In its main editorial yesterday, the Washington Post made the case for why it is time to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell - in my view an illegal religious based piece of legislation that serves no purpose other than to denigrate gays and keep them stigmatized per the objectives of the Christian Right. I know MANY LGBT veterans and current service members who served or continue to serve with distinction. It is the homophobes rather than the gays who should be expelled from the service if they cannot put aside their religious based bigotry and maintain good order and discipline. Just as an open racist should be disciplined, so should service members who harass or abuse LGBT members of the military. The fact that U.S. allies allow gays to openly serve without difficulties shows the lie of loopy religious nutcases like Elaine Donnelly. Here are some editorial highlights: *
SLOWLY BUT SURELY, the groundwork continues to be laid for the overdue demise of "don't ask, don't tell." The latest move came on Dec. 22 when Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and 95 House colleagues sent a letter to the Pentagon requesting statistics on troops discharged for violating the wrong-headed ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. They want everyone to see the effects of the policy on the military and the national defense. This has the added benefit of reminding Americans of the law's absurdity.
*
Since "don't ask, don't tell" was instituted in 1994, more than 13,500 members of the armed forces have been booted. According to the Moran letter, 730 mission-critical soldiers and more than 65 Arabic and Farsi linguists have been kicked out. How can it help U.S. efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan if those with critical skills are removed from service?
*
Meanwhile, one of the letter's signatories, Rep. Patrick J. Murphy (D-Pa.), continues the painstaking work of securing sponsors for a bill that would overturn "don't ask, don't tell." When we highlighted his efforts in July, he had 163 co-sponsors. Recently, he was up to 186, approaching the 218 votes needed for passage. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) last month told the Advocate, a gay and lesbian news magazine, that a measure to overturn the ban is likely to be attached to the must-pass Defense Department budget authorization bill next year. "Military issues are always done as part of the overall authorization bill," he said.
*
President Obama has been consistent in public speeches and in Oval Office meetings with Mr. Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that he wants to end the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. So do we and a majority of the American people. Gays and lesbians in the armed services should be able to help protect the country without fear or shame.
SLOWLY BUT SURELY, the groundwork continues to be laid for the overdue demise of "don't ask, don't tell." The latest move came on Dec. 22 when Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and 95 House colleagues sent a letter to the Pentagon requesting statistics on troops discharged for violating the wrong-headed ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. They want everyone to see the effects of the policy on the military and the national defense. This has the added benefit of reminding Americans of the law's absurdity.
*
Since "don't ask, don't tell" was instituted in 1994, more than 13,500 members of the armed forces have been booted. According to the Moran letter, 730 mission-critical soldiers and more than 65 Arabic and Farsi linguists have been kicked out. How can it help U.S. efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan if those with critical skills are removed from service?
*
Meanwhile, one of the letter's signatories, Rep. Patrick J. Murphy (D-Pa.), continues the painstaking work of securing sponsors for a bill that would overturn "don't ask, don't tell." When we highlighted his efforts in July, he had 163 co-sponsors. Recently, he was up to 186, approaching the 218 votes needed for passage. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) last month told the Advocate, a gay and lesbian news magazine, that a measure to overturn the ban is likely to be attached to the must-pass Defense Department budget authorization bill next year. "Military issues are always done as part of the overall authorization bill," he said.
*
President Obama has been consistent in public speeches and in Oval Office meetings with Mr. Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that he wants to end the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. So do we and a majority of the American people. Gays and lesbians in the armed services should be able to help protect the country without fear or shame.
No comments:
Post a Comment