I agree with many of our nation's political and military leaders that the DADT policy needs to be changed and repealed. The United States military?s Don?t Ask, Don?t Tell policy does not work.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell keeps many talented Americans from serving this nation.

We need the most qualified and competent people defending us, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Research shows none of the countries with openly gay service members have been hurt by their non-discrimination policy (England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Israel and South Africa).

Researchers agree that not a single country with openly gay service members has reported any decrease in morale, recruitment, retention or cohesion.

A 2006 Zogby International poll, commissioned by the Michael Palm Center, of U.S combat veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, found that 75% of were comfortable working with gays and lesbians, and 68% either knew for certain or suspected there homosexual members of their own unit.

The British military, our strongest ally in Iraq, has openly gay service members working alongside American forces. This has not caused any problems.

Studies in England and Canada, countries with a non-discrimination policy in their military, show very few complaints of sexual harassment involving homosexual members.

The FBI, CIA, and Secret Service, along with most police and fire departments around the United States, now allow openly gay Americans to serve in their ranks. These non-discrimination policies have not hurt performance, professionalism, or morale.

A recent Gallup poll of the American public shows 72% support the right of gays and lesbians to serve in uniform. More significantly, the same Gallup poll found that 91% of young Americans (18-39) think that gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly.

More than 55 years ago, President Harry Truman desegregated the military. His courageous act received a hostile reaction from some Americans. Many of the same arguments made against President Truman's decision can be heard again today as a way of keeping openly gay Americans from serving this nation. Since World War II,110,000 Americans have been discharged from the military for being gay or lesbian. Tens of thousands of others have served in secrecy, with distinction. Some have given their lives in defense of freedom. The Don't Ask Don't Tell policy tramples the principles they died protecting. It rips at the fabric of liberty that so many thousands have died defending. Please support the changing and repeal of DADT!