Do tell

So, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, came forward this week to tell Congress he felt it a matter of integrity that gays not be forced to lie about themselves so that they can serve in the military.

We may look back at this as a watershed moment in the cause of gay rights. And while the elimination of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule will end this kind of discrimination, it can open up other problems. I have two concerns to raise.

1) The one-year study on how the rule can be changed needs to go along with a moratorium on expulsions for homosexuals in the military. This only seems reasonable. How could you kick out someone for being themselves one year when you know one year later that will not be grounds for dismissal? Perhaps they can give someone who falls under scrutiny modified duty during that year? Or just put such investigations on hold? They should also give those who have been kicked out the option to be readmitted. (This issue may be resolved as events unfold.)

2) The worse problem, I'm guessing, will be the culture of homophobia within the military. Since I have not been in the military, I don't know this first hand, but the macho mindset usually generates a knee-jerk reaction against gays. Part of it is reaction to what is different and uncomfortable. My instinct tells me part of it is deeply routed misconception that all gays are out to convert you, to make you one of their own, to find a way to have sex with you. This may be the fear that drives the gay bashings and the hate crimes.

The problem is that even if the military authorities do allow gays to serve openly, they will have to work very hard to defuse the anti-gay prejudice within their ranks. This will take training, counseling and pre-emptive actions. But eventually, one would hope the majority of the military personnel will realize that 1) they aren't out to convert you (red rover, red rover, send Norman over) and 2) they aren't out to seduce you.