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MILITARY: Asked And Answered

12/01/2010 Nativegrl77

Yesterday, after an exhaustive and at times controversial ten-month review of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen announced that the purported risk of repealing the discriminatory policy is quite low. The 274-page report was released one day early after Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) pressured Gates to give the Senate as much time as possible to review the results and lift the ban during the lame duck session. (The House passed the measure in May.) On MSNBC this morning, Lieberman said, “I believe we have more than 60 Senators, including a good solid handful of Republicans, who are prepared to vote to take up the Armed Services bill, which already has within it the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Gates himself endorsed the review and called on Congress to pass repeal before another court decision found the ban unconstitutional and compelled the armed forces to stop enforcing the policy. “Now that we have completed this review, I strongly urge the Senate to pass this legislation and send it to the president for signature before the end of this year,” he said. “It is only a matter of time before the federal courts are drawn once more into the fray, with the very real possibility that this change would be imposed immediately by judicial fiat — by far the most disruptive and damaging scenario I can imagine, and the one most hazardous to military morale, readiness and battlefield performance.” Defense Department General Counsel Jeh C. Johnson and Army Gen. Carter F. Ham — the co-chairs of the Working Group that conducted the review — also reiterated that the study represented “the largest, most comprehensive review of a personnel policy matter which which the Department of Defense has ever undertaken.” The study is far more comprehensive, for example, than efforts taken to prepare the force for the integration of African Americans and women.

LITTLE RISK FROM REPEAL: The Working Group’s extensive survey of 400,000 servicemembers and 150,000 military spouses found that 70 percent of servicemembers said they would be able to “work together to get the job done” with a gay servicemember in their immediate units. Sixty-nine percent admitted to working in a unit with a co-worker that they believed to be gay and, of those who did, 92 percent said that their unit’s “ability to work together” with a gay person was “very good,” “good” or “neither good nor poor” (89 percent for those in Army combat arms units; 84 percent for those in Marine combat arms units.) What’s more, 74 percent of spouses of military servicemembers said repeal of DADT would not have a negative “impact on their view of whether their husbands or wives should continue to serve.” The highest rate of resistance to lifting the ban came from the Marine Corps, where servicemembers said they were least likely to encounter gay troops. Whereas approximately 30 percent of servicemembers across all branches expressed “negative views or concerns” about lifting the ban, between 40 and 60 percent of Marines in various combat arms specialties offered a negative opinion. As Johnson explained, that resistance “is driven by misperceptions and stereotypes.” The Marine Corps respondents also indicated ” a lower percentage who had actual experience of serving in a unit alongside someone who was gay or lesbian,” Ham added. “We did find, for example, in Marine Corps and Army combat arms units who had — in combat environments when those were — when they were asked about their experience with gay servicemembers in their unit reported actually quite favorably on the unit’s performance. So I think — again, I think it’s a largely — there is a differential in actual experience.” U.S. allies with experience in repealing similar bans, notably Canada and the United Kingdom, also saw indicators of opposition in pre-repeal surveys. Once the bans were dropped, however, repeal proved to be a non-event.

IMPLEMENTING REPEAL: During the press conference yesterday, the military leadership stressed the importance of lifting the ban in a deliberate yet timely manner. The study itself offers several recommendations. For instance, the Working Group assumes that implementation of repeal will depend upon “strong leadership, a clear message, and proactive education.” The report recommends equipping commanders in the field with the education and training tools to educate the force on what is expected of them in a post repeal environment. The group also rules out the need for special regulations governing the conduct of gay servicemembers or the establishment of separate facilities and argues that the Department “should issue guidance that all standards of conduct apply uniformly, without regard to sexual orientation.” On the delicate issue of providing benefits to the same-sex partners of servicemembers, the report notes that while the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents same-sex partners from accessing many benefits, there are some benefits that are available to anyone of a Service member’s choosing. “Department of Defense and the Services should inform servicemember about these types of benefits, if the policy is repealed,” Johnson noted during the press conference, arguing that another set of benefits, which are not statutorily prohibited, but do not extend to same-sex partners under current regulation, “should be revised and redefined to include same-sex partners.” The Working Group does not, however, recommend that the DoD “revise their regulations to specifically add same-sex committed relationships to the definition of ‘dependent,’ ‘family members,’ or other similar terms in those regulations, for purposes of extending benefits eligibility.” As legal analyst Andrew Cohen points out, for gay or lesbian service members who choose to come out after the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, “this means no financial breaks on housing allowances or health care benefits that are available to married couples.” The Working Group also recommends that “service members who have been previously separated under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell be permitted to apply for reentry into the military.”

SENATE MUST ACT: On Thursday and Friday the Senate Armed Services Committee will hold two days of hearings with Gates, Mullen, the co-chairmen of the Working Group, and the four Service Chiefs. In a preview of the hearings, Gates was asked about Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) recent argument that the study would not provide the military or Congress with sufficient information about the effects of military readiness and unit cohesion. Gates said McCain “is mistaken” before adding, “This report does provide a sound basis for making decisions on this law.” “It’s hard for me to imagine that you can come up with a more comprehensive approach,” he said. President Obama, who discussed the results of the study with Service Chiefs on Monday, also issued a statement endorsing the report’s findings and calling on the Senate to “act as soon as possible so I can sign this repeal into law this year and ensure that Americans who are willing to risk their lives for their country are treated fairly and equally.” Still, with a busy calendar full of economic concerns and urgency surrounding the new START treaty, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has yet to announce his floor plan for the National Defense Authorization Act – the bill which includes the DADT repeal amendment. Earlier this week, Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR), long considered a swing vote on the issue, said that he considered homosexuality a “sin” and would be voting against the measure. Newly-sworn in Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) – who voted against repeal in the House but supported the underlining National Defense Authorization Act – also hinted that he would not support taking up the bill in the lame duck Congress. At least eight undecided senators promised to consider the results of the Pentagon’s Review before deciding how to vote on the measure.

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The Daily Show Takes on North Korea — Watch Now!

12/01/2010 Nativegrl77

Samantha Bee – Il Communication

After the leak of the U.S. government‘s Perez Hilton-like conversations, the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robot war between North and South Korea escalated. Senior War Analyst Kim Sam Bee analyzes the hostility-based economy of North Korea.

Pit the President against paper and/or scissors in the new Indecision Mobile game “Barack Paper Scissors.” Play it now or text BARACK to 44686 for the link.

Watch Now!

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lame duck in Session -Congress …updates as needed

12/01/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate will Convene at 9:30amET December 1, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the majority will control the next 30 minutes.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 3:30pm to allow for the Democratic caucus meeting.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.3998, Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act.

Passed S.987, International protecting Firls by Preventing Child Marriage ACt (with Durbin amendment).

Passed Cal. #658, H.R.4387 is an act to designate the Federal building located at 100 North Palafox Street in Pensacola, FL, as the “Winston E. Arnow Federal Building.”

Passed Cal. #659, H.R.5651 is an act to designate the Federal building and US courthouse located at 515 9th Street in Rapid City, SD, as the “Andrew W. Bogue Federal Building and United States Courthouse.”

Passed Cal. #660, H.R.5706 is an act to designate the building occupied by the Government Printing Office located at 31451 East United Avenue in Pueblo, CO, as the “Frank Evans Government Printing Office Building.”

Passed Cal. #661, H.R.5773 is an act to designate the Federal building located at 6401 Security Boulevard in Baltimore, MD, commonly known as the Social Security Administration Operations Building, as the “Robert M. Ball Federal Building.”

Adopted S.Res.686, a resolution designating December 11, 2010, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 1, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

8:39 P.M. –: Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

6:43 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1745.

5:20 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:19 P.M. –

Mrs. Schmidt requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 8: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

5:17 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1669:

congratulating the National Air Transportation Association for celebrating its 70th anniversary

5:15 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

5:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1669.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Carnahan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

S. 3250:

to provide for the training of Federal building personnel, and for other purposes

5:06 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

4:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3250.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Carnahan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 6184:

to amend the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 to extend and modify the program allowing the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-Federal public entities to expedite the evaluation of permits, and for other purposes

4:48 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

4:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6184.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

S. Con. Res. 75:

authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy

4:34 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

4:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 75.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Davis (CA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 1421:

to amend section 42 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the importation and shipment of certain species of carp

4:30 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

4:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1421.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5283:

to provide for adjustment of status for certain Haitian orphans paroled into the United States after the earthquake of January 12, 2010

4:15 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5283.

Mr. Conyers moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 1338:

to require the accreditation of English language training programs, and for other purposes

3:57 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1338.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

3:46 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H. Res. 1724:

commending the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas, for its outstanding support in creating a unique and lasting partnership with Little Rock Air Force Base, members of the Armed Forces stationed there and their families, and the Air Force

3:45 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 0 (Roll no. 595).

3:37 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:35 P.M. –

MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in remembrance of our brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives in the service of our Nation in Iraq and in Afghanistan and their families, and all who serve in our Armed Forces and their families.

H. Res. 1217:

honoring Fort Drum’s soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division for their past and continuing contributions to the security of the United States

3:34 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 415 – 0 (Roll no. 594)

H. Res. 1217:

honoring Fort Drum’s soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division for their past and continuing contributions to the security of the United States

3:17 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Roll Call 594 – 2/3 Recorded vote pending.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

S. 3307:

to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

3:16 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conslustion of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions, the Chair announced that further proceedings on S. 3307 would be postponed.

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

3:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions.

Mr. Kline (MN) moved to recommit with instructions to Education and Labor.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.J. Res. 101:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:02 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 593).

2:34 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

2:33 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question on passage of H.J.Res. 101 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

S. 3307:

to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on S. 3307, the Chair postponed further proceedings until later in the legislative day.

1:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 3307.

Rule provides for consideration of S. 3307 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1742.

H.J. Res. 101:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

1:22 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.J. Res. 101, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lewis (CA) demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

1:21 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 101.

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 101 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. All points of order against provisions in the joint resolution are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1741.

H. Res. 1430:

honoring and saluting golf legend Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodriguez for his commitment to Latino youth programs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

1:06 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 405 – 2 (Roll no. 592).

12:58 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1735:

condemning North Korea in the strongest terms for its unprovoked military attack against South Korea on November 23, 2010

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 403 – 2 (Roll no. 591).

12:51 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 323:

supporting the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 590).

12:44 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1741:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 101) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 172 (Roll no. 589).

12:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 1741 and motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1742:

providing for consideration of the bill ( S. 3307) to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

12:35 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 174 (Roll no. 588).

12:28 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 180 (Roll no. 587).

11:07 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1742

11:06 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1741:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 101) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

11:04 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1741, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dreier demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

11:03 A.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

10:36 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1741

Considered as privileged matter.

10:04 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

10:03 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3987, S. 3386, H.R. 6162, and H.R. 6166.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pascrell to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Tom Dore, Pastor Emeritus, St. Giles Parish, Oak Park, IL.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

S. 3307:

to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

1:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 3307.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1742.

H.J. Res. 101:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

1:22 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS.

1:21 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 101.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1741.

H. Res. 1430:

honoring and saluting golf legend Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodriguez for his commitment to Latino youth programs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

1:06 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 405 – 2 (Roll no. 592).

12:58 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1735:

condemning North Korea in the strongest terms for its unprovoked military attack against South Korea on November 23, 2010

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 403 – 2 (Roll no. 591).

12:51 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 323:

supporting the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 590).

12:44 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1741:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 101) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 172 (Roll no. 589).

12:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1742:

providing for consideration of the bill ( S. 3307) to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

12:35 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 174 (Roll no. 588).

12:28 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 180 (Roll no. 587).

11:07 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1742

11:06 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1741:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 101) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

11:04 A.M. –

11:03 A.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

10:36 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1741

Considered as privileged matter.

10:04 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

10:03 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3987, S. 3386, H.R. 6162, and H.R. 6166.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pascrell to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Tom Dore, Pastor Emeritus, St. Giles Parish, Oak Park, IL.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Pentagon report says gays should serve. Tell Congress to act!

12/01/2010 Nativegrl77

Human Rights Campaign

Breaking news: Pentagon report finds NO REASON to bar open service by lesbians and gays.

But the Senate won’t be in session long – so we need to act now. Tell the Senate:

“No more delays. The time to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is now.”

As of this afternoon, there is absolutely no excuse to delay the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Now it’s time to act.

The Department of Defense has released its landmark study, 9 months in the making. It came to the same conclusion as numerous experts’ reports and 25 other countries.

They all agree on one simple, inescapable truth: Lesbians and gays should serve openly in the U.S. military.

My fellow troops have spoken. Generals have spoken. Think tanks have spoken. The American people have spoken.

From this point forward, any delay is nothing more than discrimination and partisan politics. It needs to end. The Senate is holding critical hearings this week and won’t be in session long – so we must act now.

Tell your senators: No more delays. The military and the American people have spoken. Do the right thing. Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” now.

I was the first American wounded in Iraq. I lost my leg. I almost lost my life. When I returned home, I came out – and spoke out against a policy that forced me to hide who I was.

I’ve talked to elected officials on both sides of the debate. They all need to hear from us today. The ones with the courage to fight for equal rights still need to hear that voters want them to make it a priority. And the ones who have supported discrimination can still be convinced by the facts highlighted in this new report. I’ve seen it happen.

The evidence is on our side. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has always been wrong. But now, it’s not just me or you saying it – it’s the Pentagon’s own study.

We’re on the brink of ending injustice – but we all must stand together, right now.

The clock is ticking and the Senate won’t be in session too much longer. Raise your voice today.

Let’s make this happen – for my brothers and sisters in arms who put themselves on the line to defend us, and for the good of this nation we all love.

In solidarity,

Eric Alva
Retired Marine Staff Sergeant

P.S. If you have a minute, we need you to make two quick calls. Call (202) 224-3121 right now, ask to be connected to your senators’ offices, and tell them to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” before they leave for the holidays. Be sure to make two calls, one for each senator in your state. Then report your calls. Thank you!

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Senate GOP pledges to block all bills until tax dispute resolved (via Anderson Cooper 360)

12/01/2010 Nativegrl77

Senate Republicans want action on the expiring Bush-era tax cuts before tackling any other issues.” width=300 height=169] Alan Silverleib CNN Washington (CNN) — Senate Republicans promised Wednesday to block legislative action on every issue being considered by the lame-duck Congress until the dispute over extending the Bus … Read More

via Anderson Cooper 360