DAY 7: DADT Update

I'm not sure how many people are reading this or if any of you have been moved to action - it would be lovely to receive you emails: michael_advent@yahoo.com or you can simply leave a comment here in the blog. There won't necessarily be big news here every day. I wasn't expecting that.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said recently that if the ban were lifted, it would be "difficult" for the military to restructure its units to accommodate gays. The suggestion is that even if it were to happen, it would take time to implement. Also, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said President Obama recognized that the current practice of banning gays from the military, while leaving an estimated 65,000 to serve as long as they don't disclose their homosexuality, "isn't working for our national interests." But change requires "more than the snapping of one's fingers," Gibbs said, explaining that Obama considers congressional action to repeal the ban the best way of ensuring fundamental change.

By the way, since 1994, more than 12,500 men and women have been discharged from the armed forces for being gay, including nearly 800 "mission-critical specialists" such as Lt. Dan Choi, who go me started on this daily effort. Oh and by the way, the first Army Federal Recognition Retention hearing is scheduled for June 9th. More details when they become available. Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen will appear later today on the ABC news program "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" and is likely to be asked some tough questions - tune in!

Also want to remind you that tomorrow is Memorial Day and I hope you will remember all of our military, including our lgbt in uniform.