Now He's Worried

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Maginnis, a frequent critic of allowing gays to serve in the armed forces, is now worried about the quality of new recruits. Pam's House Blend reports that Maginnis is concerned about the military's relaxed enlistment standards. And for good reason.

Salon.com recently reported that "more soldiers than are in an entire infantry division entered the Army in 2005 without meeting normal standards." That includes enlistees with criminal backgrounds, those who couldn't meet physical fitness standards and recruits without a high school diploma.

Perhaps it's time for Maginnis, who once told PBS Newshour that "commanders have enough to do out there trying to keep Dick and Sally apart, much less Fred and Dick apart," to reconsider if it's more important for Dick, Sally and Fred to be able to read and stay out jail or for them to just be straight.

If the Colonel wants qualified troops, he should follow the example set by Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy. Maybe then he could rest a little easier at night, knowing the best qualified people are on the job, regardless of whether they're gay or straight.

- Steve Ralls