President Obama's Statement : certification of DADT repeal

[cal04]

http://www.politico.com/politico44/

"Today, we have taken the final major step toward ending the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law that undermines our military readiness and violates American principles of fairness and equality. In accordance with the legislation that I signed into law last December, I have certified and notified Congress that the requirements for repeal have been met. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will end, once and for all, in 60 days -- on September 20, 2011.

"As Commander in Chief, I have always been confident that our dedicated men and women in uniform would transition to a new policy in an orderly manner that preserves unit cohesion, recruitment, retention and military effectiveness. Today’s action follows extensive training of our military personnel and certification by Secretary Panetta and Admiral Mullen that our military is ready for repeal. As of September 20th, service members will no longer be forced to hide who they are in order to serve our country. Our military will no longer be deprived of the talents and skills of patriotic Americans just because they happen to be gay or lesbian.

"I want to commend our civilian and military leadership for moving forward in the careful and deliberate manner that this change requires, especially with our nation at war. I want to thank all our men and women in uniform, including those who are gay or lesbian, for their professionalism and patriotism during this transition. Every American can be proud that our extraordinary troops and their families, like earlier generations that have adapted to other changes, will only grow stronger and remain the best fighting force in the world and a reflection of the values of justice and equality that the define us as Americans."

Reactions
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2011/07/22/276958/dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal-has-been-certified/

@SenGillibrand: Thrilled that #DADT repeal has been certified! Putting this corrosive policy behind us will strengthen America both militarily & morally.

HRC: “For far too long, the ban on openly gay service members has harmed our security and tarnished our values. The President’s certification of repeal is a monumental step, not just for those forced to lie in order to serve, but for all Americans who believe in fairness and equality.”

@MarkUdall: Landmark day for #LGBT service members & enhancing our nat’l security. Military certifying repeal means end to #DADT is close.

Obama’s signature on the certification letter:

[DevonRex]

1. We will be safer because of this.

I saw far too many of my fellow soldiers forced to leave because they were gay or lesbian. It hurt us all. We missed them and we needed them, both for the missions and as our friends.

[cherokeeprogressive]

2. Good Job Mr. President. n/t

[Sheepshank]

3. A great moment for so very many people

on so many levels.

Exciting for sure!!!!

[Number23]

4. Rec'd

[jenmito]

5. K&R. Any comment from Dan Choi?

[vaberella]

7. He hates Obama...it won't happen.

He hasn't said anything about Obama's position on DOMA---which is currently being fought.

[jenmito]

10. Yeah, I agree...

he has jumped the shark already.

[Zenlitened]

6. K&R. And kudos to the many LGBT activists who worked long years...

...to make this moment happen.

[vaberella]

8. Great news. Now another 60 days. Next we have DOMA repeal on board---thanks Pres. O for caring. nt

[CakeGrrl]

9. K/R

Thank you, Mr. President.

[bigwillq]

11. K and R

:thumbsup:

[Politicub]

12. K&r Another historic day for the lgbt community.

[jenmito]

13. Kick.

[jenmito]

14. Kick again. Why so few comments? So many people were saying the DADT repeal would NEVER take

effect.