Women on the front.

Recently there was a program on TV that talked about a bill introduced in the us senate that seeks to restrict women in the military from direct combat positions. The panel discussion on TV discussed this issue with some senators from both sides, and some labour and military experts. What amazed me was not what was discussed, but what was not discussed. The speakers spoke about whether it is a good time to bring such a regulation, whether the government should have the authority to do it or the military should be able to decide for itself at a time when recruiting for the army is proving to be very difficult.

What was not discussed, what I thought was more relevant - why discuss this, why is there a bill now, why bring this up, why discriminate and single out women? Aren't we there far enough down the road where we stop discriminating - positive or negative? The job is voluntary - no one forces anyone to be a soldier. The job of a soldier is dangerous. Anyone becoming a soldier knows what it takes and what is it at stake. Everyone knows that. Everyone acknowledges that. Then why this attempt to just protect the women and not the men? Are women considered more important for the society than the men? Do we think a child needs a mother more than a father? Or do we think women don't make good soldiers and hence if left in the frontline, will be a greater danger to themselves and their colleagues?

Do women want this protection? Do they like being protected like this? What will be the implications in other professions? Can we say women can become drivers of fire engines but not get directly involved in fire fighting? What about the implication of this restriction on the career growth of women? Anyone for a police chief who was never allowed on a patrol or a raid because for whatever reason?

I think we need to stop doing this. By discussing laws like this, we are going backwards. I acknowledge the inherent difference between men and women. But I don't think rules and legislation are needed to scream that out. Men and women are different just as my neighbour and myself are different. Either we adopt to what we are expected to do or we move on to things we are better suited for. We don't allow the law of the land to decide who is supposed to do what, whether it is safe for one set of people to do it or not. Why now? Why here? Why this?