House votes to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Baby step (0.00 / 0)

This seems to be a baby step toward what really needs to happen with lots of potential roadblocks that the bigots can exploit to derail equal rights.

Blog: http://www.deciminyan.org

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by: deciminyan @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 02:34:16 AM UTC

Senate action on DADT (0.00 / 0)

Similar legislation passed the Senate Armed Services Committee today. The full Senate is due to vote on the matter next month.

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Sen. Ted Kennedy

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by: Bill Orr @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 02:37:44 AM UTC

Potosnak on Lance's vote (NJ7) (4.00 / 1)

"Today's votes in the House and Senate signal the beginning of the end of a discriminatory policy that existed within the ranks of our service men and women for far too long. This policy was implemented in 1993 under the guise of 'compromise,' but in reality, all it did was encourage prejudice and discrimination. Ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' promotes honesty and integrity, reduces costs, restores the otherwise lost military potential of LGBT service members, as well as the billions of dollars spent prosecuting gays in the military.

"This vote strengthens our military at a critical time."

Potosnak's support for repeal is in stark contrast to the incumbent freshman Leonard Lance, who voted against measure. "Since going to Washington Leonard has changed, and this vote represents blind alliance with the conservative Republican leadership, no matter the policy, no matter the consequences," Potosnak said.

"On this, and many of his votes, Leonard will be on the wrong side of history."

 

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

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by: Hopeful @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 04:47:39 AM UTC

Lance (0.00 / 0)

I am surprised that leonard lance voted no because he seems more empathetic and highminded than the tea bagger crowd that's nipping at his well-heeled heels.

activist for hire.

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by: Jay Lassiter @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 08:59:17 AM UTC

Potosnak (0.00 / 0)

It's just another example of Leonard Lance, who was more independent from his GOP during his time in the NJ legislature, now caving to the Republican Party in the House. That elephant is a hard taskmaster.

Ed Potosnak should be able to make some noise with this.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 17:09:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Rep. John Adler statement (0.00 / 0)

Arrived this morning:

Last night, I proudly voted to repeal the shameful "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy.

Since 1994, over 14,000 patriotic Americans have been discharged from our military under this misguided law.  It is an outrage that gays and lesbians, who are willing to risk their life to keep our families safe and free, are not allowed to serve our country openly and honestly.

As we continue to fight two wars and work to curb a growing deficit, America cannot afford to waste money denying qualified and patriotic individuals the right to serve. I am proud to join with President Obama, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mullen, Secretary of Defense Gates, General Petraeus, and former General Colin Powell to support ending "Don't Ask Don't Tell."

This policy hurts our national security and goes against the very fabric of our country.  Repealing this discriminatory law will allow our country to take one more additional step towards becoming a more perfect union.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 17:10:30 PM UTC

It ain't over until it's over (0.00 / 0)

The House vote was higher than expected.  Patrick Kennedy, a passionate anti-war advocate and leader for the bill, once again wore his heart on his sleeve. Rep. Rob Andrews, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and was active in steering the military appropriations bill, spoke on the floor several times in support of ending DADT.

In the Senate the most curious Quisling chameleon is Senator McCain who has threatened a filibuster against DADT. "It ain't over until it's over."

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Sen. Ted Kennedy

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by: Bill Orr @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 18:13:44 PM UTC

Rush Holt statement (0.00 / 0)

Issued this afternoon:

(Washington, DC) - U.S. Rep. Rush Holt today issued the following statement after supporting the repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell" pending the conclusion of the Department of Defense review and certification by the President, Defense Secretary, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"Critics claim that allowing gays to serve in the military will damage morale. In fact, gays have served in our military since the American Revolution.  The supposed 'damaged morale' didn't lead to our losing to the Redcoats or surrendering to the Germans in two World Wars.  Allowing gay Americans to serve openly won't weaken morale in our armed forces. Rather, overturning the misguided Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy will strengthen our military and prevent the hemorrhage of critical talent from an already-overstretched American military engaged in two wars. President Truman was right to desegregate the Armed Forces more than half a century ago and we are right to ensure that LGBT soldiers finally can serve openly."

 

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 18:21:39 PM UTC

David Larsen (NJ-7 GOP candidate) (0.00 / 0)

David Larsen, running a Tea Party primary challenge to Rep. Leonard Lance
just sent the following statement to Joey Novick who requested a statement on Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which Joey just sent us. Larsen:

The voice of the military personnel is clear.  So Mr. Larsen would not vote to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri May 28, 2010 at 19:04:14 PM UTC