Gays in the Military

USA Today sets up their editorial section so that two sides of any given argument are heard.  Their Editorial Board is comprised of a variety of people who have differing ideologies and are from varied demographics. 

In an editorial published in September of 2010, Our view on gays in the military: “Don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal is only a matter of time, the members of the Editorial Board expressed their opinion on the “don’t ask, don’t tell” debate.

The article opens simply stating that it was a “setback” that the senate did not vote to debate the issue.  Immediately, the reader senses what side the editorial is taking, and it’s not in an “in your face” way.   The editorial is stating that it is only a matter of time before this policy is repealed.  This policy went into place seventeen years ago during President Clinton’s first term and since then, attitudes about homosexuals serving openly in the military have changed drastically.  It shouldn’t even be an argument anymore because it is not reasonable to let willing and qualified Americans not serve in the military because of their sexual orientation.   The article is supported by telling the reader the results of a research poll conducted by Gallup which showed 70% of the surveyed people favor allowing homosexuals to openly serve in the military. 

 The article did a very convincing job illuminating the reasons for allowing anyone to serve their country based on qualifications not sexual orientation. The Editorial Board used statistics and data that were very reader friendly and demonstrated how opinions can change over time.  The article was clear and concise; it clarified the Board's position and, without being too complex, allowed the reader to comprehend the information with ease.  This article is directed toward those that support the military's need to have able bodied people serving in the armed forces regardless of sexual orientation.