Repeal of DADT

From Day One, President Obama has said that the question wasn't if, but when, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" would be repealed. Now we know the answer. This morning, the President signed repeal into law -- setting into motion an end to this discriminatory policy that weakened our military and forced some brave men and women to lie about who they are. It was a moment for the history books -- possible only because the President wasn't alone in his determination to get this done before the end of the year.

As this discriminatory law falls into the rubbish heap we move closer to the ideals this country was founded upon; a country dedicated to the idea that all men and women are created equal and deserve all the rights and responsibilities inherent in being a citizen. Sexual orientation is not chosen, and therefore part of who you are as a person. To deny that is to deny you the dignity of being a complete person, and this is outright discrimination and not worthy of this country. We must continuously be on the alert at how individual civil liberties are challenged and sometimes eroded in society and do what we can to contradict that erosion.

Today we can feel proud that as a country we move closer to being that perfect union so passionately dreamed of and fought for throughout our history.

Follow the link for the speech given on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 by President Obama.

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/TellRe