COLIN POWELL IN FAVOR OF REPEAL ON DON'T ASK DON'T TELL

Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former secretary of state, has made a statement in favor of the eventual repeal of the anti-gay Don't Ask Don't Tell policy in effect in the military. Powell states, "In the almost seventeen years since the 'don't ask, don't tell' legislation was passed, attitudes and circumstances have changed," adding, "I fully support the new approach presented to the Senate Armed Services Committee this week by Secretary of Defense Gates and Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I will be closely following future hearings, the views of the Service Chiefs and the implementation work being done by the Department of Defense." Powell believes that the ultimate decision should be made by President Obama, the military leaders and Congress. The outstanding organization The Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solomonese said, "General Powell has made clear that his position is about effectiveness in the military. His powerful voice for ending 'don't ask, don't tell' is a tipping point in favor of the brave men and women who are serving our nation in silence. The support of respected present and former military leaders brings us closer to repeal, signaling that we're moving forward and will get there soon." Solomonese also addressed the fact that these men are clearly in the best position to know this policy is a joke. He adds, "The truth is that there are no more excuses, the death knell for 'don't ask, don't tell' has been rung and now is the moment to send this law into the history books where it belongs." Powell is on the right track. Will others follow his lead? [source]