Keeping It Straight

Uncle Ross wants you -- unless, perhaps, you're gay. On ABC's 20/20, Barbara Walters discussed with Ross Perot whether he would have an "admitted homosexual" serve in his Cabinet in a post such as Secretary of Defense, Treasury or Education. "No," Perot declared, "I don't want anybody there that will be a point of controversy with the American people. It will distract from the work to be done." He added that it's not "realistic" for homosexuals to serve in the military.

Perot, of course, is only supporting national policy. The Washington National Guard, upholding Pentagon regulations, just informed Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer that she will be discharged June 11 because she has disclosed that she is a lesbian. Cammermeyer is chief of nursing for Washington State's Army National Guard and a Vietnam veteran. The much decorated nurse -- she received a Bronze Star for meritorious service during Vietnam's Tet offensive -- is one of the highest-ranking soldiers ever to be thrown out of uniform for being homosexual -- despite the reluctance of National Guard officials, who wish to keep her.

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CREDIT: [TMFONT 1 d #666666 d {Source: AP}]CAPTION: ON THE TICKET

States that have certified Perot ballot slots