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ADA Updates
ADA believes that the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy which has resulted in the removal of more than 11,000 members of our Nation’s armed forces since its inception, should be repealed. Our Nation has come a long way in promoting tolerance and diversity. More importantly, everyone acknowledges that there are lesbian and gay members of the armed services who are currently serving, and doing so with distinction. To use our resources to drum them out of the service simply because of their sexual orientation is a waste; in both material and personnel terms. In addition, it runs completely counter to our system of promoting quality and excellence regardless of criteria that is irrelevant to achieving the mission. In 2010, members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard know that our nation is a glorious combination of men and women from every station in life and every part of our nation. That includes lesbians and gays, who are represented in every profession, every community, and in all of our families. We should move forward, and acknowledge what everyone knows; service in the United States military is an honor that should extend to all who are willing to pay the cost, bear the burden, and, at times, make the ultimate sacrifice to defend this nation. DADT is an impediment to that service, and should be sent to the dust bin of history with segregation, slavery, the subjugation of women, and other policies of the past. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about repealing DADT, instantly! It takes less than a minute to take action! The Big Question: Is it time for Congress to end “Don’t ask, don’t tell”? View All ADA Updates |
On Tuesday, we were pleased to hear Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen take an important first step forward by discussing a review of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Speaking about the need to repeal the policy, Admiral Michael Mullen said, “For me, it comes down to integrity – theirs as individuals and ours as an institution.” It is very encouraging to hear this rhetoric from the highest ranking military officer in the U.S., and we will continue to support the President and Admiral Mullen as the review process begins.