The repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is long overdue. Our military is strained by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet we are expelling troops from our ranks because of their sexual orientation. At a time when our military is so overextended, allowing members of the military to serve openly, without being discharged, will alleviate the strain so many of our service members feel from repeated deployments.

We cannot afford to dismiss any qualified, honorable, and able members of our military. Hundreds of Arabic, Persian, and Pashto translators have been dismissed since the policy was enacted, deteriorating our most important intelligence corps for the Iraq and Afghan wars.
The President and Congress should not delay in ending the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. This is a nation at war, and this change is urgently needed. They have volunteered to fight and sacrifice their lives for their country. They have earned the right to serve openly in the military.

Our generation is bearing the brunt of these wars, and our generation has already proven that it does not care who you love, just that you love your country.

As Young Democrats it is time we address this issue and begin open discussions in our communities. Begin the discussion in your own area by writing a Letter to the Editor. Young Democrats across the country will be flooding their local newspapers with letters bringing attention to the need for immediate action, and you can help!

Step 1 - Select a Recipient

Letter to the Editor

The Letter to the Editor Section is one of the most widely read sections of the newspaper and can reach a large audience. It allows community members to comment on the way issues are being addressed in the media and to influence the topics the local paper may choose to cover. Elected officials often monitor this section of the newspaper and take notice of constituents' opinions.

We've made it easy for you to contact your local newspaper with your views, but editors want to hear from you in your own words.

Step 2 - Write your message

Subject:

Your Letter:

We cannot afford to dismiss any qualified, honorable, and able members of our military.  Hundreds of Arabic, Persian, and Pashto translators have been dismissed since the policy was enacted, deteriorating our most important intelligence corps for the Iraq and Afghan wars.    
The President and Congress should not delay in ending the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  This is a nation at war, and this change is urgently needed.  They have volunteered to fight and sacrifice their lives for their country.  They have earned the right to serve openly in the military.

Our generation is bearing the brunt of these wars, and our generation has already proven that it does not care who you love, just that you love your country.

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A 2006 Blue Ribbon Commission Report estimated the cost of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy during the first ten years of its existence to be at least $363.8 million.

The Michael D. Palm Center (the 'Palm Center') reports that some 12,000 gay service members have been discharged since Congress adopted the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.

A repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is supported by several retired generals and admirals, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Shalikashvili.

At least 24 nations allow gay soldiers to serve openly in the military, including Great Britain, Canada, Israel, Australia, Ireland, Germany and France.

A CNN Poll conducted during May 4-6, 2007, found that 79 percent of Americans support allowing gays to openly serve in the military.

A Zogby poll conducted in 2006 found that 73 percent of military personnel are comfortable with lesbians and gays.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons have served and are still serving in the U.S. armed forces with honor and distinction, from the Revolutionary War to the current war in Iraq.