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First, there is no scientific evidence to indicate sexual orientation is determined by anything other than environment. There is no homosexual (or heterosexual) gene.

Second, whether humans were put here by God or Darwin, sexual drive serves only two purposes: to provide pleasure and to propagate the species.

Third, homosexuality is a dysfunctional moral guide used to satisfy natural human instincts. Left to our own devices with no moral compass, our species would go to any lengths to satisfy our natural desire for sexual pleasure. You can observe the same behavior in animals. Because an ape may do something doesn’t mean it’s acceptable behavior for a human.

To the atheist and faithful alike, morality is what separates us from the ape. We have rules for behavior that have been codified by religious and civil institutions since the beginning of time. With few exceptions, homosexual behavior has been viewed as immoral and offensive to God/nature throughout history. Only since the inception of the “basic human rights” to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have homosexuals been tolerated. Tolerance is where our society is on the matter. Just because we tolerate something does not make it morally acceptable.

I don’t condemn homosexuals nor condone homosexual behavior. I believe the majority of Americans feel as I do. Though we tolerate homosexuals, we do not want any part of it in our own lives. As a leader of soldiers, I would be uncomfortable working with, counseling or leading someone who, in my estimation, has such a serious character flaw or lack of morals.

As an American, however, I believe all men are created equally and homosexuals are entitled to the same life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. That is the dilemma, and why the current “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is effective and shouldn’t be tampered with.

Sgt. 1st Class Dennis L. PettittContingency Operating Base Delta, Iraq

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