Al Franken: “I rise to discuss two important issues we will not have the chance to debate because we are unable to take up the…”

“I rise to discuss two important issues we will not have the chance to debate because we are unable to take up the Defense authorization bill. Let me start with the need for repeal of the discriminatory don't ask, don't tell policy. We are so close to making a historic accomplishment that I think we would be able to look back on with pride. It is also simply the right thing to do. This country is long past ready for it, and it is the right thing because the don't ask, don't tell policy has been costly for our military. Treating gays and lesbians unequally because of their sexual orientation just does not make sense to me. We should not be denying gay and lesbian Americans the ability to serve our Nation simply because of who they are. We should not make them lie in order to serve. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ADM Mike Mullen, endorsed the repeal of don't ask, don't tell. He put it this way: I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me, personally, it comes down to integrity: theirs as individuals and ours as an institution. But as I said, this is not just about the right thing to do. The country is ready for it, and the military is ready for it. Things have changed since 1993. The country is now way ahead of us on this issue.…”