The first day of a new military reality: It’s easy, especially when major civil rights policy comes down to a big, dramatic vote, to check the “accomplished” box and move along. In the case of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, this would have been considerably premature, as it wasn’t until midnight this morning that the ban was finally lifted. Congratulations to all the people who’ve had the weight of a big injustice pulled off their shoulders by this. The above video was recorded hours after the ban was lifted, and is a pretty emotional scene to watch unfold; a soldier, finally able to state his sexuality without discrimination from the military, calls his father to come out to his family. Be warned, it might make you a bit misty-eyed. source
This is why I chose to come out on Day 1 after the policy changed. I chose to come out publicly for the thousands of gay military members who have been told they are a risk if they serve in the military openly and honestly. People may say what I’m doing is attention-seeking or not befitting a military officer, but that very mentality shows the prejudice we still harbor when it comes to sexual orientation.Air Force First Lieutenant Josh Seefried • Discussing his choice to come out on the very first day of the official repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Seefried had planned for this moment. See, Seefried launched OutServe, an organization for gay service members, while working under the pseudonym “JD Smith.” So it only makes sense that he’d be one of the very first people to come out under the new policy — and in a bold way, as a guest columnist for The Daily Beast. More power to him. source (via • follow)
squee-gee asks: Um… doesn’t this mean the opposite? From the article: “A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said Wednesday the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy must be immediately lifted now that the Obama administration says it’s unconstitutional to treat gay Americans differently under the law.”
» SFB says: The key phrase in our last post is “gradual rollout.” The law passed last year basically set the wheels in motion for stopping “don’t ask, don’t tell,” but left it to the discretion of the military. This ruling basically says the change has to take place immediately.
(Source: shortformblog)
In other words, the gradual rollout that Obama and Congress passed last year won’t happen unless the Supreme Court intervenes.
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” repealed; here’s a romantic scene from the Senate: Kirsten Gillibrand and Harry Reid sure seem a little, um … lovey-dovey over finally pushing through the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Aww. source
yakmascara said: The opinions on gays serving in the military are also significantly better among people who’ve served with someone gay before.
» We say: You got it, and to me that seems blatantly clear from the categories listed. I have an ex-Marine brother and this EXACTLY how I would predict the trends based on my experiences with people in the military.
» What happens next: The policy will stay in place until at least mid-March, when a federal appeals court decides what happens next. A lot suggests it won’t hold water – for example, a Defense Department panel recently found that the policy could be reversed with little to no negative effect on troops, which goes against most arguments being made by opponents of “don’t ask.”
But seriously … I am not kidding.
I’m not watching all of...
Yahoo wants to buy Hulu now too. They’re going on an “I...
I’m moving back to New York in a few days. Unlike past...
OMG. I got so...
In this week’s Newsweek, a little...
Tumblr this morning. [h/t anne]
#@#$%!.tumblr.com
Copyright 2009-2013 Ernie Smith • Ask us stuff! • E-mail us • Follow us on Twitter • Follow us on Facebook
