Monday, June 8, 2009

Dear Mr. President,
A year ago I wouldn't have given you a dime for your candidacy for president. Why, because I didn't feel then you were a man of your word. Somehow you won the Democratic Party nomination and I found myself supporting you. I listened to your acceptance speech and every speech since then in hopes that my initial reaction was wrong. I heard you say that you were going to seek the repeal of DOMA and DADT policies. I rejoiced when you claimed that you were going to unite the country again after 8 years of division and dissillusionment.

Today I read that your administration stated before the Supreme Court that DADT "is rationally related to the government's legitimate interest in military discipline and cohesion." To say I was shocked is an understatement. You have done exactly what I had feared from the beginning. You made promises and "feel good" speeches with absolutely no interest in making your word your bond.

My father always raised me with the ideal that a man is only as good as his word. What does this say about you? Does discrimination of any sort really help this country? Are you playing politics with our national defense? My father also said when one set of people are subjugated by the majority all people lose. Freedom bought at the expense of downtrodding a certain people, whether by race, religion, creed, national origin, sex, or sexual orientation is no freedom at all.

Wasn't the same argument used to keep African Americans from serving their country? Wasn't it the same argument against women? Or even the Japanese during World War II? When are we going to learn from past mistakes? Mr. President, I truly hoped you would be a man to rise above politics and do what is right for all Americans. Obviously our country hasn't perished because African Americans, women, and Japanese Americans serve in our military. Trust me, the military won't fall if GLBT Americans are allowed to serve in the military.

Now to drive the point home, I am a veteran. I served my country proudly for 4 years. I was and am gay. At no time did my sexuality interfere with my ability to do my duty. In fact, I am a recipient of the Army Commendation Award. When you have people like Capt. Jame Pietrangelo, Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, and others being discharged due to this policy, isn't this a drain of the type of people we need in the military for security purposes and for the purpose of maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the military? What of all those wasted dollars training them to be the best just to be discharged for a policy who's time has run out?

Mr. President, it's high time you started fulfilling your campaign promises. You should know discrimination of any type has no place in an enlightened society. Put aside your politics and start doing what is right. Start being a man of your word. I'll be rooting for you!