As some may or may not have heard, Rosie O'Donnel has "come out of the closet" to her fans.

Frankly, I believe it's appalling anyone needs to "come out" in this day and age. I do not think it's any of my or the rest of the American public's business.

Some are calling the event historic and are even going as far as to call Rosie "a pioneer."

She is being applauded by gay activists for her newly unveiled secret, but honestly, what she is doing should be as important as me coming out and saying "I'm straight."

I understand that for many it is extremely difficult to "come out" and explain to loved ones that they are gay. The task is probably even more difficult for a public figure who needs to answer to fans.

However, this country is at a point when sexuality should no longer be an issue.

After the events of Sept. 11 and the current war in Afghanistan, the president and political leaders have preached to the masses that we need to all come together and stand as one.

No one is to take out anger on Muslims or people of Middle Eastern descent, but when do these same rules begin to apply to gays and lesbians? When do they get to stop being discriminated against?

When is America going to realize that someone's sexual orientation does not make the person?

For years, the gay and lesbian community has been discriminated against for its sexual orientation.

Parents say they do not want their children taught by gay teachers. The government tells gay couples they cannot get married or adopt children. In 39 states people can still be fired from their jobs because of their sexual orientation.

It is time to put an end to all of this. Some have come up with the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy; I only agree with half of this policy. Gays and lesbians should not be asked about their sexuality, no one should, just because it is nobody's business but your own. If they want to tell people, then the American public should be intelligent enough to realize that their sexual orientation does not matter.

Rosie is a great example of a normal everyday person, who happens to be a lesbian. She has adopted three children and loves them dearly, while providing for them.

Rosie is an upstanding citizen who has given her time and money to countless charities and people in need. Currently, she has taken up the fight of helping gay and lesbian couples gain the right to adopt children.

As anyone can plainly see, the woman is a danger to society and should be locked up immediately. If you truly believe this sentiment then someone should lock you up.

At the young age of 21, I have several gay and lesbian friends who I know are fine people I am proud to call my friends. These are terrific people who I would trust raising any child, however, the government says they are unfit parents.

To me, this whole line of thinking is laughable, especially when any male can impregnate a female and they are magically parents. No one checks to see if they are fit to raise a child. If the government can keep their noses out of "straight" people's business then should ignore gays and lesbians too.

Sexual orientation should be a question that is never asked. It is extremely inappropriate to ask someone: Male or female. Since nothing I say will change anything and the question will continue to be asked, I am ashamed of my country. I am ashamed that in this day and age Rosie needs to come out, she should not have had to in the first place.