As Barbara Morrill mentioned yesterday on the subject of gays in the military, the American people are far ahead of the politicians. Our elected and military leaders perhaps need to be reminded, but as CNN reported:

Most Americans say people who are openly gay should be allowed to serve in the U.S. military, according to a new national poll. A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Tuesday indicates that 78 percent of the public supports allowing openly gay people to serve in the military, with one in five opposed. "Support is widespread, even among Republicans. Nearly six in ten Republicans favor allowing openly gay individuals to serve in the military," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "There is a gender gap, with 85 percent of women and 71 percent of men favoring the change, but support remains high among both groups."

Even more strikingly, a look at the poll itself (pdf) reveals that support for gays serving openly in the military has remained roughly steady, since 2007. Support polled at 79%, in May of that year, and it was at 81%, in December, 2008.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to vote on repealing DADT, on Thursday. As Clarknt67 made clear, this bill is far from ideal. But it is a step in the right direction. And despite that, supposedly moderate Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown opposes it. On the other hand, conservative Democrat Ben Nelson now says he will vote for it. The partisan divide could not be more clear.

As the poll shows, our elected officials don't need to worry about political cover, for doing what's right. The people are leading. It's time for our leaders to follow.

(Check out Drdemocrat's recommended diary for additional discussion.)