The American people could not be clearer about their opposition to the continued exclusion of lesbian and gay Americans from our armed forces. Support for repealing the military's ban has grown by fifteen percent in the South, eight percent among moderate Republicans and nine percent among Catholics. In virtually every community, constituents are sending a clear message to their elected leaders that the time has come to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Our nation supports treating everyone who sacrifices for our national defense, whether gay or straight, with the dignity and respect they deserve.

C. Dixon Osburn