Gays In The Military

With the new Congress and a new Administration coming into office this month, the next two years mark the most likely time for a change to Congress' "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy towards gays in the military. I'm torn on the issue myself; like most people, I served with shipmates who were gay, and had no problem with it. (I also served with people who weren't really gay, but decided they wanted to get out really quick and chose to use "the phrase that pays".) That being said, I understand that there are people who would have real problems living in close quarters with homosexuals.

Were Congress to repeal DADT, I would support a clause that gives everyone else in the military a option to get out with whatever type of discharge would normally deserve if they feel they can't accept the change, without financial penalty; after all, they joined the military understanding that they wouldn't have to serve with those who were openly gay. This way, you wouldn't be making someone serve "against their will" with those whose sexuality they abhor. After the grace period ends, however, they'd need to toe the line and follow orders.

What do you think? Will DADT be repealed before 2011? Should it be?