Uncle Sam says "Don't ask, don't tell" (Flickr user Umpqua (cc: by-nc-nd))
This week, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen said they are prepared to repeal the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gay and lesbian service members. We talk with Michael Hyacinthe, who served in a Navy construction battalion from 1997-2005, about why he thinks the policy should be overturned.
Hyacinthe says everyone in a Navy unit already know who is gay and who is not and says there should be no reason for a gay servicemember to hide his or her identity.
Today's Takeaway: What the Mortgage Settlement Means
Comedian Baratunde Thurston on 'How to Be Black'
Today's Takeaway: Focus on Violence Syria
In-Depth Look at the Situation in Syria
Today's Takeaway: Big Night for Rick Santorum
Some Combat Restrictions for Women Lifted
'Tebow Bill' May Allow Home-Schoolers to Play on High School Teams
Today's Takeaway: Multi-Billion Dollar Foreclosure Settlement Imminent
Is Our Constitution Out of Date?
David Sanger's Guide to the History of Syria
A Closer Look at the Assad Regime
In-Depth Look at the Situation in Syria
A Personal Look at the Opposition in Syria
Notes from the Conservative Political Action Conference
What the Mortgage Settlement Means for the Housing Market
Two New Nuclear Reactors Get Go-Ahead
Comedian Baratunde Thurston on 'How to Be Black'
What Did Clint and Chrysler Mean by 'Half Time in America'?
Multi-Billion Dollar Foreclosure Settlement Imminent
Contraception Coverage Draws Criticism from Catholic Bishops
No 'Safety Net' for Middle Class?
'Tebow Bill' May Allow Home-Schoolers to Play on High School Teams
Some Combat Restrictions for Women Lifted
Public Debate Over a Controversial Childhood Obesity Campaign
Being Gay: A Listener's Story
US Mayors Take on Gun Control... During the Super Bowl

The show is a co-production of WNYC Radio and Public Radio International, in collaboration with The BBC World Service, New York Times Radio and WGBH Boston.
Major funding provided by:


Comments [4]
If all military members had to be celibate during their time of service, then arguing the DADT is a proper policy would be justified. Since celibacy is not a requirement, neither should be the DADT policy.
It should be further noted that DADT is a violation of the Constitutional right of Freedom of Expression. This is done not by due process, but my legislative fiat.
Would repealing DADT lead to Same-Gender Marriage? Perhaps, but that is a specious argument at best. Fear of the future, not of the current, is just that FEAR (false evidence appearing real)
This is another piece of pure unadulterated liberal propaganda.
So gays in the military should have the right to flaunt their sexuality because the machos and their ilk do it huh?
Listen, trotting out this one pathetic voice claiming he knows all there is to know about gays in the military is a joke beyond comprehension.
Since neither JH or the less than charming co-host have ever served in the military, maybe at best the boys or girls scouts, they naturally have no idea that letting gays flaunt their sexuality would do to military morale. For the President to order troops to change their ingrained beliefs is truly the stupidest order anyone can issue; changing centuries of military culture with the stroke of a pen is a typical of the overt liberal mindset in the Obama regime.
And yes I was in the military, the Marines. I'm no macho, but I know enough about social dynamics to know the issue is a powder keg.
By the way, it is true what they say about the Navy.
When want to hear the latest liberal nonsense I listen to these clowns. They're always good for a laugh. Maybe they otta call this the comedy hour?
I found both of the guests on this piece to demonstrate ignorance that bordered on "unamerican." Based on the input of your two guests, I would highly discourage my gay family members and friends from ever serving, for fear they would leave more disillusioned than when they entered. Get with it.
Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom have Homosexuals in their Military and they Serve Openly.
But that does not mean they do not conform to Military Rules and Regulations, they do as All Soldiers do.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.