It’s time to go further with military changes

Thank you for your recent editorial laying out the arguments for the elimination of the “don't ask, don't tell” policy. I agree that no one should be prevented from defending our country because of their declared sexual orientation. However, we need to go further.

We need to get rid of our huge professional military establishment and to replace it with a citizens militia based on national service. Every citizen should be trained and prepared to defend our country in case we are attacked by foreign powers. And national defense should be the only function of such a militia.

Let's get rid of the current practice of using our military to police a global empire which serves the interests of the oil companies and the other multinational corporations. Let's adopt a policy of peace and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries.

Harold Nelson

Cedar Rapids