You don't have to be straight to be in the military; you just have to be able to shoot straight.
Interpretation
Skill and ability are more important than sexual orientation in the military.
This quote by Barry Goldwater emphasizes that a person's sexual orientation should not impact their capabilities or effectiveness in a role such as serving in the military. It advocates for a focus on one's skills and contributions rather than personal characteristics that do not affect performance.
In practice
Using this quote at a diversity and inclusion training session to emphasize the importance of skills over personal identity.
I say further that for this great legislative body to ignore the Constitution and the fundamental concepts of our governmental system is to act in a manner which could ultimately destroy the freedom of all American citizens, including the freedoms of the very persons whose feelings and whose liberties are the major subject of this legislation.
The conservative movement, to which I subscribe, has as one of its basic tenets the belief that government should stay out of people’s private lives. Government governs best when it governs least – and stays out of the impossible task of legislating morality. But legislating someone’s version of morality is exactly what we do by perpetuating discrimination against gays.
Religious factions will go on imposing their will on others unless the decent people connected to them recognize that religion has no place in public policy. They must learn to make their views known without trying to make their views the only alternatives.
None of us here in Washington knows all or even half of the answers ... If you love your country, don't depend on handouts from Washington for your information. If you cherish your freedom, don't leave it all up to big government.
A woman has a right to an abortion. That's a decision that's up to the pregnant woman, not up to the pope or some do-gooders or the Religious Right.
The great decisions of government cannot be dictated by the concerns of religious factions. We have succeeded for 205 years in keeping the affairs of state separate from the uncompromising idealism of religious groups and we mustn't stop now. To retreat from that separation would violate the principles of conservatism and the values upon which the framers built this democratic republic.
War should be not a war of choice; it should be a war of necessity. And it should be a last resort.
Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation.
It isn't for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for that long uphill climb back to sanity and faith and security.
After my accident, I never worried about how I looked.
Every argument for Negro suffrage is an argument for women's suffrage.
This is not the time to marry. My country is calling me. I have taken a vow to serve the country with my heart and soul.
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