From the time they enter school as mere children, we teach them that George Washington, the "father of our country" had chopped down a cherry tree and told told his father, "I can not tell a lie."

We teach them that President Abraham Lincoln was also called "Honest Abe".

They are instructed early in life that the Ten Commandments in scripture commands them that they should not "bear false witness." Many learn that Jesus instructed his followers that "the truth shall set you free."

Asking our youngest, finest and bravest sons and daughters to participate in a policy codified into law by cowardly, professional politicians and that asks them to deceive and be deceived is contemptible, demoralizing and corrosive to their very souls.

This policy is un-American and vile.

We do not teach teens to lie. We teach teens that "honesty is the best policy".

During this holiday season, it is my hope that Americans will reflect on the fact that at this very moment there are young gay and lesbian soldiers and marines in uniform, saluting and putting themselves in harm's way along with others who have been wounded in conflict and are in hospitals and they can not have a single photograph of their beloved in a frame or in their possession for fear of being discharged.

We ask for their sacrifice, their blood, their limbs, their love of country, their patriotism and their loyalty. And they give it freely, without question. And what do we give them in return? A federal law that tells them not just to lie, but to live a lie.

What sort of madness is this?

How much longer will this cruelty continue?

When will a policy that encourages a young American to discount truth and honesty finally come to an end?

Are we not better a better people than this? I would like to believe we are.