SLDN Pushes Obama on DADT

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network launched a campaign Tuesday aimed at pushing President Barack Obama to "lead the way" on repealing "don't ask, don't tell" by including it in his annual defense budget.

As part of the campaign, SLDN placed an open letter in Roll Call, a widely read Capitol Hill publication.

"In a few short weeks, you will be submitting your administration's defense budget to Congress. This is the logical place to end the ban," reads the letter. "The time is now. Not next year or the second term. To delay another year is to stand aside and okay the daily firing of service members merely because they are gay. Patriotic gays and lesbians are fighting and dying for our country in two wars, just like their straight comrades-in-arms.

"President Truman acted boldly to end segregation in the ranks, and strong military leadership was essential in ensuring its ultimate success. While congressional and military leadership will be essential in ending this discrimination in the ranks, Mr. President, we all look to you to lead the way."