The news about gay soldier Dan Choi being discharged from the army under “don’t ask, don’t tell” is not a big surprise. Mr. Choi gained visibility through his media appearances speaking against this discriminatory law. 

While most agree that the law needs to be changed, Choi ran out of patience to the point of handcuffing himself to the White House fence. For gays in the military, it is frustrated to see things not moving as quickly as possible. US law makers are not known for fast action. 

However, Choi pushed the US Army to their limit. The military is not civilian life. It has hierachies and rules. It is sad that the army has to take such a tough decision. As the Hausa of Niger say, “If you want to fight fire, you don’t wear a skirt made of dry grass.”