Editorial Analysis

Jazmine Bates
Ms. Fowler
LNG405
September 16, 2012 “A Military Success Story” This article begins describing the first anniversary of the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” statement that pertains to homosexuals joining the military without telling anyone because such an act was illegal. The author convinces the reader into thinking that homosexuality deserves equality by stating that the Palm Center’s research team had said that ending “don’t ask, don’t tell” would not have a negative impact on the military itself. Even though the author explicitly states that he/she is on the side of supporting homosexuality, they also state that the harassment and discrimination rates have not changed. This shows that the author understands the other side of the argument, instead of attacking the opposing side like most arguments lead up to. On the other hand of this success story, it has its downfalls. Homosexual couples do not have benefits as heterosexual couples such as discounted housing, spouses who are alive benefits, how they are treated in military medical facilities, and medical and dental insurance. All of these restrictions towards homosexuals shows disrespect towards the military itself because the military is supposed to be something Americans look up to. Because of the military defending our country, it should not matter who decides to join based on ethnicity, race, or sex. If someone wants to join the military, they should without any strings attached. I find this argument convincing because I have always supported same-sex marriage and equality however, I am not homosexual myself. Mostly, children’s parents tell them they can be anything they want to be and I am for that statement. It shows that anyone who is willing to do anything to be what they want to be, can get it with hard work and dedication. That is why I admire not just homosexuals, but anyone who is not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. The repealing of this act has showed that anything can happen, and this controversy has been around for a long amount of time. Knowing that the repeal has lasted for a year shocks the people who were against it because all they thought of were dramatic consequences. The supporting of the evidence from the author is very effective. Mostly everything the author says, there is evidence backing it up such as the Pentagon’s “carefully designed implementation and training process” is becoming a smooth transition because of the new policy of being more open about one person’s sexuality. The writer relies on mainly logical arguments such as stating the Defense of Marriage Act. Homosexuals can recruit in the military however, homosexual couples will not have the same benefits as opposite-sex couples which I had explained in the first paragraph. The author’s word choice was rather formal but it stayed to a minimal. There were a few larger words, but the author kept it to where the reader can simply understand what he/she is talking about. The tone of this essay was elated and proud because knowing that a country-wide conflict dealing with homosexuals have come this far to repeal an act that has been around for years. The organization in this essay goes from the author praising the fact of the repeal’s first anniversary and how people who opposed it look foolish to the downfalls of the situation which include the limiting benefits and the court founding out if it is constitutional or not.