During the last week, I’ve attempted to make my own voice heard in the mess that is the current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal attempt.  As I have made calls and written emails, I have realized that gaining recognition from large organizations and politicians is much more difficult than the democratic ideal would have you believe.  

I began the process by contacting Equality Forum, which, according to my research, had yet to take a strong stance and make its voice heard on  DADT.  I sent the following email to Chip Alfred, Equality Forum's Communication Director:

Dear Mr. Alfred,

While I hoped to receive information detailing ways the organization planned to get involved and ways I could help, instead I received a rather brusque response.  Mr. Alfred informed me that they had, in fact, taken a stand and discussed it at their annual Equality Forum, which took place in May.  After digging through the website, I finally found a reference to the panel he mentioned. Honestly, I was disappointed in the lack of recent action.  As the largest LGBT issue debated in recent years on the federal level, it should warrant a more public response.  I then replied, asking how I could get involved. I’m still waiting on a response.

Next, I focused my attention to those with the most direct influence on the success of the repeal: my senators.  I drafted a very pointed email for Senator Specter, only to find that his contact page had been shut down since he will relinquish his post in January. When I called his Philadelphia office, I left a message with a secretary, who thanked me for my comment.  Although it was satisfying to voice my concern to an actual human being instead of a computer, I doubt my comments will go much further than the notepad they were recorded on. 

I then directed my email to Senator Casey, who will continue after the lame-duck session ends:

Dear Senator Casey,

I am writing in regards to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the current attempt being made to repeal it.  It appalls me that such a blatantly discriminatory piece of legislation has withstood 17 years of criticism and remains in place today.  This is not the example that should be set in a country of such high moral character.  

Furthermore, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has impeded our military process. In a time when our troops are deployed around the world in attempts to protect our own freedoms and those of others, what benefit can be found in discharging able and willing troops? Will it improve military readiness and cohesion, a claim that so many senators have made?  The Pentagon’s study found that it would not.  Will it improve the public opinion of America’s military? Absolutely not.  In fact, polls have shown the opposite. So I ask you Senator, why have you allowed this policy to continue?

I ask not only for your vote, which I know you’ve already pledged, but your voice as well.  In order to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Republicans must be convinced that it is the morally appropriate and necessary decision to make.  I do not need to remind you that time is of the essence.  If next year’s Defense Appropriation bill does not pass with language allowing repeal, you will have failed your fellow Americans, who only wish to serve with the same dignity and respect that all other troops are granted.  This is not too much to ask.

Sincerely,

Taylor Valentine 

I am waiting for a response from his office, hoping that it will be more than a generic “Thank you”.  I’ve realized that it is almost impossible for one citizens to make an impact without the help of others. In the coming weeks, I plan to gather support and send more emails and phones calls to my senators.  I also hope to start a Facebook page about DADT, encouraging others to get involved as well.