Tuesday
May112010
Sen. Lieberman Shows Support At Rally To End ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
By Justine Rellosa- Talk Radio News Service
Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) made an appearance at a rally Tuesday morning held by gay and lesbian veterans who hope to convince members of Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the controversial policy barring gay Americans from openly serving in the military, this year.
“The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is consistent with our country’s best values and it is consistent with the best interests of the United States military, and therefore, Americans' national security,” Lieberman said. “We have justice on our side ... we really can, and I believe will, repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' this year.”
The veterans and Lieberman converged on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Following the rally, the veterans planned on going inside the Congressional office buildings and talking to members and their staffs directly.
“We need to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' now ... this legislation is sending good people out of the military," said Joe Lazzerini, a member of the Army Reserve from Massachusetts. "I want to be able to continue serving my country, not because I’m gay, but because I do like serving my country.”
In the coming weeks, Congress will take on the Defense Authorization Bill. Opponents of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are expected to attempt to add an amendment to repeal the policy.
Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) made an appearance at a rally Tuesday morning held by gay and lesbian veterans who hope to convince members of Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the controversial policy barring gay Americans from openly serving in the military, this year.
“The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is consistent with our country’s best values and it is consistent with the best interests of the United States military, and therefore, Americans' national security,” Lieberman said. “We have justice on our side ... we really can, and I believe will, repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' this year.”
The veterans and Lieberman converged on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Following the rally, the veterans planned on going inside the Congressional office buildings and talking to members and their staffs directly.
“We need to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' now ... this legislation is sending good people out of the military," said Joe Lazzerini, a member of the Army Reserve from Massachusetts. "I want to be able to continue serving my country, not because I’m gay, but because I do like serving my country.”
In the coming weeks, Congress will take on the Defense Authorization Bill. Opponents of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are expected to attempt to add an amendment to repeal the policy.
Demonstrators Demand Jobs On Capitol Hill
By Adrianna McGinley
Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) joined hundreds of activists and union representatives on Capitol Hill and demanded Congress take action to create jobs, something Ellison has already vowed to do.
“You have elected us to Congress. We are listening to you, and we want to be in partnership with you,” Ellison said. “So when you go out across America and you fight for the justice we all deserve, please know that you’ve got brothers and sisters in Congress ready to fight side by side with you.”
Attendees also stood in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protestors, but Grijalva played down comparisons suggesting the Occupy Wall Street movement will spark the creation of a new political party. He said the movement is not an answer to the Tea Party, but rather a solution to America’s problems.
Struggling Americans shared their stories at the rally, including unemployed Army Reservist Tiffany Mellers.
“I am continually shocked at how little politicians seem to care about how regular people, like me are doing,” Mellers said. “This cannot go on any longer…we are finally saying enough is enough.”
Demonstrators announced that another rally, Occupy DC, is scheduled for Thursday at Freedom Plaza in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement.