Waiting Has Its Costs

It seems inevitable that the US military will drop Don't Ask, Don't Tell [DADT].  SecDef Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mullen oppose the status quo, and are seeking to change it.  They face opposition inside the military and inside the Congress, but the requirements of wartime are on their side--that we need qualified people, and sexual orientation should not disqualify them.  So, it is going to happen eventually.  But they have decided to go through an extensive review, including a survey, to make sure to cover their asses do it right. 

What is the cost in waiting and delays?  This.  The conflict between the integrity required for a good officer and the lies required by DADT forced one of the best cadets to leave West Point.  These are precisely the people we need leading the military as it ends two wars and recovers from the breaking point.  Well, tries to recover.  So, the delays mean the loss of more of the future of the Armed Forces.  I understand the politics of the situation requires some caution, but, at this point, I wonder if there are any supporters of DADT who would ever vote for Democrats/Obama anyway.  I guess the change will come shortly after November--after the next set of elections.

It will be late but perhaps not too late.