I like lists.Always have.Nonetheless I have often wondered who anoints those at the end of each year with predicting what is no longer vogue and who/what will be the coming year’s attractions.This year, I decided just as the many prognosticators who preceded me to anoint myself.Some of my trends look pretty positive; sadly I can’t say, “It’s all good.”
And just like that it's gone. Don't Ask. Don't Tell.Don't Stop!
This morning history was made as President Obama proudly signed the "DADT" repeal act of 2010 into law thus ending the military policy that has resulted in the unjust firing of over 14,000 gay military personal over the past 17 years.
You could see the pride President Obama felt as he finally delivered on his campaign promise to do away with a practice that he himself called discriminatory.
I was filled with emotion and pride as I listened to my President beat the drum of equality, signing the bill into law, saying this "will strengthen our national security and uphold the ideals that our fighting men and women risk their lives to defend." And then it was done.
But we must not stop! We must keep marching forward towards full equality for all Americans, both in our military and out! As President Obama put it today, "We are not a nation that says 'don't ask, don't tell.' We are a nation that says, 'Out of many, we are one.'" There is still progress that needs to be made before full equality is achieved, but the dominoes are starting to fall. And more quickly!
There are certainly going to be more battles in the years ahead. For example, John McCain is apparently working with the "hate group" Family Research Council to try to roll back DADT in 2011.
But they will lose. One thing that history has taught us is, you can try to slow it down, but you can't stop progress. At yesterday's House celebration of the 'DADT' repeal, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) listed the next battles left to be won on the "radical homosexual agenda".
Said Frank: "It's to be protected against violent crimes driven by bigotry, it's to be able to get married, it's to be able to get a job, and it's to be able to fight for our country. For those who are worried about the radical homosexual agenda, let me put them on notice. Two down, two to go."
What an exciting way to wrap up what has certainly been a trying, and difficult year. On to the next battle, and on to 2011!
Author’s ID:Ryan Duncan is the New Media Coordinator for McKinney & Associates and manages all web2.0 and social networking activities for the firm and it's clients. For more info visit: http://www.mckpr.com/
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