Many lives ruined by gays-in-military policy

America's top uniformed officer, Admiral Michael Mullen, testified that he supports allowing gays to serve openly in the military. According to a USA TODAY/Gallup poll, 69 percent of the country also favors repealing “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” including 86 percent of liberals, 58 percent of conservatives and 60 percent of those who say they attend church every week.

13,000 lives have been ruined by “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” These are men and women willing to risk their lives for the security of the United States. DADT only benefits blackmailers and sexual harassers. “Do as I say or I'll lie about you being gay and destroy your career.” DADT doesn't require evidence, it only requires the testimony of one person. Jilted romantic partners also ruin many careers.

Anyone who thinks having openly gay service members hurts military effectiveness should pay attention to the Israeli Army, for one. The toughest force on Earth allows openly gay soldiers to serve, and also Britain and Canada. As Admiral Mullen testified, it has not hurt military effectiveness in those countries. In the U.S, we are so desperate to get enough folks for our volunteer army that we are now accepting felons.

DADT never did keep gays out of the military, it only made them lie about it. It must be repealed. Otherwise, we would value liars more than gays.

George Hewland

Cedar Rapids