Academia lost an important figure this weekend. While many mourn 74-year old Dr. Charles Moskos' death, others may take perverse pleasure in hearing the news. Why such a mixed reaction? Because the Chicago-native, who served in the American military and went on to teach Sociology at Northwestern, helped concoct Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Known for his convivial attitude and devotion to military readiness, Moskos interviewed countless soldiers for the Department of Defense and, after reviewing their replies, determined that Don't Ask, Don't Tell provided the perfect protections for straight and gay alike.
Fellow professor Allen Schnaiberg summarized Moskos approach:
His real empathy was with the rank and file, having been a grunt himself. He really felt he had a unique perspective to offer, and he was both sympathetic and actually quite courageous in putting himself at risk by putting himself out with the troops.
Though he knew it controversial, Moskos looked at DADT as a necessary compromise. Too bad he didn't live to see the day when it was no longer.
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Thanks Prof! For setting back equal rights under the law, for making homosexuals feel like "less-than" citizens, for lending the good name of Northwester University to your bigoted policy, for helping weak-kneed politicians find a "compromise" that wouldn't end the witch hunts but would make spineless liberals feel better about themselves. If you were such a champion of service personnel, how about the first guy wounded in Iraq? He was gay. Sure, he could serve, but only if he lied to do so. Really helped pave the way for everyone to serve their country with honor. Thanks.
I hope in death the realization of the pain he caused many will be recognized – for it needs to be recognized. It's too bad that one major fault of Dr. Charles Moskos – which he now carries to his grave is the rememberence of how he fed into homophobia, taking away the rights of many.
He didn't research or honor "integrity" enough within his studies to demonstrate how DADT would not fit within a fair and just sociological equation. His move towards DADT destroyed lives.
I'd be honored to spit on his grave if I had the chance.