NY Times Op-Ed on Don't Ask, Don't Tell

General John M. Shalikashvili, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- and a major proponent of the controversial Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy -- has apparently changed his mind in a NY Times Op-Ed that appeared yesterday.

Frankly, I see no issue with gays serving in the military. I wouldn't have a problem with it. And, of course, I know of a service member or two who is gay and does a fine job. But basing this change of heart on a survey and a few conversations is difficult for me.

Scientists are well aware of a phenomenon called self-report bias. Basically, when asked questions, particularly those concerning hot-button issues, people are often going to answer how they think they should reply rather than how they actually feel. In this day and age, it is not politically correct to say you have a problem with gays. As such, I feel that this kind of bias might account for some of the results found by the Zogby study.

It wasn't so long ago that Barry Winchell was killed. Granted, this was one incident. But has the world changed so much? Sure, everyone watches Will & Grace re-runs but the majority of states are fighting hard against gay marriage.

It will be interesting to see, especially with a need now to bulk up the military, how this all plays out. I hate to say it, but I doubt the policy will change anytime soon.