BREAKING: 3 generations of advocates, vets fighting for repeal of DADT facing arrest at White House

[FreeState]

Yes - this is how you draw attention...

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/17975/breaking-3-generations-of-advocates-and-vets-fighting-for-repeal-of-dadt-arrested-at-wh

Washington, DC - This afternoon, three generations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender veterans and advocates went back to the White House fence to call for the U.S. Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid, and President Obama to make good on their promises to secure the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" during the abbreviated, lame-duck session of Congress that started today.

During the direct action organized by GetEQUAL - a national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization - and local activists, 13 veterans and advocates handcuffed themselves to the White House fence in an act of non-violent, civil disobedience protesting the un-American, discriminatory law yet to be repealed by Congress -- regardless of the numerous promises by President Obama, Congressional leaders and national LGBT leaders that they would do so by the end of this year....

"On the White House fence today, and in a jail cell this evening, are thirteen American patriots," said Robin McGehee, co-founder and director of GetEQUAL. "Included in the thirteen arrested are veterans and advocates spanning three generations of brave and courageous Americans, who sacrificed their careers and lives to see the day this discriminatory ban on openly gay and lesbian service in the military finally goes into the history books. Today, we have sent a loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and President Obama that we expect them to make good on their promises to end this inhumane law this year, during the lame-duck session of Congress."

"Today, I stand again at the White House fence - 17 years later - still protesting the injustice and hypocrisy of a failed law," said former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Miriam Ben-Shalom. "And with us today is not only the spirit of Lieutenant Enslin, the first to be discharged from the U.S. Military for being gay, but also standing here in spirit are every young woman and man awaiting discharge under the shameful 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. They are here and we are here, all together still America's daughters and sons, still willing to serve and protect this country. I sincerely pray our country's elected leaders in Congress and the White House will have the courage to repeal this law and make this the last time I have to come back to this fence and be arrested in protest of a law in direct contrast with our values and beliefs as Americans.

[GodlessBiker]

1. Thank you, brave soldiers.

[Parker CA]

2. Big time respect for all those standing in that photo there! Kick and Rec!!

[FreeState]

3. Petty Officer Autumn Sandeen is a huge inspiration

Even though the repeal does nothing for the rights of transgendered service members she puts her money were her mouth is. We need to make sure transgendered Americans get the same rights.

[riderinthestorm]

4. Never give up! K and R! nt

[NCarolinawoman]

5. This post brings tears to my eyes.

What wonderful brave souls.

[pgodbold]

6. K&R

[VMI Dem]

7. American heroes fighting to overturn Obama's DADT.

:patriot:

[terrya]

8. Activism at its best and most inspiring.

Thank you, brave heroes, for fighting for our rights and our equality.

[Oceansaway]

9. K&R...n/t

[bigwillq]

10. K and R (nt)

[LiberalLoner]

11. Brave! I salute them! K&R n/t

[struggle4progress]

12. Uh? ... folk? .... Could yall stroll down to the Washington monument,

hang a left, and mosey towards the Capitol? That's where Congress is ...

No wonder we've been losing fights ...

:eyes:

[QC]

18. I guess they're just not as smart and dedicated to the cause as you are.

:puke:

[struggle4progress]

19. I'm hoping they're just confused about how the legislative process works

[FreeState]

20. I just watched the local and national news, both talked about this

Sounds like they got a lot of attention nd awareness. Did you call Harry Reid today? I know I did.

[struggle4progress]

21. Then it worked and made sense

[FreeState]

23. Yes it did work

And did you call Harry Reid today? If not will you please call his office tomorrow?

[struggle4progress]

24. I'll absolutely make some appropriate contact in support of repeal

[FreeState]

26. Thank you! N/t

[struggle4progress]

25. oop-a-dupe

[slay]

13. I guess we should just keep hoping for that change

i've had it with Obama and his delays on DADT - either do it, or move out of the way and let someone in who WILL. Sheesh.

[TriMera]

14. K&R. n/t

[Starry Messenger]

15. k & r

[Dappleganger]

16. True heroism.

[ruggerson]

17. recommended

n/t

[Starry Messenger]

22. White House picketing in Civil Rights history.

Paul Robeson & Civil Rights Congress Picketing
the White House, August, 1948





Women Suffragists Picketing in Front of White House




Some people seem to be confused as to why the protesters are in front of the White House.

[QC]

28. +1

[racaulk]

29. Perhaps they are just confused as to how the legislative process works.

:sarcasm:

Thank you for posting this. :thumbsup:

[Bluebear]

27. In deep gratitude. nt

[Hell Hath No Fury]

30. Heroes, every one of them.

:applause:

[YOY]

31. Is that Dan Choi in the middle?

Rock on...

[QC]

32. Kick!

[me b zola]

33. Recommended