Sen Voinovich: Asking us to live by myth alone?

WHAT'S THAT? Our Sen. George Voinovich says he will oppose the Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal until he hears what our military leaders have to say about it. That's the old "we need more information to make a responsible decision"' dodge before we leap recklessly into things like health care and financial reforms and now gay and lesbian soldiers. As one who has chronicled the political class for many years , I would call Voinovich's retreat from a decision as a definite NO.

I know life for a senator can get pretty clotted these days to distract them from any details of an issue that has been debated for too long. But to sit and wait for word from the military leaders? Inasmuch as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen have both said the discriminatory system should be repealed, I wonder what military leaders Voinovich is trying to access. Pope Julius II, the so-called "Warrior Pope" who never needed much encouragement to suit up for battle? Richard the Lionhearted, the venerable if ill-advised crusader? Snoopy's Red Baron?

Sorry, senator. Isn't it time that cohesive Republicans like yourself stop asking all us to live by myth alone?