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From Lt. Dan Choi: Judge strikes down DADT. Now I need your help…
September 10, 2010
(Hey everyone — I wouldn’t normally post the text of a full email as a post on P8TT, but as we’re drowning post-DADT decision, I wanted to get this up ASAP for folks to discuss. Let us know what you think in the comments. Looking forward to your feedback. — Eden)
Last night, federal district court Judge Virginia Phillips declared that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is unconstitutional. Following federal court rulings on Proposition 8 in August and the “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) in July, Judge Phillips’ decision is the third federal court ruling in as many months to find statutory limitations on the rights of LGBT Americans unconstitutional.However, the fate of DADT is still in doubt. It’s very possible that the DADT decision will be stayed, which means President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid must take the lead to finally repeal this discriminatory policy. As Lt. Dan Choi writes below, we need to push them to take action now — before the November election.
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Dear Friend –
The ruling by Judge Virginia Phillips potentially striking down DADT is a huge victory for our movement. But it is not the end. Not by a long-shot.
In July, Senator Harry Reid took the stage at Netroots Nation in Las Vegas for a panel discussion. Joan McCarter, the moderator, handed him my West Point ring and told Reid that I wanted him to keep it.
At first, Sen. Reid declined, but then agreed to keep it until DADT is actually repealed. Upon his acceptance, I lept onto the stage to briefly meet Reid. Holding the ring, Reid asked me: “When we get it passed, you’ll take it back, right?” I responded:
“I sure will, but I’m going to hold you accountable.”
The time for accountability has come. Now Sen. Reid needs to follow the leadership of Judge Phillips and take immediate action to support the men and women serving in our nation’s military.
Please help me hold Sen. Reid to his promise by asking him to bring the Defense Authorization bill to the floor for a vote the week of September 20 — the last opportunity the Senate will have to repeal DADT before the November election. Click here now to watch the video of my brief discussion with Sen. Reid and sign my letter asking him to keep his promise to repeal DADT:
http://www.couragecampaign.org/KeepThePromise
I commend Judge Virginia Phillips, Alex Nicholson and the Log Cabin Republicans for their firm stance in defense of the First Amendment and their unwavering support of our national security. Judge Phillips has forthrightly exercised her unquestionable moral authority and lived up to her mandate to defend our constitution.
Sen. Reid is not the only elected official who needs to follow the leadership of Judge Phillips. So does President Obama.
I implore President Obama and his Justice Department NOT to appeal the ruling by Judge Phillips. Like Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown did by refusing to defend Prop 8 in California, the President and the DoJ can refuse to appeal this DADT ruling. They can refuse to lift a finger and not waste any energy, statements, or money defending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the courts.
No matter what President Obama does, we need to keep up the pressure on Sen. Reid to keep his promise to repeal DADT in the legislative branch. Please click here to sign my letter asking Sen. Reid to bring the Defense Authorization bill to the floor for a vote the week of September 20 — the last opportunity the Senate will have to repeal DADT before the November election:
http://www.couragecampaign.org/KeepThePromise
Thank you for everything you have done to help end DADT in the last few years. Our road has not been easy but our struggle continues to prove that love is still worth it.
Lt. Dan Choi
Filed under: DADT trial
Having technical problems? E-mail prop8trial AT couragecampaign DOT org for assistance!
32 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Ronnie | September 10, 2010 at 3:37 am
Three Cheers for Lt. Dan Choi!!!!!!……<3…Ronnie:
HOO-RAH!!!!!
HOO-RAH!!!!!!
HOO-RAH!!!!!!!!!!
2.
Ann S. | September 10, 2010 at 3:43 am
And another HOO-RAH!!!
3.
DazedWheels | September 10, 2010 at 3:44 am
Cheers from here, too.
4.
Sagesse | September 10, 2010 at 3:46 am
This is the right way to look at this. Judge Phillips' decision is leverage to get the Senate to pass repeal now. The court case should proceed in the normal course until the repeal is fully complete…. the Senate passes the Defence Authorization bill, and the President, Secretary of Defence and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs certify (and if necessary, the president issues an executive order prohibiting discrimination in the armed forces based on sexual orientation). With luck, then the case becomes moot. But until then, effort needs to continue on parallel tracks.
5.
AndrewPDX | September 10, 2010 at 3:53 am
scribing…
6.
Kate | September 10, 2010 at 3:55 am
What "they" haven't figured out is that the secret to success is getting judges whose names begin with the letter V.
7.
Richard A. Walter (s | September 10, 2010 at 3:56 am
And our struggle is far from over. Our latest troll is named Carl, and he is on the first thread about the Call.
8.
Sheryl Carver | September 10, 2010 at 3:56 am
Yes, yes, yes!
9.
Carpool Cookie | September 10, 2010 at 3:58 am
I'm sure my dad, Little Miss Admiral War Monger, is having a heart attack overseas, as we speak.
10.
Freddy | September 10, 2010 at 4:11 am
Let us keep in mind that if/when DADT falls and the Prop8 ruling stands as is and cannot be appealed, servicemembers such as my self will still not be able to enjoy the benefits that other military spouses enjoy, not until DOMA is repealed will the feds recognize a legal marriage in the state of CA or any other state as valid, they will not allow SS spouses to receive medical, housing or any other benefit that is automatically granted to a spouse or dependent in a OS marriage.
22 years and still serving
my Fiancé-14 yrs and serving
11.
Sheryl Carver | September 10, 2010 at 4:30 am
When my stomach is up to it, I follow & sometimes contribute to the comments on the San Francisco Chronicle site. This comment was recently posted re: the ruling on DADT. I love it.
The 9th Circuit is going to be really busy. I can hear 'em behind closed doors now: "Gay, gay, gay! Why does everything have to be about gays?" One wonders if they will consolidate all these cases and send them to the Supreme Court to decide if gays really are second class citizens or not.
12.
AndrewPDX | September 10, 2010 at 4:44 am
He he he !
"V" for Victory!!!
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Andrew
13.
Anonygrl | September 10, 2010 at 4:56 am
And now you have GIVEN AWAY OUR SECRET WEAPON!
On the other hand, if they spend all their time trying to track down judges with V names, rather than finding new ways of discriminating against us, I suppose that is ok.
14.
Bob | September 10, 2010 at 5:19 am
@Richard, I see you did a great job of explaining things to him , thanks for that, standing O for taking him on, and sharing some truths he may not be awre of.
@Carl, what is it you want from us hon
keep up the good work, thanks for being our newest troll, we are aware that this part of the struggle will never end, there will always be those who do not understand, and project what they believe onto others,
all we can do is welcome you and keep up the dialog, Carl, it must be frustrating to realize you cannot change us or the course of history, we are moving towards a more loving world, and that does negate most of the narrow beliefs you are trying to defend. Just consider for a moment what it would take to make you right, and then ask yourself if you would be willing to assume the responsilitiy for that action.
The CALL was a direct order to put an end to us as a people,
Tell us Carl how do you propose to accomplish that, without impacting your relationship with God,, in a negative way?
15.
Richard A. Walter (s | September 10, 2010 at 5:28 am
Thank you, Bob. Of course, you are one of the reasons I was able to do such a good job defending what is right. You and everyone else who is part of the P8TT family have helped me build my courage and my skills of expression, along with those skills required to make the message clear. So thank you for being part of this family.
Thanks everybody here for helping me become strong enough to put the truth out there.
And thanks again, Bob, for the information about queermap.com. I have even had a wonderful email from Caffyn, and I will definitely be going back to the site as often as I can go.
16.
Bob | September 10, 2010 at 5:46 am
@Richard, Bless you, for telling me that you enjoyed the information at Queermap.com You were one of the people whose endorsement means something to me, and I wondered what you thought of the site, because it does wonder from strict religious views.
It is such an amazing work of info on Queer history, encorporating, much outside of the organized religion we so often debate, and it means something to me that you find value there, I think it expands our experience with GOD, and that is healthy thilng.
Again I have to say I enjoyed the story of the salmon, under orientations, about the river, this comes from ancient native spritiuality, the coast salish people, it may not be so evident to those who live inland and have never seen a river red with spawning salmon, such a valid comparison, as Queers, swimming against the current, achieving our own destiny, in spite of all those around us, like Carl, saying no you'rre going the wrong way, forever, we've been doing that, it's as if Carl wants to stop the Salmon from living?
I gain much strength from you Richard, and don't know the proper words to affirm your present Holy days of celebration, but wish you much joy , and let you know the richness of your faith is palpable to me, in a very affirming way, and I think that is a hudge accompishment. Cheers Bob
17.
Richard A. Walter (s | September 10, 2010 at 6:07 am
Thank you, Bob. Your posts have often brought me strength. You are one of the reasons that I feel 5771 is a breakout year for all of us. And one of the reasons I enjoy queermap.com is the fact that it does cover the full realm of our experience, both the religious parts and the non-religious parts. After all, how can those of us who have a religious belief system fully explore our religion if we limit ourselves to only religious things? We must also explore the secular aspects of our humanity, as well as other religions, or we will never have any understanding of our own faith system. We must also explore things that take us out of our comfort zone if we are ever to grow as human beings, and again, this requires investigation of things both sacred and secular. To be honest, Caffyn's site is more religious than it seems because it is not limited to the religious views. It is a very well-organized site, and it is so easy for me to lose track of time there, because it is just so calming and affirming of humanity and the search for good.
And thank you for your new year wishes. What you said is perfect, because it is from your heart. With that said, I would like to extend the same wish to you and to all the P8TT family, that this year will be even better than the last year was, and that each day will be brighter than the one before.
18.
bJason | September 10, 2010 at 6:49 am
Agreed! Proceed with both until one approach or the other becomes moot.
19.
fern | September 10, 2010 at 7:14 am
In my Belgian morning I felt very happy about the outcome in federal court, I know you folks need these victories like fishes need water and talking about fishes, my bottle of rum always looks half empty to me, so, the problem as I see it is that the republicans made this victory possible, they are the young ones of the republican party and I think they could become a threat to the democrats in this upcoming election and even worse in 2012. Oblablah, I think needs the support of the gay community which is obviously powerful.
If I were him I'd play this down, advise my AG on the sly to go against this ruling and officially state that the AG is doing his duty and that the president as no say in this matter although he would love DADT to go away and promise that after this election he would make sure DADT is gone, after that he'll promise you that for his second term DOMA will be history, but it won't happen not his fault of course, however if you vote for another democrat after he is due out. DOMA will be out for sure.
But by then but it won't be the democrats' fault it will be people's acceptance.
Obama sold hope to the voters, just like any other cheap religion is selling salvation.
20.
Straight Grandmother | September 10, 2010 at 7:29 am
I repeat what Ronnie wrote
Three Cheers for Lt. Dan Choi!!!!!!……<3…Ronnie:
HOO-RAH!!!!!
HOO-RAH!!!!!!
HOO-RAH!!!!!!!!!!
I will add – Lt Dan YOU are a hero to me, you are an American HERO!!!!!!!!! I will never forget what you pesonally have done and sacrificed to bring an end to DISCRIMINATION everywhere it exists agains GLBT people. You have not stayed in the background, you have lead. You are not afraid to take and lead others in Direct Action which gives much needed visiblitly. When the GLBT community is invisible nothing happens. Your direct action initiatives are moving the pendulum in our direction. I can't think of anyone recently who I look up to more than you.
21.
Straight Grandmother | September 10, 2010 at 7:30 am
Big LOL!
22.
Straight Grandmother | September 10, 2010 at 7:36 am
Is your dad military?
23.
Straight Grandmother | September 10, 2010 at 7:38 am
22 years and still serving
my Fiancé-14 yrs and serving
I hope you get justice soon.
I hope the hell you get justice soon.
I hope 2010 is the Year of the Gay
24.
Straight Grandmother | September 10, 2010 at 7:43 am
Agreed, great comment. I swear 2010 is the Year of the Gay The reason being we finally got some balls and took it to Federal Court. The mainstream GLBT organizations have not pressed marraige cases in Federal Court for fear of loosing and setting the movement back. Thank goodness for Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer and Chad Griffin from AFER who have the cojones (is that how you spell it?).
25.
Straight Grandmother | September 10, 2010 at 8:01 am
"YES WE CAN! but not today…"
26.
Richard A. Walter (s | September 10, 2010 at 9:25 am
Welcome back, Straight Grandmother! L'Shana Tovah! I somehow think it is appropriate that Judge Phillips struck down DADT on the first day of the Jewish New Year celebration. And yes, it made the Rosh Hoshanah challah taste that much sweeter. This could very well be the Year of the End of Discrimination against the LGBTQQI community and out allies. And this is two cases that are in the 9th Circuit! To me, that is far from coincidental.
27. DADT ruled unconstitution&hellip | September 10, 2010 at 1:27 pm
[...] Lt. Dan Choi and the Courage Campaign focused attention on both President Obama and Sen. Reid today, asking supporters to tell Senator Harry Reid to bring the Defense Authorization bill to the floor for a vote the week of September 20. [...]
28.
Heather Sheridan | September 10, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Straight Grandmother,
Actually I like this one better. LOL.
"YES WE CAN!" but no we won't.
Obama could do so much but he chooses not to. I thoink he is waiting for a second term but he seems to forget you have to win the election to get the second term. He has upset and disappointed so many people that unless he steps up and starts putting actions with his lovely words I do not see him getting a second term.
29.
Kathleen | September 10, 2010 at 2:01 pm
And mine.
30.
BK | September 10, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Haha so will my dad… he's currently in the military, too. Haha.
31.
Sagesse | September 11, 2010 at 1:07 am
Freddy,
This has been a known issue since the current repeal effort (Obama administration) began. The practical situation is to repeal DADT so that LGBT servicemembers can no longer be discharged because of the their sexual orientation, however open or not they choose to be.
Katie Miller is the lesbian West Point ’12 student who just outed herself and withdrew from the academy rather than graduate and serve under DADT, said in an interview that, in the military, two words are always capitalized: Soldier and Family. In order for LGBT servicemembers to gain access to the support structure available to all other servicemembers and veterans and their families, DOMA has to be repealed.
The Obama administration knows this, the Pentagon knows this, and, though it is rarely if ever mentioned, the strategy they have chosen (and really the only feasible strategy) is to deal with them in sequence. I personally think that repeal of DADT would put real pressure on DOMA, because the military is a major sector of US society, and family support structures are rightfully important for all servicemembers.
Since the military obviously draws members from all states, and locates them on bases in other states, internationally and on deployment, the armed forces has to find a way to acknowlege at least any legally recognized couple (and possibly also those who don't have access to legal marriage or DP status), regardless of where they come from, where they are based, and what legal recognition exists in a particular geographic location. Even with DOMA gone, the recognition of couples and families needs to be addressed.
They say patience is a virtue
. At least there is a path, and repeal of DADT is Step One.
32.
Tim in Sonoma | September 11, 2010 at 7:00 am
THREE STRIKES!! Your out!
Discrimination looses!
More mail please…
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