Walden: Support the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

This is a letter to Oregon's only Republican congressman, Greg Walden. It might be a lost cause to try to convince him on this issue, but it's still worth it to put pressure on him.

Three of Oregon's five US House members have cosponsored HR 1283. I will also write a similar letter to the fifth.

— Athelwulf

Dear Congressman Walden:

I assume you seek to represent all your constituents. If this is true, then I am sure you will vote yea on H.R. 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, when it comes to a vote. This bill repeals "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the discriminatory law that forces gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve their country in secrecy.

The United States, considered by many the land of the free, is one of very few countries whose armed forces will give a man a medal for saving another man's life, but then turn around and discharge a man for loving another man. While this policy is not an outright ban, the United States stands out as one of very few liberal democracies whose armed forces discriminate against gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Countries whose military services do not discriminate include Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Japan, and every country in the European Union except Greece, whose military bars openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual people outright. Greece shares this distinction with communist China, communist Cuba, communist North Korea, and Iran.

The practical reason for repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is so the military will no longer inadvertently filter out skilled individuals. Many times, I have heard of our military discharging Arabic translators under this law. As the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has reported, more than 12,500 men and women have been discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Many of them were critical specialists with uncommon skills. It is as if our greatest enemy is not al-Qaeda, but rather gay, lesbian, and bisexual soldiers.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is not only impractical, but also unfair. I have many good friends and some family members who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. One man, a very dear friend, served in the army in the early Seventies while closeted. Another friend was undesirably discharged for being gay. Many people like them have bravely served America, only to face a dishonorable discharge just for their desire to spend their lives with another human being whom they love, which is not a crime in this country. And many Americans want to answer the call to service, but they are deterred by their government, which shamelessly tells them to hide who they are while others do not have to adhere to the same terms. I deplore this double standard, and I hope you do too.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act will end dishonorable discharges for a crime that does not exist, thus retaining and attracting many skilled military professionals. It will also end the double standard of forcing gay, lesbian, and bisexual soldiers — but not straight ones — to remain silent about their sexuality. Congressmen Blumenauer, DeFazio, and Wu, as well as 123 more of your House colleagues, support this bill. I urge you to join them.

Enclosed for your convenience is a copy of 10 U.S.C. § 654, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" statute. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully yours,

[valediction withheld]