Just One Line….
January 28, 2010 by Jason Shaw
Wednesday night US President Barack Obama gave the 221st State Of The Union speech live to America, it was also carried by rolling news channels all over Europe and beyond.
Being at least 5 hours ahead of US Eastern time, it was the middle of the night for us British folk, but, it was worth staying up for.
Obama has always been a great orator, a true man of words, and last night was no exception. His address was exciting, information, reassuring, it was also inspiring, moving and appeared beyond much doubt, heartfelt.
As an outsider, looking in on the world of American politics, I feel nothing but admiration for Obama and his regime. He’s already gone further in one year than most politicians do in four, and without doubt, raised if not the world’s, then certainly Europe’s opinion of America. Which, can honestly only be a good thing. His address touched on many subjects, however, it’s just one line that springs to mind, that could, would, and hopefully will change the lives of many people, desperate to show the country they love what they can do. That line was “This year I will work with congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are”
It’s just one line, but it’s been a long time coming, 17 years in fact, yep, if my memory is right it’s been 17 years since Bill Clinton, another democrat, first promised to lift the ban on gays serving in the military. Of course, that didn’t happen, congress saw to that and the rather silly compromise of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was introduced. Which as an outsider, seem pretty odd, discriminative and absurd. To me it basically said, it’s OK to be gay and in the military as long as you don’t tell anyone, don’t have feelings for anyone, don’t fall in love with anyone, don’t have a personal life, don’t even breathe in a pink way, but do lie, do be dishonest, do live with the constant danger of being outed, of saying or doing the wrong thing.
In the UK, openly gay men and women have been allowed to serve in the armed forces since the start of the decade and since 2008 have been allowed to attend gay pride events and marches in uniform. Indeed, there are even army, navy and air force recruiters at some pride events up and down the country! There are at least 30 other countries that don’t have any bans on gays serving in the forces, including Spain, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Whilst the list for those countries that don’t allow gays in the military is much smaller, at last count, 17 I think, including the USA!
In 2008, 100 retired generals and admirals urged the US congress to over turn Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, it’s estimated there are some 65,000 gays already serving in the forces and also 600 people each year are discharged for coming out and revealing their sexuality. So, yes, it may only be one line in his first State Of The Union speech, but it’s going to have far reaching implications for a great many people, a change for the better is coming! It’s been a long time coming!
Jason Shaw, Brighton, England.
Elliott, he’s a fan! “Jason Shaw – writes my socks off!”
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