I remember in 1999, an interesting phenomena became apparent to me when we were hired to assist the Atlanta Braves after their pitcher John Rocker was quoted making racist and homophobic comments in Sports Illustrated. Extreme statements, like Rocker's, tend to create interesting reactions in all directions.
A few weeks ago, General Peter Pace created some controversy when he was quoted as saying that homosexuality was immoral. Comments like General Pace's or Rocker's have an interesting impact because they accentuate the dialogue in both directions.
In the firestorm that followed, many people criticized Pace for his comments, including some surprising responses from people like Alan Simpson, the former Republican Senator from Wyoming.
On the other hand, people who agree with the General's point of view might be emboldened to speak it out loud, as in the case of the story reported this week about an army recruiter's blatantly homophobic e-mails.
It is important, as leaders, for us to realize that our words may have power beyond just ourselves.