PA Congressman Patrick Murphy ups pressure for repeal of DADT

PA Congressman Patrick Murphy ups pressure for repeal of DADT

“So it was OK to waterboard a guy over 80 times but God forbid the guy who could understand what that prick was saying has a boyfriend.”–Jon Stewart It has been a big day for the repeal of DADT.  Specifically, there is word that Congress (both chambers) will consider amendments of the Defense Reauthorizaton Act, […]

State of the Nation on DADT

State of the Nation on DADT

A post over at Daily Kos on the potental impassability of the DADT repeal and the consequences of such. These activists share not a common organizer, but rather a common complaint: “Our needs are not being addressed. We are tired of being marginalized and ignored. It is not OK to toss us out of the […]

Trib Letter to Editor on Repeal of DADT

Trib Letter to Editor on Repeal of DADT

Groan.  Colonel Richard Young of Texas, formerly of Ellwood Cty has a letter to the editor in the Trib.  He argues against the repeal of DADT because it will impinge on military chaplains.  While chaplains are willing to minister to everyone, including people they disagree with, they cannot allow the government to censor parts of […]

The Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has impact on Pittsburgh's "Don't Ask, Don't Report" issues

The Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has impact on Pittsburgh's "Don't Ask, Don't Report" issues

Keeping up with “breaking” news on an significant legislative issue is tough, but we don't have the luxury of overlooking the big picture, especially when there is an intersection with federal and state/local issues. There are two pressing federal issues -the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) and the passage of the Employment Nondiscriminaton […]

Repeal of DADT – White House says no?

Repeal of DADT – White House says no?

Reports from the blogosphere indicate the White House may be trying to stall Congressional repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  OK, let me try to summarize this …. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates issued a letter vaguely warning Congress NOT to include repeal of DADT in the military appropriations bill because they need to keep […]

Get Equal Targets Senate Armed Forces Commititee

No one from the Pennsylvania delegation serves on this committee.  Would you participate if they did?  Would you risk arrest and/or being cited?  When I think about this, I have to keep in my mind my career as a social worker.  I have to maintain my criminal history clearances, both in PA and through the […]

Update: Protestors stage sit-in at Senator John McCain's office over DADT

Attached is the letter to Senator John McCain from First Class Petty Officer Lonnie Allen. Update 4:45 PM The protestors are not from Get Equal or Equality Across America.  They belong to an Arizona organization called HERO (Human and Equal Rights Organizers) based on Phoenix. The protestors are reported to have been arrested, cited and […]

Federal Marshalls Call Transgender Veteran "Shim"

Federal Marshalls Call Transgender Veteran "Shim"

Quick notes this morning.  Read this account from blogger and transgender activist Autumn Sandeen at Pam's House Blend.  It describes her processing by US Federal Marshalls who treated her with disrespect and in direct violation of their own policies for processing transgender men and women.  Autumn is a decorated military veteran who engaged in civil disobedience […]

Letter to the editor – DADT

Letter to the editor – DADT

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, […]