I know I will probably catch some criticism for writing about this, but I feel it needs to be said. Wednesday, Sen. Joe Lieberman introduced the first “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal bill. Although the bill lacked any Republican support, it was still a step in the right direction.
Though it’s a little late, it’s still better than nothing. According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Web site, an advocacy group for LGBT military personnel, more than 13,500 members of our armed forces have been discharged since the ban was passed by Congress in 1993 and enacted in 1994.
Regardless of how people feel about the issue of gay and lesbian Americans serving openly and honestly in our armed forces, these brave individuals are risking their lives to fight for you. Something I and the majority of Americans have never considered. I am honored by this brave commitment. To fight for a country that doesn’t want you to be honest about who you are takes a lot of courage. This type of courage should be encouraged, not punished.
Around the time of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union, I was talking to a friend about repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” She thought it was a great idea but didn’t know if it should be done just yet because of hostile actions in the military. My response: It’s been 17 years. How many more soldiers have to lose their jobs before they can do what they love? The simple fact is that we need brave men and women to serve our country. Why are we going to get rid of perfectly qualified candidates?
Lieberman has taken a huge step in repealing this discriminatory rule — just like former President Truman when he decided to desegregate the military. He was met with opposition and skeptics, but look where we are today. The only difference is that Truman ended this discriminatory practice in 1948 through an executive order instead of waiting for legislative action. President Obama has made clear he wants to work with Congress to end the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. This is the president’s chance.
We live in the land of the free because of the brave. But these brave men and women deserve the same rights as everyone else. The military was desegregated 62 years ago. I hope to look back 62 years from now and be proud of our elected officials for fighting discrimination once again.
