Repression sanctioned by the government

Photo: Getty Images

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is a controversial policy that was implemented by the Clinton Administration. Talkaboutequality released some moving photos from a political protest that took place in front of the White House on November 15^th. Approximately 13 people were arrested because they tied themselves to the fence of the White House. Three generations of Americans and many individuals that served the nation gathered in front of the president’s home and urged him to repel DADT.

It is rather refreshing to see that many Americans are still willing to fight for human rights. In the 1970’s, many younger Americans were more enthusiastic about protesting. Today, many conservatives and members of the Tea Party are conducting protests across the nation. Even though I do not agree with the ideas of this conservative movement, I am glad that people are exercising their right to speak freely.

Former Army Lt. Dan Choi, a veteran of the Iraq War that openly admitted that he was gay, led the protest that occurred a few days ago.  Many people that proudly risked their lives for the nation were discharged because of their sexuality. Should it really matter to the general public if a member of the armed services is homosexual? Does it make a person less American if they are transgender? Any person that is willing to give up their life to fight for their nation deserves to be treated with respect, and sexuality should not undermine the courage and work that the individual did overseas.

The American Government encourages free speech and advocates to defend human rights, but some members of society and even politicians ostracize a whole population of Americans. In September, Time magazine released an article about the Reserve Officers Training  (ROTC) program. Many Ivy League universities have eliminated the program from their campuses, and cited several factors that caused a decline of interest in the program. Many Ivies actually oppose the ROTC program because educators believe the military breaches anti-discrimination policies. Many administrative officials do not want ROTC programs at their institutions because DADT is still in effect.  Tom Conroy, director of Yale’s public affairs stated, “If DADT was repealed, then ROTC would probably be an attractive option for students.” It is rather unfortunate that many students or older Americans that wish to serve this nation are afraid to fight for their country. Why must a person hide the truth about their sexuality? Have not some Americans repressed themselves enough? Ironically, a government that encourages freedom of speech wants homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgenders to mask their true identities. 

-Nidhi