"A Tough, No Non-Sense Guy"

. . . that's how News Hounds (motto: We watch FOX so you don't have to) describes Brigadier General Keith Kerr's appearance last night on The O'Reilly Factor.

General Kerr appeared on O'Reilly following his much-publicized question at last week's CNN/YouTube Republican Debate. And by all accounts, the General reminded O'Reilly how he earned his stars.

"O'Reilly tried to keep pushing the same angle but realized he had nothing to spin" after Kerr succinctly and clearly answered all of the host's questions, News Hounds says. And the FOX watchdog concludes by noting that, "Keith Kerr is obviously a very tough no nonsense guy and BOR knew that he wouldn't fall for the usual manipulative interview techniques."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Well done, General. All of us working for repeal salute you for another outstanding appearance.

- Steve Ralls

Watch the Video (Part II)

The folks at Brave New Films are at it again, this time with a second installment in their series of short videos examining the issue of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Their first video, featuring dismissed Arabic linguist Stephen Benjamin, is a poignant reminder the harm "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has had on America's ability to engage our enemies and the threat it poses to our national security.

Their second short is a lighter look at some of the really stupid arguments made in favor of keeping "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." When television commentator, Mark Smith, throws open the door to his own fevered imagination it is enough to make you laugh -- until of course you remember what's really at stake.

In the end, it’s enough to make you cry.

Click here for more information on Brave New Films.

-Victor Maldonado

Watch the Video, Sign the Petition Now!

We got back from the Take Back America conference earlier today where the Brave New Foundation, along with SLDN and all of our partners in the fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," unveiled this new documentary featuring the story of former Navy Petty Officer Second Class Stephen Benjamin.

Benjamin, a former Arabic linguist who was recently dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," shares his story of learning Arabic, his family's tradition of military service, and his service to our country. (Benjamin also recently penned a New York Times op-ed where he talks about his experiences and calls for repeal of the gay ban.)

And as part of this campaign to raise visibility around "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal efforts, we've worked with Brave New Foundation to launch a petition campaign showing members of Congress that America supports lifting the ban.

So, check out the clip above, and sign the petition online at www.lifttheban.org. And then be sure to pass this along to all your friends, family, and colleagues.

Take action now and help us end this discriminatory law once and for all!

- Rebecca Sawyer

Vets Speak Out on YouTube

A group of lesbian and gay veterans are speaking out on YouTube about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network!

The video, which provides a look at how the military's ban has impacted individual service members, includes former Airman Andre Taylor; CPL Denise Liggett, USMC (1984-1998) and Ensign, USNR (1989-1992) (pictured); former Arabic linguist Alastair Gamble; and Pat & Wally Kutteles, the parents of PFC Barry Winchell. It also includes a statement from President Clinton about how he views the ban today and a look at the work to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

You can watch the video online here.

We especially want to thank Jonathan Baker, LesIsMore Productions and SLDN board member Tom Carpenter for their tireless work to prepare the video and post it online. Their hard work has resulted in a beautiful testimony about why we must lift the ban.

- Steve Ralls