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Blogging…Gravel

10pm Refusing to be censored, Mike Gravel is the most outspoken Democrat on the stage tonight when it comes to the issue of gays in the military. "I have also challenged my fellow candidates to join me in publicly pledging that whoever gets elected, he or she will issue an apology on behalf of the federal government to the 100,000 gays and lesbians who were discharged by the military for their sexual orientation," Gravel writes. "No other candidate has joined me in that pledge." Having served in the army from 1951-1954 Gravel went on to be elected to the Senate from Alaska and served from 1969-81. While in that body Sen. Gravel was integral in releasing the Pentagon Papers to the public and ending the Vietnam War draft. Sen. Gravel’s views on the LGBT community have been a refreshing breeze throughout this campaign and in fact, Gravel has so far been the only candidate running for President who has made a personal visit to SLDN’s office. Thank you Senator for adding your voice to the debate. -Victor Maldonado QUOTES: GRAVEL Well, let me say I have worked all of my adult life on this issue and the issue of justice. For me it's justice. It's human rights. It's not whether you're gay. I've advocated many times for gays to come out of the closet, please. Some people can't pay the price at a given point in time, but there's one thing that counts. You've got to assert your rights. Nobody is going to give you anything from on high. It just does not happen that way in a system of representative government, and so you have to step forward. And I'll be happy to step forward with you as I have all of my life, and I can promise you one thing. You stand up for me -- and I need your support -- I need your support and want it and beg it, because I'll do more for your cause than any other human being that walks the earth as your president. Thank you very much. COMMENTS: OK....let the fireworks begin... You know he is a little excentric but I have to agree with Ethridge....he is honest and sincere in his beleif that the gay community is good and decent and worthy of the same respect the rest of America. God bless you Mike Gravel. Thank you Sen. Gravel.....you are right....leaders lead and I appreciate your willingness to push the other candidates on the issues that are importnat to the LGBT community....having you participate in this forum has furthered our national debate. - Victor Maldonado

Labels: 2008, Gravel, presidential candidates

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08-09-07