I'm going to keep this as simple and to the point as possible, because anonymity is important at moments like this. My younger brother serves in the U. S. military. He is a very young man, at the bottom of the military ladder, and his service makes me more pround than you could imagine. He's a great guy and a loyal friend, and I love him so much it hurts with him being gone for so long.
He called me tonight, the way that younger people call sometimes, wanting help but being unable to ask for fear they'd come across as weak. He called me for help thousands of miles away, and I don't think there's anything I can do for him.
My brother got in trouble for not outing another soldier, who had told him he was gay. My brother did not solicit this information from the young man, but the information was volunteered none the less. I cannot speak for the young man who outed himself to my brother, although I don't find it shocking he would've told my brother. My brother is a kind-hearted person, loyal, and good to talk to.
Somehow my brother's superiors found out about this and he is now in trouble. He has been threatened with punishment for not telling his superiors and he's worried. The young gay man is going to be kicked out of the military. Supposedly, being gay violates some "moral code" of the U. S. military.
It is sad when it becomes morally acceptable to torture human beings, but not to allow gay people to serve their country. I will continue to salute the flag, and say the pledge but I'm ashamed of my country. These are good kids, young kids, and they deserve the right to serve their country without fear. Not only do they deserve it, we need them.
Its a disgrace.