Rep. Frank gets emotional at DADT repeal signing

[babylonsister]

What an insult to compare him to boner. :mad:

http://washingtonscene.thehill.com/in-the-know/36-news/7595-frank-gets-emotional-at-dadt-repeal-signing-

Rep. Frank gets emotional at DADT repeal signing
December 21, 2010, 4:07 pm by Christina Wilkie



In a scene reminiscent of incoming House Speaker John Boehner's (R-Ohio) recent tearful episodes, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) was overcome with emotion on Tuesday during a signing ceremony for the repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, which prevents gay men and women from serving in the military.

Standing to the left of outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Frank could be seen holding back tears as he hugged Pelosi before she sat down to sign the bill before a packed auditorium in the Capitol Visitor Center.

Joining Frank and Pelosi on stage was Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.), who originally introduced the stand-alone repeal bill in the House, as well as three members of the Armed Forces who were discharged under the policy, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Vasquez, Air Force Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, and Air Force Maj. Mike Almy.

Frank, who is openly gay, has advocated strongly for the repeal of the 17 year-old policy. Repeal became a reality this past Sunday when a stand-alone bill passed the Senate. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation on Wednesday.

[Happyhippychick]

1. What an experience for him to be a part of. It brings tears to my eyes too.

[dsc]

2. actually alone among current House members

he knows what it is like to serve in the military as a gay man. He did so during the 1950's. I can easily see why he got emotional.

[impik]

3. Moving. Thanks for posting.

[bigwillq]

4. K and R (nt)

[ProSense]

5. There are some

wonderful photos here.

[targetpractice]

6. No doubt... This is an ENORMOUS real and symbolic step forward...

I remember years ago when I was just coming out.. We took a road trip to NYC for Gay Pride — It was the first year that the Empire State Building displayed lavender lights for the week. I remember my sense of awe and gratitude for that gesture — My tears flowed because the city of New York recognized me at a time when I was just coming to terms with the fact that I wasn't what I was supposed to be. Although the lighting was per Leona Helmsley's request... I felt the biggest and best city on the planet acknowledged me for who I am and "had my back."

Each night I looked at the lights... I tried to imagine what the workers placing lavender gels on the floodlights were thinking... I'm sure some were older and traditional, and probably complained... But, they did it anyway... because it was their job... The world didn't end for them. I doubt any of them resigned in protest. And, they've done it again each year since.

I think the repeal of DADT is similarly symbolic... Young people struggling with their identity will welcome the policy change... And, when they see the military ranks carry out the policy (because it's their job)... They will gain a new sense of courage, because the "biggest and best military on the planet" acknowledges them and "has their back."

Upon edit: Allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the US military is a "sea change" in our society... No wonder the conservatives heads are exploding.

[bigwillq]

7. Good post.

I had a similar experience at a Pride parade in NYC. It was very emotional being surrounded by thousands of "my people". Great day. Great experience. I had a blast.
:hi: :hug:

[alsame]

8. Video clip of him speaking here:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2010/12/21/sot.frank.homosexual.agenda.cnn

(after an ad)

[ProSense]

9. Loved it. Thanks. n/t

[dennis4868]

10. i thought the repeal signing is tomorrow?

:shrug:

[alsame]

11. This was the House repeal. Tomorrow is the President. nt

[dennis4868]

12. thanks!

[Creative]

13. Barney Boehner...?

[jefferson_dem]

14. Oh happy day-I signed #DADT repeal, sending to @whitehouse for President's sig into law tomorrow!

Oh happy day-I signed #DADT repeal, sending to @whitehouse for President's sig into law tomorrow!

http://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/17370577954148352

SpeakerPelosi
Speaker Nancy Pelosi