Dear Carl Levin,

by: PerfectStormer

Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 17:38:11 PM EDT

Since you're the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and have been in the Senate longer than I've been alive, I'm sure you're intimately familiar with the federal law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) that in 1993 was struck as a compromise ostensibly to let lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans to serve in our military as long as they didn't publicly acknowledge their sexual orientation.

At the time DADT was probably a good compromise. Soldiers were allowed to serve their country, but social conservatives were placated with the idea that they'd never need to know there was a gay soldier in an American foxhole. Sixteen years later, it's time for DADT to go. DADT has begun to exact an extreme toll on the readiness of our military and has taken away America's rightful place as a beacon of equality in the world. Among other stories, I'm sure you're familiar with the case of Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, a Navy airman whose training has ultimately cost American taxpayers $28 million, but who was recently discharged because he is gay. This cannot continue.

(there's more!)

I'd like to suggest, Senator, that you are the man for the job. As chair of the Armed Services Committee your voice carries a lot of weight; as my friend Julie is fond of saying, you've probably forgotten more about military policy than I'll ever know. You've always been respected as a leader and a moderate voice in the Senate, and yet a champion for your constituents. It's time for you to be a champion for all of your constituents.

A while back you were asked about repealing DADT and your response was pretty lukewarm. You said you just didn't think the support was there in the Senate. Frankly, sir, that's irrelevant. The president has spoken and the people agree: it's time for DADT to go. You risk nothing professionally or personally by sponsoring this bill; you are routinely re-elected by large margins and will continue to enjoy these large margins as long as you continue to choose to serve the people of the State of Michigan. On the off chance that you have a narcissistic streak-and believe me, I don't think for a moment that you do-think of it as a chance to leave a legacy as the man who opened the door for equality to all Americans who wish to serve their country.

I know you have your hands full right now with the Iraq supplemental. When that battle is finally over, I hope you'll consider taking up this fight.

Sincerely,
me