Word: rotc
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...surprisingly, supporters of ROTC have been met with passionate resistance, predominantly from the gay rights community. While ROTC was originally ejected from Harvard due to its association with an unpopular war, progressive activists now want to bar its return on the grounds that it is a discriminatory organization. The source of this charge is the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy--approved by Congress--that precludes openly gay individuals from serving in the armed forces...
Whether "don't ask, don't tell" is, in fact, discriminatory is a matter for debate. Gays are not prohibited from participating in ROTC per se. They are merely forbidden from openly proclaiming their homosexuality or engaging in homosexual activity. Many would argue that, by denying homosexuals the right to express their fundamental identity, this policy constitutes a de facto interdiction against gays because they are gay. But on surface it must be acknowledged that "don't ask, don't tell" is merely a behavioral regulation--one of many in the military that govern the sexuality of all servicemen...
Regardless of where one comes down as to the justice of "don't ask, don't tell," the case for bringing ROTC back to campus is strong. Harvard's non-discrimination policy is certainly an admirable ideal, but there are higher values than non-discrimination. Our support for our armed forces, and more importantly our classmates who serve as midshipmen and cadets, ought to outweigh any discomfort we may feel with the congressionally mandated policy that governs the treatment of homosexuals...
...decision to join ROTC is one of the noblest that a young person can make. Often it is a decision informed by financial considerations, but in this day and age, a hefty package of loans and a post-graduation stint on Wall Street is always an available means of funding a Harvard education. Instead of that route, ROTC students have chosen to commit themselves to the values of self-sacrifice, duty and devotion to country. They are the finest examples of good citizenship that this campus has to offer. We would only do ourselves a favor by allowing these cadets...
Those with a lesser opinion of ROTC should take note that there is at least one compelling pragmatic reason for allowing its return. So long as Harvard shuns ROTC, it surrenders the leadership of the military establishment to graduates of less enlightened institutions. Harvard's current policy discourages students interested in ROTC from enrolling here, and by forbidding ROTC from participating in activities fairs, postering and holding meetings on campus, it suppresses the size of its membership. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the boys of The Citadel will ever see fit to take the initiative and welcome gays into their...