Time to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

To the Editor:

Last month, President Obama again called for an end to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that prevents gays and lesbians from serving openly in our armed forces.

The American public, including now a majority of conservatives, are on board with getting rid of this archaic law.

The time to do so is now.

During two wars, we should be recruiting and retaining -- not firing -- all qualified service members, gay and straight.

Fifty years of studies, some even commissioned by the Department of Defense, conclude unequivocally that openly gay troops have no impact on unit cohesion, morale, or military readiness.

It's time for the president to partner with Congress to pass the Military Readiness Enhancement Act and get rid of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," once and for all.

Thank you,

Roger Laplante,

Center Point