A triumph for integrity

Last updated on: December 20, 2010 at 11:26 am by Julie Colwell

A triumph for integrity 2010-12-20T11:26:44-05:00 Julie Colwell

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I want to use this space to celebrate a victory for civil rights, a triumph for integrity–the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. I feel choked up at the momentousness of the opening of this door, as countless men and women are now supported to step into the light of whom they really are.

As you probably know, the US Senate voted to repeal DADT over the weekend. DADT is the policy that Bill Clinton’s administration put into place seventeen years ago. Since the House of Representatives already voted to repeal DADT, it now awaits President Obama’s signature.

The brief description of DADT is that you can be gay in the military, so long as you don’t talk about it. Or so long as no one around you pushes the issue. Between 1993 and 2009, 13,389 servicepeople were discharged under the act; a disproportionate number of those were minorities and women, making it clear that racism, sexism and homophobia converged to make DADT another vehicle for harassment. (Stepping outside the furor about DADT, it’s important to remember that, prior to this policy, gays and lesbians were barred from serving in the military at all, undergoing “undesirable discharges” if they managed to enlist but then either came out, or were outed while enlisted.)

As much as we might bemoan the current state of politics and the world, the repeal of DADT is clearly an indicator of humanity’s continuing evolution. While DADT was designed to be a compromise back in 1992, it’s helpful to remember that this policy was created by the administration of a man who was nearly impeached, while tens of millions of dollars were wasted investigating him, because he couldn’t tell the truth about “having sex with that woman.” Integrity was not Bill Clinton’s strong suit, though truly, his level of honesty seemed to fit the time.

Whether or not you agree with Barack Obama’s policies, his integrity is laudable. Over and over, he has stepped in and taken the ultimate responsibility for errors made by his administration. He declared, in his inaugural address, that “those values upon which our success depends — honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded, then, is a return to these truths.” The repeal of DADT demonstrates that his leadership is taking us in the direction of these values.

I celebrate our country for taking a stand that we can feel in our souls is the right step: To let people live in the dignity of who they really are, without having to hide. Authenticity allows humans to live from our true power. The repeal of DADT is an indicator of an expansion of Americans’ collective consciousness, as we move towards embracing real and total integrity.

Inspiration

Integrity

Real Power

Taking responsibility

Previous Post

December 16, 2010

"I don't want to make that mistake again."

Next Post

December 23, 2010 5 tips for conscious holidays

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Appreciation Authenticity Blame Blog Highlight Classes Co-Creativity Communication Creative Brain Creative Brain Communication Creativity Emotions Energy Essence Events Evolutionary power Generosity Health Inner Map Inspiration Integrity Love Manifestation News Podcast Presencing Reactive Brain Real Power Relationships S.E.W. Self-hate, self-love Taking responsibility Transparency Triangle Trust Unarguable truth Uncategorized video Workshops

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 January 2016 October 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 January 2014 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 May 2010 April 2010 January 2010 August 2009 February 2009 December 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 April 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What was the most common staple grain in ancient Israel?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Barley Oats Rice Wheat