Don’t ask, don’t experiment

I agree with 63 percent of 10,000-plus servicemen and women who answered no on the following question in a national survey conducted by Family Research Council and Center for Security Policy: “Do you believe Congress should overturn the current ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy?”

Robert Gates’ Pentagon survey didn’t ask that important question (only 28 percent responded). Rather, it was designed to produce a specific conclusion: Open homosexuality will not jeopardize combat effectiveness. Gates’ intent has always been to determine how to defeat DADT, not whether a change is beneficial.

The Pentagon survey doesn’t explore the consequences of legitimizing homosexuality:

• Imposing official approval will polarize unit cohesion and impact military readiness.

• Disproportionate sexual harassment/assaults already exists.

• Compromised freedom of religion and speech for chaplains and others who morally object to homosexual conduct.

• Risking recruitment and retention of an all-volunteer military.

• Further stressing a military at war with high rates of suicides, divorce and family disruption.

• Providing base housing and benefits for homosexual couples, contrary to the Federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Additionally, this bill authorizes taxpayer-funded elective abortions on military bases.

Tell our senators this is a misguided social experiment with destructive and harmful consequences.

Pam Lehinger

Spokane