
A Common Sense Approach to the Trans Military Ban
Today has been one of the most conflicting days of my life. I have always been one to be very proud of my country and the things that she stands for, but I feel that is shaken today.
A decision came from the White House this morning stating that transgender people can no longer serve their country in the armed forces; a direct contradiction to one of the main pillars upon which this country was founded.
All my life I have been taught that Americans were allowed to enjoy a certain level of liberty that the rest of the world does not. Be it that you are black, white, brown, gay, straight, bi, etc., we are all humans and should be treated as such. I have been very proud of this great nation the past 19 years seeing how far we’d come in my short lifetime. Hell, just 7 short years ago we got rid of “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”.
But today we took one massive leap backwards, and frankly, I’m totally embarrassed by our leadership. Whether or not you believe in the science of transgenderism or support the LGBTQ+ community, there is one objective, unarguable fact: these people are humans just like you and me. Beyond that, they have the courage few do to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms that I previously spoke about.
President Trump says that it is a “distraction” to have these people in the military, and that we must get rid of them in order to have a “decisive and overwhelming” victory. What part of rebuking thousands of this nation’s bravest souls will help that cause? What is distracting about these brave people being willing to fight alongside their comrades? If anyone can contribute positively to the efforts of the military then we should not, scratch that, CANNOT afford any sliver of discrimination.
This is not an issue for just the military, just our politicians, or just the LGBTQ+ community. This is an issue for all Americans that concern themselves with human dignity and the equal treatment of all people. Many times I have caught myself, and I know fellow classmates have as well, wondering what side I would’ve been on during the 1960’s and 70’s. Today is a true test and measure of character to see how we respond in the face of blatant discrimination for our leadership.
It breaks my heart to have to write a post like this. I hate to have to criticize this country. I am a proud conservative in many of my political views, but human dignity is not, and never should be, an issue divided by party lines. Friends, today is the beginning of one of the biggest tests that our generation will face. Think of our fathers and mothers, our grandfathers and grandmothers that have fought so hard to get this country to where it is today.
We must stand with our fellow Americans, especially the ones that put on a uniform to protect our freedoms, to fight for what is right: equal treatment for all people. We cannot afford to sit idly by and watch as our neighbors are discriminated against. WE are the future of America. WE the people hold the power in the United States. And WE must be the voice of change for the country.
My name is Ben DeMouth and I am a sophomore student at Northwest Missouri State University. I am a strong believer in civil liberties and the equal treatment of all people. “I will agree with anyone when they are right, and no one when they are wrong.” Follow me on Twitter @bendemouth for more common sense politics.
