Truman National Security Project

Open Letter on DADT

02/24/10

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) has announced he will be the chief sponsor of legislation to repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law. The proposed repeal signifies a crucial step forward in the long-overdue process of allowing gay men and lesbians to serve honestly and proudly in the United States armed services.

Since its inception, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law has resulted in the firing of at least 13,500 servicemembers and has reportedly cost the military an estimated $555.2 million. Allowing gay men and lesbians to serve openly has proven successful for many of our closest allies and enjoys broad support in the United States among the public and top military leaders alike, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, and former Joint Chiefs Chairmen Gen. Colin Powell and Gen. John Shalikashvili.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell proponents too often paint a distorted picture of what a repeal would mean. Today, Media Matters for America released a comprehensive review detailing how opinion pages and cable news talk shows have been flooded with falsehoods and anti-gay rhetoric to support the dubious argument that Don't Ask, Don't Tell is working.

Myths that repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell would adversely affect unit cohesion, retention, or the HIV rate among servicemembers are not based in reality. Similarly, the anti-gay rhetoric permeating many of these arguments only serves to cheapen the national discussion on this important issue.

Because news outlets continue to repeat these outrageous myths, a coalition of organizations is banding together to combat misinformation about the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law. As Congress moves forward on this legislation, we will be vigilant in ensuring that news reports are accurate and fair. The public deserves an honest debate -- not one marred by blatant falsehoods and anti-gay attacks.

Signed,

AMERICAblog
John Aravosis, Editor

Lt. Dan Choi
US Army Infantry Officer and Arabic Linguist,
West Point Graduate, Openly Gay and still serving

Courage Campaign
Rick Jacobs, Founder & Chairman

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
Jarrett T. Barrios, President

Human Rights Campaign
Joe Solmonese, President

Knights Out: West Point LGBT Grads
Becky Kanis, Chair

Media Matters for America
Eric Burns, President

National Center For Lesbian Rights
Kate Kendell, Executive Director

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Rea Carey, Executive Director

National Security Network
Heather Hurlburt, Executive Director

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Aubrey Sarvis, Executive Director

Servicemembers United
Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director

Truman National Security Project
Rachel Kleinfeld, CEO & President

VoteVets
Jon Soltz, Co-Founder & Chairman