Action Alert: Tomorrow, Tuesday September 21st, there will be a key vote in the U.S. Senate that will affect the possible repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Law. According to the Washington Post, Senator John McCain will attempt to filibuster the repeal effort. So, it's up to you and me to contact some senators, who are on the fence. The reporter, Ed O'Keefe at the Washington Post tells us that the Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defence Network has stated: "We need Sens. Snowe and Collins on board; they're key to us breaking the filibuster."
Last week, one of Daily Kos's Frontpagers reported on this possible filibuster - and she said the prospects of preventing the filibuster are "good." But I still say we shouldn't sit idly by. And I'm not saying that we should only focus our efforts on Senators Collins and Snowe from Maine. We should all contact our respective senators, regardless of where we are since they need to hear from us. Nevertheless, according to the same Washington Post article cited above, Senator Snow and Senator Collins might be in favor of a repeal of this discriminatory and unfair law. Senators Snowe and Collins are viewed as moderate conservatives, and they could help us to stop McCain's filibuster. Senators Collins and Snowe actually voted in support of the defense bill last year, which contained the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act. This bill provides greater resources for law enforcement personnel who are investigating hate crimes against gays, lesbians and minorities.
It's tough to know how this will go down, but we need everyone to contact their senators and those who could help in the repeal process. Below, you'll find one of the letters that I sent out. It might give you a sense of the situation and an idea on how to write your own. It has some of the key talking points. Also, you'll see phone numbers & resources for calling or writing your own senators below.
*The Sample Letter* -
Dear Senator Snowe,
Good evening. I'm writing tonight because I'd like to ask for your support on an important matter related to an upcoming Senate vote. I'm writing in support of repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Law. As you probably are aware, there is an upcoming vote on a bill that could set in motion a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I urge you and your colleagues to support the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Please do not join the filibuster of John McCain. Already, more than 13,500 soldiers have lost their jobs because of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law, and that does not make our country "safer." We have already lost too many good gay and lesbian soldiers because of fear, hate and misinformation.
It is vital that we repeal this terrible law because it is demeaning to U.S. Soldiers and it sets a bad example for the rest of the country. Not only does this law hurt the self-esteem of gay and lesbian soldiers, it encourages intolerance and hate on a larger scale. I encourage you Senator Snowe, Please stand up for equality and freedom of expression. If we look back on the history of this great nation, we'll see that our country has fought for freedom of expression and equality. By repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law, you will be helping our society immensely.
By repealing this law, you will be taking a positive stand for civil rights and social tolerance. Please, Senator Snowe, remember that equality and freedom are at stake here. We must not give in to fear and hate. We must work towards a better future where everyone is appreciated and valued, regardless of who they love. Please Senator Snowe, stand up for the gay and lesbian soldiers who have worked so hard for our country. Please take a stand for America's commitment to equality and freedom. Thank you for listening, Tyler.
A few days ago, the music artist Lady Gaga posted a video that encourages us to contact our senators about this situation. The video is only a few minutes long and it's on Youtube. See below -
Find Your Senator at the U.S. Senate Page by clicking -> Website Here.
To call Senator's Snowe's Office, call this number: 1-800-432-1599
To call Senator Collins' Office, call this number: 1-202-224-2523
To write the Senators of Maine, go to their websites below -
-> Senator Collins' Site
-> Senator Snowe's Site
Please also recommend this diary so that we can get some more exposure of this issue. We cannot let John McCain get in the way of equality. Or, if you like, please forward this diary on to a friend. You can tweet it or facebook it on the page above. And if you're in Maine, you can attend a rally today in Deering Oaks Park at 4pm in Portland, Maine. Learn more about this rally by clicking on the following link -> Click Here. It is being organized by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.
Thanks for all you do!
Below, you'll see a poll that asks you to suggest another Senator, who might be a good person to contact. To be specific, these senators in the poll below all voted in support of a defense bill in 2009 that included the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act in 2009. This bill provides better resources for investigating & preventing hate crimes against gays and minority groups.
(A protest against Don't Ask, Don't Tell)
Update: Please be sure to contact your senators about the Dream Act too. You can learn more about the Dream Act by clicking on the link to -> JPMassar's diary.