wrote to my Senator, Kristen Gillibrand, and asked her to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Here is her reply to that letter. Your Senators and Representatives are listening, so please continue to write and call. Get contact information at www.congress.org. -Tommy
July 30, 2010

Dear Tommy,

Thank you for writing to me with regard to the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. It is my firm belief that this discriminatory policy should be overturned, and I am a cosponsor of S.3065, The Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 would repeal the current policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” This policy is not only discriminatory, but it has resulted in an unacceptable high cost for the military, which is already experiencing the strain of fighting two wars. Since “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has been in effect, nearly 13,000 service members, approximately 800 of them in mission critical areas, have been discharged from the United States Armed Forces based entirely on their sexual orientation. Nearly 10% of our foreign language speakers, including 59 Arabic interpreters and 9 Farsi interpreters, have been dismissed at a time when those skills are needed more than ever. This ruling has resulted in increased costs of 100 million dollars for the recruitment and training personnel to replace those who have been discharged.

Many in both our civilian and uniformed military leadership agree that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is ineffective and undermines military readiness and the command structure. President Obama has stated his commitment to ending the policy. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have both expressed the need for reform, calling for a policy that is “more humane” and “less draconian.”

I will continue to be a advocate in the United States Senate to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and allow the thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans who bravely and honorably wish to serve their country with the ability to do so openly, and without the threat of fear and intimidation that they will lose their jobs and benefits. It is my hope that the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 will be passed this year.

Thank you again for writing to express your concerns, and I hope that you keep in touch with my office regarding future legislation. For more information on this and other important issues, please visit my website at http://gillibrand.senate.gov and sign up for my e-newsletter.

Sincerely yours,

Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator

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