'Don't ask, don't tell' should be repealed

Since “don't ask, don't tell” was enacted, it has been one of the most clearly discriminatory policies of our day. The idea that men and women would somehow be unfit for battle simply because of their sexual orientation is absurd. According to numerous polls, the vast majority of Americans agree that the policy has to go. What is more, the Pentagon's recent study demonstrates that the majority of service men and women know what the policy's main advocate, Sen. John McCain, cannot seem to wrap his mind around the idea that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would not harm our national security by inhibiting the often-cited troop cohesion.

There are brave men and women who are willing to fight and die for the principles this country stands for, and yet we deny them the opportunity to do so because they are attracted to individuals of the same sex. This is happening today, even while our country is in the middle of two wars. Over 13,000 willing and able troops have been discharged under this ridiculous policy. It's time to repeal “don't ask, don't tell.”

Robert Harvey

Long Grove