Seventeen years after his opposition to gays openly serving in the military led to the adoption of the original “don’t ask, don’t tell” legislation, retired General Colin Powell has changed his mind.
“Attitudes and circumstances have changed,” Powell said. “It’s been a whole generation” since the legislation was adopted, and there is increased “acceptance of gays and lesbians in society,” he said. “Society is always reflected in the military. It’s where we get our soldiers from.”
Powell added that if “chiefs and commanders are comfortable with moving to change the policy then I support it.” The chiefs and commanders are comfortable with it. So too are the American people. Even Charles Krauthammer is comfortable with it. So then, what’s the holdup? John McCain, of course.
Colin Powell now says gays should be able to serve openly in military [Washington Post]
