Except for freedom of expression when they enlist in the armed forces, of course.

And getting "married." Semantics is important; as a PR expert you of all people know that the words one uses to characterize something alters the meaning.

First of all, let me point out that you are right... this is a battle about semantics only - despite the protestations of those in the gay community. Now that they have won everything that they have asked for... they press the attack on to the last remaining vestige of Judeo/Christian tradition left standing regarding this institution - the word "marriage" itself and it's historic definition (though there will always be momentary exceptions to even this rule for all those looking to strike the ancient history or other countries veins here - I have read a book or two... ).

This is fine in a constitutional republic and our Constitution being silent on the issue passes this semantic concern onward to the several states and their citizens.

The military, however, is a different animal altogether. These people have the hands on some very, very devastating power... even common sense dictates that while the rule of law is not absent in the military... certain rights would have devastating consequences on the military's ability to execute its mission... as well as the safety of the American people.

Does this apply to gays in this day and age... perhaps not - but that is not for me to say. I'm not there in a position of responsibility for the safety of the nation, on the ground, in touch with the scene on the inside - where the media and pundits don't go. I've been in the military, so has my father, many of my brothers, brother-in-law, and my 2 nephews. I've a had a fairly current connection with the military since the mid '60's. And despite that wealth of knowledge I would not presume to decide how the military should deal with this issue. I will trust that they will make the best decision for all concerned - until it can be proven that they have not.

Might want to add that the 1st Amendment doesn't apply to the military. You can't tell your 'boss' to d*ck off. One isn't just fired. They're hammered with an Article 15 with punishment afterward.

Absolutely you have a right, even a responsibility to say. The military is beholden to civilian authority, precisely because they are custodians of devastating firepower.

You appear to argue both sides of the fence by saying we should not control the military because we are only civilians and don't understand the culture; yet we must be prepared to take the reins of government back by force when we can no longer control it.

A fair point. But neither are soldiers allowed to follow illegal orders.

A soldier cannot be kicked out of the Army for stating his/her religion, sex, political party, skin color, ethnicity, favorite baseball team, etc. Even liberals - who by the discussion in here sound like they must be anti-American minions of Satan - are allowed to serve their country openly. What is it with all the tough guys and gals in uniform and sexual orientation that makes them run in fear?

lady-boys can't fight and they might see one when looking in the mirror

there was one of the Caesars married his slave who he got to whip him while he carried a big black stone across Rome....... i's read a book once me-self ).

The people do not rule the military directly. Yes, the military does answer to civilian authority - but that authority often defers to the military on certain internal issues. If everybody had a say on internal military policies NOTHING would get done and we'd have a military that was making extremely debilitating policy choices that could threaten its ability to realize it mission.

I'm sorry, but when it comes to the military, I would listen long and hard about what those who are in a position of responsibility in the military had to say about this issue.

What seems "fair" might not be prudent.

I say in all seriousness that I am utterly amazed by this comment. Are you suggesting that homosexuality is a national security issue?

so? America is not a christian nation and never was, nor was it found on "judeo christian" values.