Military Bloggers Call for DADT Repeal

Jim Burroway

May 12th, 2010

A group of influential military bloggers has issued a joint statement calling for the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” The group of bloggers endorse holding off repealing DADT until the Pentagon finishes a study due December 1 on how (and not if) the repeal would be implemented. “We ask Congress to withhold action until this is finished, but no longer,” the group says.

Sixteen military bloggers signed on to the statement, which Ben Smith characterizes as “often hawkish, critical of White House and military leadership, [and] devoted to both the First and Second Amendments.” Bruce McQuain, one of the signatories, writes:

I’ve thought about it long and hard.  I’ve actually changed my mind from years ago.  I guess that’s because I’ve known of and served with soldiers I knew were gay.  And every one of them were good soldiers who served honorably and did an excellent job.

Another blogger, “Uncle Jimbo” recalls his evolution on the subject from five years ago, when he wrote:

“If I am lying by the road bleeding, I don’t care if the medic coming to save me is gay. I just hope he is one of those buff gay guys who are always in the gym so he can throw me over his shoulder and get me out of there.”

The complete statement is below:

JOINT STATEMENT FROM MILITARY BLOGGERS
12 MAY 2010

 We consider the US military the greatest institution for good that has ever existed. No other organization has freed more people from oppression, done more humanitarian work or rescued more from natural disasters.  We want that to continue. 

Today, it appears inevitable to us that the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and law restricting those displaying open homosexual behavior from serving will be changed.  And yet, very little will actually change.  Homosexuals have always served in the US Military, and there have been no real problems caused by that.

 The service chiefs are currently studying the impact and consequences of changing the DADT policy, and how to implement it without compromising the morale, order and discipline necessary for the military to function. The study is due to be completed on Dec. 1st. We ask Congress to withhold action until this is finished, but no longer.  We urge Congress to listen to the service chiefs and act in accordance with the recommendations of that study.

 The US Military is professional and ready to adapt to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell without compromising its mission.  Echoing Sec. Def. Gates and ADM Mullen, we welcome open and honorable service, regardless of sexual orientation. 

Matt Burden- Warrior Legacy Foundation & BLACKFIVE

Jim Hanson- Warrior Legacy Foundation & BLACKFIVE

Blake Powers- BLACKFIVE

Fred Schoenman- BLACKFIVE 

David Bellavia- House to House 

Bruce McQuain- Q&O 

JD Johannes- Outside the Wire 

Diane Frances McInnis Miller- Boston Maggie 

Mark Seavey- This Ain’t Hell 

Michael St. Jacques- The Sniper 

Mary Ripley- US Naval Institute Blog 

John Donovan- Castle Argghhh! 

MJC

May 12th, 2010

Kudos to these fine people.

Chris McCoy

May 12th, 2010

Without stated commitments from current legislators and candidates running in the current races, the expectation that DADT will be repealed by the 2011 Congress is naive at best.

We need to make it absolutely clear to Washington that continued support from our community is contingent on the repeal of DADT.

John

May 12th, 2010

Good to see Q&O and Blackfive on this. I enjoy both blogs.

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