I have to admit since I have been in theater I have grown quite fond of Stars and Stripes. From my experience, it is authentic, with unbiased, real news.

With that being said, being whom I am, I am drawn to the rhetorical debate concerning what has been referred to as DADT, also known as “don’t ask, don’t tell”.

I believe one writer stated, more or less, that the transition allowing gays to serve openly in our military is inevitable (“Implementing new gay policy,” letter, Feb. 25). Scary, isn’t it? Sounds communist. Like a red, or shall I say, “rainbow scare.”

Curiously enough, many of my co-workers are bemused when they notice an article or letter to the editor I am reading in Stars and Stripes, but are not hesitant to begin a civil discussion. And of course, I entertain their thoughts.

It seems to me many people are not bigots at all, but have a misguided profile of the everyday homosexual. The outcome: fear.

Many of these concerns are genuine and need to be considered. A change of policy will no doubt challenge our nation, but if there is anything I know about America it is that we are well-conditioned to amendments. I do not personally believe that this change in policy will have a traumatic effect on the infrastructure or facade of our armed forces. Whether many are aware or not, gays are already serving honorably within our military.

Rather than the coming-out party everyone is expecting, I believe this change will merely grant many of our servicemembers a subtle sigh of relief knowing that their job is secure, despite whom it is they happen to love. I think every American deserves this much.

Airman 1st Class Jennifer MorrellManas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan

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