Don't Ask? Do Tell!

An open letter to Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)

Dear Senator Burr,
Thank you for your response to my letter regarding the repeal of the discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. Your letter, dated June 23, 2010, came almost one month after my initial contact with you - May 24, 2010. I would like to point out that your colleague, Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), responded to me on May 24, 2010 - the very same day I contacted her. The promptness with which you respond to constituents is not the only difference between you and Sen. Hagan I would like to discuss in today's letter.

In her letter, Sen. Hagan discussed the Military Readiness Enhancement Act which will repeal DADT. The Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have both testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that they are in favor of overturning DADT. According to her letter to me, Sen. Hagan supports the repeal of DADT "as soon as possible. North Carolina is the most military friendly state in the nation, and I believe that anyone willing and able to serve should be able to do so openly."

You, on the other hand, stated in your letter:
"I strongly oppose and condemn unjust discrimination and would not support a policy that encouraged harassment against any American. At the same time, our country is currently at war, and any changes to our military personnel policies must be carefully reviewed to ensure they do not jeopardize the security and safety of our men and women in uniform, including the gays and lesbians who are currently serving our country bravely. For this reason, I do not support a change in policy at this time."

In light of your reply, I have the following questions: How would the repeal of DADT "jeopardize the security and safety of our men and women in uniform," both straight and gay? How do you reconcile your strong opposition to unjust discrimination with your unwillingness to repeal an unjustly discriminatory policy? How do you simultaneously condemn a policy and vote to uphold it? If both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs both support the repeal of DADT and you oppose it, what do you know that they don't? Apparently I'm missing a nuance of your argument and would appreciate if you could elaborate upon it.

I sincerely hope you will reconsider your stance on the repeal of DADT.
Regards,
Mara