DADT, We Will Be Watching!

The great advance of 2010: repeal of the military “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy is being celebrated in the United States. This achievement is a major advance in establishing equality for all Americans. Success feels sweet, the forces of hatred, fear and intolerance have been beaten back in terms of the rights of gays in the service; or have they?

History provides a multitude of examples of recently established civil rights being subverted by the institution of insidious policies, laws and false charges.

When people of color were granted the right to vote, bigots rushed to establish laws affecting voting rights. Identification laws were passed and residency requirements were established to prevent Americans of color from participating in our democratic system.

Upon the passage of the 19th amendment, women were granted the right to vote. Surely their time had come, religious, parental, and contractual rights would flow from this historic change. Many decades would pass until these predictions came true. The patriarchy reacted predictably and established policies, laws, procedures and hiring practices to thwart the civil rights of women for decades.

We know that the Civil Rights Act established rights for minorities. Yet, people of other racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds were accused of outlandish behavior by those in power as a cover for their now illegal discrimination.

Where am I going with this? Now comes the time when those who cannot let go of their prejudices will seek to craft implementation of this policy in such a way as to allow them to continue their now illegal actions. Good patriotic soldiers will come out and be accepted, others will face abuse, false charges of misconduct and discharge. History tells us that this battle will be ongoing. Those opposed to the repeal of DADT will fight back, engage in unethical behavior and attempt to subvert the civil rights of our brave soldiers.

To those officers in charge of the implementation of this policy, we will be watching. We will not allow our brave men and women to suffer false accusation, verbal abuse, harassment or denial of their rights. You will be held accountable for developing a culture of tolerance within your commands. We know the fight is not over and

WE WILL BE WATCHING!

Peter Dybing