A Shout-Out to Congressman Larsen
The Whatcom County Democrats in Washington are calling on Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA) to get onboard with repeal . . . and to keep his promise to a constituent and veteran.
In a July 28 letter to Larsen (pictured), the group's chair, Barry Buchanan, wrote that "On behalf of the Whatcom County Democrats, I am writing to you regarding two important interrelated issues, (1) co-sponsoring HR 1246 and (2) honoring your promise to former Army veteran Patrick English."
"This is a formal request from the Whatcom County Democrats that you join the current 126 House Representatives who are sponsoring H.R. 1246," Buchanan continued. "H.R. 1246 will overturn the outmoded and punitive 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy which our military uses which results in the discharge of qualified and experienced military personnel. A policy of non-discrimination is long over due."
But Buchanan didn't stop there.
"Our second issue concerns your verbal commitment to Patrick English, a gay former Army language specialist who spoke at our general meeting earlier this month," he wrote. "Mr. English advised us that he spoke with you on January 15, 2007 at which time you said you would s peak with Rep. Marty Meehan both before and after the re-introduction of the bill at the end of February."
There has been no evidence, Buchanan points out, that Larsen follow through with Congressman Meehan or with Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) who now serves as lead sponsor of the legislation. But the Whatcom County Democrats aren't taking silence as an answer.
"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, it is unconscionable that you remain silent on this important issue," they wrote to Larsen. "Even if it is uncomfortable for you to support this legislation, it is the right thing to do for our armed forces, our men and women in uniform, and our national security."
Here's hoping that Congressman Larsen keeps his promise, signs on to co-sponsor H.R. 1246, and joins the fight to lift the ban.
If you're a constituent of Congressman Larsen, you can also write-in and ask him to support repeal. Just click here.
- Steve RallsLabels: Congress
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