Russell Simmons: Stop the Lying: Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

[unhappycamper]

Stop the Lying: Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Russell Simmons
Founder of GlobalGrind.com
Posted: September 10, 2010 02:45 PM

Dear Distinguished Members of the United States Senate,

As you return to Washington, D.C., for the last session of the year, I write this letter in support of 80% of the American public who urge you to do what you have promised since 2008 and that is to repeal the broken law that we call "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." As the president spoke this morning at length of the ongoing challenges we face in Iraq and Afghanistan, by not voting to authorize the spending needs and equipment of all service members and repealing this "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, we know we are putting our brave soldiers at greater risk.

Being forced to lie daily about who you are is the ultimate killer of the soul. To inflict this on troops defending us is a destructive form of torture. That may not have been the intention, but that's what it is, especially as the rest of society awakens to the diversity of the human family.

You have shown great strength during this session of Congress, with the accomplishments of health care reform, finance reform, the Recovery Act, the Ted Kennedy Service Act and many other laws that are bettering our country. It is now time to pass the entire National Defense Authorization Act with the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal language included. Schedule the vote, and protect our national security and our troops.

With great enthusiasm and confidence, we can approach the November elections knowing that our leaders will address the issues that matter to most Americans and protect the most vulnerable among us. I look forward to the day when the heroic young people who serve this country with valor and bravery will no longer have to lie about who they are.

[xchrom]

1. I'll rec this and refrain from commenting

About the senates great courage.

[terrya]

2. Same here

[ruggerson]

3. recommended n/t

[The Philosopher]

4. Thit's a great quote and a very good point.

"Being forced to lie daily about who you are is the ultimate killer of the soul."

DADT encourages gays to join the military. Then it forces them to be quiet about a major piece of themselves. Moral drops for them and we all know how dangerous that can be. Not only does it kill the soul, but it threatens the body. If I were a soldier, I'd worry more about a forced closeted soldier in my foxhole than an openly homosexual one.

[Bluenorthwest]

5. Russell has a way of just getting it said....

[bigwillq]

6. K and R (nt)