(Cartoon: Adam Zyglis, Buffalo News)
I'm an Army Captain, and my boyfriend and I are breaking out the Champagne! Thanks for speaking out for those of us who can't couldn't!!!
I am one deeply conflicted Air Force Brat at the moment. I did not think I would see this happen in my lifetime. I'm equally weeping with joy that this disgraceful period is ended, and shaking with anger that I was prevented from following in my father's footsteps.
From @Aidan Wilde:
As a Veteran, and a Gay man that was blackmailed by a fellow sailor and almost tossed out of the Navy in 2005 (luckily I was able to leave at my EOS before JAG investigated), I can say I am truly glad this policy is dead.
This policy ruined my life, and my career. I am glad that no other person will have to face the decision I had to make, and the anguish of living with yourself after making it.
After the jump, a cautionary note.
@John writes:
I'm not posting this to be picky or antagonistic. It was actually Truman that issued the 1948 order (EO9981) integrating the military. Eisenhower, in '44, allowed integration of combat units during WW2, which is often acknowledged as the first step in military desegregation and laid the groundwork for Truman's order.
There was significant resistance within the military leadership. While the AF took only a year to fully integrate, the Army took 3. And the Navy, desegregated in word only, maintained a defacto/unofficial segregation until 1970.
Women faced similar high level resistance to their service during the 70's and 80's. And as I'm sure you are aware, the fight to fully integrate the sexes within the military continues today. Often over the objections of top leadership.
It's dicey comparing race or gender and sexual orientation and I am hesitant to do so except in one regard. Much of the military's top leadership is on board with the repeal of DADT, so I'm hopeful that this will be a smoother transition and take less time.
After 21 years in the military, I'm pretty aware of how slowly the military culture changes. I would expect 2-3 years before full policy implementation and gays being allowed to serve openly. It will be 10-15 years before you see gay couples openly and fully embraced by the services. Why? Because this kind of change is generational, we have to wait for the old leadership (and thus old ideas) to retire.
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To my LGBT friends in the Military: Congratulations, and thank you for serving your country! America is behind you one hundred percent. This is your day.
To my commenting friends here on this blog...congratulations on the repeal. I know the passion and heart you have for equality and I tip my hat to you and the successful repeal of DADT.
I now hope all those who felt it would be harmful or was not time will join with their voice and actions to ensure a successful transition of policy. I am hopeful, as many of you have shared with me, that it will be swift and seamless.
My heartfelt thanks to all who served our country. My condolences to those who have lost beloved service men and women this year (and those previous). May the warm memories of their life fill your soul with joy even as your heart aches for their absence.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all.
One more thing, Marriage in all 50 states for LGBT is next........... don't let the dream die.
I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Rachel Maddow for never letting go of this. She reported on it when other networks (CNN!) didn't. She is IMHO the biggest and BEST LGBT ally in the media. It's because of people like Rachel that I know my daughter will one day see a world that full embraces her. Thank you Rachel, for all you do and all I know you will continue to do for our LGBT loved ones.
You know, moments like this make me wistful for the old "It's Pat" segments on TRMS. I would love, in that break-out-the-popcorn way, to see Rachel surgically dismantle Pat Buchanan on this issue.
Congratulations to Lt. Choi, Col. Ferenbacher and the legion of men and women who can now serve their country with unreserved pride.
I was absolutely stunned that the Senate finally repealed DADT! I thought the neanderthals in the Republican party would convince enough of their colleagues to do the wrong thing. I've read how difficult it was to integrate the military. Some in opposition then gave many of the same absurd arguments we've heard against repealing DADT. I'm glad Sen. McCain and his caveman buddies didn't win the day. The United States Senate actually got it right on Saturday! CONGRATULATIONS.
There are some things that seem so right it's sometimes hard to believe that right will win out, because the other side seems to have all the fight. The country is slightly more just than it was Saturday morning but there's always more to do.
Thank you to everyone who brought forth this amazing change of repealing Don't ask Don't Tell. Rachel, I am deeply grateful for your continued work and efforts to 'lean the world forward!'
Merry Christmas!
As a straight, married woman with no affiliation to the military, you'd think this wouldn't be a big deal to me. Untrue...I am so proud of our country for finally pointing in the right direction. Welcome to the 21st century and leaving behind discrimination and utter silliness.
Thank you to all service members past and present, no matter who you love. I am so happy our country is going in the right direction!
We're all only as free as the most despised and marginalized among us. So, of course it's a big deal.
Does that mean they can't kick anyone out now? They are telling soldiers not to come out yet. Government shouldn't take so long to make things work after a law is repealed. what's up with that? Still can't believe it is real. I too am uninvolved with the military or the people this affects, but still wanted it repealed for fairness. Has anyone heard from Dan Choi? I could have missed it here at work.
I'm thrilled that DADT repeal finally passed, but still a bit baffled that the Rape-Public-CONS (at least as of the last I've heard) have still blocked funding for the Pentagon, and the entire government for that matter, but were willing to pass something that I'll bet many of us suspected had been separated from the Pentagon funding legislation specifically so that the General Opposition Party could vote for the funding without the DADT repeal. What am I missing here?
The next step is to reissue the discharge documents for all those kicked out just for being gay, and to reinstate those that are stupid and sadistic enough to want back in.
Well, the sick e-mails on DADT started arriving in my inbox shortly after the vote on repealing DADT from the homophobic right. After the 2nd email, I responded to all with this.
This is an insult to say the least to every gay man or woman who served this country and possibly gave their life for our freedoms since the Revolutionary War. Circulating this garbage is worse than pissing on their graves and shaking the hands of the no good rotten bastard enemies that killed that serviceman or woman in the line of duty.
If you have not served this country in uniform and you sent this gay bashing email that you think is funny out to everyone you could, you probably have no clue that a gay person, who gave his or her life for you, made it possible for you to send this crap out.
If you have served this country in uniform and forwarded this crap out to your friends, shame on you. You've just shamed the military.
So far, no replies.