Posts tagged gay rights

So, the big “gay” moment of last nights SOTU address was the repealing of DADT. And while I know some people wanted more specifics and unless I’m wrong, it was the first time that Pres. Obama has called for a repeal of DADT in an address to Congress. I know that its a promise that was made during the campaign and during the photo op… I mean reception last June, but announcing it from the pulpit of the well of the US House of Representatives is something entirely different.

One thing to keep in mind is that “This year” means by the end of July basically. I say that because once the August recess begins, the House will basically be in heavy reelection mode and I doubt any significant legislation will even be debated then.

Lastly, the repeal of DADT isn’t just Pres Obama’s and the Democratic “leadership’s” fight either. Those of us “blue” dots stuck in red states (I’ve got a democratic rep who is as red as they come) have to contact our representatives as well to garner support. This is a battle that is only being fought between those in Congress. Over 3/4’s of the American people support the repeal. Most of not all of our major industrialized allies already allow openly gay service members (England has recently even allowed theirs to march in gay pride parades in uniform.

I’m going to be preparing a letter to one of my senators (the older, sane one) including a paper I wrote for a Poli Sci class comparing military inefficiency during the racially segregated military of WWII to the DADT military of the Iraq war. How do you plan to help?