Congress Pressures Pentagon on Eve of Gays in the Military Debate

The Palm Center is reporting that 96 members of Congress have sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates requesting all 2009 “don't ask, don't tell” discharge data in an effort to ready their arguments for the impending 2010 debate on the gay ban. Any casual reader od this blog knows that I believe DADT to be nothing more than legalized religious discrimination that serves no real purpose other than to stigmatize LGBT servicemembers and LGBT citizen's in general - a constant goal of our Christianist enemies who want us punished for not conforming to their religious beliefs. The requested information seeks to show the huge waste of resources DADT involves and how in reality, the policy harms military readiness. The letter can be found here. I know numerous honorable veterans who were discharged under DADT, as well as a number of servicemembers who managed to make it to retirement. It is a travesty that individuals like these are banned from service even as the military accepts convicted felons, gang members and those lacking a high school education. Here are highlights from the Palm Center Press release:
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The letter was authored by Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), a member of the House Defense Appropriations subcommittee and was signed by Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), lead sponsor of the bill to repeal “don't ask, don't tell.” Members are requesting up-to-date information on the number of service members discharged in 2009 under the Obama Administration as well as information about their job specialties, years of service and branch in which they served.
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This request comes as supporters of repeal in Congress are collecting information to prepare for the upcoming House and Senate debate on repeal in 2010. On December 2nd Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) introduced legislation, which currently has 32 co-sponsors, to allow openly gay service members to testify in upcoming hearings without being discharged under “don't ask, don't tell.” Hearings are expected in the Senate in January or February and in the House in March.
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Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin stated, "It's clear that some in Washington are looking for ways to avoid discussing DADT in 2010. This letter from 96 Congressional offices keeps the pressure on the White House, Pentagon and Congress by illustrating the costs of discrimination with concrete data."
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The letter from Congressman Moran also requests that the Pentagon provide monthly updates on “don't ask, don't tell” discharges in 2010 to inform debates over repeal in the House and Senate.

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As seems to be the case with everything, President Obama is not leading on this issue as promised, but rather being dragged along by members of Congress. Our self-described "fierce advocate" is again missing in action.