This Veterans Day, we have a unique opportunity to thank the countless men and women in uniform who have risked their lives to defend the freedoms we take for granted. As we commemorate our nation's brave patriots – past and present, gay and straight – it is also a time for those who believe in the American values of justice and equality to speak up for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the 1993 federal law that mandates qualified service members be fired on the basis of sexual orientation. Since DADT was enacted, the armed forces have lost more than 14,000 patriots with countless others denied the opportunity to serve.
Today the question of whether DADT will be repealed this year hangs in the balance. This week, critical discussions took place among key senators including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Senator Carl Levin (Michigan) and ranking member Senator John McCain (Arizona) about voting on DADT repeal during the upcoming lame-duck session.
McCain wants repeal language stripped out of the defense bill so he is not forced to take an on-the-record vote against funding the troops, and he wants the Democrats to give in to his outrageous demands. His tactics are out of line, out of the mainstream, and do not support the troops we should be honoring.
Congress has passed a defense bill every year for 48 consecutive years. In addition to repealing DADT, the defense bill would also increase pay to all service members, authorize needed benefits for veterans and wounded warriors, and launch military construction projects at bases nationwide. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has called on Congress to end DADT this year by passing the defense bill during the Senate's lame-duck session.
Repeal supporters in all 50 states must make sure Secretary Gates's call for repeal is heard by every senator. Stand up against Senator McCain and call both your senators right now. Urge them to vote on the defense bill as reported out of the Armed Services Committee and pass it before the Senate goes home for the year.
Opponents of repeal are trying to dominate the debate, but we cannot let them have the final say on the future of DADT. Earlier this week, the American Family Association sent out an action alert that called repeal part of a "dangerous agenda" by Congress.
We have to push back now. The clock is ticking and the stakes for repeal happening this year couldn't be greater. We are counting on advocates like you to pick up the phone today and tell your senators they need to repeal this law, this year. Call the Senate switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
Calling your senators is only the first step. Have every member of your family contact their senators too, and tell your friends to spread the word. The numbers matter. Calls to Senate offices are tracked and can have a real impact on legislation.
Far too many Senate offices are inundated with calls from a vocal minority who don't believe gays and lesbians should have the opportunity to serve the country they love. Letting fear and bigotry win the day is not an option. If the Senate fails to repeal this terrible injustice this year, our military will lose even more of the fine patriots it needs during a time of two wars.
We simply cannot let that happen. The cost of continued DADT discrimination is too high, and our service members do not deserve yet more delay on repeal.
If Americans from coast to coast push the call for DADT repeal to senators in all 50 states, we can achieve victory for our patriots and ensure that the American promise of liberty and justice for all is a reality.
Starting this Veterans Day we can show respect for all patriots. Our two California senators are firm repeal supporters. Urge Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nevada), Senator Levin and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to pass the defense bill as reported out of committee during lame-duck session by calling the Senate switchboard today at (202) 224-3121.
Gays and lesbians have served with honor and distinction throughout American history, and continue to serve with pride in every branch of the armed services. It is well past time to honor them by voting for repeal of DADT this year.
Bay Area resident Zoe Dunning is a retired U.S. Navy commander.