We need a gay person as Secretary of Defense, and I have just the man for the job: Barney Frank, the Democratic Representative from Massachusetts’ 4th district.

Barney would cut through the blather and by the afternoon of next January 21 he’d have the Pentagon’s E Ring snapping to attention and listening.

True, Barney doesn’t have much military experience but you don’t necessarily need military experience to deal with the brass, just brains, determination, and solid judgment. Barney is about accountability, not excuses.

Secretary Frank would act immediately to stop the violence against women that has never been dealt with seriously by the military.

This Secretary would stand for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and he would throw open the windows in a place that desperately needs a breath of fresh air.

Aubrey Sarvis is executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

Go back to the main story for more opinions on where we need LGBT officials.