Oregon Lawyers Tarnish Image

While brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces are dying in the field in the war against terroism, the Oregon State Bar leadership voted to deny the Armed Forces the right to purchase advertising, for recruitment purposes, in the organization's magazine . The stated reason for the Bar's policy is the Military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays in the military. This policy is the law. If they disagree with this law, don't discriminate against the military but work to change the law. I have been a member of the Oregon State Bar for over thirty years and have never felt more ashamed of my membership. Unfortunately, to practice my profession I must keep my membership; fortunately, not all Oregon Lawyers agree with this vote. Ultimately, the vote by the Oregon State Bar leadership will do more to tarnish their image than hurt the U.S. Armed Forces. The President of the State Bar said the "vote should not be interpreted as anti-military". . . . and you wonder why we lawyers have such a bad reputation! (link to news story in Oregonian) http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1124621824170500.xml&coll=7