After this week’s Pentagon report showing that a strong majority of America’s military men and women and their families are prepared to serve alongside Americans who are openly gay and lesbian, newspapers across the country have urged the Senate to step up and repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Many have echoed the President’s remarks earlier this week, when he said, “With our nation at war and so many Americans serving on the front lines, our troops and their families deserve the certainty that can only come when an act of Congress ends this discriminatory policy once and for all. The House of Representatives has already passed the necessary legislation. Today I call on the Senate to act as soon as possible so I can sign this repeal into law this year and ensure that Americans who are willing to risk their lives for their country are treated fairly and equally.”
Here’s a roundup of some of the editorials.
Baltimore Sun: No more excuses for don’t ask, don’t tell
“If the remaining congressional supporters of don’t ask, don’t tell are being honest when they say their primary concern is avoiding harm to the military, they should take Mr. Gates’ advice and vote for a repeal.”
Kansas City Star: Congress should act on critical to-do list
“This policy doesn’t serve our national interests. It’s time for gay Americans to be allowed to serve openly.”
Chicago Sun-Times: Positive Steps on Gay Rights
“[A]n exhaustive Pentagon report found that U.S. soldiers can handle serving alongside gays, concluding that a repeal of the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy presents a low risk to the military’s effectiveness . . . It’s now up to Congress to follow that lead. In the waning days of the lame-duck session, the Senate must act to repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’”
Austin American Statesman: Congress should be open-minded
“Congress should listen to the brass and the troops and repeal this antiquated, discriminatory policy.”
Fonte: White House