It's been a past topic here, so I just wanted to note that the US Senate just took a cloture vote to override a promised filibuster from Senator John McCain. The vote succeeded 63 to 33.

This means there will be no filibuster, and it's expected than at 3pm ET today there will be a final vote to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell". Gay Veteran's and Survivors, thank you for your honorable service.

-efm

One of the best news of the year... Finally!

I'm glad to see this happen. Even though I have not been in the military, I don't think being gay has anything to do with serving your country. I can't imagine what it has been for these guys to have had to live in silence. There are so many ignorant people in this country yet with some of the comments that were spoken by the people in congress and those that comment around the internet. I'm just glad that this finally was repealed. It is the best news I've heard in a long time!

It certainly is great news

I missed the signing ceremony on TV but watched a YouTube video and it brought tears to my eyes.

Hi, my brothers,

A great day indeed. We have always been there,our blood was just as red as theirs. Thousands have served honorably, in all our wars. Many are hero's too. Many have been discharged in disgrace. And many will now come back in.

But, we must beware of the homophobia that will surely come. And perhaps things just might get nasty. Not from our side. It will be a learning experience on both sides.

A historic well earned victory.

A rainbow warrior retired from the military.

Heal well my brothers, heal well.

Pete..Irishmoose.

What really touched me, that communicates the gravity of what this means for those who have served in silence, shame, and fear, begins around 4:30 in this clip from the Rachel Maddow program.



-efm

Thank you for sharing that video. I had not seen it. I say for me, this gives me hope that maybe the country is beginning to change on this subject. I'd love for my partner and I to be able to exchange vows (when it is recognized). Taking care of legal matters is one thing but it still doesn't guarantee anything. My heart goes out to all the people who were discharged because of this stupid policy that got implemented.

Lt. Dan Choi gave Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid his West Point ring in July of this year. Now he has it back.

He later tweeted:



It's a good day.

~Matty

Hi, my brothers,

My Sequoia brother, thanks for sharing that video. And my brother Moortje as well.

I had followed some of these brave Air Force personal and their struggle in the Air Force times.

I sure hope that they can resume their military careers with the honor that they deserve.

In the spirit of the season, of that boy born 2000+years ago.
I wish my brothers here a Merry & healing Christmas.

A proud rainbow warrior, retired from the Air Force.

Pete..Irishmoose.