Zealots Are Derailing the Revolution

Just two years ago, we celebrated the historic Republican takeover of Congress. Now a few right-wing fanatics are trying to wreck the revolution.

The Republican majority was elected to balance the budget and right the wrongs of 40 years of Democratic rule. This revolution was about creating hope and opportunity for our children and grandchildren.

True conservatives have tried to stay the course and remain focused on these popular American ideals. Unfortunately, there are detractors in our ranks. Their latest victims: 1,049 patriotic Americans ably serving in the military who happen to be HIV positive.

When these men and women enlisted in our armed forces, they knew the dangers they faced. But of all the risks they assumed, they never thought they’d fall victim to an ambush by their own government. After years of dedicated service, that’s exactly what’s happened.

Last month, Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove) planted a legislative land mine in the annual defense bill. His provision requires the discharge of all members of the armed forces with HIV. The bill has already been signed into law, but this misguided rider should be repealed--and soon.

I was chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee when Ronald Reagan and then-Secretary of State Caspar W. Weinberger put the current policy in place. I don’t recall anyone questioning their conservative credentials. In fact, their policy was quite Republican: Treat individuals fairly and use limited resources wisely. Their policy has a 10-year proven track record of success.

The purported reason behind the Dornan amendment is to protect the battlefield blood supply. That’s ridiculous. Under the Reagan policy, service members with HIV or any other illness are not assigned to battlefield units. Serving your country isn’t about where you’re sent, but about what you give.

These service members may not have gone to Iraq or Haiti or Bosnia, but on almost every base on American soil their expertise is helping make America stronger. Service members with HIV pull their weight, do their job and deserve our support, not a discharge.

I served in the Air Force, and I’d think twice before dumping a skilled soldier for a rookie. Experience counts. Training matters.

Most of the 1,049 military personnel with HIV have served for 10 to 15 years or more and have a wealth of knowledge. That’s why Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has called for the repeal of this policy change. As the general says: “Discharging service members deemed fit for duty would waste the government’s investment in the training of these individuals and be disruptive to the military programs in which they play an integral role.” He’s right.

A bill now pending in Congress would return the policy to the sensible approach of Ronald Reagan and has the endorsement of a majority of senators. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is a strong supporter of this action, as is Sen. Sam Nunn (D-Ga.). They are military experts, and they know a bad idea when they see one.

This policy is a train wreck in the making, and the sooner it is repealed the better. For those who support military readiness, repeal is the answer. For those who support fundamental fairness, repeal is the answer. And for those who want to keep the Republican revolution from being hijacked by extremists, repeal is the answer.

We need to bring more people into our party, not drive them away. This senseless HIV policy wasn’t part of the “contract with America.”

Let’s repeal this turkey and get back to the revolution.