Gay Ban Among The Worst of '06

Instinct Magazine is out with its list of the Best & Worst of 2006, and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" gets special mention on the latter list, as the worst use of taxpayer money this year.

"Since September 11, 2001, the military has continued to discharge gay soldiers - even ones with 'critical' skills, like being able to translate Arabic and analyze intelligence," reporter Parker Ray notes. "The cost to the Department of Defense (hey, Rummy!) to recruit and retain the soldiers who fill the positions left open by the discharged ones? Somewhere between $200 and $250 million."

Looking for the lighter side of the arguments for lifting the ban, Ray also notes that "The suicide bomber-laden streets of Baghdad aren't the greatest place to start hitting on other guys. The 'worst' thing the gay soldiers could possibly be doing is working on their tans."

In fact, 2006 was loaded with examples of why the time for repeal has come. Check back here throughout the month for more reports.

- Steve Ralls