We would prefer to have those who serve us, lie to us.

In old news, a lower court has ruled 'don't ask, don't tell' unconstitutional and the whole thing is going through the appeals process now.
The Supreme Court has now ruled that the policy will not be suspended until the appeals process is completely done with.
I can't say that I disagree with the Supreme Court's ruling. I know a lot of people are frustrated because they wanted to see change immediately. However, with the appeals the issue is tricky. The repeal of the policy is not set in stone and if men and women begin outing themselves now and then the appeals process comes through in the favor of 'don't ask, don't tell,' their military lives and salaries and benefits are all in danger.
Which brings me to the point that 'don't ask, don't tell' is one of the most outdated ideas still supported in a military that has supposedly become very modern. It is a form of government sanctioned segregation in a world where we like to pretend like that doesn't exist anymore. The fact that we have to sit and wait out the bureaucratic mess until we can embrace the change of policy is unsettling. All of us would prefer to see overwhelming issues like this be taken care of in one swoop.
The unfortunate truth is that many people still believe that don't ask, don't tell is beneficial to the armed forces and is an issue of combat readiness. But those members of the service who are hiding their sexuality for fear of losing their job, benefits, and the pride of serving their country; are lying to their comrades every day. Silly lies, little lies, lies that lead to more and more lies, just to cover up who they are. Maybe it is just me, but I would prefer that someone who I need to trust 100% out in the field be completely open with me, rather than to get used to the idea of lying for survival. It's not their fault, it is what the system does to them.
You hear among male service members that they are fighting with their best friends, their brothers; the people they've been through everything through. But I can't imagine how you could consider someone your best friend or your brother without them knowing key aspects of you, and who you are.
I think being able to be open with other service members would increase camaraderie and brotherhood. The only people who it would rattle are those who are homophobic or closed minded; and I don't understand why until now the military has put favor on protecting those men and women from the truth over allowing decent and gay or bisexual men and women have their freedom.

This entire post has been inspired by an article on CNN.com discussing the photography of Jeff Sheng and his commentary on 'don't ask, don't tell."
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