Starring in Denver: Barack and Hillary and Joe

SLDN's executive director Aubrey Sarvis blogs on the Huffington Post from the Democratic National Convention in Denver that Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden can help Obama or they can hurt him, but it's still up to Obama to seal the deal. That will determine the next leader of the most powerful country in the world. Whether that man is Obama or McCain, he will carry a heavy, heavy responsibility.

From California to New York -- Next Stop, Washington D.C.

This week New York’s governor announced that his state would recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other jurisdictions, including California.

In his latest Huffington Post blog Aubrey Sarvis talks about American's changing attitudes towards lesbians, gays and bisexuals and how growing acceptance may impact legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

“Attitudes are definitely changing, and changing fast,” writes Sarvis. Click here to read about and comment on recent LGBT civil rights victories in California and New York, and how those developments may affect opinions in Washington, D.C.

-Victor Maldonado

Raising the Barr

Republican Congressman turned ACLU consultant Bob Barr yesterday announced he will seek the Libertarian Party’s nomination for the presidency in 2008.

An author of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which declared that states do not have to recognize same-sex marriages from other states, Barr captured Americas attention recently by publishing an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal calling for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“As a conservative Republican member of Congress from 1995 to 2003, I was hardly a card-carrying member of the gay-rights lobby. I opposed then, and continue to oppose, same-sex marriage, or the designation of gays as a constitutionally protected minority class. Service in the armed forces is another matter. The bottom line here is that, with nearly a decade and a half of the hybrid “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to guide us, I have become deeply impressed with the growing weight of credible military opinion which concludes that allowing gays to serve openly in the military does not pose insurmountable problems for the good order and discipline of the services,” wrote Barr in June 2007.

“Because the military can’t fill its slots, it has lowered its standards, extended tours of duty and increased rotations, further hurting morale and readiness. Conservatives are supposed to favor meritocracy — rewarding ability — especially in the armed forces. Instead, the military is firing badly needed, capable troops simply because they’re gay, and replacing them with a hodge podge that includes ex-cons, drug abusers and high-school dropouts.”

If Barr wins the Libertarian Party’s nomination, he would join both Democratic nominees, Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY), in favoring repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), the Republican nominee, has publically stated “it would be a terrific mistake to even reopen the issue” and that the ban is “working”.

-Victor Maldonado

The Advocate and Senator Obama

This week the Advocate magazine published its recent interview with presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) during which he and Advocate news editor Kerry Eleveld discussed, among other issues, the need to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.

When asked “if you were elected, what do you plan to do for the LGBT community -- what can you reasonably get done?” Senator Obama replied, “I reasonably can see ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ eliminated.”

I am extremely encouraged by Senator Obama's optimism to get "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repealed. He, like Senator Clinton, wants this terrible law repealed sooner rather than later. It is also my hope we can persuade Senator McCain this inequitable law must go. Our opportunity to repeal this law is in the next Congress -- with a new president in the White House demonstrating leadership in the repeal fight.

Later in the interview Eleveld returns to the issue of gays in the military asking, “you’ve said before you don’t think that’s [ repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”] a heavy lift. Of course, it would be if you had Joint Chiefs who were against repeal. Is that something you’ll look at?” Senator Obama responded saying he, “would never make this a litmus test for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Obviously, there are so many issues that a member of the Joint Chiefs has to deal with, and my paramount obligation is to get the best possible people to keep America safe. But I think there’s increasing recognition within the Armed Forces that this is a counterproductive strategy -- ya know, we’re spending large sums of money to kick highly qualified gays or lesbians out of our military, some of whom possess specialties like Arab-language capabilities that we desperately need. That doesn’t make us more safe, and what I want are members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who are making decisions based on what strengthens our military and what is going to make us safer, not ideology.”

SLDN applauds Senator Obama’s support for repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and, likewise, we appreciate Senator Clinton’s commitment to get this done. I hope the next president will expect everyone on his or her leadership team to be on the same page on major public policy initiatives, including “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I believe we have all learned tough lessons from what happens when the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is not aligned with what his Commander in Chief wants to do. Unfortunately, that kind of disconnect is one of the reasons we got “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” fifteen years ago instead of an executive order permitting open service.

-Aubrey Sarvis

HRC and BHO on DADT

During a recent interview with CBS on LOGOs Jason Bellini, Senator Hillary Clinton took the opportunity to discuss her presidential candidacy, her recent post-debate embrace with Barack Obama and her record on issues affecting the gay community -- including "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Clinton reminded viewers of an important truth, that the ban on gays and lesbians in our armed forces is not a policy or a regulation, but a law; and as such, only Congress, with the support and signature of the President, can repeal it. She rightfully notes that whoever the next President of the United States is, they will need to set an agenda that includes working with Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Her promise to work for repeal of the Congressional law was mirrored by Sen. Barack Obama who last year, in response to a questionnaire from the Human Rights Campaign, strongly endorsed repeal legislation and promised his administration's full support in lifting the ban.

That is why SLDN, in addition to offering free legal aid to service members who have questions about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," is working with Congress to repeal the ban entirely. SLDN is urging lawmakers to support the Military Readiness Enhansment Act (HR 1246), the bill which will repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and allow every patriotic American to serve in the military regardless of sexual orientation. By passing this measure Congress can finally ensure that Americas national security interests are coming first, and that our armed forces are recruiting and retaining the very best Americans to serve and protect our country.

Visit SLDN online to find out if your lawmakers have signed on to HR 1246, and if your representative is still not a co-sponsor you can write him or her by clicking here and encouraging them to support repeal legislation.

-Victor Maldonado

On Bilerico: Hillary Got it Right

There have been some curious headlines in the LGBT press following remarks Senator Hillary Clinton made during a campaign stop in Tama, Iowa on Monday.

Answering a question from Air Force Major Gary Mathis of Cedar Rapids about privacy and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Senator Clinton reiterated her long-held position that the ban on gay troops must be repealed. "I feel strongly that if someone wants to serve their country, if they’re a patriot, if they comply with the code of military justice and they have the appropriate behavior, they shouldn’t be disqualified from serving simply because they’re gay," Senator Clinton said.

She took exactly the right position: Opportunity for gay Americans to serve in our armed forces, and a level playing field for every service member, regardless of their sexual orientation.

So why did the LGBT blogosphere, Major Mathis - and even The New York Times - miss the point?

Continue reading Hillary Got It Right on Bilerico.com

Quote of the Day

"I feel strongly that if someone wants to serve their country, if they're a patriot, if they'll comply with the code of military justice and have appropriate behavior, they should not be disqualified simply because they are gay."

- Senator Hillary Clinton, answering a question from an Iowa vet on Monday

Clinton Reminds Gay Vet in Iowa that She Supports Repeal

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) told a gay veteran in Iowa who was dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" that she continues to support repeal of the law that bans lesbian, gay and bisexual service members from our armed forces.

According to the Des Moines Register, "Nick Brown, 23, waited outside of Clinton’s Polk County field office at 1900 Ingersoll Ave. around 5 p.m. . . . to catch her as she greeted and shook hands with supporters."

Brown "pleaded" with Clinton, the Register reports, to endorse repeal of the law.

"I think it needs to be repealed," Clinton, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, said to him, noting that she has previously made such statements.

"Brown said he was forced to leave the military in 2003 after Army officials discovered he had a profile on a Web site designed for gay users," the papernoted. "I wanted to serve my country but I couldn’t because they don’t let gay men serve in the military," Brown said.

Clinton, who has been a longtime supporter of repeal, seems to have won the vet over.

He plans to vote for Clinton, Brown said after the event.

As the 2008 race heats up, there are a growing number of Americans anxious for a commander-in-chief who wants to lift the ban. And with all of the Democratic candidates calling for repeal, those who support open service have a long list of candidates to throw their support behind (unless they happen to be Republicans, as the GOP line-up has unanimously supported the status quo).

- Steve Ralls

The Advocate turns 40!

Thanks in large part to the pioneering efforts of Cher, no one in LA actually looks their age. That fact was definatly true for the guest of honor at last week's party celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Advocate -- the magazine itself!

Always topical, never boring -- The Advocate remains, forty years after its first publication, young, hip and relevant.

First published in 1967 by founder Dick Michaels, the Advocate gave voice to a community of men and women who had long been relegated to the fringes of society. Through the 1970's The Advocate helped to cultivate the LGBT community's sense of personal pride and in the 1980's The Advocate helped to bring national attention to the plight of our community as we suffered through the AIDS crisis. Today, the Advocate stands as America's preeminent LGBT magazine, attracting readers from all walks of life interested in a gay perspective on issues and events of the day.

As testiment to the important place The Advocate holds in the LGBT community, presidential aspirent Sen. Hillary Clinton will grace the cover of next month's issue and discuss, with reporter Sean Kennedy, political issues affecting the LGBT community and what is at stake in the 2008 election (including repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell").

Thank you to the editorial staff at the Advocate for hosting this event and for giving us all the opportunity to pause and reflect on just how far
our community, and our nation, has come in 40 years. When you think about it, that should be celebrated!

-Victor Maldonado

Blogging...Clinton

10:36pm
A lawyer, mother, First Lady and Senator, Hillary Clinton is almost as multi-faceted as Madonna. And everyone knows how much we LOVE Madonna.

Long considered to be a strong supporter of LGBT rights within her husband’s administration, Hillary’s first public words on the subject came during her campaign against, then Senate candidate, Rudy Giuliani. In December 1999, the New York Times reported that Hillary told supporters that the 'don't ask, don't tell’ policy, intended to make it easier for gay men and lesbians to serve in the military, had been a failure. (BTW….for those of you watching the GOP debates….read the whole NYT piece and check out Rudy’s reaction to Hillary).

In every campaign she has run, Hillary has championed the rights of lesbian and gay service members, and she has even gone as far as identifying “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as the one thing she would change about her husbands Administration.

President Hillary Clinton would certainly repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and so the question, to paraphrase Sen. Clinton herself, “is she your girl?”

-Jason

QUOTES:
SOLMONESE:
Senator, thank you for being here tonight. You've said in past settings like this and all across the country that you would like to repeal "Don't ask; don't tell." Now, since 2003 you've sat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the committee that would decide this issue. Why haven't you introduced legislation to repeal this policy?

CLINTON:
Well, Joe, first, thanks for doing this and thanks for everybody being here and having this forum.
I think the very simple answer is we didn't have a chance with the Republican Congress and George Bush as president. And I want to get it done when I'm president. I want to do it and have it be successful. I don't want to try in a Republican Congress with a very negative president and have it defeated.
We're talking now that we have a Democratic Congress about what steps we can take to sort of lay the groundwork so that when we do have a change in the White House, which can't happen too soon to suit me...
(APPLAUSE)
... we will be able to move on that.
But I just want to put it into a broader context, because it's one of my highest priorities. I came out against "Don't ask; don't tell" in 1999. It was a transitional action that was taken back at the beginning of my husband's administration, because at the time there was such a witch hunt going on.

COMMENTS:
Hillary takes on DADT from the top....nice!!

Great responce....she addresses her history with the issue as First Lady embraces the principle of gay rights without touching any of the bad decisions and back room comprimises that Bill Clinton made.

Judge them on conduct not status...that is great support Senator Clinton!

Etheridge asks the hard question....what about the promises that have been made? What is different today? How are you different? Good question...perhaps I've underestimated Etheridge?!?

Hillary Clinton takes on Gen. Pace, and she's right....goodbye Gen. Pace, enjoy your retierment and don't let the door hit you in the rear!

On a personal note...I may still be a registered Republican but I've got to admit, Hillary....you're my girl :-)

-Victor Maldonado

GUEST COMMENTS:
Hillary took the first shot on DADT and fired right back. She understands the issue, grasps the nuances, and realizes what’s changed over the last 14 years. The Senator made it clear that she realized ever since 1999 that DADT was no longer an acceptable compromise.

Most importantly, she demonstrated the conviction and political savvy that convinces me that she can make a difference. Indeed, she seems prepared to finish what her husband started: giving all able-bodied Americans the freedom to serve.

Colonel (Ret), US Army

Blogging the Debate -- Obama

In 1993, the year “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was enacted, Barack Obama had just graduated from Harvard Law where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Needless to say he didn’t have a say in passing DADT back then. But since he has been in office, first in Springfield and now in DC, Obama has been a beacon of hope and optimism not only to the country, but to the LGBT community in particular.

The son of a white woman and a black man growing up in Hawaii, Obama has lived with and overcome bigotry all of his life. The LGBT community understands the kind of struggles Obama has faced and we hope that Obama, in turn, understands ours. Mark McKinnon, former top adviser to President Bush and a former adviser to Senator John McCain, once described Obama as, “the most interesting persona to appear on the political radar screen in decades. He’s a walking, talking hope machine, and he may reshape American politics.” For the sake of gay patriots across this country, and in war zones around the world, we certainly hope so.

Tip O’Neil’s hoary old line about all politics being local is certainly true in the political realities of Sen. Obama. Illinois has in recent years sent some of its most progressive men and women to DC (yes Hillary included). Carol Moseley Braun, who held the Junior Senate seat before Obama, was a leader in progressive politics and a true friend of the LGBT community. Then there are his constituents, including Jean Albright who recently hosted a benefit in honor of gay and lesbian service members in Chicago.

-Victor Maldonado

COMMENTS:
Senator Obama, speaking to reporters after his on-air appearance said that he would “call on the Joint Chiefs of Staff to have them call for an end to . . . ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell.’” Obama went on to say that, “"It doesn't make sense when we have lost Arabic linguists, when we need them so desperately.” Steve Ralls

Ahead of L.A., Growing Support for Repeal

As the Democratic candidates for president prepare to meet in L.A. this evening to discuss LGBT issues, The Los Angeles Times is reporting on the change of heart happening in Congress and the Pentagon when it comes to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

"Subtly but unmistakably, rhetoric from the military and Congress has begun to soften on the controversial policy known as 'don't ask, don't tell,'" the Times reports. "[Retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Colin] Powell himself has changed his tune, acknowledging that attitudes have shifted. A House bill that would lift the ban on gays serving openly has gained support from military veterans in that chamber. And the pressures of the Iraq war and the 2008 presidential campaign have focused more attention on the merits of a repeal."

Candidates for tonight's forum have already submitted written responses about the military's ban, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (pictured) wrote that, "Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice -- the traits that define our men and women in uniform -- have nothing to do with sexual orientation. This is a matter of national security, and I will fix it." This morning's Times reports that Senator Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards submitted similar statements about the issue.

But shifts aren't just happening on the Democratic side.

The Portland Phoenix reports this morning on Republican Senator Susan Collins, who also seems to be taking a more critical look at the policy.

"A source close to Collins tells the Phoenix she is likely to become the lead Republican senator backing the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would reverse DA, DT and create a non-discrimination policy for the military," the paper reports. "The bill is picking up sponsors in the House, and activists have long hoped Collins would join them to take the debate to the Senate."

Collins may be "starting to sing with the choir now," the Phoenix says, "crediting a gay retired admiral from Maine who recently sat down with her to tell her his thoughts on 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell . . . '"

The evolving views in Congress and the DoD are welcome news. With leaders like Senator Clinton, Senator Collins and others stepping up to the plate, our home run can only be so far off.

- Steve Ralls

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" at the Debates

Photo by Charles Krupa, Associated Press

Last week Democrat Presidential nominees gathered to debate . . . and every one of them affirmed their desire to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” On Tuesday, the Republican candidates gathered as well . . . . and all affirmed their desire to keep in place the ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service personnel. Whomever the eventual candidates will be, the American people have a stark choice before them.

Perhaps even more disturbing than their support for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was the clumsy and seemingly clueless way in which many of the Republican candidates fielded the question about open service. Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas, said, “I think it's already covered by the Uniform Code of Military Conduct … it's about conduct; it's not about attitude.” Wrong, Mike. DA, DT is a Congressional Law, not a part of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ is about conduct, but DA, DT is about mere status. Just ask Jason Knight, who was just discharged for daring to serve openly in Kuwait.

Other Republicans also seemed out of touch on the question.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani punted, telling CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, “I don’t think this would be the right time to raise these issues.”

Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) acknowledged supporting a repeal of the law earlier in his career, saying that, “No, actually when I first heard of the ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ policy I thought it sounded awfully silly and didn't think that'd be very effective, and I turned out to be wrong.” Today, however, Romney supports maintaining the ban. “It's been the policy now in the military for, what, 10,15 years? But who knows with Romney, maybe if we wait another five minutes he’ll flip-flop again?

Then there was Senator John McCain’s (R-AZ) cryptic response to the question, “I think it would be a terrific mistake to even reopen the issue. It is working, my friends. The policy is working.” What exactly does THAT mean? Gays and lesbians are being drummed out of the service, so the policy must be working? National Security is being placed at risk, so the policy must be working? Working how, Senator? Working for whom?

The truth of the matter is that there is that if Republican leaders believe this law is working, then their definition of ‘working’ is fundamentally flawed. As our military struggles to find qualified troops and our fighting forces are stretched to a near breaking point, turning away talented and skilled gay Americans is a detriment to our national security. Eight out of ten Americans understand the importance of repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ It is unfortunate that the Republican candidates for president do not. They are out of touch with their constituents and out of step with our country’s best interests.

- Victor Maldonado

Inside the Democratic Debate

Advocate.com has an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at LGBT issues in Sunday's Democratic debate, including the unanimous position among all 2008 candidates that the time has come to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The Advocate's "spin room" interviews with the candidates produced more strong responses about lifting the ban:

Sen. Joseph Biden:

“I would just as president of the United States end it. I would issue an executive order saying there will be no discrimination whatsoever in the military and everybody will be held to the uniform military code—so that if two gay people engage in illicit activity on the base, they’re gone; just like if two married people engage on the base, they’re gone."

Gov. Bill Richardson:

“I would pass legislation to end it, but I would also say to my military commanders, ‘There is not going to be any discrimination against gays and lesbians the military.’”

David Bonior, campaign manager for the Edwards campaign:

“[Sen. Edwards] has made his position clear that he’s opposed to the policy. He believes that sexual orientation should not be a consideration for people who are willing to give their lives to serve the country and risk their lives—that should not happen. Actually, he came out maybe three months ago with his position on that policy. He will do whatever is necessary to get it [repealed] and quickly once he is in office.”

Sen. Mike Gravel, candidate:

“When I met with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, I said, 'I'll do an executive order,' and they said, 'Senator, you can't do that, it's a law.' I said, 'Well, you just watch me.' Let me tell you, I've learned one thing about military people, those stars can come off as easy as they go on when you're Commander in Chief."

Compared to the 1992 campaign, when the issue of gays in the military ignited a firestorm of controversy, the 2008 candidates have taken strong, bold and unequivocals stands in favor of open service.

Now the question remains: Will their Republican counterparts do the same tonight when they debate?

You can read The Advocate's full coverage online here.

- Steve Ralls

Clinton & Huckabee Talk About the Ban

The 2008 presidential contenders are talking about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

USA Today reports that, during a campaign trip to Iowa, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton noted that "Right now, we are discharging soldiers at a time when we don't have enough people to do the missions we need around the world because they're gay. Not because they've done anything, but just because they're gay." Clinton went on to quote the late Sen. Barry Goldwater, a Republican who supported the rights of gay troops: "I think the question should be not whether you are straight, but whether you shoot straight."

A Republican candidate for the White House, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (pictured), "left open the possibility that, if elected, he would . . . change the Pentagon's policy on gay service members, although he insisted he would take his cues from military commanders on both fronts," the Associated Press said.

Huckabee, the AP reported, said he would "leave it up to the military and let their recommendation stand" on whether to keep "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in place.

"I'm not sure that being homosexual should automatically disqualify a person from the military. If a person can do his or her job, you know that's not for me the biggest issue," Huckabee said.

(You can join the discussion about Huckabee's comments at Pam's House Blend.)

- Steve Ralls

"We're Going to Fix It"

Almost since her first day in Washington, Hillary Clinton has been an outspoken critic of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." She first attacked the military's ban on gay service members as First Lady, refusing to shy away from a policy her husband enacted . . . even while his administration was still at the helm. She continued her criticism during her historic campaign for the Senate and became a reliable ally for LGBT personnel.

Now, as a candidate for the presidency, Senator Clinton is standing up, again, to tackle the issue. Her latest remarks came on Friday, during an address to the Human Rights Campaign. According to the Associated Press, Clinton said that "This policy doesn't just hurt gays and lesbians, it hurts all our troops and this to me is a matter of national security and we're going to fix it."

Senator Clinton said it would be safer for the nation if openly gay soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen could wear the uniform, according to AP.

She couldn't be more right. And with a 2008 Democratic field of candidates who all support repeal (and a possible Republican ally or two in the race as well), the American people can be more confiden than ever that, indeed, we're going to fix it . . . and fix it soon.

Kudos to Senator Clinton who, if elected our nation's first female commander-in-chief, can break one more barrier in the armed forces and work to allow gays the opportunity to serve openly.

- Steve Ralls

TUNE IN: You can also watch Senator Clinton's remarks on YouTube.