Kerry Eleveld at The Advocate reports via Twitter that a Democratic aide has told her the Senate Armed Services Committee will take up the proposed repeal of “don’t ask don’t tell” Thursday afternoon in an open session. The committee initially planned to consider an amendment that would repeal the ban on open service in closed session, Eleveld says. Think Progress’ Wonk Room is reporting that the open session has been requested by Arizona Sen. John McCain, who’s threatening to join a Republican filibuster of the repeal if it makes it out of committee to the floor. McCain wants this afternoon’s committee proceedings to be televised.
Meanwhile, Keen News Service is reporting that a House debate on the DADT repeal likely won’t take place until Friday.
And finally, DADT repeal advocates Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. James Pietrangelo have announced a hunger strike. Here’s their press release:
FASTNG FOR EQUALITY & DIGNITY STATEMENT BY DAN CHOI
Immediately following congressional mark-ups on the National Defense Authorization Act 2011, Captain James Pietrangelo and I will commence a fast in pursuit of Equality and Dignity. We have three demands of President Barack Obama.
DEMAND #1: End the Comprehensive Working Group “Study,” which insults the dignity of all Americans.
DEMAND #2: End “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” discharges forever.
DEMAND #3: Replace all discriminatory regulations in the military with a comprehensive non-discrimination policy.
Choi added in a Twitter post that, “Some are prepared to spend Memorial Weekend in prison.”
For the latest Associated Press story on the DADT repeal, go here. Stay tuned to Instant Tea throughout the day for updates.
Now, as soon as they get a some vibrant color and some sparkles to those uniforms I’ll be driving a tank! WAHOO! Army of one HAAAAAYYY!! God, save this queen! 😉 Bye-bye DADT!
“Some are prepared to spend Memorial Weekend in prison.”
The only ones who belong in prison are the lawmakers who vote not to repeal DADT.
Would somebody please do a HUNGER STRIKE to end the oil spill in the Gulf?
Oh, wait – that would be stupid and USELESS, wouldn’t it?
Dan Choi and GetEQUAL have really jumped the shark this time. Medics? Medics?
ALL of these childish stunts are counterproductive and embarrassing. Now, we really need to consider the mental health of this very small band of idiots. I fear hostages and bombs may be part of their insane plans.
The hunger strike is a big miscalculation. I explain why on my blog today:
https://wordinedgewise.org/?p=1206