Dear friends,
Repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell"
1. Watch the video
2. Sign the petition
People choose their line of work for different reasons. After working in various aspects of the film industry, I choose to work with Robert Greenwald because I felt he had a passion to make a difference on key social issues ? issues that I also felt needed 'adjustment'. This work is not always fun, but it does give me and the group I work with a sense of satisfaction knowing we are accomplished our goals with the help of people like you.
During my time here I have been able to meet many other people whose work provides inspiration for their lives. Recently we met a man who studied and worked hard to get such a job. It was a job that he sought because he knew he had the capacity to do it well. It was a job that made a difference in the lives of many US servicemembers and it was a job that he performed honorably with devotion. Unfortunately, he is now prevented from doing this job because of his sexuality.
Watch the video: http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=jq7iFQ6Ayxh0LBVCWSwzARGLY7VvfefS
Since 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' became law, over 11,000 servicemembers have been discharged (nina here--i highlighted this for emphasis--11,000?! REDICULOUS!!) because of their sexuality. The number of servicemembers who have left on their own volition, or have decided not to re-enlist because of this law is not documented. The government has spent over $363 million dollars in taxpayer money to implement (another emphasis of mine. imagine where that money could be going instead.) this unfair legislation. Dozens of other countries, many of whom have fought side-by-side with our soldiers, allow lesbians, gays and bisexuals to serve openly. Those are the facts and they have nothing to do with a servicemembers passion and skill to perform his duty.
At Brave New Foundation we have fought many battles for people's rights and to shed light on particular subjects, but this battle is different. It is different because it is dealing with sexuality and that is a topic that has long been taboo in this country. It is different because it is dealing with perceptions and prejudices that are ingrained into our very core from years of misinformation about what 'gay' means. We feel strongly that it is time to allow lesbians, gays, and bisexuals to not live in fear of losing their hard won and extremely vital jobs because of their sexuality. Please help us by signing the petition to your Congressmember to LIFT THE BAN and support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act which will allow gays to volunteer to join the military.
The United States was built on personal freedom. It seems incomprehensible that something as personal as a consenting man or woman's sexual preference will not allow them to proudly and openly serve to defend their country. Lift the ban and let them serve!
Thanks for all of your support.
Sincerely,Jim Miller and the team at Brave New Foundation
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5 comments:
I think comedian Jeff Wayne summed up the argument perfectly.
"First of all, who the hell wants to be in the military?!"
But in all seriousness, it is almost barbaric that we are even having this conversation these days. You gotta consider, there are a lot of machoheaded guys in the military who've likely raised a huge stink.
"I don't wanna be bunkmates with no faggot!"
"I don't want some queer watching me undress!"
or the fallback that everyone uses- "I don't want some gay guy hitting on me."
i had a friend in the 1990's who was in the navy. he told me some tales that sickened me--about that macho mentality. his CO encouraged the sailors to sleep with local prostitutes when they would port. it didn't matter if the guys were married or not. if a man refused (my friend was one of them), he was harassed terribly and all but ex-communicated. i mean honestly--if it is true men need that release, why don't they encourage the old fashioned hand job??
frankly, i would be flattered if a lesbian came onto me. of course i may not have enjoyed that attention 20 years ago. after all, i'm 40 and when you get older, you take compliments when you can get them. :)
the guys i work with seem to be obsessed with pointing out their dislike of gays, doing so at even the slightest opportunity.
i just stay silent and try to focus on my job.
but i guess no one ever said it would be simple. complexity ad infinitum seems to be an apt description of the world we live in.
complex, yes. so true.
what we most fear is what we often judge the most.
you could always mention the name "ted haggard". :)
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