I haven't spoken out much here about LGBT issues

[bigtree]

It's because it's a subject that I feel like I'm viewing from the outside looking in. I guess you can say that I've been afraid to put my foot in where I've not personally tread. I listen and read, mostly, to find my bearings on the issues related to the LGBT community. I also have my natural instinct to accept most anything adults choose to do when it comes to relationships. It's not really complicated at all for me to accept and appreciate homosexual relationships, as I would accept any loving relationship.

So I can only react with hurt, frustration, sadness, and anger toward those who choose to impose their own prejudices on others by denying them the rights and benefits of citizenship that we should all be afforded. I feel this instinctively, and I am as dumbfounded by the hate, fear, and animosity toward the LGBT community as I have been by the hate, fear, and animosity I've experienced because of the dark color of my skin. I'm desperate to make things right for our communities and I'm dedicated to be a partner in any and all efforts to tear down the walls of discrimination and advantage opportunities for success and happiness.

I see that we're coming to a 'Lucy-Charlie Brown football' moment where republicans and Lieberman have promised they'll be there for cloture votes to allow a free-standing DADT repeal bill to advance to the President's desk for signature. I should be feeling good about this, and, I do. I'm also mad as hell.

The issue of whether gays and lesbians can honorably and capably serve in the military is a moot point. The only issue that has remained and persisted has been the ability of a handful of small-minded legislators, military leaders, and judges to maneuver to deny those rights and privileges. That perverse ability to continue to exercise that discrimination in the face what has been painfully evident to majorities of Americans for decades will finally be swept away by the simple act of handful of republicans agreeing with a nearly unanimous Democratic majority.

Was it really that simple? Nothing about these individuals who have chosen to serve, and who will choose to serve, will change from this moment to the anticipated vote to accept the House bill. Nothing; except for everything they have chosen to fight for, sacrifice, and defend on the behalf of our nation.

The DADT repeal was stripped from the defense bill to keep the legislators who didn't want to eventually be forced to vote for a defense bill with DADT language in it - who likely are relieved that their vicious, petty game they've played with these folk's lives is ending without any of their own blood shed - to keep them from having their name attached to something they've made such a successful political enterprise opposing.

History is littered with the names of bigots and opportunists who exploited differences among us for their own petty indulgence or gain. For the legislators who have insisted they support DADT repeal, but couldn't bring themselves to allow it to come for a vote, Saturday will be their day of reckoning. They'll no longer be able to hide behind the political process that's denied justice for so long. They are either going to step up and vote for repeal or be relegated to the dung heap of history, along with the rest who've openly opposed the integration of our Armed Services. The time for straddling is over. We're about to kick that ball . . .

[sharp_stick]

1. Well put

this vote will also expose the bigots for who they are. They can no longer hide behind bullshit like I'd vote for DADT repeal except it's part of this other bill. This time they vote on the one issue, they go on record voting on that one issue.

As a straight man I can't wait for the legal repeal of this idiotic legislation.

There will be no upheaval in the forces, the people sharing barracks know who their gay colleagues are, they help them cover it up so the CO, who probably also knows, doesn't have to bump it up the chain to have their friend discharged.

I look forward to this vote passing with great anticipation.

[MuseRider]

2. Speak out!

We allies are needed. We have our own work to do with these issues. The more of us there are speaking out the better our chances and we are going to need everyone to keep what we have gained and try to push for more.

I was intimidated for a long time. Things I said often sounded wrong because my starting point was as a straight woman and it took me a while with some very kind people teaching me why the way I said something was not helpful. You will find that once people know what is in your heart they will kindly direct you. Please consider being very involved. We are needed.

[pinto]

3. Kick

:kick:

[RKP5637]

4. Exceptionally well said!

[bigtree]

5. kick

(library blogging this week) signing off . . .

[Duncan Grant]

6. Let's hear it for LGBT allies!

Thanks, bigtree -- I appreciate your post very much. :thumbsup:

It's hard for me to be hopeful about substantive LGBT legislation these days but I do hope we see something of historic magnitude on DADT very soon.

[QC]

7. Thank you so much for posting this. n/t

[bigwillq]

8. Good post.

K and R. :thumbsup:

[myrna minx]

9. Thank you. K&R n/t

[davidinalameda]

10. glad we have you as an ally

wish we had more like you on here

[Duncan Grant]

11. kick (nt)

:kick: