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West Point graduate Lt. Dan Choi appeared on the Rachel Maddow show in March, announced he was gay, had his audio swiftly cut off, reappeared on the show the next day, then received a letter announcing he was out for “telling.”
This is the letter the military sends you when you admit you’re gay:
This is to inform you that sufficient basis exists to initiate action for withdrawal of Federal Recognition in the Army National Guard for moral or professional dereliction. Specifically, you admitted publicly that you are a homosexual, which constitutes homosexual conduct. Your actions negatively affected the good order and discipline of the New York Army National Guard.
Choi reiterates that he’s only one of the 12,500 soldiers who have been kicked out of the army in the 15 years of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” It’s a shame that Choi was dismissed, but I think it’s a good sign when officers start telling, publicly, just to reveal the utter ridiculousness of the rule. Here’s to hoping he’s the last, President Obama.