Military no place for social change

I am amused yet concerned at those who applaud the lifting of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in the military. They equate it with progress of civil rights. It is in fact just another rung in the ladder of social engineering by liberal Democrats headed by Obama. It particularly reflects a selfish attitude of a minority to inflict their desire over the well-being of an entire nation.

Cultural influence into the affairs of our military is foolish. Military enlistment basically forfeits constitutional rights. One is taught that the individual is subservient to the unit to which he belongs. U.S. lawmakers have passed legislation that undermines this basic premise.

Time will tell what influence this imposed policy has within the ranks of military life. One can easily theorize possible negative effects. I sincerely hope that doesn’t happen. Nonetheless, I resent our country’s military being used to forward unnecessary and potentially reckless social policy.

Daniel Palmer
Lynnwood

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, June 5

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

A rendering of possible configuration for a new multi-purpose stadium in downtown Everett. (DLR Group)
Editorial: Latest ballpark figures drive hope for new stadium

A lower estimate for the project should help persuade city officials to move ahead with plans.

Comment: Republicans’ tax bill is generational theft

The focus has been on cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, but even greater harm awaits those yet to be born.

More support needed to keep care programs running

I just don’t understand the closing of an adult day health center… Continue reading

How are cuts by Trump and RFK Jr. making us healthy?

Once I recovered from the shock of a second Donald Trump term,… Continue reading

Welch’s criticism of Democrats unpersuasive

Todd Welch’s May 28 Herald commentary criticizing Gov. Bob Ferguson’s signing of… Continue reading

Comment: MAHA report’s faked research just start of problems

RFK Jr. has the notion of research backward, forcing it to fit the conspiracies he’s always believed.

A rendering of the new vessels to be built for Washington State Ferries. (Washington State Ferries)
Editorial: Local shipyard should get shot to build state ferries

If allowed to build at least two ferries, Nichols Brothers can show the value building here offers.

Solar panels are visible along the rooftop of the Crisp family home on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: ‘Big, beautiful bill’ would take from our climate, too

Along with cuts to the social safety net, the bill robs investments in the clean energy economy.

A Lakewood Middle School eighth-grader (right) consults with Herald Opinion Editor Jon Bauer about the opinion essay he was writing for a class assignment. (Kristina Courtnage Bowman / Lakewood School District)
Youth Forum: Just what are those kids thinking?

A sample of opinion essays written by Lakewood Middle School eighth-graders as a class assignment.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, June 4

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Burke: A parade for Army? Sure; but let a sibling march, too

The U.S. Merchant Marine has supplied the country’s fighting forces since the Revolutionary War.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.