Exclusive: Lt. Dan Choi Writes for NEWSWEEK on Why 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Compromise Is Not Acceptable
Eve Conant
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2010/05/26/exclusive-lt-dan-choi-writes-for-newsweek-on-why-don-t-ask-don-t-tell-compromise-is-not-acceptable.aspxLast May, Iraq veteran Lt. Dan Choi publicly announced he was gay on The Rachel Maddow Show as a protest against the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. He is currently in the process of being discharged from the Army. In the last year, he has become one of the most visible advocates for allowing gays to serve openly in the armed services, twice handcuffing himself to the White House gate, resulting in arrest. Despite news this week of compromise between lawmakers, gay-rights groups, and the Obama administration to overturn the 17-year-old "don't ask, don't tell" rules, Choi is not celebrating. In an open letter released exclusively to NEWSWEEK, Choi says he opposes the deal because it "does only half of what was promised."
From the first day I served and raised my right hand, I committed to the military's values of integrity and an uncompromising dedication to honor. On Monday, when I learned of the president's compromised approach to repealing "don't ask, don't tell," I felt betrayed. I am not celebrating now. My adherence to those military values is why I see this latest action as contrary to my understanding of leadership.
