Raw Story is reporting that Fox News has rejected an ad from the Palm Center that is sympathetic to the idea of repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," policy and delivers some sorely reality check into the public debate.
Quoted in the piece is the perspective from our NATO allies. It rightfully points out our troops are already serving in several NATO operations with openly gay servicemembers from other countries. It also has some words of wisdom on what to expect after repeal: "Business as usual."
Major General Simon VL Willis of the Australian forces reflects on his army's rescinding of their gay ban on military service way back in 1992:
"The lifting of the homosexual ban was a bit like Y2K, it was a non-event and it continues to be a non-event."
The supposed reason Fox gave is they objected to the premise that the military is "preparing to end the ban," calling the policy change "on hold." (And we all know how scrupulous they are about fact-checking!)
Apparently Fox is unaware the Pentagon commissioned a $4.5 million study on "how" to end it, not when or if. From New York Times, February 3, 2010:
Both Admiral Mullen and Mr. Gates told the committee that there would be a Pentagon review, taking up to a year, to study how to implement any change before they expected Congress to act on a repeal.
Sounds like preparation to me. Maybe Fox News just hates gay people?
The ad will be seen elsewhere, spokeswoman for the Palm Center, Cathy Renna:
"The Center has submitted the ad to MSNBC and CNN and anticipates no problems," Renna said.
It is a shame that Fox News viewers have been robbed of the opportunity for different fair and balanced perspective on this issue.