or sleeps around is that moral? Not by a lot of standards, but you wouldnt get kicked out as long as your partners are of the opposite sex. There is no higher standard of living, and someone being gay doesnt place them below you. The real problem is not this articulate,educated, dedicated man who happens to be gay, but the homophobic soldiers like yourself who feel that the a person choosing to love someone of the same sex makes them incapable of protecting your life, your country, and your chosen way of life.

Here in the UK we had the same arguments that allowing gay men and lesbians in the military would somehow undermine discipline.

Well, guess what? The ruling was changed some years back. And it didn't create so much as a ripple of disturbance. Military life went on as before, except now it was a more accepting and comfortable place for some of its men and women to work in.

Clearly the US military think there are so many talented, intelligent Arabic speakers hanging around on street corners that they can afford to squander the tax dollars spent on Lt Choi's training.

'Don't ask don't tell' was a piece of moral cowardice on Clinton's part. It should be repealed ASAP.

The majority of our Arabic speaking officers happen to be homosexual. WHO CARES? These are the soldiers we need out in the field conducting interviews, letting civilians know we want to help them and everything else that can be done by our soldiers who speak the native languages of where they are stationed. It's common sense. Repeal 'don't ask, don't tell.' Not only does it not work, but it is removing the most needed of our soldiers and alienating new recruits.

It's time for Lt. Choi to grow up. He knew the rules and the chance he was taking by coming out. The policy does not say gays are not allowed. The policy is we won't ask and we don't want you to tell us. I served 6 years in the Navy for this country during the first Gulf War. To be honest I was upset when the Don't ask Don't tell policy was put in place by Clinton. The military is not civilian life and if you have never lived it you would not understand. Three cheers for some segament of the population that is still willing to live by their code of conduct. I am even more proud to be a veteran today. It is clear that most of the posters to this message board have never served their country.

Sorry Chuck, the world isn't so black and white. While adultery is punishable under UCMJ, charges are rarely filed against service members. Rarely is anyone convicted or separated. And, even though it is a UCMJ crime, adultery occurs day after day by service members. Furthermore, adultery does impact morale and unit cohesion, particularly when affairs occur between service members (for example, during deployment).

DADT appears "criminalize" a service member's trait without regard to its actual impact on the unit. DADT is more enforced than UCMJ-related adultery charges.

Sounds like bigotry to me, not common sense.

This country is obsessed with the gay debate – and the ones talking about it the most are the homophobes. When this country finally accepts gay men and women as equal citizens, I guarantee the military will not crumble, marriage will not blow up in a cloud of smoke, churches will not fall, and your children will not turn gay. Can we just accept freedom and equality FOR ALL and move on? Obama, do it already.

Thank you, Lt. Choi, for serving. I am irritated by the DADT supporters' comments that assume those who advocate repeal of DADT have never served in the military and "just don't understand." Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), the lead organization pushing for the end to DADT, has gays, straights, civilians and vets serving on its staff and its board. It has a Military Advisory Committee with over 30 members with ranks as high as a 2 star General, both gay and straight, that are pushing for the end to this discriminatory policy. So please stop complaining about how "you just don't understand how special and unique the military is, and leave us alone to continue to discriminate." When fully qualified, skilled servicemembers like Lt. Choi are being discharged, not for misconduct or performance but for who they are, and replaced by freshly recruited convicted felons, THAT ruins unit effectiveness.

Signed, Retired Navy Commander and U.S. Naval Academy graduate

God help us that a Gay or Lesbian wants to marry and have a lifelong committment or serve our country honorably. For shame, have you no decency? Is your closet so small that you had to come out of it?
(for those who can't figure out sarcasm....this is sarcasm)

I'm a gay woman. I have never served in the military, but appreciate those who do. Being gay, I would never join the military due to this policy, among other reasons. Lt. Choi knew the policy and chose to come out; he knew what would happen. I appreciate how he feels, but he does know the rules as they stand now. His superiors are not to blame for enforcing the rules; Obama needs to be a leader and get rid of DADT. The military is the military - for better or worse, it is what it is, and I don't understand why any gay person would want any part of it, but if they decide to serve they do know the rules going in. To those who mention separate living quarters for gays/straights as comparable to separate quarters for males/females, as if sexual orientation is the same as gender, 1., I guarantee y'all ain't as hot as you think you are; 2., As a female, I don't care if you boys want to shower in the same area as me; I'm there to clean up, not scope anyone out, so knock yourselves out; and 3., Are you attracted to every single human being with chromosomes that are opposite yours? Neither are gay folks. Yes, some gay men and women will ogle anyone and anything, but not everyone is like that. DADT is a wasteful, short-sighted, ridiculous policy. BUT - Choi knew the rules. Let every gay person now serving in the US military quit at the same time - now THAT would prove a point, as Choi seems to be trying to do.

The military works because they obey REGULATIONS. Those regulations and policies are dictated by civilians. You don't get to pick and choose. This military is doing the right thing by enforcing regulations passed down by civilian leadership. So to those idiots here who are attacking the military for doing thier jobs, talk to obama, not us in the military. If one of my troops came up to me and told me he was gay, the first thing I would do is tell him to be quiet about it. If he didn't do that then I would be forced, by regulation, to assist in kicking him out. Even if I disagreed with that regulation. I also don't agree with AR 600-9 because it has gotten very fit people with different body styles kicked out, but I enforce it equally. This Lt was an idiot. He has only himself to blame. Being in the guard, they would have ignored his gayness unless he made a big deal about it. It is a shame he felt it was more important to make a political statement rather than just obey regulations.

President Truman ended racial discrimination with an Executive Order over the objections of the military at that time. The arguments used then are identical to the arguments used today against openly gay men and women serving in the military.

Our allies allow gays to serve in their military. It is evident that their military forces are not degraded because of that. Are our own military forces so much inferior that they would suffer from having gays serve?

Some of the most valiant warriors in history were the Greeks. They had a tradition of male sexual bonding.

How little our own military seems to have learned from the ending of racial discrimination by President Truman and from the experiences of our own allies. Perhaps our own military leaders are not as intelligent. Remember the $600 toilet seats?

How many of you respondents have ever served in the military? Those who haven't, have NO basis on which to voice an opinion, except idealism, which does not always work. I served aboard nuclear submarines for many years, and if a man had come out of the closet while we were on patrol, you opinionated but uninformed folks cannot imagine the repercussions it would have caused.

It's very simple. This is a volunteer military and no one twisted his arm to join. He knew of the military regulation prior to raising his hand. Who cares what language he knows. As a retired military guy with over 24 years in, the military is based on rules and regulations that I followed every day. It just seems that he is simply looking for a lawsuit because he likes to have relations with men. If the regulation changes, then and only then homosexuals could come out and do what they want, within the regulation.

The bigger question Americans should question is why women over 18 do no have to register for the Selective Service, like all men over 18 do. I find that unfair to all men. If the Nation would require a draft, capable men and women should equally be drafted.

If you have never served but commenting on this story, you really shouldn't since you have NEVER served. You have only lived a life that was protected by people like me who VOLUNTEERED to protect this fine Nation.

Rules are rules! It is the politicians and congress that make up the military policies~stop blaming the military! I did my time in the Air Force and yes, my roommate was a lesbian. I spoke my peace and told her I had no heartburn working with you, just don't try to persuade your ways on me. Needless to say, I see nothing wrong with gays and lesbians serving their country. If you do decide to join, do your job and follow the rules including "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

I wish the best of luck to Lt Choi, however, I have to agree with the National Guard, they were following the policy. If he only had kept his mouth shut for another year or so, he'd still have a job.

No homosexuals in the military, period...Don't like it, don't sign up...You weren't forced to join

Enlisted personell in the Navy sleep in very tight quarters. 2 sailors will literally sleep in a space that is smaller than a king size bed.

I think that hetrosexual sailors have rights also...one of those rights should be the ability to get a good night sleep without worrying that someone will molest you.

I am positive that I would not want to sleep with a serious homosexual 2 feet away.

That is also the reason why men and women have segragated sleeping quarters on ships. Of course, I guess that we could have men, women, male homosexual and female homosexual... that would give everyone a safe place to sleep.

I didn't read all of the posts, but really...what did he expect would happen when he came out??? I know of gays in the Air Force, but they are not 'announcing' or 'coming out' because as a whole, it isn't the Air Force's business. Besides that, the gays I know don't feel they need to come out because they don't see heterosexuals having a coming out meeting or a heterosexual rights day...the right for heterosexuals to NOT accept homosexuality.

Retired Army.......

How does being gay effect unit readiness? Does being gay make you unable to fire your weapon or perform your mission? Are you not able to concentrate on the enemy because you are distracted by all those good looking soldiers in uniform? Does a straight soldier lose focus because instead of concentrating on that enemy sniper he is worried about if the gay soldier is mentally undressing him? Give me a break about the morale and welfare of the soldiers.

I'll disagree with folks who claim they don't go around telling folks they are heterosexual, especially military folks, because they're lying.

I'm hetero myself, but I have a lot of gay friends. I also grew up around the military my entire life, both Army and Navy. Every time you talk about the girl you hooked up with on shore leave, or the awesome oral gratification you got from that hot little office girl at the MP station, you're saying "HEY LOOK, I'M HETEROSEXUAL". Heterosexuals are constantly waving reminders of their sexuality all over, and military folks talk trash about their sexual exploits more than college frat boys, and being an officer doesn't stop that. I heard stuff in Officer Bachelor's quarters growing up that would make most grown ups blush.

The fact is, when hetero folks hold hands, kiss, snuggle, or even get a bit passionate in public, it ranges from amusement and support to a simple "Inappropriate". When gays do it, it's " disgusting" or "morally objectionable", or even "illegal". When heteros are on TV, it's not an issue, but when gays are on TV, even if they're in normal, stable relationships or even celibate, it's "pushing the gay agenda". So what is the gay agenda? Being gay? Admitting being gay? Faithfully and accurately portraying gay lifestyle in any sort of media that you might see? Where is the point where it goes from an accurate slice of the world we live in to outright political agenda.

If you even have an answer for that question, then you're probably a bigot, and it's too late already.

Honesty is always the best policy-apparently that is a concept that the Armed Forces doesn't understand. He served his country well with pride and dignity and was very well respected-he was "gay" then and he still is "gay"-nothing has changed, except a spoken word. The President should be so honest and carry through with his "promise".

I am fast losing respect for this nation.

What's funny is the military must be so loaded with scared little boys that will just have to hist up their skirts and run shrieking away from some guy (who has more courage than these little boys will ever have). I don't know what specialty this fellow had but if you're injured and in a foxhole, under fire, do you really care that the guy who saves you is gay?

This policy needs to change yesterday. Not only due to all the arguments vis-a-vis equal protection, but because it would (hopefully) cause an exodus of some of the Neanderthals who currently make up the evangelical-ultraconservative core of the forces, thereby making joining the service a more palatable option for pretty much everyone else.

And, yes, I'm currently serving: USN 1996-present

Our country needs to live up to its promises… all are equal. If a soldier is willing to swear on his or her life to die defending this country, then how can a nation for the people, by the people ,say no? Hypocrisy will be our undoing.

People, get a grip on reality! If you're in a war zone you need to concentrate to stay alive. If you're worried about the guy next to you because of his sexual orientation, that's a distraction that could cause you to catch a bullet in the head or trip a IED. Homophobia is real, deal with it, it's always going to be around no matter what law gets passed. The overwhelming majority of servicemen are straight so for their protection, remove all distractions. We need our soldiers 100% focused on their mission. Is being PC worth putting other soldiers at risk so a few gay serviceman can serve? Maybe we should just put together a gay battalion? That would make everyone happy and probably scare the hell out of the enemy!

Something many of the civilians here might not be aware of, is that by joining the military, you have restrictions placed on your freedom of speech. In uniform and while your status is known as a member of the United States military, you are a representative of the military as a whole, and subsequently any political, social, or other opinions you espouse may be construed as being "government approved", and are strictly prohibited and even punishable. DADT in many ways acts as an extension of this existing rule, when you come publicly you're making a statement.

Now, regardless of your opinion of the DADT policy, Lt. Choi challenged the authority of his commanding officers, who subsequently had no choice but to follow regulations. He knew what the consequences would be when he came out, but he chose to make a grandstanding political statement instead of humbly serving his country, unlike the many others that are quietly serving right now. He chose himself over his country, so I have no sympathy for this man.

Having just retired from the military 1 March 2009, I fully understood the military policies and the UCMJ. DADT was established to NOT single out gays and lesbians in the miliary. Therefore, the military would not ask and the members would not tell.

Agree, LtCol appears to be an outstanding officer an a great asset to the military, but he took the risk to tell. As a LtCol, I'm sure he was retirement qualified, so people don't feel too bad from him.

Yes, I beleive the DADT policy should be changed, b/c the military seek qualifications, skills and willingness to serve.

Lets hope this doesnt cautch on with people going back to a war zone for the 4th time on a forced extended enlistment.
Think what it do to the demographics and prime time network TV.

I've served in the military for 15 years and I'm gay. The issue isn't whether we should discuss our sexuality openly. The issue isn't that gays wish to have special rights.

The issue is not being afraid that after all you have given to your country (service) and your country has given to you, that you could loose everything in your life (career, friends, military family) if you get discovered.

All the individuals that I have had the pleasure of serving with that know my orientation have had ZERO problems with it because I was their friend prior to them knowing.

One of the worst things is to call your co-workers your friends but be lying to them everyday about who you are.

DO AWAY WITH DISCRIMINATION!

I find it amazing that people where who claim the higher ground label anyone who disagrees with them as "bigots" and "haters". This exactly the same language that has justified human rights abuses all throughout history. Instead of telling people to "leave the country", perhaps you might try to understand where the other side is coming from.

"Why is this not a hate crime?"

LT Choi commited the crime here... Flat out... End of story... Good night...

Here are the rights that are deserving in this case. You LIE about your sexuality and then admit it... You have earned the right to be kicked out on your butt and dishonorably dishcharged.

Would you with kids let them sleep, bath or shower with the opposite sex? Would you all like your son or daughter being visually violated and starred at in a sexual manner? Didn't think so...

I feel sorry for you and anyone you infect with this equal rights garbage you suggest. These rules ultimately come from everyone's creator, which is God. And you push them away from what is right and good. Pushing them into the pits of Hell. How thoughtful of you.

Are you for real ?

Racy May 8th, 2009 12:20 pm ET

"Cut the Crap. Only real men are to be in the Army. I support the Military for firing him. This nations sucks and it is going to Hell."

It takes a real man to put up with homophobia. It takes an even bigger man to enter the military, so he can serve his country, knowing how fiercely anti-gay the military can be.

to mike who said: "The small-minded bigotry expressed in some of the comments here is absolutely astounding. Bigots have no place in a diverse society. Instead of gays finding their own country where they can come out, as one writer urged, I suggest a better solution is for all bigots to find a place where they can all go and engage in their group-hate of all who are different. You are not welcome in this society"

i have found such a place – its called America. our forefathers will roll in their graves the day when a perfectly healthy heterosexual man is told he "isn't welcome in this society" by a homosexual. i laugh at that folly.

the military must not be a place for homosexuals. its perfectly fine. i'm hetersexual and i'm pissed that i can't help dress models in the fashion industry because i'd be too much of a distraction (well, my aroused genitalia would be the distraction). i think before anyone has anything to say about DADT they should first have to serve in the military. let the fine men and women who already serve our country decide. this is like all that hoopla years back about women not being allowed at Augusta to golf. those women didn't care about not being allowed on the golfcourse – they didn't even golf – they just don't like the idea of things not being fair.

One more time...WHEN YOU JOIN THE US ARMED SERVICES BY YOUR OWN CHOICE, YOU SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE THAT YOU AGREE TO THE TERMS THEREIN...A CONTRACT!!! YOU BONE HEADS THAT HAVE NEVER SERVED HAVE NO CLUE...IN THE MILITARY, YOU ARE NOT THE AVERAGE JOE CITIZEN WITH CIVIL LIBERTIES TO SPEAK YOUR MIND, NOR DO YOU HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS THOSE YOU PROTECT IN THIS COUNTRY, YOUR ASS BELONGS TO THE US GOVERNMENT!!!! IT'S NOT ABOUT LOOKING AT EACH OTHER IN THE SHOWER!!!

It is interesting that "troop morale" was a reason the army resisted intergrating the army in the 1940s. "Troop morale' was the reason
the army resisted giving entrance to West Point and high level command jobs to women. Now troop morale is the reason to discharge gay men and women from the service. The old argument that the army isn't the place for social experiments is false – the army is one big social experiment. It takes men and women from diverse social, ethnic, and economic groups and tries to weld them into a cohesive unit which is one mighty big experiment. Let's be frank if this country was serious about fighting the war on terrorism we would give a rats ass about sexual orientation, we would only care the people serving could do that job. A Arabic speaking, West Point graduate, and Iragi war veteran seems to be highly qualified to do that. If anyone out there thinks they can do better – join up and do a tour of duty in a war zone – don't just sneer at those who do.

Why is that when straight people don't agree with gays, we're called racist or bigots. I think you gays are racist and bigots for not agreeing with straights.

I watched national geographic last night and the subject was on reproduction in the wild......Not once did it show or mention gays trying to reproduce. Oh that's right, gays can't reproduce, hence, another reason why being gay isn't natural or right

My Government disgusts me!!

I love the way a liberal idiot likes to label people who dont believe the way the do as 'small-minded' and themselves as 'open-minded'. Everyone is closed-minded to ideas they don't believe in. If I don't agree with you, then I am the one that gets tagged with a derogatory label? I dont agree with homosexuality so I'm a homophobe, I don't agree with the nonsense you are trying to brain-wash me with, so I am 'close-minded',... blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Who cares what you think?

What else can be said except that this is the result of Democrats hating gay people! Otherwise why would Clinton have created the policy and Hussein endorse it with open arms??? It's a fact, Democrats hate the gays and they are homophopbic. Clinton could have created an "Open-Serve" policy that would allow gays and bi's to serve openly, but he didn't do it. And now Hussein had the chance to advance the Republic one more step toward a free nation by updating the policy to open-serve and he waffled! Oh well! You liberals (gay and straight alike) voted for him, so, you get what you deserve!!!!

The good thing about the ban is it gives our poor folks who enlisted because it was the only way to go to college and escape poverty, a way out. Just say your gay and you don't have to kill for the Empire.

I am an OEF Vet and I had a homosexual on my team. When the rounds start flying, racisim, sexism and all the other ism's do not matter. with that being sad, My homosexual Soldier was a medic and a good one. I wonder if this LT simply wanted to walk away from his military Commitment, maybe he wanted to get out of any future NYARNG deployments ? Food for thought

If there is anyone out there that thinks that Obama will repeal the "Dont ask, Dont tell" policy, then there is a bridge in Brooklyn that I would like to sell to you. Just like Bill Clinton, Obama used the Gay vote and then dropped them like rotten bag of salad. I would have thought that the Gay community would have learned their lesson after Bill. The Gays should adopt a policy of "Dont Trust, Dont Believe, Dont Hope, Dont Hold Your Breath, Just Plain DONT!"

Pretty ridiculous policy. I love how so many in here act as they know what people in the military are thinking about gays. for everyone that says it matters there is another who says it doesnt. One of my staff who has a brother in the Military just laughed and said.. no one gives a s–t about that. You think for one minute that fellow soldiers wouldnt want a qualifuied soldier fighting beside him gay or not?

I have an idea.. how about we keep qualified gays in the military and we get rid of the conservative rednecks in this forum? Wed be way better off.

If you have never been in the military you views shouldn't count on this matter. Gays can be in the military they just cant flaunt it, there is no reason to. Save it for your personal time, not when your at work. It puts alot of people in uncomfortable situations. Imagine serving on a Naval ship. Females and Males are seperated to reduce sexual misconduct. Should we start making seperate berthings for homosexuals now?? Be who you want to be but know that when you take that "Oath" you need to keep some things to your self.

All I have to say is that I have seen my share of combat three tours in Iraq. (no more than anyone else..just my share... ). I am heterosexual and honestly I could care less what people do in their own lives. I don't care what your skin color, religious belief , or convictions are. I only care one about one thing, if you are going to stay and fight or run. People who think that they are going to be harassed or hit on when you are in a firefight are obviously thinking to high of themselves.... Get a grip people... Can't we use are time to talk and deal with issues that are important... this IS AMERICA... and discrimination against ANYONE.. defiles what the purpose of this country was founded on....

That being said.....

If sexual orientation denotes how one would act in combat.... there are plenty of heterosexual that should not be in combat....

We need a strong army therefore we need as many talented individuals as possible; let him serve our country, brilliant minds are being diverted from joining our countries' intelligence agencies that are being attacked mutliple times a day via cyber warfare and other venues need as many educated individuals as possible.

National Security should be the concern here not sexual orientation.

What people choose to do in their own home and with other consenting adults is a privacy issue – average American's interferring with what people do with their own bodies in a sexual nature is nonsense; do you want us to tell you what to eat and what to wear and what God to pray to? I think not. So stay out of the closet Leuitenant and America stay out of consenting adults bedrooms.

God Bless the USA and Dan Choi a true American.

God bless the US Military, last bastion of gov't sanctioned discrimination. I'm sure all good religious fanatics and homophobes are proud to know that their bigotry Lt. Choi cost this fine soldier his career. Good luck to Mr. Choi in his future endeavors!

Having served in the Army as an officer for 15 years, and having deployed to Kosovo, Iraq x2, and Afghanistan, I can assure you that I know what it is like being a gay man in the military.

There are many persons who hypothesize that gay service members will cause disciplinary problems, but the research doesn't support this notion. Neither does my experience. In fact, I have observed that gay and lesbian service members tend to be very mission oriented given the restaints of DADT. Unlike their straight counterparts, gays and lesbians don't have the freedom to chat about themselves in detail, to discuss family events, or excuse themselves from work due to child care issues.

People can certainly fantasize or hypothesize to make up for their ignorance about gays and lesbians serving in the military. That doesn't give those fantasies of hypotheses weight, however. And staunchly defending ignorance isn't a good option either.

Get the facts, then decide.

I had the pleasure of serving the Army National Guard. A West Point multi-lingual graduate-gay or straight-is head and shoulders above a bunch of high school dropout wife beating losers. Gay lifestyle in the military? They still have uniform and appearance standards to adhere to, are you afraid this LT is going start blowing dudes instead of doing his job?

The Army National Guard should thank god they can find ten people with all their teeth willing to get blown up in a Korean War era truck. Consider yourself lucky they gave you the boot LT.

Im more afraid of uneducated rednecks in my military than gays.

The LT was not discharged because he was gay; he was discharged because he chose to place his concern about the social/political consequences of his sexual orientation above his concern for good order and discipline in the Army.

Homosexuals can (and have) serve well and honorably in the military. Individuals who wish to to use their military service to advance political or social ends cannot.

Discrimination impoverishes us all. It not only denies the individual, it puts beyond reach all the contributions of the excluded.

A healthy society supports all it's citizens and reaps the benefits of their talents and hard work. A sick society does the opposite and cripples itself.

Although I dont agree with homosexuallity, This is horrible, but we cant put pure blame on Obama. I am sure this is one of those things that will be sorted out soon.

Lt. Choi is doubly a hero to his country, first for graduating from West Point and serving in the military, and second for outing himself in such a public way and engaging in a national discussion of the draconian policy of "Don't ask, don't tell." This policy will eventually be repealed, in part due to the courage of Lt. Choi and others like him who have put themselves in the public eye to make the point of how the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy is absurdly outdated. Especially when our country has such a severe shortage of military personnel that the government hires private companies such as Blackwater and Hallibuton to conduct miitary business, it just doesn't make sense to put people out of the military over the inconsequential issue of their sexuality.

I urge all of you who are disgusted by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to call the White House comment line and flood them. Obama was elected for Change and Hope, this isn't it! Being a supporter of Obama I stick by his message that he's here to listen to us, so call. Their number is 202-456-1111. You may have to hold for awhile, but let your voices be heard!

As for keeping it hidden so others in the forces won't fight differently, and that if you think it's a personal decision to be gay then with that argument and following scientific method, then being straight would be a choice too. Yet the straight men and women of our military don't have to hide their sexual orientation. They can have tattoos of naked women on their bodies, they can talk about the woman they 'shagged' last night without fear of being discharged, they can even go out to strip clubs with their unit and degrade women! So really who's at fault? Who's creating this double standard?

This is so sad. I'm speachless.

On the topic of should gay men serve...

I think we forget how much we have learned from History. The spartans might have been the toughest army (per capita) ever assembled.

Also current soldiers (I have been one) are some of the most womanizing folks ever. All war has used rape as a weapon, even ones america has fought in. So to say gay men will force them self on other men, is probably accurate, but because they are soldiers in war, not because they are gay.

First, I'm a retired veteran of over 26 years in the military and am a firm believer in the DADT policy. Whether you choose to believe it or not openly gay Soldiers serving in combat operation (meaning real war-fighting) would be a distractor. Too many doubt's...too many questions going through the Soldiers mind when bullets are flying.

HAHAHAHA... stupid just plain stupid

Think about it. If you want out of the military and to go home just say you are gay. That's it. Pack your bags and go home. To hell with serving your duty. This makes an easy out for those who have no fear in lying about their sexuality. Everyone should say they're gay and come home.

If your gay stay out of the armed services!!! I don't want any man staring at me in the shower even if he's straight. Can't we have ANY privacy at all? Sure a gay might have my back at war but that's the only time I care to have him behind me!

Gay people STOP announcing to the world you're gay!!! We don't care what you're doing in your bed or with who. I don't announce how straight I am??!!

To everyone that is on a rampage about this.

1. Clinton signed Don't ask Don't tell into law.
2. The military does not have a choice in the matter when someone publicly announces, like Mr. Choi choose to do.
3. Mr. Choi knew the consequences of his actions before he choose to announce his sexuality to the world. When we are filling out the paperwork to become part of the armed forces. One of the forms is the don't ask don't tell policy which tells us, it is illegal for them to ask us our sexuality, and we can't tell them ours. It's pretty simple. If you're motivated to go to war, you want to help your country, and you want to be an asset, keep your sexuality to yourself. It doesn't matter in a war zone anyway. I don't parade around on TV telling everyone I'm straight. It doesn't matter in a military atmosphere and gay or straight you shouldn't parade around with it period. Sexuality has no part in war, and shame on him for making it an issue like this.

Gays are free to choose whatever lifestyle they want. That includes choosing not to serve in the military. don't volunteer to serve and then demand that the service adhere to your code of conduct. It works the other way around. If you're gay, don't like the military viewpoint, then don't volunteer to serve. Very simple.

As a retired Veteran I can tell you that Don't ask don't tell is the most fair system going. Open sexuality of any kind results in problems. It causes divorce court marshals and lowers morale. If you give openings to special interests the Military is done. You would have to make exceptions to people who do not want to fight and would have to make arrangements for those who can't fight on the weekend because of their religeon. This person signed on knowing what would happen if he outed himself. He is lucky he was not charged with false enlistment.

The comments on this article add to the shame I feel as an American. So far off the charts of common sense and rational thinking. Uncivilized, narrow minded, insecure people that have never known what it means to be a human being. Thankfully, these bigoted old ignorant fools will die off and a new human race will replace them.
To Retired Army; "I don’t expect someone who has never served in the Army to understand what I am talking about." – It is you that does not understand what you are talking about. "Unit readiness"? How ready is a unit that does not speak the language of the region it is in? "Gay lifestyle does not work in the Military." What "lifestyle" would that be? Do they decorate the barracks and serve quiche for breakfast? You are an idiot.

I do not believe that anyone should be fired for being gay, a minority or anything else. People should only be fired for incompetence. Having said that, so you are gay? Big deal. I don't go around proclaiming I am heterosexual. I had a cooworker "come out" to me years ago, I told him,"ok, and?" He just laughed. I just don't get it why it is so necessary to make a press announcement/big deal about one's sexual orientation. You are what you are.

Hey "Active Duty", how many military women have been harassed, "checked out", cooed at by heterosexual "goons" who you so ignorantly state consist of 98% of the population? Maybe its about time 'yall had to endure some of what you have dished out since the beginning of time.

Lt Choi knew the rules when he attended West Point and joined the New York Guard. Obviously, he has his own agenda and motivations for coming out and acting shocked when the known rules were enforced is a farce. I'm betting he was just waiting for the chance to get out of his service commitment after receiving a first class education under the policies he volunteered to uphold.

I would rather gay men be allowed to serve our country, and all the bigots and cowards that complain about taking showers that other men be pushed out of the military.

The American military is supposed to be an elite and dedicated fighting force that embodies American ideas. People that are full of hate and aren't committed to promoting equality and justice for all shouldn't be allowed near automatic weapons, cannons, grenades and bombs.

To all of you that say other people serving in the military would disrupt your conduct if you were gay, I say get out. The military is not an all boys club, and it is not some kind of special place for you. It is a tool for the will of the people. That is how it works in a democratic nation. A military that tries to impose it's will inspite of the civilian population is the core of tyranny.

Go take your fears and backward ideas and serve in some other country's military, places like Saudi Arabia, and the Vatican. There the people will accept your bigotry.

I do not pay taxes so you can go into other countries, shoot up people and abuse your position to oppress others. Freedom of sexuality and religion is what we are fighting for. You bigots people are just as bad as the Taliban and Al-Qaida. I do not want you running my country just as much as I don't want them.

Quite frankly, if the military was stripped to half of it's troop count, and half it's effectiveness, and we loss the war in the Middle East, and we suffered more terrorist attacks, I would be happy if it meant we as a people could live in freedom from the fear that OUR OWN GOVERNMENT would turn against us. Better the enemy from without then from within.

Why join the military. They are nothing but government sanctioned TERRORISTS and MURDERERS.

With the economy the way it is they can easily replace anyone who wants to come out of the "closet" If he doesn't want to keep quiet i am sure there are thousands that are willing and will be willing to take his place

If a homosexual cured cancer and your child was dying would you use the cure?
If it all came down to another 9-11 and a giving homosexual the weapons to protect our freedom I think its clear... give them the gun, the ammo and everything else including a marriage certificate to stop another nightmare. .

I think that people should be keeping their private life private. As a service member I feel that it was a good thing for Lt. Choi to get the boot. If your gay then great more power to you, but I'm not so shut your mouth, I don't run around having parade's telling people how proud I am that I love women, I don't and quite frankly homosexual's bring alot of the criticism upon them selves and I don't feel bad for you. Have some respect for other people and some might have some towards you.

All of you who serve and think gays shouldn't be allowed in the military disgust me. I was a a medic in Iraq and I am gay. I never once looked at a fellow soldier as anything more than a brother. It makes me wonder how many homophobes i scraped up off Iraqi streets. Maybe next time instead of accepting help from a fellow soldier you should just lay there and bleed to death. Since its don't ask don't tell, you really have no idea the orientation of anyone you are serving with.

The World is SCREWED UP period !!!!!!!! If he wants to die, then put his ass in the middle of the fire fight. It was not accepted in any other war (sanctioned or not). This hate won't work, but ANY SIN will not work either. I propose that we have a Gay Squad and that will cut out all the noise. Give them a badge that says 'Happy to fight for America'.

Before he joined he signed that he read and understood that he could not say he was or perform homsexual acts. Patriot or not, he went back on his word. That in and of itself makes him unworthy to wear the uniform. I currently serve now. I could have cared less if he was or wasn't gay. There are many ( I'm sure) that keep there mouths shut and serve with dignity and honor for 4 years or more. I would have respected him more had he served a few years and left honorably to go and be gay. Again I say, It has nothing to do with being gay. It has everything to do with the fact that he went back on his word.

As far as my view on the "don't ask don't tell" policy, I don't agree with it. But when I work for someone, I abide by thier rules or I get fired. The Army has moral laws such as Adultery and lying, and we do prosecute. You have to abide by them to keep your job.

America still has a lot to grow up about....Our military is there to fight for freedom of our rights -speech, religion, to bear arms, etc, but not a person's right to be who he or she is – let's grow up. A soldier who is as qualified as this soldier being told to go home-......this is not right that this brave soldier can't be in the military-he is qualified, but he is out only because of his sexual orientation-how stupid is this--just as stupid as another soldier I know who is being discharged for adultery--how many soldiers of all ranks have committed adultery but they are still in the Army-this E-4 is being discharge-but it is not taken into consideration that he and his wife were separated.....The military needs to get with the year 2000 and not 1800. Let's not lose our talented soldiers to outdated stereotypes or ideas. I am proud of you, LT CHOI.

Let the gays announce to world they're gay. No ONE CARES where you put your privates. Why do you feel the need to tell everyone.

Put the gays in with the females. THAT would be a big deterent in how many gays joined the military. Of course then you would have straight men saying they're gay to bunk with the women.

If you're gay and want to be in the military keep your junk in your pants until you have finished your tour.

What'sWrongWithThisPicture – Saying that the military is booting Choi for being gay and keeping Green in even though he murdered and raped shows how little you really know. Green is also being given the boot – discharged, sent to prison, and then getting a needle in the arm for his crimes. The military does not support his actions because he isn't gay. Both people here didn't follow the rules they signed up for and both are paying the price.

Right or wrong in terms of policy, DADT is there and it is to be followed. Don't like it, ask Congress to change it, but if you are in the Military, do not protest it in public – there are rules against that as well.

Also mentioned was Rosa Parks and her civil disobedience. The difference here is that she was a civilian had the right to protest, Choi was Military and did not have that right. Folks in the Military have signed that right away along with many others so that they can defend your rights. They know it and by signing, agree to it.

I served in the military. In korea every tues the hookers would come through the back gate to get their VD checks. The married males would be hitting on the female soldiers all the time. That is a distraction to the soldiers. The army encourages whore behavior in its male soldiers. The male soldiers are so busy trying to get laid they wouldn't do their jobs. I have served with many gay soldiers and they served with distinction. If you don't want to serve with gay soldiers, get out of the military, because gay soldiers have been serving since the first armys were created. For retired army, you should give up your pension. You swore to uphold the constitution, and you are betraying the concept that all are equal. You are a disgrace.

As a gay man I laugh and am saddened by a lot of these comments. There is no more a gay agenda than there is a straight agenda, a black agrenda, a hispanic agenda, etc etc etc. People are people and all deserve the same rights and respect. I tought that was the reason we are off fighting several wars.

Sure we are all different but that's what made this country great. I know the small minds of many people will never change and they will alwyas find a good "reason" to hate certain groups or types of people and try to instill your fear and ignorance in others but I am also hopeful that we are evolvoing as a country and that thinking is slowly (ever so slowly) fading away. Gay men in the military are no more a threat to straight men than straight men are to the women who serve in the military. Sure, there will be a few problems and bad apples, but those should be dealt with quickly and harshly.

The policy will change, when is hard to say, but it will change and all of the crazy fears will vanish into nothing.

Jack,

The housing issue is a non issue. Do colleges, high school locker rooms, gyms... have separate showers for gays and straights. No.

I went to the Naval Academy and men and women we're in dorm rooms across the halls from one another. There was a lot of sexual misconduct (recent scandals at the AF academy also point to this). My point is 18 – 25 year old Heterosexual males are much more predatorial and yet this is subtly encouraged by the cultural of the military. Changing this cultural is much more worthy of our time and consideration than keeping a small minority out.

The bottom line is he isn't being released because he is gay. He is being released because he is in violation of the Don't ask, Don't tell policy. If he would have said anything he would be deploying with his unit. He viloated his contract with the military and is being dismissed for the contract violation.

Wasn't Alexander the Great accompanied on his conquest of the entire known world with a male lover? What a woos!

In 1979 at the age of 18 yrs old I joined the Air Force. I was proud to serve my country. I worked hard, never gave a bit of trouble to anyone. But it was my mistake that over a few drinks with a trusted fellow airmen and and I thought was my friend that I disclosed that I was gay. What followed was that this "friend" told my secret to our commanding officers. Before long I too was fired, but not before my First Sargent had me in his office telling me his disgust of my sexual orientation. To be humiliated and felt as if I betrayed my country. If people don't think that there are bigots in the military I have a big wake up call for you. My First Sargent was infamous for "Homo Hunting" as he would call it. I see what was almost 30 yrs ago still hasn't changed. More the pity. We, gays and lesbians just want to serve proudly and with honor and be treated with the same respect any other service man or woman would receive.

This is absolutely ridiculous. As the wife of a retired Army sergeant, I am appalled at the thought the this young man and others like him can be "fired" from something that they volunteered to do. My husband was a detective with the Military Police, and investigated real crimes committed by soldiers who were straight and did horrible things to their wives, children or fellow soldiers. I don't care about the gender of the person Daniel Choi sleeps with...I care about his patriotism, his honesty, and his willingness to lay down his life for me and for my family. Nobody cares what the "straight" soldier does in his bedroom...why should we care what Lt. Choi is doing in his!!!

There are certain jobs in the military that require grown men to share very close-quarters and intimate experiences - as intimate as sharing a sleeping bag to stay warm in the mountains of Afghanistan. You simply cannot put the OTHER 95% of patriotic, self-sacrificing young men in situations that would require doing this with a homosexual. It would be embarassing, discomforting, and perhaps even traumatizing, to young men that already have to deal with the multitude of physical and emotional hardships encountered on the battlefield. I suggest that anybody who criticizes the military serve in it first - and not in a soft-skill such as linguist but in a combat-arms skill such infantry.

By the way, I fully support gays and gay marriage, and attended my very own sister's lesbian wedding recently. So don't even attempt that angle.

While I agree the policy should be repealed, this man is a bit of a hypocrite as he said he did not want to lie about who he was.....and how many years did he "lie" about his sex orientation? Why now? why not earlier on, why wait 8+ years of lying about it....did he just have an epiphany about be honest in all his dealings??? Not much credibility here, vet or not.

BTW folks, do you know that male and female service members occupy the same living spaces in Iraq?

Get the facts before developing arguments to support bigotry. Your ignorance does not strengthen your arguments.

Okay, besides all the talk about "don't ask don't tell" being repealed- which I totally agree, it's disgusting, insulting and archaic, and needs to end.
Let's focus on Lt. Choi's actual case for a moment. Lt. Choi was discharged for homosexual conduct, and "conduct" is defined as, "the act, manner, or process of carrying on; a mode or standard of personal behavior; or to act or behave in a particular manner." From what I understand, he and the other Knights Out members did not specifically admit to any actions or behavior whatsoever. On the contrary, they acnowledged only their thoughts upon the subject of their own sexuality, and nothing else. Seems like, if we were to remove the context in which Choi was fired, there should be serious issues raised regarding the validity of the discharge based upon the facts at hand.
And what is more, Choi and his comrades actually exhibited the exact behavior we as a nation claim to want and admire most in our country's leaders; they told the truth.
America, I ask you: are we that lost? Have we come totally unmoored from the basic principles that our country was founded upon?
This entire issue is a shame on our great nation and must end once and for all.

The anti-gay comments here make me embarrassed to be a US citizen. Disgusted, in fact. How did a country with so much promise end up lagging so far behind other developed nations? BTW, don't bother to post something telling me to leave. I have.

Signed,

Lesbian Veteran, 1978-2000

Sounds to me like someone decided that using his sexuality to get out of the military for a better paying job! I highly doubt that he did it for the advancement of the Gay Community

Homosecuality, in fact sexuality, has no place in our military. 30 + years of service tell me we must leave that home when we pack for war. It has no place in the office, in the cockpit on the bridge or in the foxhole or any professional setting we employ to conduct our business. Being professional never includes sexual conduct or misconduct. That this Lt felt he had to disclose this indicates he cannot keep the behavior to himself in while serving his profession. See ya.

This problem is very similiar to women serving in combat arms. The problem doesn't lay with the women serving but the men, the status quo serving around them. From my own military experience and deployments I can confidently say that LT Choi may be a great leader but his open homosexuality would affect his ability to lead certain types of soldiers. While some can respect his choice, the ones that can't would casue problmes and diminish his capacity to lead. The military community just isn't ready to accept that change yet.

Good, capable soldiers are getting the boot by a bunch of incompetent, homophobes that call themselves "military leaders".

This is a disservice to our country, and places American freedom, emphasis on the word ,"freedom", in jeopardy.

Anyone in the military who believes this is a dumb policy (and it IS), show your support by telling your commander that you too are gay.

Just how many soldiers are they willing to part with before they realize it's a stupid policy?

One more thing, if they ever did bring back the draft, it would be easy to dodge. Just say you are gay!

Think about it. Stupid is as stupid does!

I love all the emails from supposed "veterans" who postulate on the fact that homosexuals would be disruptive and a distraction and bad for morale... well check this

A. Many of you haven't really served
B. They said the same thing about blacks and women – guess what – The armed services survived.
C. If 12,500 qualified people served and were discharged, most without causing any disruption, and more are still serving, obviously they are not disruptive, distracting, or bad for morale.
D. Do you not think that the men and women that spend their days with them know full well they are gay???

"You are not welcome in this society." – Michael

One word...Hypocrite. You cannot voice your own opinion and degrade another for voicing their's whether you like what they say or not.

What it comes down to is the fact that this isn't fully a gay or straight issue. The issue is that he broke the oath he swore to when joining the service. Plain and simple. He knew the rules but decided that he and his other "Knights" were above reproach.

The issue is why is he being treated as special and to be felt sorry for when he "openly" broke the rules.

Let's be clear, the issue is NOT his sexuality (directly)!!! The issue is, he knowingly and willfully disobeyed the policy!!! PERIOD!!! We all work at places that have policies, and we even have manuals outlining company policies. I applaud his college career at West Point, his ability to speak arabic, and HIS SERVICE!!!

Until DADT is no longer the policy, it WILL be enforced, and all service members know it.

Thank you

To XXXX – the crap that just spewed from your fingertips is the most stupidist thing that I have EVER heard in my life. What kind of moronic, idiotic things do you come up with? To say that gay men are "sex-crazed monsters" is absolutely absurd. It's probably safe to say that you would be safe in a room full of "sex-crazed monsters" because none of them would be after you. Grow a brain...or at the very least a half of one! IDIOT!!!

I served in the US military for nearly 10 years. I'm not gay, but I did know people I served with who were and kept it pretty much quiet except for close friends. I've never heard a single derogatory joke or insult about these people from other service members. It seems to me that the people who never served or wouldn't serve have an issue with this anyhow.

As far as the shower thing goes though, yall need to think outside the box. A simple fix is to put up tarps or dividers between shower stalls. Problem solved. A bunch of guys snapping towels and walking around naked in groups isn't necessary for unit cohesion.

And btw, there ARE gays in the military as we speak, oh no! So anyone could be checking all you paranoids out every time you shower. If you knew who was gay though in the case of it being legal, you might be able to avoid being nekkid around the more flamboyant gazers! 'Nuff said.

I have served in the military and I think "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a ridiculous policy. It is the year 2009. How about "Do Ask, Do Tell" because every one has a right to love regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Every one should have the right to live an open and honest life. And if that person decides to be a part of the United States military, so be it. That is their right as a human being.

You won't read this, it's too far down the page. Whether or not you choose homosexuality is besides the point. You do choose to live that lifestyle though ("how can I deny myself anything!?!"). He took an oath to live by the rules. He broke the rules. Sorry, this isn't fantasy land, you're getting booted.

A majority of people are uncomfortable with this issue. They are uncomfortable with homosexuality. Just because it is broadcast as mainstream does not mean it is. Homosexuals make up less than 10% of the population and some figures place it as low as 1%. You should not be willing to make the other 90-99% of the unit uncomfortable just so they can serve. Serving in the military is hard. Being away and having to do the things we are asked to do is hard. Stop seeing it as hurting them and start seeing it as hurting the people who are the majority. If you aren't personally ready for unisex bathrooms, then you aren't ready to serve with homosexuals. Sorry about what happened to him. Sorry about what happened to the others, but in the end, this isnt about them. Its about the 90%. Sorry if they dont share your values, but they are willing to fight so you can have those values. Remember, if you would be uncomfortable sitting on a toilet next to someone of the opposite sex, then you wouldnt be comfortable with a homosexual either.

It's fascinating that some of the people leaving comments here assume all gays are the same ... participate wildly in gay parades, want to have sex with every man they see, etc. (I'm gay and believe me, that's not the case.)

These are simple-minded thoughts that are reviled when applied to other segments (minorities) of our society. Because someone is one thing, gay for this example, that doesn't totally define him as a human being. He is a son, an academic, a taxpayer, a voter and could be a genius, father and devoted spouse.

DADT is just another form of stereotyping that should go away into the history books. It assumes that an openly gay person in the military will cause problems. Doesn't sound like Choi posed any problems ... more like he was exactly what Uncle Sam ordered. The military should step in to punish and remove soldiers only where they have evidence of problems, such as it seems with the Steven Green case.

I'd just as soon not be living in close quarters with some person sneaking peeks at me. Maybe the goverment can start a new branch of service just for these people.

In reply to Aaron:

"I appreciate the military for adhereing to strict moral standards. The military is 100 percent oposite of the civilian world and unless you are part of it you don’t and won’t understand that way of life. Homosexuality would be a downgrading of a higher standard of living."

Speaking as an officer in the U.S.Army you, sir, are full of crap. So is anyone else spouting the nonsense that you are.

*end of statement*

Wow, Im guessing most of the people responding have never served in the military. If you take away dont ask dont tell you're going to see a whole lot of abuse going on towards gays shortly afterwards. The dont ask dont tell policy is there to protect the homosexuals. You can be as gay as you want and in the military...Just keep it to yourself.

@Sara in Chicago May 8th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

Homosexuals have ruined the Catholic Church.
Let us not repeat this mistake by letting homosexuals
permeate the last sound vestige of our government.

Liberals…leave the military alone

------------------------------

Homosexuals have ruined the Catholic Church?...I thought it was the blacks, or the Jews, or the Irish or the Mexicans. Thanks for keeping me updated on the latest group we are supposed to hate.

By the way Sara, Jesus loves you and shared your hatred of gays.

I was in the Navy for 8 yrs. and before I signed the dotted line I had to sign a piece of paper saying I was not gay. Everyone has to sign that paper, if you don't you go home. Lt. Choi made this statement..

“I publicly admitted who I was. I refused to lie and to hide my identity. And because of that, they said, it doesn’t matter that you graduated from West Point. It doesn’t matter that you’re fluent in Arabic. It doesn’t matter that you went to Iraq and that you want to deploy again. Pack your stuff and go home. You’re fired.”

I knew gay people in the Navy, they were no threat to anyone, knowone cared. I think they should be allowed in the service, but don't make an excuse that you were honest about it because you were not.

Wow, Listen to all the fear and anxiety based replies... as an US Air Force veteran, honorably serving in both and enlisted capacity, I was forced out of the service after a witch hunt.

Most of you 'anxious' he-men, worried about being seen and 'ogled' got to get over yourselves- don't you realize that many gay men go to the same gym you do? or bunked with you in college? Being gay has nothing to do with standards of conduct- would you automatically hit up/harass or/ and ogle a woman just because you are straight? Just because a woman has boobs doesn't mean that you are automatically want to grope her. Or are your behaviors based on having a sense of decency and adult behavior. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt here. Being gay and having values on how you live your life is NOT exclusive of each other. And what is a 'real' man? Is the definition based on who you have sex with- or your ability to fight for your beliefs, have integrity, be kind to others, have the strength to deal with adversity, have the strength to support and protect others. I know a lot of 'real' men who do not have the balls to face adversity with courage and strength, or who do not have the balls to accept that their point of view is not directly dictated by God. BTW, a lot of my friends who are still in the military, have no problems with other gay men or women serving along side them.... So 'man up' guys and get over your hang ups.

Aaron @ 12:21pm

"Homosexuality would be a downgrading of a higher standard of living."

I'm straight but I 100% disagree that being straight is a higher standard of living. Character and integrity are. There are way too much trashy teens getting pregnant and young punk men. Too many straight couples get married nowadays only to end up divorcing in less than a year. No one can work through anything anymore. They're lazy wastes of space. America needs 1 good dictator to just remove the trash folks from the US by any means necessary to let the rest of people live in a safe democracy.

I have read where people are commenting on the difference in numbers of the number of pro-gay and anti-gay posts on here? You should remember where it is we are posting. It is through a vocally liberal new outlet (CNN) and they are moderating comments. They can let in whatever they want.

The service men and women are doing a great job protecting our country. Gay or straight there are there for one reason and that is do a job. The DON'T ASK DON'T TELL POLICY is reaaly absurd and not constitutional. If any service man or woman needed to save your life and you find out that service man or woman is gay, what would you say thank you or say don't save me. The President made the right decision to take off that policy for good. We are created equal in gods eye no one has the right to judge you. I am very happy he is standing his ground. LT CHOI you made a courages choice. you are a true american

Het men in the military are open about their affectional/sexual orientation to an extreme ( in fact many can't shut up about it). What they don't realize is that the military (all branches) is full of gay men – and always has been. I know, I was in the Army and the Air Force. and am gay. Gay men sleep in the next bunk, they are in the showers. They work side by side with het men. They are hard working, and heroic.

Only sexually insecure het men fear gay men who are as open as het men about their orientation. Het men who are secure in their sexuality have no problem being in close, dependent quarters with gay men. We know this is true because of all the militaries in the world that have no ban on gay people serving (in fact, they actively recruit them). To all you het men that don't trust your impulses around gay men...please grow up or get out of the military. If you're that insecure you can't be trusted in uniform. You are an interference to unit cohesion.

What exactly do you mean, Retired Army, when you write "Gay lifestyle does not work in the Military"?

What exactly is the gay lifestyle? Is there a straight lifestyle? By your standards, I'd say the straight lifestyle is watching Spike TV, reading Maxim, and guzzling beer. Are all straights the same?

And unit readiness? Believe me, the threat of danger – or even death – would supersede any sexual urges of the most tempted soldier. What gay soldier would stare at another guy instead of hiking 2 clicks with combat ahead?

You know, all you men claiming to be uncomfortable at the thought of being "checked out" by a man should try being a woman for a few days. Gosh, we get "checked out" by men all the time whether we want the attention or not (and, trust me, much of the time we don't). Surprisingly, we manage to survive the discomfort and life goes on.

Sexual attraction in any direction doesn't typically result in a loss of self control. Gays have been serving openly in several militaries around the world (including Israel and the UK), and, amazingly, these militaries have continued to function at a high level of proficiency.

The policy is stupid. It's time Americans learned to practice inclusion as opposed to exclusion. Divided, we are weaker.

What a joke. This is the worst policy and really needs to go. It's an embarrassment that the United States can be so backwards. As for the soldiers, all the straight soldiers I know don't have a problem with gays in the military. According to them, the only soldiers that really have a problem with gay soldiers are the ones who are gay themselves and are afraid of being discovered. So eliminating this policy well finnaly let our soldiers concentrate on what really needs to be done, not be in fear of being outed. Let's finally move the US into the 21st century.

I agree with "Retired Army"

First of all, for all of you who have not served in the military, please find another topic to post on...you have absolutely no credibility here and certainly no right telling those in the military what's "right" or not. When you've served, you have a right to speak about it.

I'm so sick and tired of the liberals insisting on enforcing their social experiments on the military without any understanding of the implications or impact on those who are affected.

And i'm sick and tired of the gays insisting that anybody that doesn't agree with their views is obviously a bigot. Sorry...I simply disagree. When I served, I was willing to defend your right to your free speach with my life. So why is is to hard for you to even allow (forget about defending) my right to my free speach?

I'd just as soon the civilians assign the military the defense mission, allocate a budget, and then get the hell out of the way and let them do it the best way they know how. Every time the military get's micromanaged or socially engineered it's for the worse. They risk their lives for you...the least you can do is support them and get out of the way!

LT Choi, isn't telling the whole story. He puts up front that he is a West Piont Graduate and has had the training on the circumstances of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. He is using it for personal gain. He should be ashame to smear this as if he didn't know what the outcome would be.

Some of you are assuming that he knew, prior to joining, that he was gay. I don't know about you but I do know that at the ripe old age of 18, I only HAD an idea about who I was. The military teaches you how to grow up. Isn't that the whole premise of Basic training... to break you down so they can mold you to become a stronger person? To really know your limits, to allow you to find out who you really are?

I was in the AF, held a security clearance and worked in intelligence. We were one of the few career fields that offered bonuses for re-enlistment. But because I didn't know until AFTER I joined that I was a lesbian, I did not re-enlist. Why? Not because I wasn't good at my job, not because I didn't want to serve my country, but because I couldn't be honest with the people I worked with about who I was.

Sure you can say its not anyones buisness who you sleep with at night, but a majority of our lives are spent with the relationships we develope in the work area. The military becomes your home away from home, so how can you have a relationship with anyone you work with if you have to lie about who you are?

How many government officials are homosexuals? How many hold offices of great influence, like a Mayor or Governor? Do they disgrace their town or state by being who they are? No. How about a Supreme Court Justices? Was it not so long ago that having a woman serve in the military was frowned upon?

The military is supposed to set the example for the American people, but what example are they showing? That it is alright to discriminate against some one that you feel threatened by? What "High Standard" is the military showing? None. I'm sure if there ever was a draft this whole DADT policy would be out in less than a heart beat. Why? Because it would just be too easy for a coward to say they were gay, just so they wouldn't have to serve.

I got out because I am a lesbian, not because I joined as a lesbian!

I think everyone needs to give gay servicemembers more credit. Not every gay man is flamboyant and/or promiscuous. They can be civilized and be around other men and NOT be attracted to them or try to sleep with them. There are bad apples in every bunch, but let's try not to judge the entire group by those bad apples.

Just exactly how are we spreading freedom and democracy to the world when are prejudice ourselves. How embarassing to tell the Arab world that you must treat each other as equals and give everyone as seat at the table and then fire the very men and women that are there to deliver that message because they are different.

Shame on America for being bullies not to the world but to ourselves.

Homophobia – IRRATIONAL, DESTRUCTIVE, SELF-LOATHING PARANOIA INDUCED BY GUILT AND/OR SHAME OVER ONE'S OWN UNRESOLVED/REPRESSED HOMOSEXUAL THOUGHTS, FANTASIES, INCLINATIONS, CURIOSITY, AND/OR PRIOR ACTIONS/EXPERIENCES.

I am a Sgt. of the United States Marine Corps. I have served units such as 2/1 and Force Recon. I was the senior Sgt of our unit and out performed other members above and below my rank in every way possible. I have also served on the front-lines as a machine-gunner. A good deal of my buddies, brothers knew that I was gay and had no issue. Regardless of one's morals, faiths, politics or sexual orientation, none of it matters when you decide to serve your country..and serve it in the infantry. How you perform and the effectiveness in which you perform is all that matters. I fought, next to black, white, asian, latin, christians, wiccans, catholics and we all did our job and did it well.

So to every bigot out there that has not served this amazing country in the infantry or otherwise..either stand behind your troops, gay, straight and all, or stand if front of them since you hold yourself to a higher standing.

Homosexuals should not be allowed to serve in the military. I think it should go back to this. If you keep your mouth shut and you are queer, then you can stay in. My country is falling apart at the seems and it is organizations like CNN that are leading the way! I hope that you will post this, but I know that you will not, CNN is afraid to hear the truth.

why do so many straight people think that all gay people are always checking them out - in showers, in the locker room, wherever? and that we spend all of our time trying to get laid, and that we see everyone as a potential sex partner? that's simply not true of course, and the notion that you'd have to segregate gay soldiers from straight soldiers is simplistic and silly in the extreme... and it says more about hetero misconceptions and fears than it does about the simple facts of life. i hope the president resolves this in an honorable way, with pandering to institutionalized bigotry and ignorance. all that remains to be seen.

and i would really love to know the ages of the people who are so discriminatory and self-righteous here, because rest assured that generation is dying. it'll take a while - probably several decades – for this to be decisively resolved, but it will be resolved. remeber it hasn't bee that long ago that black and white soldiers were actually allowed to fight side by side in the american armed forces. not exactly the same battle, but certainly the struggle in both cases is against fear and ignorance.

Why is it inappropriate to compare the American Military with that of every other NATO country except Turkey? Where is it written that the US can't EVER learn from other countries? Whether it is allowing gay people to serve openly, adopting salary caps on executives, instituting meaningful educational reform, or promoting fuel efficiency- why is there such hostility to learning from other, similar societis who have in many cases found better ways to do things? What's the problem, America?

There was a poll done recently that shows that the younger generation cares less about a person's sexuality and more about the person's job performance. I think it is time that, for this nation to move forward, to look at a person's performance as opposed to their sexuality when individuals are discharged for this reason.

The real crime here is that he just wasted all that time and money the Army spent on his training and education. He knew the terms (and the consequences if he violated those terms) when he joined, and here he is violating those terms and conditions. That slot at Westpoint could have gone to someone else... that slot at language school learning Arabic could have gone to someone else. He put himself before the country and the rest of us.

I'm and have always been an Obama supporter, but one must still remember that is he first and foremost a politician. Changing his statement on the White House website should be a clear wake-up call to those who regarded him as some sort of modern day messiah. Strong lobbying and pushing of this issue must continue, and now stronger than ever.

Ok, I am a military officer and I like having sex with women! But does that give me the right to tell my fellow Soldiers? No, of course not, we do not do that, so why does he have the right to air out the type of sex he enjoys? He does not have the right to talki about anything reference his sex life, this is unprofessional as a military officer, heteorsexual or homosexual. How is he to take to others in his unit about sex? I don't care if he is gay or not, I do not want to hear it, and my Soldiers should not have to hear it. This is sexual harassment and his behalf. Oh, by the way, it is very interesting that he decided that he needed to "tell the truth" right before a deployment on national TV where he uses his rank, and position, which is against regulation, so where is his standards? Don't give me that line of crap that he is a hero, I have seen heros, and he is not one. I have served over 18 years and seen a lot, this man wants attention, no hero wants atttention!

Here's a male soldier who's attracted to males (not that there's anything wrong with that) who announces that he is a male attracted to males.

Question: Come shower time, does he shower with the females? If not, why not?

I’m a male Army National Guard and am attracted to females, yet I’m not allowed to shower with them for a reason. If we accommodated this fellow, then I too should be accommodated.

Thanks to Bill Clinton DADT is law. Clinton had the chance to issue a regulation to allow gays to serve openly in the military, but the miliitary brass said "no" and Clinton caved. Now, congress has to repeal the law. It seems that Pelosi said now is not the time to take up DADT in congress, just like gay marriage acceptance in the District of Columbia. The DC council passed the law, but congress has to approve it. It may take years to have all this happen. Obama promised to get rid of DOMA too – when will that happen?

Truth, Injustice, The American Way

All of the military guys who argue that homosexuality has no place in the Armed Forces, you wanna take that point up with the IDF. Funny that it is easier to face death then to face your own cowardice and bigotry.

He new the consequences of his actions, yet complains when the consequences were carried out. It's like saying your companies policy is to fire anyone wearing a red shit to work, then when you wear one, and are fired, you are confused and outraged. He knew what coming out would mean... so stop feeling sorry for this guy, he knew what he was getting in to.

JB NYC: Have you served as editor of the Harvard Law Review, graduated from Harvard with a juris doctor, been elected Senator for the State of Illinois, addressed the Democratic National Convention, and then been elected President of the United States, leader of the free world? Who's the zero.

Do you think that when your in the presence with someone who is gay that there only interest is sex. If men and women are together is that all they think about is sex. Specifcally to you Luke you need to get over your sexual shortcomings, maybe you're gay and don't want to admit it., If I were with a gay person and they hit on me I would tell them I wasn't interested the same as I would a man i wasn't interested in. Right a way when you say gay you think sex, as long as I don't have to see anybody making out or having sex, I don't care who you do it with. Men are especially uptight, they think it might rub off and they'll be gay. It might be the rules of the miltary but it's a stupid one.

The only thing that disgrace in the White House has done right so far. This lieutenant chose to make a political statement with his announcement, and he deserves exactly what he got. Hope your happy LT because it was really a stupid thing to do. You knew the Uniform Code of Military Justice forbids it, and you did it anyway.

Matt, how does a homosexual put our National security at risk? Are you saying that a biligual, fluent in English and Arabic, is less qualified than someone who doesn't know when to use than or then?
Please explain.

thanks.

I'm a veteran of 19 years and can tell you that gays in the military is not a good thing. It's a very simple reason and boils down to privacy. When I'm in the field I have to shower in an open tent with other males, I for one would not like to shower next to a gay man knowing that he's checking me out or going to go back to his tent and masturbate thinking about me. If you think there's nothing wrong with that, then why can't I shower with the females? It has nothing to do with how effectively you can do your job, it's all about privacy. This is not bigotry, just the truth.

No gays in the military! Period. End of discussion.

Given his fluency in Arabic, a desperately needed skill, the National Guard should have overlooked his 'coming out.' The decision shows poor judgment, especially since there doesn't seem to be any indication that his unit was troubled with him being gay. On a personal note, mytoys, you’re just as bigoted in a different way by imposing non-universal views upon an entire group. Stereotyping everyone affiliated with the military as prejudiced is also prejudiced, because it encompasses a negative opinion on an entire group of people without evidence that everyone in that group is actually like that.

They are angry because they wanted to be in the closet with you...

just goes to show that there is no leadership in the white house with any chewwannas....maybe all uniformed members of the armed forces should stand up together, all declare their homosexuality and watch the big wigs flip their wigs....what, discharge everyone. leadership with chewwannas, maybe someday, but Obama doesn't have any. gutless

you guys are all have the facts mixed.

the policy does say that fi you are openly gay then you are banned.
that's part of the rule.
Right or wrong..that's the rule.
if you don't like it, don't join the Force.
you join it , then you live by the rules.
If the rule is wrong, write to your congress to have it changed by legistration.
Choi openly challange and break the rule and hence he is fired.
That's about it.
It might be morally wrong to fire him but he give them the excuse to fire him.
He already know before he out himself that he is going to be fired and he do it any way to be true to himself....Then he should have the same courage to take the end result and stop bitching about it when it happens.

If it's wrong, change the law.
if no one want to change it...then vote those people out.
don't blam the rule. blame those that impose it and had no gut to change it.
like the Clintons.

Why does everyone think we care about their sexuality? We don't! Keep it to yourself! What happens in your bedroom should stay in your bedroom! Are you trying to breg because you are different, well, congrats, you are different, get over it, I don't care and most people don't care! Would it be interesting to the public that I enjoy the company of a women, NO! So why do I have to hear about your sexually exploits! I don't, and especially if you are a military officer, keep it to yourself, we don't want to hear it.

Im not sure if this is possible yet or anything but when a baby is born does the doctor hold the baby and tell the parent "Here's your homosexual son/daughter"

Stop comparing gay rights to the civil rights movement or anything else until you can show the world the first scientifically proven gay baby.

I can't believe this happened to Lt. Choi. Asa parent of a gay military member I'm so disappointed that this discrimination is still happening. We should be thankful that we have citizens who want to serve our country and protect this nation instead we are condeming them for living their lives as they choose. BTW – I felt like this long before I knew my son was gay.

I think it's about time (way past the time) the military wised-up!
Bob

I can't believe all of you. The only reason you have the freedom to say these horrible things about the military is because they hold such strict guidlines that make our soldiers the best. You say its wrong to make people hide there sexual orientation, personally, I can't think of a better way to go about it. I want our servicemen and women to be fully concentrated on their task at hand (which keeps us safe and free) rather than worrying about someone of the same sex looking them up and down in the shower or bieng bunkmates with someone who is morally misguided. The bottom line is, there is a HUGE difference between military life and civilian life, if you arent or have never been in the military you have ZERO room to complain.

Racy: What the hell are "real men?" Obviously, not the women who serve.
KKKK: hope your hood is clean. Gay Rights parades are fun stuff like costumes for Hallowe'en some heteros dress outlandishly to attract attention
retired army It seems to work in European military
Bill: Their military isn't as good as ours? How come we keep asking for their help? Typical American arrogance.

Mr. President; It is time for you to wake up and put an end to this stupidity!

[...] Ask, Don't Tell" Continues Under Obama Don?t Ask Don?t Tell Continues Under Obama – amFIX – CNN.com Blogs "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Continues Under Obama President Obama pledged during his [...]

I fully support the military's ban on gays openly serving.

It's a wonderful way to get out of the draft (whenever they get around to reinstating it), or to leave the military if ordered on an unjust or illegal assignment.

Considering the fact that G.W. Bush was a disgrace to the presidency, and an international criminal, and managed to get over 3 times as many Americans killed than the terrorists of 9/11, if my sons were ever drafted I'd urge them to wear a pink skirt and plant a big wet one on the lips of the induction center officers.

If you did not serve in the military, your comments are meaningless because you do not know what you are talking about. If you are homosexual and joined the service despite of its policy towards homosexuality, then you cannot be trusted anyway because you are obviously, by you own actions, not trustworthy. Nothing you may have to say deserves merit. And using lots of exclamation points or question marks after your 'ramblings' only makes you look childish.

Evan Thomas wrote:
How dare you treat us as second class citizens!! The last thing we will EVER do is roll over and play dead in this world. It is as much OURS as it is yours. I promise you, we will eventually have equal rights. Why? Because we are NOT GOING AWAY! More and more of us are born every day! We will NEVER give up this fight for equality. NEVER!

Eventually you WILL go away. It's simply a matter of evolution. Male and male can't breed. But male and female can.

Long live heterosexuals!!

Obama and the Democrats are in complete control of the Government. They promised to end descrimination against gay men and women risking their lives for their country. They lied to and betrayed the gay men and women risking their lives for their country and for freedom. They lied to and betrayed the entire gay community that helped vote them into office. And even worse for Lt. Choi. As a veteran he is now on a watch list from Obama's Dept of Homeland Security as a potential right wing domestic terrorist. His phone may be tapped. This is what the gay community supported so strongly last Nov? What a bunch of dupes!

Good for the army. If the people actually in the military are claming it's a distraction, who is a liberal president to provide that distraction? Presidents hop into the military's business way too often.

Flame and troll me if you like. Hippies always do.

Imagine that, alot of bleeding heart liberals crying on CNN. Big shocker there. The military doesn't kick you out if you're gay. The military kicks you out if you openly declare you are gay. The military isn't about the individual. The military is about the team. Lt Choi chose his individuality over the US military. I applaud him for coming out, and wish him well in the future. Like a previous writer posted, the FBI and CIA need Arabic translators. I don't think they have the DADT policy, and would probably be more than happy to deploy Choi to the Middle East.

Everyone should have the right to serve their country.

I'm in the military, and have served with several homosexuals for years. I don't care if they're gay – they don't care that I'm straight. We do our jobs, get along, and accomplish the mission. Those of us who have raised our right hand all bleed the same blood; we're all willing to take a bullet for our country.

Please stop bashing the military for this. It is a government policy that the military has NO CHOICE but to follow. Trust me you do not want military Senior Leaders deciding which Government Policies they want to follow and to ignore.

an open response to "Retired Army:"

I do not understand where your conclusions come from. Face it, there are gay people serving in the military. There always have been, and there will always will be. Why not judge people on what they do rather than what they state? Do you want to ban me because of my political views? How about my race, religion, ancestry, hair color, etc? All of these have been prevalent in the past. Do they really make a difference in job performance? There are rules for "actions," not "statements" concerning fraternization (regardless of sex) between consenting adults in particular environments (like on a ship). Make rules on action not statements.

For the record, I am an Air Force Vietnam vet, and I absolutely disagree with not only what you state, but how you want to generalize your beliefs as common to all who have served, when it is plainly not true

Hey, I was a commander, and I can tell you exactly what I thought of the don't ask, don't tell law. It goes both ways, I did not want to hear anyones sexual orientation! No one is better because of his/her sexual orientation, so why do you have this sudden urge to tell me, I don't want to hear it, if your straight good for you, if you are gay, good for you. Why is it, if you are gay, you want to tell erveryone?

Its an open and shut case. He knew the rule, probably knew he was going to get kicked out but chose to do it anyone. He is an officer, how is he supposed to tell an enlisted man to follow his order when he is not following rules himself. The DADT may be backwards and outdated, when Clinton signed it it was a stepping stone, and it will probably be repealed some day. But until than he knew the consequences and in my opinion he was just trying to make himself a martyr for the cause. He knew dang well he would be dismissed. The army is built on discipline and rules. Last time I checked there is no draft, so he knew what he was volunteering for. quit crying

The US is such a backwater when it comes to social policy. Here in Canada we have gay marriage and hetero marriage hasn't suffered. We have openly gay service men and women and military cohesion and morale have not suffered. Yet Amerkan homophobes are allowed to hide behind myths and fears of what might happen. It's sickening. But it's also a great reason to feel good about being Canadian (as if universal health care and gun registration weren't enough). Where this issue is concerned Amurkans make the huge mistake of subjecting minorities to the whims of the majority. In Canada there are some things too important and fundamental to be decided by referendum. Deciding human rights buy popular vote leads to the tyranny of the majority and other things like holocaust.

I'm a veteran. I say we all sh*t, shower, and shave together... men, women, gays, lesbians, straights, switch hitters, blacks, whites, asians, etc. Pretty soon we'll stop caring about who's allowed in since everyone will be too busy watching whatever their favorite flavor is.

p.s. I'm a straight white guy and I approve this message.

Yup, this country sucks. The last election wasn't even between the lesser of two evils but between more of the same and a puppet and the puppet won. Time for me to move somewhere else.

Lets get to the real root of the problem here; this is a religious issue and nothing more. It is the same old tired argument that the right has in regard to gay marriage.

Lt. Choi is a West Point graduate and had to wrestle with his conscience every day, by lying to the miltary regime and most likely his fellow soliders. West Point has an honoe code and you are duty bound to tell the truth. And yet, the miltary says thats it is perfectly to enlist if you are gay, just lie and keep your mouth shut.

Here is an honorable man who was willing to serve and die for country, does the fact that he is gay diminish that honor? The military has resorted to allowing the worst of the worst into their ranks because it has become so difficult to find quality men and women to enlist, and yet they decide that in time (of all times) that they cannot be embarassed by the fact that LT. Choi came out in such a public manner. And lets be honest, he was an asset to the military and to the soliders he served with.

Finally, for all of you hipocrites who think and say that we gays should kep our mouth shut and/or go back to where we came from. .... I have news for you, the day is coming when the politicians and the public will have no other choice to finally admit to the blatant discriminatory practices that they have been inflicting upon society for all these years. I for one will be standing proud with my fellow gay brothers and sisters when that day comes, and make no mistake IT IS COMING!

SORRY BUT YOU BROKE THE RULE! Regardless of what the rule was, YOU BROKE IT! You break the rules, your OUT! Good bye.

YOU ARE ALSO STUPID, what gives you the right to discuss your sexuality openly at work? Your a professional, act like one, you should NOT disclose information that will harm you, your career or life UNLESS you CHOOSE to live with the consequences!

You broke the rules!

I just don't get it. Who is going to replace these men and women? In my west Houston neighborhood, all the soon-to-be-graduates (and self proclaimed patriots) are not even considering serving and when I suggest it, they go as far as to say that the armed forces are for those who either can't afford college or have a death wish; two things that did not go through my head when I enlisted back in 1985. I say that we are in a time of national emergency with all the anti-American hatred that has grown in the last few years and the expansion of actual terrorist groups (as opposed to imagined ones) and the time is now to bring back the draft!

Maybe we should kick out all heterosexual male soldiers, so that our female soldiers will no longer have to suffer being sexually harassed and sexually assaulted with impunity.

There is NO evidence that homosexual soldiers harm the morale or well-being of a unit. On the other hand, individual heterosexual male soldiers have on numerous occasions sexually assaulted their fellow soldiers.

If we're going to kick out a group of people, maybe we should kick out a group where some of the members are actually harming their units.

As a Viet Nam Vet I am disappointed that the OLD gaurd still cannot recognize they are being bigots. I am amazed Obama cannot get the bigots to change, he's president and they are to follow the comander in chief. alot of us voted for him because of his policies make sense, this does not make sense. Lt. Choi deserves our respect and we need to welcome patriots to our armed forces.

While the lieutenant may feel cheated by his dismissal, he knew this would result as a consequence of his personal violation of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Whether he believed the policy to be right or wrong, it doesn't negate the fact that the policy is law ... signed by executive order during the Clinton administration.

Make no mistake, the only thing which prevented the lieutenant from continued service as a military officer was his willingness to place personal desire above public law. This type of conduct, where laws are broken, cannot be tolerated in an organization that requires good order and discipline.

As military officers, we state the following as part of our oath of office: "that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion." There are things that I don't always agree with, but I also know that I am bound tradition and honor to "well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office" on which I have entered.

Is it just me or did someone fail on the first part of "Don't ask" is that person also losing their job?

Thank goodness someone is being held to a higher standard. Lt Choi KNEW the rules before he voluntarily agreed to abide by ALL OF THEM! Then he decided he wasn't going to follow them any longer and he wants us to feel sorry for him? Garbage. I am glad the Army put him out. If he had followed the rules, he'd still be serving his country. He broke a KNOWN rule...shame on him. Now let him pay the consequences.

1. The US military has standards for good order and discipline.
2. DADT was signed by someone who did not understand that.
3. DADT is a lie that is incompatible with military service.
4. DADT needs to die, and, we go back to the original standard.
Choi lied to get a US military education. He maintained that lie to get training and draw a salary. If he REALLY understood the meaning of service then he would have followed the STANDARDS of the UCMJ and current policy. Instead he decided to play politics, like most folks in NYC. His politics were more important to him than his military service. THAT is why he was discharged. All the liberal noise about the tragedy that occurred here needs to be redirected at the member that said to himself that he wanted to make a statement rather than serve the nation. He knew the rules and chose to violate them. He wasted the taxpayer’s money and now is playing the victim. He does not have the right. AND MILITARY SERVICE IS NOT A RIGHT; IT IS A PRIVILEGE THAT YOU EARN, EVERY DAY! The military did not waste the money here, Choi did. The military did not lie about the rules, Choi decided to violate them knowing the consequences. Think about this man's commander and fellow service members. They most likely felt kicked in the gut knowing that Choi was willing to undermine the mission to play politics. Good riddance. You could have served 20 years, retired honorably, and played politics all you wanted. Clinton created this lie within a lie. Blame your ridiculous democratic party hero for playing social experimentation games with the military after running away from military service himself. Do not blame the military for doing its job under the rules. We kicked out Kelly Flynn because she did not have a clue as well. The same for Ryan Berry. Service first, self after that. When you are responsible for killing people and breaking things you do not want selfish folks playing games. You want steady folks that understand the standards and apply them fairly.

The army is NOT the place to pilot social reform and fight the battle against bigotry. Do that in your cubicle while you should be working.

Don't ask don't tell seems like a fair solution. Keep your mouth shut, and you get what you want. If you can't do that, then maybe you you don't want it bad enough. And please, don't compare yourself to African American soldiers from the past. They did not have this option and depending on how far back you go with this, they did not enlist. If they did enlist, it was to escape slavery.

So, rethink your rediculous comparison, step down from the soapbox, resist the urge to share your lovelife with everyone in earshot and you will be just fine.

He knew the policy and still decided to stand up in the public view and break the regulation. He got what he deserved. Now I'm supposed to feel sorry for him and that he was treated unfairly....I don't think so.

Okay President Obama, TIME TO STEP UP...what are you going to do? What you promised, or were those just campaign promises like so many of your other statements. Proof is in the pudding...

Paul give me a break...you served 19 years and never ran into a gay soldier??? I served one more year than you and knew at least 10 gay soldiers. All great soldiers and loyal amercans, and not the least interested in checking you out. Your ego is way to inflammed. You are probably ugly as sin anyway. So drop the ignorance act, it's is unbecoming of a serviceman.

While I feel gays should be treated as equals in every part of American life, including serving in the military, and the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy is unfair and discriminatory, I do have to wonder about Lt. Choi's coming "out" at this point in time, especially on a political talk show!

We have to follow the rules we agree to when we make a contract. Military service IS a job with a contract (there is no draft anymore) so it is a matter of choice.

"Don't Ask Don't Tell" is hardly a secret agenda. Lt. Choi knew the rules when he joined the military. If he knew the rules when he joined and knew he was gay when he joined and agreed to follow the rules, then by his own integrity, he should not have said anything.

I am curious about his "coming out" at this time, and publicly so. Does anyone else wonder about that? I think there is more to this story than we are being told.

Considering the logic of the situation, I have to side with the military on this one. Lt. Choi signed a contract and he knew the terms. He basically defaulted on part of the contract. The military did what they said they would do. However, their letter could have been more objective and simply said "You are released because you violated the terms of the contract " or something to that effect.

Bottom line up front. Male soldiers do NOT want to be in closed living spaces with open homosexuals. Yes that sounds like something only a bigot would say, but should a straight male be forced to share the same shower with a homosexual? If you say that is absurd and should not make a difference then I ask, should straight males be allowed to share the same shower with a female soldier? What’s the difference? A guy (straight or gay) naked and alone with the person of the sex he is attracted to can make the other person feel uncomfortable.

Is it wrong to discriminate? Yes. However think about our soldiers and the importance of what they do. The work of a soldier is inherently dangerous. They don’t need additional stressors on them.

Funny how he "comes out" as being gay after he graduates from West Point. Will he have to pay for his schooling since he was admitted under false pretenses? I doubt it. Its easy to "claim" to want to deploy when he know's he wont have to again. I say good riddance.

What a sad story. I do not believe in this policy at all, nor should it be in place. However, when this young man signed up for the Military, he was made aware of their policy of , "Don't ask, Don't tell". Cudos to him for being true to himself (as he should) but he knew what the consequences would be. The military is very strict on their rules and regulations. So unfortunately, this young man knew what he was getting himself into by openly admitting that he is gay. Sad story, but he knew what was going to happen when he broke the news to the military.

you all need to understand that the Don't ask don't tell policy gave Clinton an out. he and Obama has no control over the LAW which states Homosexuals will not serve. THE LAW. not policy. Clinton did the closest he could come to stopping the law by Ordering us not to ask about their choice. Obama can change the policy all he wants but Congress has to change the law and he knows this and right now he has bigger problems. try educating yourselves about a subject.

Oh my goodness!! If you think this is rediculous, how about the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) states that anything other than missionary style sex, between 2 consenting adults, in the confines of a bedroom...is punishable, depending on the charge, by up 20 years in jail. And you think that one is going to win the battle of homosexuals being allowed in the military. It's going to have to start with changing that outdated code of law that sends people to jail everyday for what that same judge is doing when he gets home at night....well, if he's lucky. take care

It is a shame that, here in the 21st century, that the military caters to homophobes, just like they catered to racists prior to the Korean War that said blacks couldn't be soldiers. What a crock! Obama should sign an executive order allowing ALL citizens to serve irregardless of race, orientation, politics, etc. If the homophobes in the military don't like it, then give them the boot. After all, they are creating bad morale in the their units.

BO is afraid. This is his Sec States and her hubby's dumb policy. The Dems have no guts. They LIE LIE LIE

One more thing...

Let me see if I have this right....

The homophobes in the military train you all to not be afraid of the enemy, charge them with guns blazing, against bullets, grenades, tanks and bombs....

But, let a GAY serve in your group...

NOW you are afraid??????

Oh gosh! Now, Al-Queda knows how to stop us!

Just send gays after our troops! They'll all run away!

the longer the administration puts off repealing Dont Ask Dont Tell, the longer our country will be plagued with this shameful and biggoted policy.

my heart goes out to this man. i am ashamed that my country treats people this way still! he is an asset to our nation and to our military. So the army would rather have people like the piece of dirt (stronger words can not be posted) Steven Green who was just convicted of raping and murdering a 14 year old Iraqi civilian? That doesn't sound right to me but the military is backwards and has proven time and time again to be a blemish on the US's reputation.

Choi deserves nothing, not even his rank. He violated a code he knew was in place for his own personal gain.

Send him home.

As a current military (Army) officer, who has had gays and lesbians in his command, I can safely say there is no reason whatsoever to maintain DADT. Sexual misconduct, whether gay or straight, warrants disciplinary action to maintain the good order and discipline of a unit. But, the mere sexual preference of a soldier is not in itself sexual misconduct, in my view, is irrelevant and I ignor it if it becomes known. My soldiers are evaluated on their professionalism. It is shameful that gay and lesbian soldiers must hide and conceal the fact of their sexual preference - it creates a necessity to live a lie and can make one susceptible to being compromised. It is not the gay or lesbian soldier that is detrimental to the good order and discipline of the armed forces, it is DADT. The policy should be discharged; not the good Americans that defend this Nation from its enemies and who happen to have an alternative sexual preference to that which we consider "normal".

[...] Source This entry was written by Brian, posted on May 8, 2009 at 10:15 pm, filed under Personal and tagged Gay Rights, Politics, LGBT, News, Military, Barack Obama, Civil Rights, Obama, Don't Ask Don't Tell, DADT, Arab Linguists, Lt. Dan Choi, Gay Soldiers. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL. « Straight People Have No One To Blame But Themselves [...]

[...] Source This entry was written by Brian, posted on May 8, 2009 at 10:15 pm, filed under Personal and tagged Arab Linguists, Barack Obama, Civil Rights, DADT, Don't Ask Don't Tell, Gay Rights, Gay Soldiers, LGBT, Lt. Dan Choi, Military, News, Obama, Politics. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL. « Straight People Have No One To Blame But Themselves [...]

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