"You don't have to be straight to be in the military; you just have to be able to shoot straight"

This quote by Barry Goldwater challenges the idea that an individual's sexual preference should determine their eligibility to serve in the military. According to him, what matters more is a person's capability to perform their duties effectively which in this instance, shooting straight. He acknowledges that being gay or lesbian need to not be a disqualifying factor for somebody who has the ability to serve their country with stability, devotion, and ability. He stresses merit and ability over any other factors such as sexual orientation, gender, or race, thus promoting equality in the military.