It appears that numerous people are thrilled to hear about a new leader, who will try to undo DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell). For those who might not know, DADT has caused gays and lesbians in the Armed Forces to remain silent and hide their identities - as well as - it has been the cause of thousands of unfair discharges. According to the DADT link above, over 13,000 men and women have been discharged. Yes, that's right, 13,000 talented soldiers have been cast-out because of who they love. Unbelievable, right? News sources are now passing along some news that Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) will be one of the major sponsors, who will try to pass legislation, which would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This news is mostly being taken from Rollcall.com, where the story suggests that Congressman Murphy will be one of the leading voices to undo the Don't Ask Don't Tell policies/laws in place. More details follow below from Roll Call, as well as some personal reactions....
From what Rollcall.com is saying, it appears that Murphy's new lead in the charge against DADT is both logistical and more strategic. Since the prior lawmaker who was leading the charge - Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.) - is likely leaving her post to work in the State Department, there has been a need to find someone who can carry the banner. RollCall.com is reporting the following news ~
Legislation to repeal the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" military policy has found itself a new House sponsor: Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.), an Iraq War veteran and member of the Armed Services Committee...It’s no surprise why proponents of the bill would want Murphy, who is a respected Democratic voice on military matters. In addition to serving two deployments in Bosnia and in Baghdad, Murphy was awarded a Bronze Star and his unit earned the Presidential Unit Citation. He is also a former West Point professor and an ex-military attorney. Murphy, who is in his second term, has been a co-sponsor of Tauscher’s bill this year and during the last Congress.
There is some growing sense of excitement among the LGBTQ communities about Murphy's increasing role in this legislation because, as RollCall.com reports, he knows his stuff about military life. He is an Iraq war veteran, and he serves on both the committees of Armed Forces and Intelligence. The news gets even more interesting since it sounds like some progress could be closer in the coming months, or at least, that's the implication in passing of the Repeal-DADT-torch.
Tauscher said several Members came forward asking to take the lead on the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal. She said to expect a formal announcement on the bill’s new sponsor soon after the two-week Easter recess, although "a lot of it depends on my vetting and my confirmation process. The California Democrat has been offered and accepted the job as undersecretary of State for arms control and international security. President Barack Obama, however, has yet to formally send her nomination to the Senate for confirmation. While a bill to repeal the policy has already been introduced in the House, a similar measure has yet to be dropped in the Senate. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has previously sponsored the legislation.
So what do we make of this? It's still too early to tell, but many are thrilled that Murphy would be the new champion. If the military brass ever needed a role model or leader on this now is the time and Murphy would be a good one to look to. Also, I'm intrigued by Murphy because he is that "all-American-attorney-hero-blue-eyed-Blue-Dog-Democrat-handsome-guy." I'll try to get a picture up here of him.
This is not to say that I believe we have to have "that sort of guy" representing the movement to repeal DADT, but in a way, this could help to get the message across to those who have been hostile to it in the past. It's an interesting move, no? I'm also just glad to hear that there is some discussion going on - about who will carry the torch for repealing DADT since Rep. Tauscher will likely be leaving. Here's to hoping that we will see some progress in the coming year!!! I'm trying to contain some of my excitement here. What are your thoughts though? I'll try to update this some more in the coming hour. Here's a video of Congressman Patrick Murphy at a Hearing on these matters. It's got a good moment where he questions the homophobic Elaine Donnelly. It's just such a great clip because he totally respects his fellow soldiers and servicemembers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer. This is what the U.S., the Congress and the Armed Forces need to see.
UPDATE: If you'd like to tell Homophobe Elaine Donnelly (from the Center for Military Readiness) that she's wrong on DADT, write her office at this webform. It's easy to fill out and they need to hear opinions from people who think DADT is worthless. You can also contact Rep. Murphy at his office address or number below. Please politely encourage him to get started on repealing DADT!
Rep. Patrick Murphy
Washington Office
1007 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Tel. (202) 225-4276
Fax: (202) 225-9511
UPDATE 2: A DailyKos User, calchala, made a good point below that the issue with repealing DADT - is that the Senate might not have enough votes to get the legislation (to repeal) passed. So I'd ask, when you have a moment, send a note or make a phone call to your Senator. Here's a Site where you can find your Senator's listings. Please consider sending a message to help your gay or lesbian soldiers! Every voice can help. And we need all the help we can get with this...