Editorials
Thursday, August 29, 1996
Local case violates
spirit of 'don't ask'
THE "don't ask, don't tell" policy of the Clinton administration regarding gay military personnel was meant to provide them some protection. Homosexuals were understandably disappointed with the policy, which meant openly gay service members would be discharged from the service. Some military officials now appear to be taking extraordinary measures to kick gays out by discerning whether they have engaged in homosexual conduct. The Clinton administration should call a truce and re-examine its policy.
An Army investigation into the sexual orientation of female soldiers in South Korea has been determined to have been improper. As many as 60 Navy women aboard the Italy-based USS Simon Lake have allegedly been targeted for questioning about lesbianism. Now, in Hawaii, the Air Force has declared war on homosexuals, convicting one airman of sodomy and persuading him to rat on other gay personnel who have adhered to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Hickam Senior Airman Bryan Harris was court-martialed at Hickam Air Force Base in January on sodomy charges and subsequently discharged. As part of a sentencing agreement - his incarceration period was reduced from 30 to 20 months - Harris agreed to turn over the names of other military members involved in acts of sodomy, a violation of the military code of justice.
Based on Harris' compliance with the agreement, the Air Force has charged Capt. Robert Saragosa with sodomy, conduct unbecoming of an officer, drunk and disorderly conduct, indecent exposure and committing indecent acts. The Air Force obviously interprets the "don't ask, don't tell" policy as allowing it to question service personnel about the sexual orientation of others.
The Air Force is "asking" a great deal. According to U.S. News & World Report, it is inquiring whether airmen have been seen at a Waikiki bar popular among gays. Investigators have gone so far as to ask the Metropolitan Community Church, which ministers to gays and lesbians, for its membership list and records of commitment ceremonies. The Rev. Jon Bullock is to be commended for refusing this request. He told the magazine, "It's unconscionable to think that the military would try to entrap gays and lesbians by using church records."
While sodomy is a violation of the military code, the military is being too aggressive in finding out about and prosecuting cases of homoosexual acts. Regardless of sexual orientation, members of the armed services could justifiably complain that their privacy has been violated. Military commanders should restore their privacy rights and take to heart the first part of President Clinton's order: "Don't ask."
Here comes Hillary
IN the battle for first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton held back on her punches Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention. Although she addressed the delegates with poise and earnestness, her usual dynamism was muted. Mrs. Clinton may be striving to soften her activist image until her husband's re-election is assured. Then she can really hit her political opponents where it hurts - right in the old rhetoric.
London's royal pain
THE divorce has been granted but the royal soap opera is far from over. The Waleses have gone their separate ways - Diana with $23 million in cash, a $620,000 yearly stipend and no clear duties; Charles with his eyes fixed on an earthy old flame he won't be able to marry without jeopardizing his claim to the British crown.
Prince William is the new star of the House of Windsor. At 14, he is drawing increasing notice and soon will compete with his mom for the tabloids' attention. He must realize already, though, that he has little to look forward to.
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Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor