best men and women in our military. With many of our troops serving long
deployments overseas, it even more timely that we support all our troops,
regardless of their sexual orientation.
As a U.S. Congresswoman, I am proud to work to repel DADT. I am an
original co-sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA).
The MREA ends the discriminatory practices of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and
replaces it with a policy of non-discrimination. Moreover, MREA permits the
13,500 discharged members under DADT to re-enter the military without
the consideration of their previous separation.
During a recent Senate Armed Forces Committee hearing, Secretary Robert
Gates of the Defense Department articulated his “full support” for the repeal
of DADT. In addition, Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff agreed that “letting gays and lesbians in the military is the right thing to
do”. More importantly, they have both suggested that being gay or lesbian
does not hinder an individual’s performance in the military. This is clear
indication that the DADT is an unsound and discriminatory policy.
We are making great strides on behalf of the gay and lesbian women in our
military. However, there is still much more to be done; not only in repealing
DADT, but in all the battles the GLBT community must face.
CLICK HERE for more on Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
- EXCLUSIVELY in AMBIENTE
CONTACT: Alex Cruz, Director - Cong. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Alex.Cruz@mail.house.gov
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE.
Do not reproduce without citing this source
deployments overseas, it even more timely that we support all our troops,
regardless of their sexual orientation.
As a U.S. Congresswoman, I am proud to work to repel DADT. I am an
original co-sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA).
The MREA ends the discriminatory practices of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and
replaces it with a policy of non-discrimination. Moreover, MREA permits the
13,500 discharged members under DADT to re-enter the military without
the consideration of their previous separation.
During a recent Senate Armed Forces Committee hearing, Secretary Robert
Gates of the Defense Department articulated his “full support” for the repeal
of DADT. In addition, Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff agreed that “letting gays and lesbians in the military is the right thing to
do”. More importantly, they have both suggested that being gay or lesbian
does not hinder an individual’s performance in the military. This is clear
indication that the DADT is an unsound and discriminatory policy.
We are making great strides on behalf of the gay and lesbian women in our
military. However, there is still much more to be done; not only in repealing
DADT, but in all the battles the GLBT community must face.
CLICK HERE for more on Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
- EXCLUSIVELY in AMBIENTE
CONTACT: Alex Cruz, Director - Cong. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Alex.Cruz@mail.house.gov
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE.
Do not reproduce without citing this source
www.ambiente.us MACH | MARZO 2010
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Regardless of a patriot’s sexual orientation, we all agree that our military needs the
best and brightest men and women to protect our nation. The idea that qualified
service member would be dismissed based solely on sexual preference is
counterproductive. Our all-volunteer military is made possible only by the dedication of
brave men and women who are willing to serve, and members of the gay and lesbian
community are proud to step up to the challenge.
The current Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy negatively affects both the military and
our country. DADT requires service men and women to hide their sexual orientation in
order to serve in the military. This policy was enacted in the early 90’s and has long
since seen its usefulness come to pass.
Although DADT allowed gay and lesbian service members to serve, it did so at a high
cost. This policy of exclusion undermines the military’s aim of self enlistment and it
undermines the perceived worth of each affected individual. Along with alienating
many individuals of our military, this failed policy has also come with burdensome
financial impacts. In 2009, an estimated $12 million were lost to DADT. Overall, the
University of California Blue Ribbon Commission estimates the total financial impact of
DADT hovers above $190.5 million. In this tough economic climate we cannot afford to
waste more money on failed policy.
The injustice of DADT must be repealed in
order to make sure we continue to have the
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Regardless of a patriot’s sexual orientation, we all agree that our military needs the
best and brightest men and women to protect our nation. The idea that qualified
service member would be dismissed based solely on sexual preference is
counterproductive. Our all-volunteer military is made possible only by the dedication of
brave men and women who are willing to serve, and members of the gay and lesbian
community are proud to step up to the challenge.
The current Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy negatively affects both the military and
our country. DADT requires service men and women to hide their sexual orientation in
order to serve in the military. This policy was enacted in the early 90’s and has long
since seen its usefulness come to pass.
Although DADT allowed gay and lesbian service members to serve, it did so at a high
cost. This policy of exclusion undermines the military’s aim of self enlistment and it
undermines the perceived worth of each affected individual. Along with alienating
many individuals of our military, this failed policy has also come with burdensome
financial impacts. In 2009, an estimated $12 million were lost to DADT. Overall, the
University of California Blue Ribbon Commission estimates the total financial impact of
DADT hovers above $190.5 million. In this tough economic climate we cannot afford to
waste more money on failed policy.
The injustice of DADT must be repealed in
order to make sure we continue to have the
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