Military Needs Support of the Gay / Lesbian Community

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Yesterday we heard Bush say we needed more soldiers. This morning, we heard Robert Gates (who is Donald Rumsfeld's replacement) talk about the need for more qualified people to enlist in the armed services.

A poll from Zogby International and the Michael D. Palm Center reveals that U.S. military personnel are comfortable serving with openly gay colleagues. The poll reveals that 73% of military members are comfortable with lesbians and gays. Nearly one in four (23%) service members report knowing for sure that someone in their unit is lesbian or gay, including 21% of those in combat units.

Every day the military discharges gay people who are fully qualified and are willing to serve their country.

Here is a recent letter I wrote to President Bush:

"The United States has no right to complain about a lack of quality military recruits when they are discharging the best sailors and soldiers just for being gay.

Young Americans are totally different than previous generations. Unless the system changes, it will fail to interest new recruits.

Please repeal the failed Don't Ask Don't Tell policy! We have proven it will work by allowing women in combat.

Discrimination should not be tolerated in any form or fashion. That is a much simpler policy than adding a long list of "qualifiers" such as race and religion.

I hope everyone can set aside their personal beliefs and do what is right and best for our "free" country.

I promise you that with diversity the military will only grow stronger!"

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