Powell: U.S. Moving Toward Open Service

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Colin Powell, who also served as Secretary of State for President George W. Bush, indicated on NBC's Meet the Press that he believes the U.S. military is moving toward allowing lesbian and gay Americans to serve openly.

"I think it's certainly moving in that direction," Powell told host Tim Russert. He went on to note that, "I think the, the country has changed in its attitudes quite a bit. 'Don't ask, don't tell' was an appropriate response to the situation back in 1993. And the country certainly has changed."

Powell helped to author the military's ban in 1993, and has steadfastly supported the law. His remarks on Sunday, however, indicate he may be having a change of heart. And while he did not go so far as to call for immediate repeal, he clearly has re-thought the policy in his own mind.

"I will not second-guess the commanders who are serving now, just as I didn't want to be second-guessed 12 or 13 years ago," Powell said. "But I think the country is changing. We may eventually reach that point."

- Steve Ralls