Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Big fan of Obama here. However, it's time to hold him to a promise.

Last year, my final on-stage question at Miss New York involved how President Obama could repair his relationship with the LGBT community. At that point, 10 months ago, I didn't feel as though he had too much to repair. However, he definitely has some things to work with now. We are handing him an opportunity with the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and this could be a major tipping point in his support from LGBT people and their allies.

THEN:

President Obama's State of the Union address in January

"We find unity in our incredible diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution: the notion that we are all created equal, that no matter who you are or what you look like, if you abide by the law you should be protected by it..."

"This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. It's the right thing to do."

NOW:

Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, with orders from the Commander and Chief, has announced that more research needs to be done on the effect that the repeal will bring before moving forward in ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Yes, there is research to be done, because of utmost importance is the safety of every member of our military. However, a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll showed us that 75% support of Americans believe that gays and lesbians should be able to serve openly in the military. If you're willing to die for our country, you should have the freedom to - confidently and openly as YOURSELF.

So what now? Obama MUST stand to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" even if the implementation timeline is delayed based on the necessary "research" that must be done. Sign this petition with the Courage Campaign to President Obama, to guide him in the right direction: www.couragecampaign.org/DontWaitDontDelay