September 20, 2011 ends the era of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
We can argue process or procedure. We can argue the meaning of “fierce advocate.” We can even argue whether celebrating the military in any form or fashion is appropriate.
Some other time.
For now, I wish we would appreciate what we have instead of how we got here.
Even if only for today.
Please feel free to use the text below to let your representatives know your opinion on this issue. Select and copy the text below then click here to send a message to your congressional representative and senators.
As a constituent, I urge you to support the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy of our Armed Forces. As Americans, we have long been supporters of equal rights and equal access under the law. As Americans, we have long been supporters of personal responsibility and the rights of individuals to live their personal lives without the intrusion of the State.Gays and lesbians have long answered the call for this nation in our armed services. Their sacrifices have been often ignored, or minimized because of sexual orientation, and the whims of a fickle society that often chooses to ignore their vital service over a matter of interpretation of Scripture–and an interpretation that is not shared by all members of either the Christian, Jewish, or Muslim faiths. This nation was founded upon the idea of religious freedom, and by allowing only a few voices to dominate the debate, and use that platform to deny our servicemen and servicewomen recognition of their sacrifice and duty, we allow those voices to refute that essential freedom.
Our freedoms exist not to protect popular speech or popular behaviors. Our freedoms exist to protect those who disagree. That is the essential nature of our freedoms, and I urge you support the free expression and the rights of all our citizens. It is not just the right thing to do for our citizens, it is the right thing for our party to stand for. We have allowed bigots and the small minded, who forget the lessons of the past, to dominate the debate, and I would welcome you to stand for our citizens and what our nation and Constitution represent.
One of the promises President Barack Obama made while campaigning was a repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) legislation that discriminates against gay and lesbian members of the Armed Forces. So far, the administration has been content to let this matter be handled by Congress. This is understandable, considering all of the other issues the administration has on its plate.
Congress has responded with efforts in the House and Senate aimed at repealing DADT.
The House effort is being led by Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) who introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA) in the 110th Congress. There are currently 163 168 co-sponsors for this bill with Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) as lead sponsor.
The Senate effort is being led by newly-appointed Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Senator Gillibrand has received a promise from Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, to hold hearings in the fall. Any Senate bill on this issue is expected to be introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA). He is apparently searching for a Republican co-sponsor before introducing a bill.