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those same young men and women, the adults who have provided the outstanding talent from which we all benefit.
President Clinton makes much of listening to all. He has recently done so in addressing the homosexual issue for the military. The advice received from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and other senior officers should be of significance, but if he really wants to know the impact his contemplated actions will have. President Clinton should consult with at least three other groups.
First and foremost, he should listen to the young men and women presently serving their country in the enlisted ranks.
This group should include the noncommissioned leaders, the petty officers who will bear much of the brunt of any change in policy as they become deeply involved in the implementation process. These are the individuals who will be affected the most, not the senior officers.
Next, President Clinton should hold a session with the parents of
Finally, he should consult with potential recruits—the individuals considering entry into the military—and their parents, thereby ascertaining the impact his actions may have on the recruiting climate.
If President Clinton receives solid support from these three groups, he may have some chance of success. The military never has expected that all personnel policies will hold forever. Although there must be some special consideration in military personnel administration as we attempt to produce the best fighting force for our national security, the military is made up of members of the society it defends and will always have to reflect—to some degree—the changes in the customs and traditions of that society, be they good or bad.
Vice Admiral Gerald Miller, U.S. Navy (Retired)
ing this course of action was established a few short years ago when Senator John Tower (R-TX) was rejected as a Secretary of Defense nominee by the Senate committee based on his moral turpitude, that is, womanizing and alcohol abuse.
An example was set at that time, but there was no follow-up on this golden opportunity to raise the standards of decency and behavior required of all government employees and office holders.
Now a new opportunity to take a step that could improve the lot of all working Americans has been presented to us. Putting these orders into effect would send a very clear message to the nation: Your sex life, your sexuality, is your business. Please confine your sexual declarations and practices to your off-duty hours and your own premises. You do not have the right to inflict these offensive declarations and practices on your fellow workers.
Extending this ban would send the refreshing message that there is room in our society for a sense of decorum— perhaps even good taste. A nice reminder that sexuality, like the other bodily functions, is only a fit subject for public discussion by the depraved or the puerile.
Twenty-five-hundred years ago, Aristotle made the in
sightful observation that politics is ethics. The truly great presidents seemed to have recognized this precept and acted on it to the benefit of the nation. The moral compass of this administration is going to be set early because the new President has chosen to raise this issue to one of extremely high visibility and rapid implementation, requiring no congressional confirmation but only the “stroke of a pen.” I find his reasons for this decision unfathomable.
The moral tone, the quality of leadership are established at the top. This proposal could raise the standards of behavior in more than the military and government; industry would inevitably follow this lead. If dreams could be fulfilled this might even result in effecting a higher standard for public office holders.
The Clinton administration is going to present a new face to the nation. But which face will it be? A profile in courage or a full face wearing the facile smile of accommodation ? I submit this proposal and close with the query, Who amongst ye shall lead?
Mr. McCrane is a former lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, having served tours of duty immediately following World War II and during the Korean War.
Proceedings / April 1993