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 Artist Jane Sibbery sums up the this week’s mood with recent news of Lt. Dan Choi’s and Captian James Pietrangelo’s hunger fast for immediate full repeal of “Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell.” Let this video serve as a prayer for Lt. Choi and Capt. Pietrangelo as they follow their convictions to expose injustice of the political process. Dan and Jim you are loved.
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-by Tommy News The U.S. House and the Senate Armed Services Committee Voted Thursday to Allow Repeal of the failed and discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Law. According to The New York Times, The House voted Thursday to let the Defense Department repeal the ban on gay and bisexual people from serving openly in the military, a major step toward dismantling the 1993 law widely known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, who sponsored the repeal measure, said the ban did not “reflect the best values of our country.” The provision would allow military commanders to repeal the ban. The repeal would permit gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military for the first time. It was adopted as an amendment to the annual Pentagon policy bill, which the House is expected to vote on Friday. The repeal would be allowed 60 days after a Pentagon report is completed on the ramifications of allowing openly gay service members, and military leaders certify that it would not be disruptive. The report is due by Dec. 1. The House vote was 234 to 194, with 229 Democrats and 5 Republicans in favor, after an emotionally charged debate. Opposed were 168 Republicans and 26 Democrats. Victory! This historic vote is a major victory for the LGBT community, and for the entire nation in our sruggle for equality. The Times article continues, “On Memorial Day, America will come together and honor all who served our nation in uniform,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a floor speech, noting the symbolic timing of the debate. “I urge my colleagues to vote for the repeal of this discriminatory policy of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ and make America more American.” Separately on Thursday, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved a similar measure allowing the repeal. The vote, in a closed session, was 16 to 12, with one Republican, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, in favor of the repeal, and one Democrat, Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, in opposition. Like the House amendment, the Senate measure, which is expected to come up for a vote soon, would allow Pentagon leaders to revoke the ban 60 days after the military study group completes its report and President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, certify that it would not hamper military readiness and effectiveness or “unit cohesion.” Mr. Obama and Mr. Gates favor repealing the ban, as does Admiral Mullen, who, in testimony before the Armed Services Committee in February, called for a repeal. In a statement, Mr. Obama said he was “pleased” by the votes. Lets hope that ENDA is next! Happy Memorial Day Weekend and Happy Pride Month To Everyone! We have much To celebrate! Read the New York Times article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/28/us/politics/28tell.html
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