6.26.2009

sign the letter of support for lt. dan choi

Lt. Dan Choi is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an Iraq War veteran. Last month, I named him one of the 30 Most Influential Asian Americans Under 30. He also happens to be gay.

On Tuesday, he'll face a panel of colonels who will decide whether or not to discharge him from the military for "moral and professional dereliction" under the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

141,262 people signed Lt. Choi's letter to President Obama a few weeks ago. Now he needs your help again. You can sign the personal letter of support and add your own personal message. Here's the letter:
To Members of the Board:

We, the undersigned, urge you not to discharge Lt. Daniel Choi from the Army National Guard.

Lt. Dan Choi, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an Iraq War veteran, is a capable soldier and leader who can continue to play a vital role in this time of war.

As a member of the military who is fluent in Arabic, Lt. Choi's skills are especially needed at this critical time in our nation's history. America's national security is dependent on the service of soldiers like Lt. Choi, who is ready to deploy again if his country calls on him.

Lt. Choi's dedication to West Point and the Army brings credit to the military. His fighting spirit on behalf of his country -- and on behalf of supporting the freedom of gay and lesbian Americans to serve -- demonstrates the values of honor and duty so vital to our nation's military.

Please do not discharge Lt. Choi and deprive him of the right to serve his country.

Sincerely,
To sign it, go here. Lt. Choi is upstanding, experienced and qualified soldier. Now, he might be fired from the military for refusing to lie about who he is and who is loves. Don't you think that's ridiculous?

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