Letters from Senators Roland Burris and Dick Durbin About Appealing the DADT Bill

You can think what you want about Lady Gaga's meat dress, but I have to give the pop star credit. She's the person who got me to contact my U.S. Senators representing Illinois to find out how they felt about the don't ask, don't tell (DADT) policy. I also paid more attention to upcoming senators to see how they felt about it. I watched Lady Gaga's video and checked out her Twitter page where she contacted New York Senators and figured if she had time to do it, so did I.

I support appealing the DADT policy, and so did both current Illinois Senators. Here are their responses:

Senator Roland Burris, who will not be running for re-election in 2011 but is on the ballot to serve from Nov. 3 to Jan. 3, the rest of now President Barack Obama's term.

From: Senator Roland Burris
To: (My e-mail address)
Sent: Tue, Sep 28, 2010 4:50 pm
Subject: Your Concerns

Dear Ms. Vaughn:

Thank you for voicing your concern regarding the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. The Administration supports repealing the legislation in a sensible way that will strengthen our armed forces and our national security. I strongly support President Obama's initiative.

I have supported the first steps to reform this measure by making clear that the current legislation is out of date. I feel we should repeal this measure in order to strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces. I have signed on as an original cosponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. The legislation would put into place a process for repeal that allows the Department of Defense to conclude the findings of its working group and to receive certification from the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the President before moving forward.

I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Illinoisans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Illinois and the nation. My job is not only about supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation's politics.

Sincerely,

Roland W. Burris

United States Senator

The second letter is from Senator Dick Durbin, who is still serving his six-year senatorial term at the White House. Although we agree on this topic, I have mixed views on Senator Durbin supporting the DREAM Act.

----Original Message-----
From: correspondence_reply
To: (My E-mail Address)
Sent: Fri, Sep 24, 2010 6:18 pm
Subject: Message from Senator Durbin

September 24, 2010

Ms. Shamontiel Vaughn
(Address Here)

Dear Ms. Vaughn:

Thank you for contacting me about the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the United States military. I appreciate knowing your views.

I oppose discrimination based on an individual's sexual orientation and support the Obama Administration's consideration of how to end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. A person's sexual orientation should not disqualify him or her from military service. We should not uphold a policy that restricts the ability of individuals who possess the skills and bravery to serve in the U.S. military.

I am committed to ensuring that the U.S. military keeps our troops and country safe while meeting the needs of the brave men and women who serve in the armed forces. Making sure that servicemen and women are not discriminated against based on their sexual orientation is necessary to meet those needs.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator

RJD/kj