Don't Ask, But Let Me Tell...

Tope 5 Pros and Top 5 Cons of President Obama's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal

Pros


5.) Improves the integrity of the American military

4.) Tears down homophobic walls in ranks, units, and divisions of the military

3.) Will retain the future number of soldiers that would otherwise be lost for breaking the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy (31,000 men and women were dishonorably discharged in the war against Iraq)

2.) Greatly marks progress of the fight for gay civil rights

1.) Follows through with America's promise of equal rights to all people regardless of race, sex, gender, religion, sexual preference, etc.


Cons


5.) Military retention will be difficult, considering the vast amount of conservatives who serve and denounce this lifestyle, at least the "knowledge" of it

4.) Recruiting and retaining gay soldiers will also be harder for the military, as they might not want to tell, but they can certainly be asked and or accused, leading to uncontrolled inappropriate behavior from their colleagues

3.) Unit cohesion will be tested. After being interviewed about the repeal, straight soldiers have commented on how they're uncomfortable (or afraid) of showering and bunking with gay soldiers... I promise, young soldiers, we are not contagious.

2.) As previously stated, it's not just the "don't tell" part that's being repealed, but also the "don't ask" part. Tell away, but if you're trying to maintain your sexuality preference under wraps... anyone can ask you, however they damn well please.

1.) Safety of American militia is a general concern for the nation. Especially if it is corrupted violence from a fellow bunkmate because they are homophobic and don't like the way Private Williams was staring at him. The safety of outed military officers is the biggest concern of this repeal. Not all servicemen are liberal democrats and will be so understanding of a homosexual's legal rights as a human being. And we've all seen what happened to Private Pile in Full Metal Jacket. And that was sugar-coated Hollywood.

Good luck, Mr. President.

p.s.- Don't assume I've personally picked a side. For me, it's become one of those things where you just close your eyes and pray to God that it's the right decision.