( - promoted by ctblogger)
 As we approach Memorial Day and honor those who have given their lives in devoted service to our country, I think it's worth thinking about what it means for someone to raise their hand and say, effectively, "I will die for you. I will die for the values and ideas that undergird this nation." Seems to me, there's no reply other than "Thank you". And even that feels inadequate.
Congress has been debating an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill that would initiate a clear process to repeal the unfair and outdated "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that bans gay men and women from serving in the military. The amendment in the House of Representatives is offered by my colleague Rep. Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania, an Iraq War veteran.
I voted for and wholeheartedly support this amendment. It passed the House last night 234 to 194. It's time to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
In the seventeen years since this discriminatory policy was enacted, more than 13,500 dedicated, well-trained patriotic soldiers have been kicked out of the military just because they were gay or lesbian. I would urge you to read some of their stories here.
Unfairly denying these men and women their rights in the military does a disservice to the nation's historic commitment to fundamental human rights. It also undermines our military readiness capabilities at a time when the military is stretched thin and fighting two wars. Many service members are on their third, fourth or fifth deployments. Yet, in the last five years, the military has discharged almost 800 mission-critical troops and at least 59 Arabic and nine Farsi linguists under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Other countries that have fought with us, including Australia, Israel, Great Britain and Canada, have shown that their policies of non-discriminatory open service have had no adverse effect on enrollment or retention.
When the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was introduced as a separate measure last year I was proud to join with 192 House members as a co-sponsor.
This piece is cross posted on my campaign blog. |
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