Karen Mesko's piece in the Post-Gazette draw an appreciative letter from another person discharged under this policy.

Essay hit home

Thank you for publishing the excellent piece by Karen Mesko regarding the "don't ask, don't tell" policy ("To Be a Soldier ... or a Human Being," Feb. 21 Forum).

I was discharged under "don't ask, don't tell" in February 2003. Like Ms. Mesko, I was an outstanding performer and was selected as the Fort Sill Soldier of the Year in 2001. Her essay captured what it was like to serve under "don't ask, don't tell" and the additional sacrifice gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers are forced to make: the freedom to love and build a family.

I'd like to repeat one sentence she wrote, because I cannot say it any better myself: "The person you build a life with is not a hobby or a 'lifestyle' you can just as easily keep private as not. 'Don't ask, don't tell' is not about discretion, but the dehumanization of gay service members simply because of who they love."

Thank you, again, for publishing such an excellent piece.

PEPE N. JOHNSON
Clarksburg, W.Va.

sdf

I'm hanging at Hoi Polloi today.  I fully intended to find good information on LGBT community, but I've been distracted by the Scrabble and news from the earthquakes in Chili and Argentina.

So here's a little round up.

An Italian chef was fired for suggesting, however tongue in cheek, that people could cook their cats if they lacked other meat. 

A North Carolina elected official describes the "Obama tsunami" which <gasp> increased voter turnout among the African-American community.  He's no friend to the homos either. (h/t Pam's House Blend)

Groundbreaking news from HUD with regard to a discrimination study for the LGBT community.

Time for Democracy for Pittsburgh endorsements. (h/t 2 Political Junkies)

The Tea Party got cancelled cause its slippy out.

That's all I got.

If you are free Sunday evening, please join us at Hoi Polloi for a "house" party for Joe Hoeffel. 

Joe will be joining us via videoconference to take your live questions. So this is a great opportunity to talk informally with the campaign staff AND to ask your specific questions. 

We'll have some of Hoi Polloi's signature finger foods (homemade!) and all the coffee you can drink (tea, too even though it isn't one of "those" kind of parties) compliments of your host committee.  There will be a cash "coffee bar" if you crave a special drink and you can also order off the menu. 

Hope to see you there!

They had me when I saw this ...

Partner/Spouse!  We even get top billing. 

@JoeHoeffel