DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL. “Yes, let’s study the possible effects of repeal, but don’t go tinkering with military effectiveness in the middle of two wars without first knowing what you’re getting yourself into.”

The Washington Post’s Kathleen Parker: “[R]epeatedly, we hear the argument that disallowing gay men and lesbians to be ‘openly gay’ in the military is a denial of their civil rights. This argument isn't only mistaken, it is misplaced.... Repealing ‘Don't ask, don't tell’ may be the right thing to do, but there's only one reason to do it: military effectiveness.... The military may be a microcosm of society in some ways, but it most definitely is not a democracy. Individuals don't have the usual rights that we honor in civilian society and, in fact, forfeit their freedoms when they wear the uniform.”

It may be that repealing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” is in fact the right thing to do, but it’s wise to be sure first.