Gay Ex-Officers Say 'Don't Ask' Doesn't Work

[QC]

Three retired military officers, two generals and an admiral who have been among the most senior uniformed officers to criticize the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for homosexuals in the military, disclosed on Tuesday that they are gay.

The three, Brig. Gen. Keith H. Kerr and Brig. Gen. Virgil A. Richard, both of the Army, and Rear Adm. Alan M. Steinman of the Coast Guard, said the policy had been ineffective and undermined the military's core values: truth, honor, dignity, respect and integrity.

They said they had been forced to lie to their friends, family and colleagues to serve their country. In doing so, they said, they had to evade and deceive others about a natural part of their identity.

The officers said that they were the first generals and admiral to come out publicly and that they hoped that others would follow.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/10/national/10GENE.html?hp

[La_Serpiente]

1. WHOAAAA

THAT IS HUGE!!!!

[soothsayer]

5. yeah, but i'm hoping to keep gays out of *'s war(s)

plus it would be sooooo easy for draft evaders to just say they're gay and get out of it---no one would have to run to Canada or whatnot

[QC]

7. The issue is not military service, but the option to pursue it.

I never cared for the thought of going in the military, but others do, and they should have that right if they want it.

[xultar]

2. Yup, and Clark said that it didn't work also.YEA!!! more votes 4 Clark!n/t

[xchrom]

3. yikes! that's a rather

large rock thrown in the pond.
interesting -- we live in a day and age when senior, highly ranked persons in the military are coming out.
i'm glad to have seen it.

[Rowdyboy]

4. I'm amazed to see this

It made my morning

[QC]

6. It is a great story, isn't it?