Wednesday, September 21, 2011
OKLAHOMA: Marine Corps Has Recruiting Day At Tulsa LGBT Center
Yesterday Marine Corps recruiters fulfilled an invitation to set up a table at Tulsa's LGBT community center.
The Marines were the service most opposed to ending the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, but they were the only one of five invited branches of the military to turn up with their recruiting table and chin-up bar at the center Tuesday morning. Although Marines pride themselves on being the most testosterone-fueled of the services, they also ferociously promote their view of themselves as the best. With the law now changed, the Marines appear determined to prove that they will be better than the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard in recruiting gay, lesbian and bisexual service members.For different reasons, all three of yesterday's potential applicants were rejected. But not because they were gay.
Glee Spoiler: Purple Piano Project
Stay out of the comments if you haven't yet seen last night's season debut. Otherwise, dive in and dish!
fucjkin birocration prosses at indonesia
FUCKIN BIROCRATION AT INDONESIA COUNTRY
So many problem in this country which must each other have one line.so many corrupt,murder,raper,and many
other problem who have connected with our birocration proccess or may be in indonesia we just call K>K>N
this mean there are many procces of birocration involve money payment,for example if one of indonesia citizen want make some certificate at one foundation high school we must facing lot of person who want we pay them so that certifikate proccess will be finish if we give them smooth money.one by one person in that institution always use us for their personal direction so if we not gift them money that certificate proccess will take long time.all of institution in indonesia have that rules so traggic off course.why?because that institution is owned by our government so as citizens of indonesia as we know that all their salary money from us.from all indonesian income.
Aubrey Sarvis On DADT Repeal
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network head Aubrey Sarvis gives the president huge credit for the repeal of DADT, but warns of the day when one of our enemies wins back the Oval Office. "Most of the candidates say they would repeal the repeal. A new president could force the military to change the regulations, and we would go back to a post-Don't Ask, Don't Tell (when gays and lesbian were outright banned from the armed services.)"Which is precisely why the Log Cabin Republicans are continuing to pursue their court case.
November 21st At LA's Walt Disney Hall: Tribute Concert To Bob Mould
Tickets go on sale this Sunday. In this very special, one-night-only event, some of today's greatest artists gather to celebrate the music of punk and alternative rock icon, Bob Mould. Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie), Ryan Adams, No Age, Best Coast, Craig Finn and Tad Kubler (The Hold Steady), and Margaret Cho with Grant Lee Phillips will perform songs from Bob's catalog. Bob himself will also be performing.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
GM officially sells Hummer to China's Sichuan Tengzhong 2009
General Motors has reached an agreement to offload Hummer onto China's Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, with Tengzhong taking an 80 percent stake and a private investor consuming the rest.
Details on the deal (available in the press release after the jump) include Hummer contacting vehicle manufacturing from GM, with the General's Shrevport and Mishawaka plants continuing to produce vehicles through June of 2011, with a possible extension until 2012. A recent report says the sale will net GM around $150 million, although the transaction still has to be approved by both U.S. and Chinese regulatory agencies, which could come later this year or in early 2010.
Tengzhong, which only produces commercial trucks and industrial equipment, has never entered into consumer vehicles before, but according to Yang Yi, chief executive officer of Tengzhong. "We are excited about some of the initiatives already underway at HUMMER that we believe our investment will be able to accelerate, particularly related to the creation of the next generation of more fuel-efficient vehicles to meet not only future regulations but also customer expectations."
This IS The New Toyota Prius 2010
UPDATE: We sat down with Toyota PR this morning, showed them the pictures and they've confirmed that yes, this is the new 2010 Toyota Prius set to be revealed officially at the Detroit Auto Show in January. And yeah, that's all they're willing to tell us at this time.Someone over at PriusChat dropped images of what appears to be the next generation Prius or at least a really fantastic photochop of what the new Prius mule looks like. Toyota has no comment on the image according to PriusChat, which is something that we're going to have to weigh. What do you all think? Is this the next generation 2010 Prius that we've all been waiting to see after seeing the really underwhelming teasers of the new Prius?
Do You Feel Green Punk? Well, Do Ya?
What Racing Dynamics is going to do is quite amazing
Racing Dynamics is one of the coolest BMW tuners, not only because of their huge obsession with horsepower, but also because of the amazing bodykits which are like their signature. They are currently working on some packages for the all-new BMW 5-series, and based on the emerged details, they are good! as always.
What Racing Dynamics is going to do is quite amazing! They are going to release a powerful version of the 550i so you don’t have to wait for the actual M5 to arrive. The 407hp turbocharged V8 of the 550i will undergo a surgery to give 620 hp! That’s more than the 2011 M5, for sure! Other modifications to this car include a new rear-locking differential, sport suspension and high performance braking system.
They also have a package for the 535i six-cylinder model in which the power is upped from the standard 306hp to 410hp. This car too will get new exhausts, suspension and brakes and will be a serous performer. It’s all very good, but we can’t wait to see what they have in mind for the body! We just hope that the 5er get RD’s superb front bumper!
2010 Kia Borrego, model's future uncertain
2009 Kia Borrego – Click above for high-res image gallery
There really isn't anything wrong with the Kia Borrego. When compared directly to its intended competition, the big, boxy, body-on-frame SUV is both attractive and fully class competitive, as we learned the first time we got any significant time in its driver seat. That said, there's no doubt that the Borrego's model launch was an object lesson in horrible timing.
The Borrego was Introduced in late 2008 as a 2009 model, right when the financial meltdown was starting to make some waves and the previous summer's record-high fuel prices were still emblazoned in our collective memory banks. This being the case, it's no surprise to learn from The Car Connection that Kia moved fewer than half (at 9,510 through November) of its hoped-for Borrego sales in 2009.
That said, we still didn't expect the Korean automaker to drop the Borrego entirely for the 2010 model year, which is exactly what's being reported by the boys over at The Car Connection. Apparently, no decision has yet been made as to whether the Borrego will make a return appearance after 2010 or if the square-jawed SUV will be a one-and-done proposition.
Either way, for the keen bargain hunter, there's a boatload of cash on the hood of the 2009 model year. Kia is presently offering $3,000 in cash back on all trim levels, plus the availability of numerous other incentives. The rundown: $1,500 for trading in a competitor's vehicle (everything from the Buick Enclave to the Pontiac Aztek and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited qualifies); $1,500 for owner loyalty, $400 for recent college grads, $500 for military service, and $300 for Great Dane rescue shelter workers. We made that last one up.
Kia Borrego First Drive
Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan
Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we're left with is a little confusing. It's almost as if the automaker's new executives, amidst apologizing for the company's past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we'd all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn't fall asleep or get lost, and below you'll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler's future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler's presentation relating to product in the gallery below.
Models On Their Way Out
- Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
- Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
- Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
- Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
- Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
- Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
- Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)
New Models That Are Coming
- Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
- Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
- Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
- Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
- Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
- Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
- Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
- Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
- Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
- Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
- Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
- Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
- Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
- Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)
Models Staying, Receiving Attention
- Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market... yet)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
- Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
- Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
- Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
- Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
- Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
- Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
- Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
- Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system
SMS Superparts - Click above for a high-res image gallery
With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger and with a Mustang and Camaro, it was inevitable it would soon offer many of the parts individually. On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570 Challenger are now available individually, including the SMS 296 supercharger, aerodynamic parts, and suspension, wheel and tire packages.
Also making its debut at the show is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang. The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.
Read more on the SMS Superparts announcement after the jump, or opt for the visuals with the '90s-style 2010 Mustang and a 570X Challenger painted in Sour Grape Green in the high-res gallery below.
Honda FF engine demonstrator - click above for high-res image
For 2010, Formula F is getting some fresh blood. The Sports Car Club of America's board of directors has given the thumbs up to Honda's proposal for a new engine in the class. Next year, competitors will be able to swap out their ancient Ford Kent engines for a new 1.5-liter four based on the Fit.Honda Performance Development created the engine so that it was specifically able to bolt up to many contemporary Formula Ford chassis designs with minimal modification, all while providing comparable performance. The air restrictor and ECU calibrations can be adjusted by HPD to ensure performance parity with the series' existing engines.
The engine's electronically fuel injected engine promises significantly reduced service requirements compared to the Kent, along with better efficiency. The engines will be supplied complete with intake, exhaust and conversion kits. The kit for the Swift DB-1 including the engine and all necessary parts runs $11,750 with deliveries starting February.
Honda Fit FF engine
Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4
It's Day 4 of our SEMA Sweeps! After giving away three of five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, we're ready to give away our fourth. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and contacted, so here's how you can win today.
We're doing this in honor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and with it, the Seventh Annual GT Awards, so take advantage of our generosity and follow the directions below for your chance to win.
Today we're asking whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or new PSP Go. Your answer won't have any effect on your chances of winning since the sweepstakes winner is drawn at random, so pick your favorite portable Sony system, leave a comment and keep your fingers crossed!
Entering is easy. All you have to do is:
- Leave a comment in this post telling us whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or PSP Go.
- You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec, désolé!)
- Limit 1 entry per person per day
- This entry period ends at 3:00PM EST on Friday, November 6
- At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one PSP/GT bundle (ARV $199.99) that includes a Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system, Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD, a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (title TBD) and Sony MusicPass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs.
- For a list of complete rules, click here
Available on the optional navigation radio for 2011 A4, A5, and Q5 models
Audi has announced that HD Radio Technology will be standard on its 2011 model year A6, A8 and Q7 vehicles.The 2011 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 models, sold at lower price points, will also offer the technology, but with the optional navigation radio.
Compared to static-laden traditional AM/FM radio, HD Radio offers CD-quality sound on FM channels, and FM-stereo quality sound on AM channels. According to iBiquity Digital Corporation, the company holding the trademark for HD Radio, there are more than 2,000 HD Radio stations and more than 1,100 HD2/HD3 channels (FM multicast) currently on the air. As of today, HD radio is available to 85 percent of Americans. It's interesting to note that when HD Radio debuted, "HD" was the abbreviation for "Hybrid Digital," but that was later dropped. Today, "HD" is simply part of the brand name - contrary to popular belief, it doesn't stand for "high-definition." Audi's press release is pasted after the jump."We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."
[Source: Audi]
PRESS RELEASE
Audi Standardizes HD Radio™ Technology in Three Models
- HD Radio Technology will be standard on 2011 A6, A8 and Q7 models
- Available on the optional navigation radio for 2011 A4, A5, and Q5 models
- All cars will be available at U.S. Audi dealers by Fall 2010
"We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."
"As a leader in engineering, Audi provides its drivers with high-quality innovation that truly defines the luxury markets, and they continue to raise the bar with the inclusion of HD Radio Technology," said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting. "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Audi and enabling their enthusiasts to enjoy the extra programming, crystal-clear sound, and advanced data services to enhance the driving experience."
HD Radio Technology is available to 85 percent of Americans with more than 2,000 HD Radio stations on the air, and 1,100+ new HD2/HD3 Channels (FM multicast). The digital platform offers fresh, creative programming on HD2/HD3 Channels, with CD-quality sound on FM and FM-stereo quality sound on AM.
More information on HD Radio broadcast stations currently on air nationwide can be found at http://www.hdradio.com.
Filed under: Technology, Audi
neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show
![We Take Kia and Microsoft's UVO for a Test Drive [w/video]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tT5-pC_Er7EWaHUllsPkKRz8syz2gGFzTxl0UfdbHYiEBWuKho-pMHqJlRS7NcNFAF5fEd5HqkCwScDRRbyumtKrl710_uIcQ_VVBcn8sy8h5RNAXzAtKnfp0omrzYCAqwRpRQd47FPZVFN7CXxs7JFFM_LLnwv5YlQA=s0-d)
Kia's UVO system hands-on – Click above to watch video after the jump
Tucked in between Google's hot new smartphone and a variety of other computer peripheral equipment at this year's CES show is a crossover. Not the jacked-up, tricked-out, neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show, but a bone-stock, 2011 Kia Sorento. Well, stock except for one option: UVO.
We recently got a chance to try out the newly-announced system in the plastic, and while impressive in its own right, just hours after sitting down with Ford to check out the latest Sync and MyFord Touch, it's somewhat less than stunning. But, ignoring that for now, Kia's offering looks good and still ahead of the rest of the curve. It's functionally comparable to early Sync, enabling easy access to media on 1GB of internal storage, on a USB-connected drive or even on a CD. You can rip from CD straight to internal memory or to a thumb drive, an interesting feature we're not sure is particularly useful. The touchscreen display is a nice improvement over Ford's two-line Sync readout, but remember that if you get this system, you'll have to opt out of in-dash GPS. Good thing you splurged and got that Droid, right? Check out some screens in the gallery below, and there's a quick video demo after the break.
Kia and Microsoft's UVO
Email Of The Day - Eugene Delguadio
"Dear Joe, I’ve been putting off sending you this message for a while because I didn’t want to worry you. But late one night while sorting through pro-family petitions from supporters like you a thug crept in through a door, threw a blanket over my head and pummeled me with a rock. Thankfully, one of my volunteers heard when I yelled for help. I thank God when he came running into the room, this goon was startled and ran off. I wasn’t seriously hurt. I’ve gotten death threats before, nearly two dozen this year alone, and I never take them lightly. But when they go beyond threatening and actually try to kill me, it’s a whole different story."There’s more my friend. They harass my family and neighbors trying to turn them against me. Radical Homosexuals recently littered my entire neighborhood with hateful fliers filled with terrible false accusations I dare not repeat -- I was out until 4:30 AM going door to door gathering them all up so my children wouldn’t see this trash. They know their father is a good man, standing up for what is right, but when they have to defend against these vicious attacks in school, it really hurts them. I’ve taken precautions to protect my family. Some things I’ve told you about, but some things I must keep confidential or they’d be in more peril. Will you pray for my family and me? That the Lord would keep us safe? I need your prayers!"- Eugene Delguadio, self-proclaimed Public Advocate of the United States.
UPDATE: Some of you might be amused to read Eugene's entire message, which was far, far too long to post here. Therefore I've turned his email into a PDF and published it on Scribd.UPDATE II: As I've mentioned here in the past and as several of you have noted in today's comments, Delguadio is an elected official in suburban Virginia. Aside from his $40,000 supervisor's salary, he pays himself $150,000 annually from the donations received by Public Advocate.
ALASKA: State Judge Backs Tax Breaks For Gay Senior Citizen Couples
A state judge in Alaska has ruled that elderly gay couples are entitled to the same senior citizen property tax discounts granted to legally married elderly couples.
Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner said in his decision that the state's marital classification violates the Alaska Constitution's equal protection clause. The ruling was signed Friday and released Monday by ACLU of Alaska. ACLU of Alaska and the national American Civil Liberties Union challenged tax assessment rules on behalf of three couples from Anchorage who were denied tax breaks that they would have been entitled to if they were married. The couples were in committed relationships but were treated as roommates rather than families, according to the Alaska ACLU. The group's spokesman Jeffrey Mittman said Monday one couple, Julie Schmidt and Gayle Schuh, had been together 34 years.Under Alaska law, married seniors are permitted to exclude $150,000 in home value from their property tax assessments. Disabled veterans get the same deal.
NEW YORK: Buffalo Teen Kills Himself After Years Of Anti-Gay Bullying
Heartbroken Buffalo parents Tracy and Tim Rodemeyer say they found their 14 year-old son Jamey dead yesterday morning in a presumed suicide. Jamey had long complained of vicious homophobic bullying at the hands of his classmates.Jamey Rodemeyer needed help. At 14, he was grappling with adolescent demons that could torment grown men. And when he was online, he wrote about it. "I always say how bullied I am, but no one listens," he wrote Sept. 9. "What do I have to do so people will listen to me?" Just over one week later, Jamey was found dead outside his home of an apparent suicide. In the months prior, he routinely blogged about school bullying and thoughts of suicide in between upbeat posts about his pop star idol Lady Gaga and the ordinary types of teen rants typical for kids his age. On Sept. 8, he wrote: "No one in my school cares about preventing suicide, while you're the ones calling me [gay slur] and tearing me down."Much of Jamey's tormenting came via cyber-bullying. His parents, who say they discussed and supported Jamey's questioning of his sexuality, intend to carry on his campaign against bullies.
VIDEO: Jamey actually recorded an "It Get Better" clip back in May.
AFA Boycotts AARP
Two AFA boycotts in the same day. Remember, we're the fascists trying to tell people what to think and how to live their lives.
AFA Boycotts Schweddy Balls
The American Family Association is calling for a national boycott of Ben & Jerry's because of their latest flavor, Schweddy Balls. They've also sent the ice cream maker a letter demanding a halt to the flavor's distribution. From an AFA press release:
Ben & Jerry's announced their newest ice cream flavor which sounds anything but appealing. Schweddy Balls is the best they could come up with. The vulgar new flavor has turned something as innocent as ice cream into something repulsive. Not exactly what you want a child asking for at the supermarket. In the past, Ben & Jerry's has released controversial ice creams, like a special edition of Chubby Hubby called Hubby Hubby last year which celebrated gay marriage. It seems that offending customers has become an annual tradition for Ben & Jerry's.War, natural disasters, poverty, ICE CREAM. Priorities!
Like Mother, Like Son?
I've been tipped that Maggie Gallagher's younger son, Bair Srivastav, made the above comment on a Facebook thread in which participants where instructed to insult the person whose name appeared above theirs. Not a big deal, children are cruel, etc, etc. But still.
Fork On The Left, Knife In The Back
Last night I attended the launch party for gossip legend Michael Musto's above-titled book, where hundreds of bold-face names collided with hipsters, scenesters, and queensters all vying to get their names into large print. Where else but a Musto party would you see F-Troop octogenerian Larry Storch chatting amiably next to drag star Flotilla Debarge while samba dancers spin around to live conga playing as a Sarah Palin impersonator does shots?
Just a short list of those I can recall seeing: Jerry Springer, Jackie Hoffman, Basil Twist, Robin Byrd, Murray Hill, Lisa Lampanelli, Dirty Martini, Robbyne Kaamil, Xavier, Mike Diamond, Boy Culture's Matthew Rettenmund, Kenneth (In The 212) Walsh, Gawker's Brian Moylan, SiriusXM host Michelangelo Signorile, and many many hookers, hustlers, porn stars, drag queens and basically every person who makes Manhattan what it is. Big props to promoter Chip Duckett (who did the JMG Pride party too) for another memorable event.
SLIDESHOW: Below are a dozen of my own photos from the evening, but you should check out Father Tony's much more glamorous sampling, as he is eternally drawn to anybody in a bizarre costume.
UPDATE: More photos are in from Wayne at World Of Wonder.
UPDATE II: Boy Culture's Matthew Rettenmund has posted many photos and videos of the evening, along with a pithy recap of the attendees.
Just a short list of those I can recall seeing: Jerry Springer, Jackie Hoffman, Basil Twist, Robin Byrd, Murray Hill, Lisa Lampanelli, Dirty Martini, Robbyne Kaamil, Xavier, Mike Diamond, Boy Culture's Matthew Rettenmund, Kenneth (In The 212) Walsh, Gawker's Brian Moylan, SiriusXM host Michelangelo Signorile, and many many hookers, hustlers, porn stars, drag queens and basically every person who makes Manhattan what it is. Big props to promoter Chip Duckett (who did the JMG Pride party too) for another memorable event.
SLIDESHOW: Below are a dozen of my own photos from the evening, but you should check out Father Tony's much more glamorous sampling, as he is eternally drawn to anybody in a bizarre costume.
UPDATE: More photos are in from Wayne at World Of Wonder.
UPDATE II: Boy Culture's Matthew Rettenmund has posted many photos and videos of the evening, along with a pithy recap of the attendees.
Dr. Conrad Murray Allegedly Told Paramedics that Jackson was Fine While He Lay Dead
Michael Jackson’s doctor said the star “was fine” as he lay dead, legal papers reveal.
An LA paramedic who tried to save the King of Pop from an overdose has told lawyers of Dr Conrad Murray’s startling medical opinion.The Mirror has seen a transcript of Richard Senneff’s statement, which revealed the doctor stood in front of a lifeless [Jackson] in the singer’s bedroom and claimed: “He doesn’t have a problem. He is fine.“He was [practicing] all night. I’m just treating him for dehydration.Mr Senneff, first on the scene after a guard called 911 when Murray found his star patient out cold in June 2009, believed the doctor lied to him about what drugs he had given the pop legend.
LGBT Groups Celebrate DADT End
National Center for Lesbian Rights
I'll add more to this post as the press releases arrive.
"Today is not just the end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ it is the beginning of a new era in which government policies that discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity are rightly seen as shameful and outmoded. We salute President Obama for his leadership in bringing this inexcusable discrimination to an end. We also honor the thousands of men and women who were harmed by this policy, including many who made great personal sacrifices in order to speak out against it. While more work lies ahead in the movement for full equality, today we should celebrate how far we’ve come.”National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
“While we observe this tremendous, hard-fought victory for lesbian, gay and bisexual service members, we recognize the journey is not over. Transgender service members are still being forced to serve in silence. This is unacceptable. All qualified, patriotic Americans willing to risk their lives for this country should be able to do so free from discrimination. In addition, the military still lacks explicit nondiscrimination protections, equal benefits and an inclusive equal opportunity policy for LGBT people. We will continue to work toward the day when full inclusion is a reality in the military.”Lambda Legal
"This has been a long time coming. After 18 years and more than 13,000 people discharged based on their sexual orientation, the end of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law is here. Today, Lambda Legal celebrates with lesbian, bisexual and gay service members who for the first time in history will be able to serve their country openly," said Lambda Legal Executive Director, Kevin Cathcart. "We congratulate the many lesbian, bisexual and gay servicemembers who risked or sacrificed their careers to fight for justice, our colleagues at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and Log Cabin Republicans and everyone who has valiantly helped bring the freedom to be out to those who fight for freedom for all," Cathcart said.National Stonewall Democrats
The work of 17 years and untold sacrifice by many made this day possible. We thank Congress members from both sides of the aisle who passed repeal, helping President Obama keep his promise for open service. And, of course, many thanks are owed to President Obama for his leadership and commitment to the men and women who simply want to serve their country openly and freely. Today, we can hold our heads a bit higher knowing that our men and women in uniform have taken a giant step toward equality in service for all.
I'll add more to this post as the press releases arrive.
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