First of all, the headline that linked me to this article read "US General Shock: Gay Dutch Soldiers..." I don't appreciate it when the media editorializes a news story. Are they implying I should be shocked? Are you shocked? I'm not shocked. In fact, I fully agree with the General.
As a US Military officer having served extensively in both Iraq and Afghanistan, I see the issue with homosexuality not about distraction of the troops, harassment charges, or even discipline but rather the complete breakdown of morality and honor. These concepts are necessary to a functioning military. It may be politically forward to redefine morality and honor, or even say they have nothing to do with accomplishing some mission, but I disagree. Moral character is the foundation of a soldier, sailor or airman's life. In order to have a functioning military it is necessary to be able to dictate standards of behavior --even behavior outside the workplace. Military leaders (and the civilians who lead them) have a responsibility to implement policies that will uphold morality in the military. General Sheehan merely noted that ineffectual soldiers result from low behavioral standards.
At the risk of opening a whole new can of worms, it is also necessary to note that redefining morality to include items like "complete acceptance of immoral behavior" will lead us to grief.
SOURCE:TELEGRAPH.CO.UK
FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING THE POST TITLE
I KNOW, IS NOT ROMANIA RELATED, BUT THE COMMENT CERTAINLY IS ABOVE ANY GEOGRAPHICAL REFERENCE.
IT IS ABOUT STRENGHT AND HONOUR.
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