The end of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” summed up in a single video
The first day of a new military reality: It’s easy, especially when major civil rights policy comes down to a big, dramatic vote, to check the “accomplished” box and move along. In the case of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, this would have been considerably premature, as it wasn’t until midnight this morning that the ban was finally lifted. Congratulations to all the people who’ve had the weight of a big injustice pulled off their shoulders by this. The above video was recorded hours after the ban was lifted, and is a pretty emotional scene to watch unfold; a soldier, finally able to state his sexuality without discrimination from the military, calls his father to come out to his family. Be warned, it might make you a bit misty-eyed. source
(via newsweek)
Barney Frank Makes a Fool Out of Conservative Reporter Over ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
‘Yes We Did’: President Obama Speaks Before Signing DADT Repeal
Throw your jazz hands up!
McCain Questions Pentagon on Repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
At one point, Mr. McCain sharply asked Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, whose testimony led off the Pentagon’s position, if he was not concerned that so many combat forces were concerned about repeal of the law. Mr. Gates replied that many of those in combat are in their early 20s, have also never served with women and have a focused, limited experience in the military.
“With time and adequate preparation, we can mitigate their concerns,” Mr. Gates said.
“I couldn’t disagree more,” Mr. McCain shot back. “We send these young people into combat, we think they’re mature enough to fight and die. I think they’re mature enough to make a judgment on who they want to serve with and the impact on their battle effectiveness.” Mr. McCain, a naval aviator in the Vietnam War who was shot down and imprisoned in Hanoi, then added: “Mr. Secretary, I speak from personal experience.”
“John McCain’s demeanor throughout the testimony of Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, General Ham and Mr. Johnson, was entirely dismissive bordering on disrespect. In the testimony, no one made a more powerful argument for repeal today than Admiral Mullen. In a measured, methodical fashion, Admiral Mullen addressed and destroyed each one of McCain’s irrational fears about open service. McCain continues to ignore the findings of the report that showed 92% of troops are fine working with gay service members.”
(via inothernews)
Washington DC, US: Gay former members of the US armed forces handcuff themselves to railings outside the White House during a protest
(via pantslessprogressive)
Is this the worst Daily Caller story yet? How to fix DADT by turning lesbians straight
Seth MacFarlane on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Real Time with Bill Maher
Grumpy Old Man John McCain defends his DADT position by repeating, “It is not the policy” (of the military to investigate whether or not someone is gay) over and over.
Al Franken Chokes Up Today on Senate Floor Over Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
