Don't ask, don't tell...

We commonly refer to the military's policy on homosexuality in the armed forces as the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. But I like to use this phrase in a different way. It is the policy we use in this country regarding our leaders. "Don't ask about my personal ethics, and I won't have to tell you that I don't really have any."

Nowadays, it seems that the personal ethics of politicians have gone by the wayside. People like John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) supporting pro-choice movements, promoting the culture of death, yet calling himself a faithful Catholic. The public seems to think that politicians like that are pushing their personal opinions and ethics aside in order to better serve this country. However, I can't help but ask myself how somebody could push true moral convictions aside! The answer is that it is not possible. Politicians like Kerry, use false pretenses (like going to Mass and calling himself Catholic) in order to gain a certain vote (in Kerry's case, the Catholic vote). They hope the public policies they put forth will be casually overlooked in favor of their ridiculous and (hopefully) transparent pretenses. Their public policies ARE their personal ethical convictions. A politician cannot push for a pro-choice bill but be pro-life in his or her heart. What is on the inside shines through to the outside! So when we see politicians pushing certain policies, we can safely assume that that is what they personally feel as well, whether they admit so or not.

Through these ugly and murky political waters, there are a few points of clarity shining through. In the news recently General Peter Pace was quoted supporting the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. He said that he personally feels that homosexual acts are immoral and that the military is right in not allowing homosexual citizens to serve openly. He rightly likened it to adultery (another offense that calls for dismissal from the military). Shortly thereafter, Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), a potential presidential candidate, supported General Pace's remarks. Brownback was quoted saying, "We should not expect someone as qualified, accomplished and articulate as General Pace to lack personal views on important moral issues. In fact, we should expect that anyone entrusted with such great responsibility will have strong moral views." My point exactly!

The leaders we need to support are the ones who show a distinct congruity between their words, beliefs, and actions. These are the true leaders. So let's stop the use of the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy in protection of our leaders. We must ask, and they must tell. Their actions are reflections of their heart, not a separate entity altogether. We as a country must recognize this and force our leaders into accountability.