John Shalikashvili

Gallup brings good news. Across the political spectrum, a growing majority of Americans favor allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the military.

For decades, the conventional wisdom was that the Republican Party was the party of the military. However, as Republicans have abandoned ideals that make our military strong, big names now support Democrats.

Good intentions are no substitute for the change our service members are counting on, especially those who might like to be relieved from a third or fourth or fifth tour in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Firing 50 men and women who are fluent in Arabic solely because they are gay when we are fighting in the Arabic-speaking world? The mind boggles.

In answering inquiries about the military's ban, General Powell has raised more questions than he has offered answers about where he stands on the issue of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."