Dear friends:

New Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has decided not to renominate highly respected Marine General Peter Pace for a new term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The reason given was that it would be "divisive," and not because of his job performance, which has been outstanding.  In fact, it is  reported that Gates had, in fact, sent Pace's name to the White House for approval.

What caused the White House to sack General Pace?

I believe it was due to a destructive influence permeating this nation.  It is called "political correctness."

On March 12, 2007, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, General Pace had expressed the simple but truthful opinion that homosexuality is morally wrong. 

This shocking, "politically incorrect" statement stunned the nation and no doubt rocked the White House, the halls of Congress, and the media. 

Not surprisingly, no doubt under great pressure, General Pace later said he regretted the statement and said he should have kept his personal beliefs to himself.  But it was too late.  The die was cast.  In this country today, no one can state such an opinion without major repercussions.  How dare this public servant to make a moral judgment such as this?

Columnist Kathleen Parker suggests the real reason Pace was canned is because Hillary Clinton (candidate for Commander-in-Chief) serves on the Senate committee that would have had to approve him, which would have been a barrier because of his perceived anti-homosexual stance and the Clinton's strong pro-homosexual politics.

In my opinion, General Pace's major transgression was not making the true statement, but in later expressing regret. 

Why is it that every time a major figure speaks truth, they later have to apologize and grovel before all the special interest groups, which never accept the apologies anyhow?  They do not know the meaning of forgiveness and are only after political blood.

Maybe Secretary Gates should have sent General Pace to "rehab," the purgatory for politically correct transgressors.  But that would have been too merciful.  It was decided that Pace should receive capital punishment for speaking such moral truth.

After a long career of bravery and courage, General Pace caved at political correctness, probably the only act of cowardice in his entire lifetime.  Why could he not have said, "I believe homosexuality is immoral, that is my opinion, based on the Bible and history. and I am not going to change it.  Deal with it." 

What true bravery that would be!  Let us hope his successor will be more determined and outspoken.

Jim