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Time and Again—“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” Turns 15

It was 15 years ago today that former President Clinton introduced the American people to the policy which soon became known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In commemoration of this anniversary, Time magazine's Mark Thompson reports on the experiences of retired naval Captain and SLDN Military Advisory Council Member, Joan Darrah, and talks to her about her time in the military both before and after the law was enacted. Thompson also points out that 12,000 service members "have been booted from the military since the law took effect, including dozens of Arabic speakers whose skills are particularly prized by the military since the advent of the war on terror." He notes that "while the number discharged for their sexuality has fallen from 1,273 in 2001 to 612 in 2006, Pentagon officials insist they are applying the law as fairly as ever." This stands in stark contrast to the experiences of gay Army medic and Iraq war veteran, Darren Manzella. Manzella continues to serve today, with the support of his command and colleagues, despite the fact that he recently appeared on 60 Minutes to announce the fact that he is gay. In fact, SLDN is currently aware of hundreds of troops who share similar stories of being ‘out’ to their co-workers and commanders. These men and women continue to serve without incident even after their colleagues learned that they are gay. 15 years after "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" first became law; the United States finds itself in a very different place. In 1993, in the wake of the Cold War and in an era of unparalleled prosperity, America could afford to entertain its bigotries against gays and lesbians. But in 2008, fighting two wars simultaneously, the U.S. military needs to field the best fighting force it can muster, and kicking capable men and women out of the service because they are gay is a bigotry we can no longer afford. Today, momentum for repeal is growing. Younger enlistees as well as a growing number of senior officers, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili, agree that it is time to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” 141 Members of Congress currently support legislation to repeal the ban which according to Darrah, “[will depend] on who moves into the Oval Office a year from now." - Victor Maldonado

Labels: 2008, DADT

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01-29-08