Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell… Just Yet

Emotions ran rampant through the House of Representatives as a vote to repeal the ban on gay and bisexual people from serving openly in the military concluded 234 to 194.

More commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this policy has restricted those who are openly homosexual from serving in the military for over a decade. Opponents of the policy argue that it has lead many gay servicemen and women into lives of hiding and lies.

Joe Solmonese, president of Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights organization that advocates for gay and lesbian rights, said in a statement:

"The importance of this vote cannot be overstated -- this is the beginning of the end of a shameful ban on open service by lesbian and gay troops that has weakened our national security. The stars are aligning to finally restore honor and integrity to those who serve our country so selflessly."

Just some food for thought as we remember those who have served this Memorial Day.

Senator John McCain of Arizona begs to differHe said, "I think it's really going to be very harmful to the morale and effectiveness of our military." The former Presidential Candidate is currently a member of the Armed Forces Committee and is a seasoned soldier having served as a Naval Aviator. Did I mention that he was also a Prisoner Of War? This influential veteran is strongly opposed to the idea of repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Senator Joe Lieberman made a strong argument during this hot topic debate:

“Bottom line - thousands of service members have been pushed out of the U.S. military not because they were inadequate or bad soldiers, sailors, Marines or airmen but because of their sexual orientation. And that’s not what America is all about. We judge people not on who you are or where you came from or what's your religion, nationality, race or gender or sexual orientation, I would hope, but on how you do the job.”