Actions for Justice

From the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN):

In a step forward in the fight to end “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the White House announced Monday night that it supports legislative repeal in 2010. If passed, the DADT repeal amendment proposed by Senator Joseph Lieberman and Congressman Patrick Murphy would enable the President and the Pentagon to create a new policy of open service for gay and lesbian service members.

This breakthrough sets the stage for the first-ever vote on repeal this week. But the fight is not won yet. With critical votes in the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House floor in the next 24-72 hours, we need your help to reach a winning vote. Call your representative today and say that the time to vote for repeal is now. (Capital switchboard 202-225-3121 or http://contactingthecongress.org/)

We would not have made this historic progress without your support, and the leadership of Senators Lieberman, Levin, and Congressman Murphy. Now it's our turn to keep up the pressure until we get enough votes to lift the ban. Help push us over the top. Call your representative today. (Capital switchboard 202-225-3121 or http://contactingthecongress.org/)

Advocates like you have worked for years to end this disgraceful law. Now we stand on the verge of finally doing just that. The cost of losing now will almost certainly mean yet another year or more of DADT discrimination. Our gay and lesbian service members are counting on you to keep up the call for repeal at this decisive hour.

Thank you,
Aubrey Sarvis
SLDN Executive Director

A sample script:

Hi, my name is <your name>, and I am from <hometown>. I am calling to urge Rep. <your representative> to vote for the Murphy Amendment to repeal “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” It doesn't matter whether a soldier is lesbian, gay or straight. What matters is that a soldier gets the job done.

More resources from SLDN

About DADT: http://www.sldn.org/pages/about-dadt

Other steps:

• Write a letter to the editor.
• E-mail your representative.
• Spread the word: Please encourage friends, family, and co-workers tojoin the movement to repeal “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” Anyone can (and should!) participate. Your friends, family and co-workers need not live in the same congressional district—or even the same state—to participate. We need people all across the country to stand up for the freedom to serve.

Doing Justice: A How-To
The Bible says that one of the expectations God has for us is that we “do justice.” Below are some specific suggestions for how to do that. Please send your additional ideas to us at Hope for Peace & Justice.

• Write a letter or email to a politician or editor once a week about a justice issue that concerns you. There is a section of h4pj.org that can help you do that.
• Forward emails you receive from H4PJ or other justice organizations and seek to engage family and friends in caring about issues that are important to you.
• Recycle. You can now request a “Big Blue” roll-cart from the City of Dallas, in which you can place glass, aluminum and paper. Just call the non-emergency number, 3-1-1, or visit 311.dallascityhall.com.
• Boycott Exxon and other companies that exploit the environment and gouge customers by making obscene profits. Write to them and tell them why you are boycotting.
• Use environmentally friendly products and educate yourself on how you can leave a smaller footprint on the planet.
• Check out the links listed on the H4PJ website.
• Buy a hybrid, or at least a more energy efficient, car the next time you buy. Walk more rather than drive everywhere; pretend you live in New York, or a real city where folks actually walk.
• Subscribe to justice magazines and e-letters that can help to keep your soul stirred and motivated.
• Read and do your own research. Mainstream media is keeping us in the dark about many issues, but the information is out there. We just have to find it. Become the best informed person in your family about issues like Iraq, and then talk to others.
• Get out of your comfort zone. Talk to people of a different race, or an immigrant, or a poor person, or someone who is elderly and living on a fixed income. Find out firsthand what their challenges are and how you can help.
• Give two nights a month to an organization or cause that is working to make the world a better place.