Time to repeal don’t ask don’t tell

There will always be officials that have “concerns” about a policy change.  That is the point – we want to change a policy that some people are comfortable with because it is the right thing to do. And while Rome wasn’t built in a day – just like DADT won’t be repealed overnight – that’s no excuse for inaction. It’s time to get the ball rolling.   

Failing to act on this issue will be a clear sign that our elected officials in Congress simply lack the courage to do what is right – allowing the gay and lesbian soldiers who already serve in defense of our country to do so openly.

The arguments for repealing DADT have been made over and over.  Our society has changed and become more open to offering gays and lesbians personal liberty.  We need high quality troops, straight or gay, to serve.  Arabic linguists have been lost due to this policy. They could help immensely in the wars we’re fighting today.  

Congress should not allow baseless “concerns” to block the process.  We should not aim to slow down the pace of repeal due to fighting two wars. Rather, we should be looking to move forward with repeal for the very same reason. 

Lastly, we cannot forget that this is our military and it should reflect the same values we treasure in our society:  Freedom, Liberty and Tolerance.

Ryan McDermott is an Iraq War Veteran and a Fellow with the Truman National Security Project. The views express here are his own.