I’m just back from the National Mall where I was honored to represent Log Cabin and the Liberty Education Forum at a news conference about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  It’s humbling to stand on the same stage with brave patriots who helped protect our freedom.  We owe them a debt of gratitude.

Thousands of flags will fly on the National Mall this weekend to recognize the 12,000 men and women discharged from the military since the enactment of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  The law forces the military to fire any service member who is found to be gay or lesbian, prohibits talented and capable Americans from serving their country, and denies our military the personnel it needs to fill critical shortages within its ranks.  Read about the event.

The event marks the 14th anniversary of the signing of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”  Signed, of course, by Bill Clinton.  He said nice things about gay people and then signed DADT and the Defense of Marriage Act.  Profiles in courage…

In conjunction with today’s news conference, 28 retired generals and flag officers released a letter asking Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  This is an important development and should give new momentum to gain more support in Congress for repeal.  Read a New York Times article about this.

The news conference included two of the generals who signed the letter.  I appreciate their willingness to step forward on this important issue.  Lots of cameras and reporters at the news conference so I know this issue will get fantastic coverage.

-posted by Patrick Sammon