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Home › Politics

Politics | 05/08/2009 10:05 am

Obama Pledges 'Don't Ask' Repeal in Letter to Ousted Soldier (Video)

The president remains ‘committed’ to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell as soldier vows fight on Rachel Maddow.
By The Staff at wowOwow.com

Sandy Tsao, a lesbian, found herself fired from the military because of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," which prohibits gay Americans from serving in the armed services.

Distraught, Tsao sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to repeal the legislation, a point that was key to his presidential campaign. The president’s been shying away from Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell since taking office, so imagine Tsao’s surprise when she received a handwritten letter from Obama pledging to do away with the restrictive law. Wrote the president:

Thanks for the wonderful and thoughtful letter. It is because of outstanding Americans like you that I committed to changing our current policy. Although it will take some time to complete (partly because it needs Congressional actions) I intend to fulfill my commitment!

No doubt gay-rights activists will be pleased with the news — but what do you think, reader? Should gays and lesbians be allowed in the army?

Meanwhile, another gay soldier who lost his job, Dan Choi, told Rachel Maddow last night that he intends to fight "tooth and nail" to end DADT.

Watch:

Read more about: Barack Obama, Dan Choi, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Gay, Military, News, Politics, Rachel Maddow, Sandy Tsao, Video

20 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Maggie W
If they ae not diseased, delusional, or have any affiliations with terrorist or criminal organizations, why shouldn’t they serve?
By Maggie W on 05/08/2009 10:53 am
DeBúrca obj
Whether or not President Obama is able to repeal the idiotic "Don’t ask don’t tell" law right away, what he can do is sign an executive order TODAY telling the military to suspend implementation of the policy. Especially in the case of Dan Choi, it is absolutely insane to discharge an Arab-speaking linguist from the military because he is gay!
By DeBúrca obj on 05/08/2009 10:57 am
Kelly In Texas

I agree with you DeBurca.

As with heterosexuals, any conduct unbecoming should be dealt with…as it occurs. There are laws in place regarding sexual behavior in the military. If anyone heterosexual, or homosexual commit an offense, then and only then should it be dealt with.

 

By Kelly In Texas on 05/08/2009 9:08 pm
Amanda C

i agree as well, kelly!

but it should only be dealt with has comitting a sexual offense - not that they were involved in a homosexual sexual offense.

By Amanda C on 05/09/2009 3:32 pm
Kelly In Texas
Yes…why the distinction? A sexual offense is a sexual offense….
By Kelly In Texas on 05/09/2009 4:30 pm
Amanda C

i am really glad we agree on something, kelly. *hugs*

i just hope we are open enough to learn from one another in issues we disagree with.

i hope the weather in your area is as lovely as it is in mine!

By Amanda C on 05/11/2009 2:32 pm
Kelly In Texas
Ya know Lemon Tea…we probably agree on much more than we realize.
By Kelly In Texas on 05/11/2009 11:03 pm
C Hardy
I dont see what the big deal is about gays in the military but the last time I voiced my opinion about why some do mind, I got attached by several people so if its appealed great but others in the Military dont feel that way for their own reasons.
By C Hardy on 05/08/2009 12:29 pm
Slinky Binx
I don’t see what the big deal is for gays in the military.  There have always been gays in the military, there always will be.  The whole DADT is pathetic.   Why would anyone agree to let go of some of our top Arab linguists because their gay? If that is not beyond stupid, I don’t know what is.  Maybe the Iraq/Middle East solution would be easier to solve to if they actually had people who could understand what’s being said and written.  Sheesh. 
By Slinky Binx on 05/08/2009 1:01 pm
caj p
I do agree they should be allowed in the military that old "don’t ask don’t tell" policy is plain stupid and should be thrown out.  These folks are prepared to fight for their country no matter what their sexual orientation and if they are injured or shot their blood is the same color as anybody else.
By caj p on 05/08/2009 3:33 pm
DeBúrca obj
Armies don’t come much tougher than the Israeli Army and they allow gays and lesbians in.
By DeBúrca obj on 05/08/2009 5:44 pm
Kelly In Texas
Absolutey DeBurca…good point.
By Kelly In Texas on 05/08/2009 9:20 pm
Andrea Brandon

Considering that we no longer have a draft system the military should be thankful that anyone joins up. This business of homophobia is being carried too far so I will be very glad to see that old rules are buried.

By Andrea Brandon on 05/08/2009 7:46 pm
starry Nite

Let all Americans serve - we need them.

By starry Nite on 05/08/2009 8:30 pm
Lizzie R.
There is absolutely no reason for this. A lot of good soldiers were discharged only because they were gay. Intelligent men/women were  not retaind, and it is a very bad policy which should be done away with immediately.
By Lizzie R. on 05/08/2009 11:54 pm
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