Governor Kaine's constructive proposal should be approved on social, moral and economic grounds. 

On social grounds:  How much more human history do we need to demonsrate the social disruption caused by unfair, arbitrary inequality in which some groups are stigmatized, even persecuted, based on their inherent--genetically derived qualities, such as race or sexual orientation.  Others may be stigmitized because of legitimately acquired characteristics such as religion, having no religion or political opinions held without resort to violence.

Universal healthcare in increasingly recognized as a social good in the United States and has long been implemented in other developed industrial nations.  Thus, approval of Governor Kaine's would not only be good for the Commonwealth by expanding healthcare coverage in the State, but would enhance the State's prestige on the national stage as America continues its progress toward full social equality.

On moral grounds: What the moral basis for denying groups full civil rights based on their genetic inheritance, or legitimately acquired preferences?  One of the specious, pernicious so-called "moral" arguments made by some religious groups is that expanded civil rights for gays/lesbians violates in some manner their religious sensibilities.   In short, they are oppressed if denied the power to oppress benign minorities whose personal beliefs or behaviors they don't like.

All such sophistry should inspire is to serve as a powerfull reminder of how critical "separation of church and state" is in preserving our Republic, i.e., Representative Demcracy.  Why should a person whose particular "brand" of religion inspires anti-gay bias have any authority over the secular, civil rights of others who do not share such those beliefs, including both people with no religious faith or those with faith, but whose "brand" of religion is more inclusive and humane!

Economic grounds:  There is a reason that most fortune 500 companies provide benefits to same sex live-in partners.  I know from my post-military business experience including employment with Northrop Corporation, General Electric and as Advisor to Oracle, these companies strive to increase profitablity and competiveness.  It is doubtful that so many major companies would be offering these benefits if they believed doing so would make them less competitive and less profitable.  

Also referring to the aforementioned paragraph on "Social grounds" and comments on the socially disruptive effects of inequality on a society or polity writ large.  If a company is in some sense a microcosm of a larger social group, the same dynamic applies.  Social harmony and happy, motivated employees are just as good for a company's "bottom line" as is such a citizenry of a state/province or national state writ large. 

Currently one of the most pernicious effects of anti-gay bias in the United States is the extent to which it has been depriving our combat soldiers and marines of critically needed human resources on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Under the 1993 vintage "Don't ask--don't tell" legislation the military has discharged large numbers of active duty military, even skilled medics and linguists serving in combat, and thereby depriving their fellow warriors of the life saving skills of those discharged.  At a rally on Capital Hill, I met some discharged Arabic linguists who had been  hired by the FBI which is great for them and the FBI, but why deny their skills to the battlefield in the midst of war?  

To add insult to injury, to try to maintain adequate troop strength, the military even resorted to recruiting convicted felons via so-called "moral waivers."  Not only did they lack the aforementioned critical skills of the discharged gay personnel, but they also presented the increased danger that such major law breakers may represent under the stress of armed combat in counter-insurgency operations which require more of a soldier or marine than being a "killing machine".  He/she may also need to be protective of the non-combatant, civilian community to the extent possible, even when it is very difficult at times to distinguish who is or is not a "combatant."   

To conclude, aribitary social inequality inspired by--whatever--is counterproductive to a nation, a sub-polity of a nation-state, the Commonwealth of Virginia, a company and the U.S. Armed forces. 

Therefore, any and all reasonable steps to reduce such social inequalities are laudable and deserve support.

Andre Sauvageot

Reston, Virginia 20190

Colonel, U.S. Army (retired)

Partner/Chief Representative

Interstate Traveler Company, LLC

300 River Place - S - 5550

Detroit, MI 48207

Email: andresrvusa@HyRail.us

www.InterstateTraveler.us