There are already gays serving, some "openly, but discreetly". There are far more who are totally forced to live a lie. Many "straight" soldiers know and don't care.

With all the problems this country is having hiring recruits to fight the endless war on terror, it's way past time to get rid of the rules that bar openly gay Americans from serving in our Armed Services.

When you are having to lift restrictions on weight, criminal and education history in order to increase your ranks, what is wrong with expanding the pool of candidates to homosexuals?

Of course, with so many Americans being against the Iraq war, this probably won't make a whole lot of difference if it passes.

I know it's <i>ridiculously</i> selfish, but I hope this doesn't pass, for my own sake. If the draft is re-instated, being gay is my out.

Of course, I also oppose this because I hate war. The last thing we need in another troop increase.

Can't fault you for being honest, dude. And, I honestly couldn't agree more that I would rather see them end the war than send anymore troops, whether they be gay, straight or "otherwise".

Right on, Dizzy!

I have known many gay men in the service and have really been amazed at how many of them were open about it within their unit. The people that I have known that WERE open seemed to have much healthier and happier lives.

The only time I heard about this backfiring was when a friend (who was a superior officer) pissed someone off and they "reported" him.

They have actually started searching gay dating forums and "catching" people that were on them. Which of course started the homophobic people searching and reporting.

I'm with Dizzy on this one.

@KevinM
The fact that you don't want to kill or be killed in war doesn't seem the least bit ridiculous to me! Quite the opposite! If they DO bring back the draft though, you still have the option to be a conscientious objector. That would be keeping it honest too.

...unless you actually ARE gay, that is. Then you'll have TWO ways out of joining the killing machine. .

I've never understood this. Anyone who is willing to risk their life to protect my way of life (without even knowing me) is ok by me (and arguably superior to me -- you don't see me signing up). How is it important who they sleep with?

Wow!! You folks are awesome, every one. Fracture, I like you already!! Dizzy, hows yer hubby?

Thanks for asking, Thorne! Hubby is doing well, although he is away at school right now (4 weeks to go) in Oklahoma.

But they are GAY? Don't you get it? How can we possible let such "immoralaity" on our army??? THey might make the other soldiers gay!! and then when it came time to fight they might all run away! cause gay men can't be strong or masculine like a straight man!!

*INTENSE SARCASM INTENDED ABOVE*

I think it is absolutly idiotic that anyone would ahve an issue with gays surving in the military, I mean, Fracture said it best, they are willing to put thier lives on the live for you and your going to say no? If you do say no, your an idiot imo

Holy bad spelling batman... sorry ppl