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 FBI.  Given the disparity with which arresting officials and the courts respond to these demonstrations ... it is a tough call. 

Or I am just taking the easy way out?  We don't have a direct action group in Pittsburgh except for Bash Back and that's not quite what I'm looking for.  It would be great to sit down with the old school activists and have that conversation. 

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 released. 

Photo from the event courtesy of Luis Garcia.

Meg Sneed, Jimmy Gruender, Lee Walters, (Lonnie) Allen Howard-Stidham and Luisa Valdez

More photos here. (h/t Feast of Fun)

From Towleroad.

Five protestors are staging a sit-in at Senator John McCain's office to demand the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Staff is threatening to have them arrested. They are demanding to speak with the Senator.

Also, new group - Equal Across the US in the spirit of Get Equal. 

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@EqualAcrossUS

@GetEqual

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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 to protest Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  This is shameful conduct on the part of the arresting officials.