Mark D. White

Mark D. White

Really two separate topics here, both inspired by recent articles in the Wall Street Journal regarding the issue of gays in the U.S. armed forces.

1. The Journal is printing one of my recent letters to the editor tomorrow (Thursday, February 11) under the heading "All Society Could Use Some Military Virtues":

In Bret Stephens's "Gays in the Militaries" (Global View, Feb. 9), he makes a very profound statement that speaks to much more than the topic at hand. Regarding the military, he writes, "Its value system of duty, honor and country is very nearly the opposite of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

This perceived but false dichotomy explains so much of what is wrong with society these days. If we are to live together in any semblance of harmony, then our pursuit of happiness must be tempered by considerations of duty, honor and country. The men and women who choose to serve in the military know this and live by it; the rest of us could learn a thing or two from them.

2. As long as I'm here, here's an unpublished letter of mine from last week, actually on the issue of gays in the military (they published many letters on this piece earlier this week which together covered the same points I did):

As a lifelong supporter of our armed forces, I have the utmost respect for Mr. Owens' service and his reasoned arguments against open homosexuality in the military ("The Case Against Gays in the Military," Feb. 3). In particular, I appreciate that he does not rely on the tired argument that straight personnel will not work well alongside gay ones, one which does have direct parallels to the racial integration debates of old (which Mr. Owens rightly eschews). Yet I have to disagree with his central argument regarding inappropriate personal attachments if gays are allowed to serve openly.
 
While his description of the ideal state of philia among servicemen and women is inspiring, and the dangers of eros being realized in combat situations are significant, I think Mr. Owens overstates the threat of romantic or sexual love being "unleashed" if homosexuals are allowed to serve openly alongside heterosexuals. Yes, sexual orientation is an intrinsic part of who we are, gay or straight, but it does not determine our behavior. Let us trust the brave men and women who are willing and eager to risk their lives defending their country to be able to resist inappropriate impulses and focus on the mission. I think we owe them that.