Editor,
I’m writing in regards to your front-page story referencing the debate about the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
I am having a hard time understanding why you only asked non-veteran students their opinion on the matter?
This seems to be a trend in journalism when dealing with this topic.
Everyone has an opinion on the matter, but you never hear from the troops who will be dealing with it first hand.
The article by Trinity Morgan, while it was very well written, failed to reach out to any veteran or ROTC student at the school to get a fair and balanced view of the subject.
Anyone reading this article could be inclined to believe that the students here at UT must be against the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
This may be true, but there are also dissenting views and I believe those views should have been sought out as well.
America is so polarized by this issue that they fail to take a step back and ask those who would be affected by the repeal how they feel about it. That’s right- why not ask the troops how they feel?
Ask a veteran, ROTC student, anyone who may actually have some first-hand knowledge or an educated opinion on what a sudden repeal would mean for the military.
It would only be their opinion, but I would value it more than some random student walking around campus.
Furthermore, thanks for placing the “DADT” article next to the first article ever written mentioning the Student Veterans Organization.
We are proud to be on page 5 next to the trailing half a front page story.
Finally, it was a well written article but it lacks balanced content.
The Student Veterans Organization is here if you need any intelligent opinions or statements when it comes to the military.
We have members from every branch of service who have given up years of their lives for the opportunities we are given at this school.
We would be glad to answer any questions.
Respectfully Submitted:
Cpl. Eddie Hoffmann
USMC, Retired.
VSO Historian
Jared,
Maybe I DID! You’ll never know I guess. Really, does it matter? The point is, we need to have an open dialogue on topics like this, not just point fingers at who we believe is wrong. I am opposed to the repeal, but open to hear other peoples’ opinion. Are those who are opposed as willing to hear a dissenting view? I’d say overwhelmingly, no.
VSO REP
Wow, I am stunned by how well written your response was. I completely agree with you. Perhaps you should have written this letter to the editor!
What people don’t seem to understand is that this is an issue that is being addressed for the first time by the military. You can not just undo something that quickly. As far as it being discriminatory, that is something that is not in question.
You are talking about a system with regulations that, outside the military, would be frowned upon. For instance, if someone tries to join the military and is too short or tall, they are unable to join. If someone has a learning disorder, they can not join. No one seems to care about these types of disorders and the people suffering from them. They were born with these conditions as well, but they are unable to serve their country.
You have to understand that the military sets regulations, and they have to be followed. When you sign your contract to join, you sign away many of the rights that you enjoy as a civilian. How ironic is it that those serving can not even exercise the rights they serve to protect? Many people believe that DADT was a step in the right direction. It allowed homosexuals to serve, just not openly. The writer of the letter to the editor was not expressing an opinion on the topic, just addressing the fact that it was not balanced.
People think that things in the military run like they do in “the real world”, but this is totally incorrect. The writer of the letter never said he only fought for those who were straight nor those who were homosexual. In fact, he never even gave his side on the issue. Don’t put words in his mouth.
Finally, this is something that needs to be handled by the President and congress. You don’t see military judges trying to change things for civilians, it would be absurd. The fact is, they knew what they were doing when they signed the contract. Just as we all know we sign away our right to free speech and other rights when we sign. They went about it the correct way, now lets wait for the results. Be more open minded, stop pointing fingers and saying someone is wrong. Value other peoples opinions and be respectful. We are all entitled to our opinions- whether you like it or not.
I can see your point about articles being one sided. However DADT is an issue of blatant discrimination, and it is a shame homophobia is still accepted in this country. It would have been beneficial to interview those “dealing with it first hand,” but may I ask: what are they dealing with? Homosexuality? It is not something you “deal” with like a nuisance. Homophobia is just as disgusting as any other form of discrimination. As a veteran the writer of this letter fought for the precious freedom we all share, not just straight americans, gay americans as well. The writer of the DADT article interviewed people living and educating themselves in this country. DADT affects everyone’s basic human rights, not just brave military personnel.
Dear Editor, “DADT” is a very controversial topic at hand. Having a balanced opinion is a must on topics like this. If you’re the type of student short on time, that picks up the paper skims the article and reading a one sided liberal opinion then you may be inclined not to stop and think about the other side. That is if you’re not up to speed on the topic. Isn’t this that what college is about? Opening your mind to new things whether you agree with them or not. All I’m asking for is a more balanced article. As for the SVO, I can understand this man’s frustrations; UT has never had a Student Veterans Organization until now. You could have at least given them a better spot in the paper.
J
He has a point. The paper does seem to lean to the liberal side. On such a hot-topic issue, balanced reporting is a must.
While I know that he is being sarcastic about his thanks for being on page 5, I can understand the frustration that he may be feeling. Having a new organization on campus, especially one for veterans, seems to be an historic event for UT, and maybe should have been mentioned on the first couple pages somewhere. But, as we all know, no one really seems to care about things that do not seem to have any bearing on them.
Maybe they should think about having this guy on the Minaret staff, he seems to write much better than most of the other staffers.
I have respect for our military, and I would think as a whole the student body does as well. Thank you for your service, and thank you for standing up to one sided journalism.