Today the Center for American Progress released a report: ”Ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’- Practical Steps to Repeal the Ban on Openly Gay Men and Women in the U.S. Military” authored by Lawrence J. Korb, Sean E. Duggan and Laura Conley.
Not only does the document detail the overwhelming arguments for lifting the ban (financial savings, enhancements to readiness, increased recruitment opportunities, upholding American values, etc.) it outlines the lessons learned from the past and offers a clear and comprehensive road map to ensure a smooth transition.
The first step the report suggests is for the President to issue an Executive Order banning dismissals under the policy and to send a legislative proposal to Congress for lifting the ban. That is followed by a panel to look at implementation issues, changes in the law by Congress, a change in military guidelines and follow-up steps to ensure success.
Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is obviously a priority for the LGBT community but every American will be the beneficiary of a stronger military once the ban is replaced by a policy of nondiscrimination. As the authors state in the conclusion:
Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is not simply a “gay rights” issue. It’s a matter of military readiness. The United States is doggedly adhering to a policy that is purging its armed forces of much-needed talent and manpower and sending the wrong signal to many potential recruits on grounds that are discriminatory and baseless. This makes the policy both unjustifiable and highly dangerous.
The United States is involved in two wars abroad and an economic crisis at home; now is the time for President Obama to fulfill his campaign pledge and begin the process of repealing this unnecessary and counterproductive law.
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