US generals, admiral come out of the closet

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/10/1070732282843.html

US generals, admiral come out of the closet
By John Files
Washington
December 11, 2003

Three retired US military officers - two generals and an admiral -
who had been among the most senior officers to criticise the "don't
ask, don't tell" policy for homosexuals in the military, have
revealed that they are gay.

The three - army Brigadier-Generals Keith Kerr and Virgil Richard,
and Rear-Admiral Alan Steinman of the Coast Guard - said the
policy had been ineffective and undermined the military's core
values - truth, honour, dignity, respect and integrity.

They said they had been forced to lie to their friends, family and
colleagues to serve their country. In doing so, they said, they
had to evade and deceive others about a natural part of their
identity.

The officers said they were the first of their rank to come out
publicly, and that they hoped that others would follow. They
are the highest-ranking US military officers to acknowledge that
they are gay since a National Guard colonel was discharged in
1992 for being a lesbian. She was later reinstated.

Too bad they weren't allowed to come out when they were still active military. Hopefully that will change soon (when we get a Dem in the White House in 2004).

In the meantime, here's to the men and women-- gay and straight alike-- who serve our country with honor!

CHEERS!

will stop voting for rethugs that will REALLY be cause for celebration! :party:

:eyes:

kinda makes ya feel like dancing...