HRC Tells

The Human Rights Campaign is a group I've often criticised, but I believe that when they do something right, I should give them credit.

HRC staged a protest in Washington, DC, placing one small American flag on the Mall for every soldier discharged from the military during the 14 years of the infamous “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” (DADT) policy designed to exclude gay and lesbian soldiers: HRC placed 12,000 flags.

Strong winds meant they had to concentrate the display in a smaller area, with fewer flags, but the result was still impressive.

My friend Jason, who lives in DC, snapped some photos while he was out and about, and posted them on his blog. I particularly liked this one because you see that helicopter in the background by the Washington Monument? That's Marine One, which carries the President—you know, the moron sitting in the White House who thinks throwing away 12,000 soldiers is a great policy. You will also no doubt remember what a hard time the US military has had finding Arabic speakers because DADT meant they were forced to discharge most of the soldiers who were Arabic-speaking language specialists.

DADT came in during the presidency of Bill Clinton, but that was then, this is now. The neocons and theocons in the current regime love DADT, and it's highly unlikely the policy would be changed if the Republicans are in power after the 2008 election. The Democrats would be far more likely to change it.

If there's a chance to stop such a stupid policy—one which has no equivalent among US allies—then I know who'll I'll be backing. I know, you didn't ask, but I'm telling: I'll be voting for the Democratic candidate. DADT is just one of many reasons.

Well done, HRC, for an effective protest (and great pictures, Jason!).