Times Have Changed, Policy Has Yet To

A recent poll conducted by the Washington Post/ABC News suggests that Our Country's attitude towards gays serving openly in The Military has dramatically shifted in the 15 years since "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" went into effect.

Majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents alike now believe it is acceptable for openly gay people to serve in the U.S. armed forces. Shortly after he took office in 1993, Clinton faced strong resistance to his campaign pledge to lift the military's ban on allowing gay people to enlist. At that time, 67 percent of Republicans and 75 percent of conservatives opposed the idea. A majority of independents, 56 percent, and 45 percent of Democrats also opposed changing the policy.

Today, Americans have become more supportive of allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the armed forces. Support from Republicans has doubled over the past 15 years, from 32 to 64 percent. More than eight in 10 Democrats and more than three-quarters of independents now support the idea, as did nearly two-thirds of self-described conservatives.

OYE Comment: As was mentioned Friday, we hope that all will contact your Senators and Congressman for Wednesday's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Congressional Hearing. OYE strongly believes no Patriotic American should be banned from Military service because of sexual orientation.

H/T: Oliver Willis