These are the countries that disallow gays to serve openly in the military: Cuba, China, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Jamaica, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, Yemen, United States.

With the exception of South Korea, Turkey, and Jamaica, all are countries that the United States has accused of being tyrannies.

Today this headline from the Huffington Post: “Pentagon starts clock on lifting gay ban. Warns it will be several year process.”

America has no leaders. Not in congress. Not in the oval office.

In 1992, Australia, a macho society if there ever was one, ended discrimination based on sexual orientation. Bob Hawke, the Prime Minister, told the military leaders it was going to happen. Three months later, it happened. The generals and admirals stomped their feet, shook their heads, cried bloody murder, and threatened to leave the military. Hawke said, fine. You don’t want your pensions, do what you wish. Their bluffs called, the brass shut their mouths and soldiered on. Australia’s military readiness is fine.

This is a disgrace. It’s time for our president to quit promising and act.