behavior. Why then would the homosexual want to part with that form of government which offers liberty to choose one's own way of life? If we must choose a sexual preference most likely to produce a Communist, then let it be the heterosexual who may be easily pressured in his wish to survive and conform.

The other aspect of direct concern is the continuing attitude expressed by newsmen and government officials that homosexuals are somehow special security risks. In December 1955, Marlin Prentiss, writing in ONE Magazine, answered the question "Are homosexuals security risks?" with a "... yes-to exactly the same extent that anyone else is." Yet news commentators and columnists would have us believe that Martin and Mitchell were blackmailed by Soviet agents into turning traitors because of their homosexuality. The implication is that the homosexual would be more likely to sell out his country to protect his reputation than would the heterosexual. The actual fact is quite the reverse. The avearage heterosexual has far more to lose when we consider his status in the community plus family responsibilities, and illegal heterosexual relationships are far more numerous than homosexual ones if Kinsey's figures are to be believed.

It is well known that an individual's vulnerability to blackmail rises in direct proportion to what he stands to lose under the blackmailer's terms. Since 1955 much progress has been made in enlightening the public, and homosexuality is hardly considered an anathema by conventional society any longer. The practice of homosexuality in private by consenting adults in civilian life is not illegal according to recent court rulings, and the presence of homosexuals in government agencies does not open the door to intimidation and blackmail. For this reason there should be no regulations prohibiting the hiring of homosexuals for government agencies or retaining them in government jobs.

Still, unintelligent and essentially un-American opinions like those of Representative Walter, (D) of Pennsylvania, go unchallenged and even gain acceptance in government circles. Representative Walter is chairman of the House Committee on Un-American Activities which began hearings September 16th on the defection of the two NSA mathematicians. He estimates that there are more than 1,000 homosexuals in government jobs. This seems like an incredibly small number, but, we feel they have a right to their jobs. Rep. Walter says he is investigating reports that there is a government ring of homosexuals who work for promotion of the clique and recruit other "sex deviates" for Federal jobs. We will be interested in the report of his findings. As a result of this type of thinking the State Department is known to have dropped at least thirty-three homosexuals off the payroll in the past few years.

We say for the sake of the national good that now is the time for the government to be honest, frank and forthright in its treatment of homosexuals in its employ. A re-appraisal of what makes a security risk is needed. Of what value is national security if our government adopts and pursues those very evils from which it supposedly would like to protect our nation? Civil liberties once lost are seldom regained.

Don Slater, Editor

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