Charles Calahan's letter to the editor of Feb. 12 advocating that the military continue its ban on homosexuals openly serving in the military is typical of the bigotry of the Religious Right.

Sexual orientation has no relationship to military competency. Homosexuals can serve in the military currently; they just are not permitted to announce their sexual preference.

Relinquishing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule would not materially alter anything except for allowing people to live more honestly.

As the late Republican Sen. Barry Goldwater rightly stated, "You don't have to be straight to be in the military; you just have to be able to shoot straight."