House Votes to Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell; Loretta Sanchez Says Gay Soldiers Can Bolster National Security
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| If boys can be soldiers, why not gays? |
Loretta Sanchez, the woman who ended his notable political career in 1996, today did what Dornan, long a vocal opponent of gay rights, would have never done even with a gun to his head: She voted to allow gay and lesbian citizens to serve openly in the U.S. military.
Sanchez took the vote, which passed 250-175, in stride.
"Repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is the right thing to do," the Santa Ana congresswoman said in a prepared statement. "Everyone who is willing and able to serve their country should be able to do so, regardless of sexual orientation. This is an issue of national security as well as fairness that affects every single American."
Though she hails herself a conservative "Blue Dog" Democrat, Sanchez's sentiment was no surprise. She has urged Pentagon officials not to discriminate against gays, a move that no doubt further endeared her to the progressive wing of her party.
One guess how the rest of OC's congressional delegation voted.
According to wire service reports, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-San Diego), the son of an old Dornan pal, said it's wrong to treat the U.S. military like "the YMCA" and argued that "a liberal crusade to create a utopia" must end.
The issue will likely die in the U.S. Senate in this session of congress unless at least two Republican members join a united Democratic caucus.
--R. Scott Moxley / OC Weekly
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