Melanie Nathan; Dec 15-2010;- UPDATED DADT  Repeal passes the House by vote of  250 yes; 174 no

Stand alone – HR 2966 -The repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,  supported by Chief Gates, the President and yet to pass through the Senate – passed the US House of Representatives following a passionate debate by

McKeon admits at Press Conference to not having taken a stand on DADT yet; (whilst they are voting in House and post his anti-DADT repeal speech) -  but that he is aggrieved by the process. Seem he forgot to read the report.  He is concerned that the queers who serve now will serve differently when they come out?

Earlier Today:- HIGHLIGHTS, REAL Time and On-going.-   CSPAN 1. In an unusual move, the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi took to the floor of the House of representatives to support the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell for the Democrats.   The speaker mentioned  that DADT contravenes our American values. That’s why there is support from every corner of the country 8 out of 10 Americans according to ABC support repeal.  It must be repealed urgently.  Today by  the House “acting again it is my hope we will encourage Senate to take long overdue action.”

Rep Joe Wilson (R) South Carolina, followed the speaker and cowardly tried to slip back to dead beat argument of process.  has the audacity to blame DEMS for not passing the Defense Authorization Bill during the DADT  Senate Vote, that led to – this DADT Repeal being forced in essence as a stand alone; all  because the Republicans were willing to forfeit funding for retention of the DADT discriminatory Law.  Is that as his excuse for voting no now to end discrimination. Talk about avoiding the real issue.

Rep Vic Snyder in stark contrast – complimented the many lesbian couples who look after children including his own, making the point that there is nothing that prohibits a person from doing a stellar job based on their sexual orientation.

Rep Hob Andrews D – NJ 1st Dist.  Mentioned the voice of Colin Powell supporting Sec. Gates; and then mentions the silent voices. Those injured and seriously injured who cannot have a visit from the one they love most in the world; and those who lay beneath white crosses who have been dishonored by a practice where they cannot say who they are to a country whom they have honored.

Rep John Lewis, D- Georgia  very passionate  VOTE YES – it does not matter who you love it only matter the flag you serve. Yells – Vote Yes because its  the right thing to do; Vote yes for equality and Vote yes for the right to serve.

Rep John Fleming R Louisiana – says Military should not be doing a social experiment at time of war…. (MEL: Insulting to those serving whose honor is considered a social experiment- restoring honor to military is not a social experiment- )

We will keep you posted…..

Updated:

Barney Frank  D- MA- counters Republican arguments – he turned around th idea s of Republicans and said that DADT is the distraction – not the repeal. He speaks to the insult to LGBT service members. Sexual misconduct for anyone is dealt with. Brings up the IDF and says they have not suffered any deterioration as a result.

Rep. Mike Pence – R – Indiana – “Now I am not a soldier – but we should listen to soldiers. – Negative effects 30% -  addresses  the negatives in the Report and takes no cognizance of the RESULT of the Report- which was positive.

Rep Steve Buyer alludes to Gays and lesbians are not fit to serve -

Rep Major John Boccier – Very passionate speaker -Quotes John Kennedy – freedom speech.  Military in Afghanistan and at war for freedom. We must maintain constant vigilance for the right to freedom  at home. Troubling that our military must lie to serve. When you take an oath to fight even if you die for your country you deserve freedom at home.

Rep Loretta Sanchez- I do not believe that our soldiers are so fragile that they cannot serve next to gay people – If the government denies the right to fight – to gays then the gays are not the one putting us at risk  because they are willing to fight it is the government that is putting our country at risk.

Rep. Tammy Baldwin, openly lesbian, “I rise to urge my colleagues to do the right thing.’  This policy is  unjust and discriminatory and un-American integrity a hallmark of military service yet we require people to deceive and lie.   Report says military personnel are ready.  Speaks to equality to move along the path to further equality for LGBT Americans.

Rep Al Green – very passionate. Says his life of being discriminated against prepared him for this vote.

Back to Buck McKeon – R – CA – But But but Buck – evreything is BUT. he says “I implore our members to reject DADT repeal”  – ( LOL Lets he says “look at it more thoroughly ?”   heheheh… ) Debate expired.

Vote starting 15 minute vote 2.10 PST will have result/

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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