A few days ago, General Pace tried to back the Don't Ask, Don't Tell program, claiming that homosexuality is immoral, like adultery. In fact, Don't Ask, Don't Tell is immoral, and has sapped our military of soldiers with vital skills. Anyway.
Senator Brownback came out in favor of Pace’s homophobic comments, writing:
The question is whether personal moral beliefs should disqualify an individual from positions of leadership in the U.S. military? We think not. General Pace’s recent remarks do not deserve the criticism they have received. In fact, we applaud General Pace for maintaining a personal commitment to moral principles.
If only that's what he did. Pace's intolerance goes beyond what the wrongheaded policy requires, showing disrespect to the many people who have been working for their country in uniform. Republican former Senator Simpson has come out against the policy, arguing that it is not just bad policy that harms our security, but that it is immoral. The American public doesn't back the ban any more, and neither do troops.
I think this is unfair. See Anatomy of a Smear at Blogs 4 Brownback about [Don't] Think Progress highlighting this non-issue to find out why.
Psycheout, Brownback was endorsing and supporting Pace's intolerant and homophobic comments. Pace's remarks do deserve the criticism they received, not defense from Senators.
Josh, let me try to explain more clearly so even you "sciencey" folks can understand it. Try Picking Up the Pace over at Blogs 4 Brownback.