Aaron Belkin: It’s Discrimination, Stupid

September 21, 2010

Posted by Aaron Belkin on huffingtonpost.com:

"This week, the Senate will finally vote on the defense spending bill containing language that paves the way for the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' next year. As the votes are counted, we should keep in mind that this vote ultimately comes down to one question only: should the military discriminate against gay and lesbian troops or not.

"That may be obvious to some. But many of those who support filibustering the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the bill containing the repeal measure, have sought to obfuscate this fundamental reality by pretending that the NDAA debate is a procedural one -- rooted in the motions and measures of the Senate, and far removed from our service academies and battlefields where gay and lesbian cadets and service members struggle daily to navigate the minefield that 'don't ask, don't tell' has made of their careers.

"Just look at the rhetoric used by leading filibuster proponent Sen. John McCain. Explaining his opposition to the NDAA, McCain criticized 'the truncated process and partisan manner in which the Majority is forcing through a de facto repeal of a long-standing policy.'

"Even supposed GOP moderates like Sen. Susan Collins -- who, unlike McCain, previously voted for the repeal measure -- are echoing these disingenuous words. In explaining her failure to take a stand for the NDAA, her spokesman hid behind the implication that the Democrats were denying a 'full and open debate' by limiting amendments on the bill.

"Both McCain and Collins would have us believe that a vote to filibuster the NDAA is about procedural issues -- a mere act of protest against strong-arm tactics supposedly used by the Democratic majority in bringing the bill to the floor. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"As the two senators know full well, the NDAA is the sole chance Congress will have to enable the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' prior to the November elections, and likely before the 113th Congress begins in January of 2013. This means that any vote to filibuster the NDAA is a vote to continue 'don't ask, don't tell' for years to come. And a vote to continue 'don't ask, don't tell' is a vote to continue discrimination against the thousands of gay and lesbian service members who serve our country."

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Please call your Senators now and tell them to support repealing this discriminatory policy: 202-224-3121