I haven't seen this diaried yet so if it has let me know....
From the latest edition of The Des Moines Register
Decorah, Ia. - Gay troops should be able to serve in the U.S. military without hiding their sexual identity, Sen. Hillary Clinton said here Sunday.
Clinton said it's time to drop the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which began when her husband, Bill Clinton, was president. The policy says that gays may serve in the military if they keep their homosexuality secret but that they can be tossed out if they don't.
Clinton spoke about the issue in response to a question from the audience during a campaign visit to Luther College. She also said she supported the right of gay Americans to join in civil unions, though she did not mention the more controversial idea of gay marriage.
I'm not a big fan of Hillary, with the "Clinton Baggage" and all, but I am glad she is making a stand about this foolish discrimination.
More to follow........
"Right now, we are discharging soldiers - at a time when we don't have enough people to do the missions we need around the world - because they're gay. Not because they've done anything, but just because they're gay," she said.
As a 24 year Navy veteran I have had the pleasure to serve with Americans from all walks of life. I have never been afraid of any of my shipmates being gay.
One of my now retired Chief Petty Officers was gay and because of my poor "gaydar" I didn't even know he was until I had known him for several years. He and his partner are two of the nicest people I know.
Because I have so few close relatives here, my daughter is an "adopted grandaughter" of a gay couple who are very dear to my daughter and I. There is nothing I wouldn't do for my friends no matter what their sexual orientation.
Clinton, one of the Democrats' leading presidential candidates, quoted the late Sen. Barry Goldwater, a conservative Republican who supported the rights of gay troops: "I think the question should be not whether you are straight, but whether you shoot straight."
What a great quote. And from a REPUBLICAN!
Now I know this may seem like opportunism, but hey, why not commit to something that will actually improve some peoples lives.
The rudder of the ship of public opinion, is slowly altering course on matters that have so little affect on the rest of our individual lives. I am thankful that Mrs. Clinton is willing to speak out.
It doesn't mean she will get my vote, but I'm happy to hear her make the stand.
The time has come for the end of the hypocracy of "Don't ask. Don't tell".