I was quite taken aback by Admiral Roughead's response to a caller's question regarding proposed changes to the current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. The caller asked the Admiral to unpack his reference to the demographics of the US forces that distinguish it from other armed forces that openly include homosexuals. The Admiral's response indicated that he felt it was important to assess the opinions of those serving in the armed forces with regard to this issue, taking into account the fact that many members of the armed forces may come from more conservative backgrounds.

This leads me to wonder if it is the job of our military to accommodate the prejudices of those serving. If people are uncomfortable serving with people of differing skin color, gender or religion, should the military exclude those individuals who might be the cause of such discomfort? Our laws don't allow such accommodation and they should not accommodate the unjustifiable bigotry against homosexuals.

is the admiral saying he does not think that US sailors can follow orders that everybody should get along if such orders are given?

What is the the origin of the term "deck ape"?

I did not hear anything about combatting piracy and rescue operations in Haiti...did I miss that?