My husband of almost 40 years died this year because we had no health insurance–one of those “pre-existing conditions” put it out of our reach. And the Tea Party, with their cheering and stamping and whistling at the September CNN debate, let me know loud and clear that they’re happy he’s gone. It’s engendered a terrible anger in me. But at least I had the consolation of having society recognize my loss.

I noticed on that occasion, and on the occasion when you were so mistreated, that none of the candidates had the backbone to rebuke the people who behaved so terribly. That suggests to me that they are spineless and unscrupulous–abandoning all decency and propriety in order to chase the vote.

I am sorry that it happened. I have a suspicion that military people don’t entirely like to be thanked for their service. So I’ll just express my deep respect. My wish for you and your spouse is that you will live in a relationship that is recognized by society for the entire length of your lives together. I will continue to do what I can and to speak up for that right as much as I’m able to do so.

Exactly. That is an added bonus to the repeal of DADT. It sends a message of respect, that we are one.

There is hope.