The repealing of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is causing much controversy not only in the U.S. Senate but throughout country as well. This military policy forbids homosexuals to openly serve in the military and is viewed as unfair by gay rights activists across the nation.

Last month democratic senators needed to secure a majority of 60 votes to overcome republican antagonism, but fell short at 43 votes.

Since 1993 when Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was put into effect over 13,000 members were dismissed from their positions in the military based on sexual orientation. Many ex-military personnel have expressed that they don’t care about the sexual orientation of those they served with.

Even pop singer Lady Gaga has voiced her opinion on Don’t Ask don’t Tell. In a speech the singer gave a few weeks ago at a protest rally in Maine, Gaga said to the audience “We should send home the straight soldier that hates the gay soldier.” She then went on to say that “equality is nonnegotiable.”

When the nation is already in an economic recession it is counter intuitive to spend tax payer money training soldiers to serve in the military only to expel them later on account of a trait that in no way compromises their performance in service to their country.

It is ironic that the United States, a country that prides itself on its diversity and equality, can be so intolerant. Countries that once considered America to be an example of military protocol don’t even find the sexuality of their soldiers to be an issue.

If only those in the military could choose who fights for their country instead of politicians, perhaps this wouldn’t be an issue. That gays would choose to fight for a country that currently punishes them for being who they are is more exemplary of their dedication to the United States than any words could express.

The fact that politicians still argue that these men and women should not be allowed the comfort of being who they are while serving their nation is disgusting. These are men and women, who are willing to risk their lives for their country’s ideal of equality – men and women who endure bullets and bruises just like any other soldier.

That they do this while having to hide who they love is nothing short of inspirational, and that they are being shunned from their place in the military instead of commended is appalling.