Time is Running Out

SLDN sent a nationwide action alert this morning from Jed Batchelder, former Petty Officer Second Class, U.S. Navy, asking members and supporters to schedule in-state meetings with their senators and urge them to vote for DADT repeal shortly after they return from August recess Sept. 13.

In just a matter of weeks members of the U.S. Senate will return to Washington, D.C., from their August recess to cast make-or-break votes to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." And until that vote comes, supporters of repeal will need to keep up the pressure on both their senators.

One way to speak out between now and Labor Day is to schedule in-state meetings with your senators before they return to Washington on Sept. 13.

Recently, SLDN's Legislative Associate Emily Sussman and I met with Senator Byron Dorgan's (D-N.D.) staff and Senator Kent Conrad's (D-N.D.) staff. I shared my story as a veteran who served as a former Petty Officer Second Class in the U.S. Navy until being discharged under DADT. Emily and I hope our visit will have made a positive impact upon both senators.

You can share your story too, as a veteran or a civilian.

www.sldn.org/MeetMySenators

Whether your senators are Democrat or Republican, they were elected to serve their constituents and do what's right. Don't let your senators forget the discrimination service members continue to face under DADT. Let's show Washington - one senator at a time - why we need to slam the door on this archaic law.

Senators must be reminded that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal is a priority and should be at the top of the legislative calendar when they return in September. Advocates of open service have worked for nearly two decades to come as close as we are today to finally knocking this law off the books.

Face-to-face meetings are among the most powerful and persuasive ways to tell the stories of our service members. Be a voice for the 66,000 LGBT patriots who serve under the burden of forced silence every day because of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

www.sldn.org/MeetMySenators

Don't wait another day. The time is NOW.

Every state will play a decisive role in the Senate's upcoming votes. We are counting on you to keep the message for repeal strong in the coming weeks.

Thank you.

Jed Batchelder
Former Petty Officer Second Class, U.S. Navy


    

Spread the word for DADT repeal. Encourage your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter to meet their senators today.