General, Congressman Frank's on Line One . . .

NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

A Statement From Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"Yesterday, during a wide ranging interview with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, I was asked if I think the current policy as codified in U.S. Code, generally referred to as "Don't Ask Don't Tell," should still hold.

"People have a wide range of opinions on this sensitive subject.The important thing to remember is that we have a policy in effect, and the Department of Defense has a statutory responsibility to implement that policy.

"I made two points in support of the policy during the interview.One, "Don't Ask Don't Tell" allows individuals to serve this nation; and two, it does not make a judgment about the morality of individual acts.

"In expressing my support for the current policy, I also offered some personal opinions about moral conduct.

"I should have focused more on my support of the policy and less on my personal moral views."

Or we could focus on this war going on . . .

-- Ward