Ethics

Changing this policy is presumably once again toward the top of the agenda at the White House and perhaps in Congress.  The policy has not been discussed extensively by critics as a problem of government ethics.  It should be. 

I state in the below letter to the President in November 2009 that dont' ask don't tell institutionalizes dishonesty in a part of government -- the military -- where open communication is critical. 

When Defense Department lawyers participate in discharging a soldier for the simple act of telling the truth the lawyers are involved in conduct involving dishonesty and deception.

It is perhaps time for readers of these pages to weigh in, not just here but with Congress.

Richard W. Painter

.Download Letter -- Don't Ask