Greeson: Not all equality is equal

Not all equality is equal.

Wait, let's start again.

I have a 5-year-old daughter. I would fight for her to have every opportunity anyone else could expect to have.

But I would never look for the rules to be changed - especially when they involve matters of national security and life and death - to make that happen.

Last week, Fox News reported that efforts by the U.S. Marine Corps to integrate women into all military units have determined that top female troops cannot pass the tests to be in the special forces.

Jay Greeson

This is not a criticism of the female soldiers; by all accounts, according to the reports, they have better disciplinary records and have tested as better problem solvers.

"The data in this report indicates that even striking what appears to be a balance for setting standards will likely introduce some level of risk across all of these factors," Brig. Gen. George Smith concluded in the report obtained by Fox. "The recommendation to open or to request such an exception to policy for any MOS [Military Occupational Specialty] or unit will depend on the Marine Corps' tolerance for the level of risk that such a change would impose."

Now, let's say it again: Not all equality is equal.

If we are willing to drop the entry standards for the elite levels of the elite branches of our military, then where does the standard of excellence stand true?

These are the physical tests for the brave souls who defend us against the worst of the worst in the evil world around us. And these are the physical tests that determine not only who carries those fights to our enemies, but who has the backs of those warriors we trust with our safety.

So, if we are willing to slide the scale of national security, what's the next test we are going to grade on a curve for inclusion?

Are we ready to lower the standards for our brain surgeons? No thanks.

Physically, are we going to require at least three NFL teams to have a woman at quarterback?

This is where good intentions override smart decisions.

It becomes even more apparent after the Fox story on the report, titled "United States Marine Corps Assessment of Women in Service Assignments."

So where does that leave us? The needs of half are worth sacrificing for all.

Again, women should have every chance - every opportunity - any man does.

Here's hoping we don't sacrifice standards to make sure everyone is included.

Because, we all know this: There is no participation trophy for the extreme levels of combat. There is no Upward Marine Special Forces Division.

And those elite-level warriors carry the hopes and dreams of all of us. Even my 5-year-old daughter and her future.

Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343. His "Right to the Point" column appears on A2 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.