Does Katie Couric offer a video commentary — or is it simply a free press release for liberal activist groups? The Human Rights Campaign and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network are using the CBS anchor’s latest “Katie Couric’s Notebook” commentary like a commercial for their “Voices of Honor” campaign:
They call themselves the “Voices of Honor” and they’re touring the country this summer to take aim at the Pentagon’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. This coalition of military vets and gay rights activists – that includes a member of Congress who served in Iraq -backs legislation to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly.
Since 1993, more than 12,000 men and women have been kicked out of the military because they did tell. The bill’s sponsors say that hurts national security, especially when troops are stretched so thin.
But they face an intense battle from those who argue changing the rules now, during war, would undermine readiness. They fear morale would suffer if soldiers knew a buddy is gay.
Whatever Congress decides, one thing will not change. Gays and lesbians will still serve in uniform, fighting for our freedom, whether or not they have the freedom to acknowledge who they really are.
That’s a page from my notebook.