‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Is Silly in Any Language

What a waste! The Army’s Defense Language Institute booted out nine language trainees merely because they were gay (Nov. 16). Many of those kicked out were studying Arabic and were doing quite well with this difficult language at a time when their talents are badly needed in our interfacing with Arabic peoples, whether they be enemies or friends.

It’s high time Congress got rid of this silly “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. After all, many foreign militaries (including Britain and Israel) allow gays and have not suffered low morale or “unit cohesion” problems as a result. These were the phony excuses used by the military and members of Congress when the policy was forced on the U.S.

Congress needs to bite the bullet in the face of the “Christian” Bible-bangers, who still have a stranglehold over far too many of our lawmakers and policymakers, and put an end to this horrific waste of manpower. Richard A. Kinz

Atascadero

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Steve Lopez brilliantly put my thoughts into words in his Sunday column concerning the translators who were ousted from the military because they happened to be gay. To consider anyone’s sexual orientation as a reason for expulsion from any position is ridiculous, but in the light of recent events, it’s foolhardy.

I saw a bumper sticker today that said, “Stupidity should be painful.” Our government’s latest blunder in the light of world terrorism seems to imply that it’s all over except for the screaming -- from all of us.

Kate Karp

Long Beach

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Although I wouldn’t deny a military veteran any honor due him or her, there is something very wrong with an organization that rewards people for killing others but kicks them out for loving each other.

Karen Lindell

Oxnard