‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Still Ruining People’s Lives
September 21, 2010
It’s both baffling and a disgusting stain on America’s reputation that ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is still around.
A decorated Air Force Reserve flight nurse, Margaret Witt, who was discharged for being gay took the witness stand at her federal trial on Monday. She talked about how difficult it was for her to not be out there caring for her fellow soldiers, and how her sexual orientation had nothing to do with her ability to perform her job.
“It’s what I’ve spent over half my life training to do,” said Witt, her voice breaking. “I miss being able to be the one that that soldier looks at and I can do something for him. I’m not complete, and it kills me to not be there.”
She is suing the Air Force in hopes of being reinstated. If she wins, her case could act as a precedent to help overturn the law.
Witt, who joined the Air Force in 1987, was suspended in 2004 when the Air Force investigated her for violating “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Three years later she was discharged and fell just short of becoming eligible for a full pension.
WTF. That’s a great way to honor someone who dedicated 17 years of her life to protecting Americans — embarrass them and deprive them of their pension.
The judge overseeing the case heard testimonies last week from several of Witt’s former colleagues, who all said they didn’t care about her orientation and added that her firing actually hurt morale in their squadron.
This makes us sick. This needs to change. Call your congressman, tell your friends, go to a rally. Just don’t sit around while these injustices continue!
[Image via AP Images.]
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