DADT

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/frank-dont-ask-dont-tell-will-probably-wait-till-next-year.php/
Since 1994 over 12,000 service members have been discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation. After 15 years it's time that the don't ask don't tell policy be put in the dust bin of history. It started as a compromise after President Clinton wanted to sign an executive order allowing gay people to serve openly in the armed forces. The actual name is 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue.' It has been shown that this is not necessarily the case. My opposition to DADT has been for both personal and professional reasons. I firstly believe that it violates Army Values to be forced to lie, plain and simple. It also hurts national security to disallow people to serve who are obviously qualified. I understand that the military is a conservative institution, and that is one of the things that I love about it. I look to Senator Barry Goldwater, the founder of the modern conservative movement, who openly called for DADT to be eliminated. The fact is that there are already countless gay people who serve in their units, many in fear and silence. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice and died for their country. May their memories be not in vain, but eternal.