The Few. The Proud. The Problem?

THERE is an "Old Breed" of Marine officer by which modernity habitually passes. Today, they form the strongest phalanx resisting repeal of "don't ask, don't tell.” Though now laughable, the Old Breed also opposed President Truman’s 1948 order to desegregate. As a result, the Corps was the last to accept blacks into its combat ranks. Today, gay is the new black. Never mind that 60% of Marines have no problem with chucking DADT. Never mind that the first service member wounded in the Iraq War was Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, a gay Marine who sacrificed a leg. Like bad weather, the Old Breed will always be with us. Luckily, it’s not up to these Proud Stubborn Few. It’s up to the law. And as one sensible Marine officer told the Washington Post, “If the law changes, we will comply with the law. You can take that to the bank."