Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
USA Today
May 2, 2008
Pg. 14
It becomes more apparent every day that the statute banning gays and lesbians from military service known as "don't ask, don't tell" has got to go. The latest evidence comes in USA TODAY's recent story "More forced to stay in Army" (News, April 22).
Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., a member of the House Armed Services Committee and retired vice admiral, is quoted as saying the Army is "unraveling a bit" and "under tremendous strain."
In an attempt to supply the necessary number of troops, the Army is following a policy of involuntary extensions of duty known as "stop loss." In 10 months, the number of troops forced to remain in the Army rose 43%. The trend is accelerating despite the Defense secretary's order to limit it. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., finds it alarming. Troop morale is sinking.
Repealing "don't ask, don't tell" is not going to solve the Army's recruitment problems, but at least it would allow those gay men and women who want to serve to do so openly, and it would prevent the discharge of those who are already in the service. Not only is it the practical thing to do, it is also the only fair and just thing to do.
Polls show the American people see that. Why can't Congress?
Aubrey Sarvis, Executive director, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Washington
Editor's Note: The article by Tom Vanden Brook appeared in the Current News Early Bird, April 22, 2008.
May 2, 2008
Pg. 14
It becomes more apparent every day that the statute banning gays and lesbians from military service known as "don't ask, don't tell" has got to go. The latest evidence comes in USA TODAY's recent story "More forced to stay in Army" (News, April 22).
Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., a member of the House Armed Services Committee and retired vice admiral, is quoted as saying the Army is "unraveling a bit" and "under tremendous strain."
In an attempt to supply the necessary number of troops, the Army is following a policy of involuntary extensions of duty known as "stop loss." In 10 months, the number of troops forced to remain in the Army rose 43%. The trend is accelerating despite the Defense secretary's order to limit it. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., finds it alarming. Troop morale is sinking.
Repealing "don't ask, don't tell" is not going to solve the Army's recruitment problems, but at least it would allow those gay men and women who want to serve to do so openly, and it would prevent the discharge of those who are already in the service. Not only is it the practical thing to do, it is also the only fair and just thing to do.
Polls show the American people see that. Why can't Congress?
Aubrey Sarvis, Executive director, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Washington
Editor's Note: The article by Tom Vanden Brook appeared in the Current News Early Bird, April 22, 2008.