"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to get the boot

Supposedly, there will be no more witch hunts, behind-the-scenes tactics and outings of gay service members since the Pentagon acted to lift the ban on gays serving openly in the military.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates initiated the new rules ahead of Congressional approval of the President's goal of repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" ruling of 1993.
The changes--intended to be effective immediately--reflect "common sense and common decency for handling what are complex and difficult issues for all involved," Gates said.
Sounds good. But, of course, it's not that simple or accepted by many in the military who oppose the repeal--in spite of the fact that they are obligated to follow policies enunciated by the President.
Since 1993, it is estimated that 13,000 gay service members--including 428 officers and enlisted members last year--have been discharged under the law. So that means that the "don't ask" part worked, but the "don't tell" part didn't.
Here's an example: Mike Almy, a former Air Force major was dismissed in 2006 when a routine computer check turned up personal e-mails he had written while deployed in Iraq. Those e-mails were given to his commander who slapped the discharge papers on him marked "homosexual admission." If these new guidelines had been in effect, Almy would still be serving our country as a major in the Air Force.
This is ridiculous. If gay men and women want to serve in the military, let them. Gay and lesbian Americans are part of every profession in this country. It seems to be working just fine. Why would it hurt military effectiveness? Oh that's right, the Marine Corps' commandant is afraid of other military personnel sharing rooms with homosexuals. They're not predators, Gen. Conway. Are you homophobic?
Why do they have to hide who they are to serve our country?
So, give "don't ask, don't tell" the boot, and if you don't like it, you can "vote with your feet," as they say in the military, and retire from the service--or just salute each other and deal with it, then maybe some day you'll get invited to a same-sex wedding!