The End

Text of the memo ending "Don't Ask Don't Tell" in the U.S. Army. DADT ends throughout the military at one minute after midnight tonight, or 00:01 AM, 9.20.2011.

"Today marks the end of "Don't Ask Don't Tell." The law is repealed. From this day forward, gay and lesbian Soldiers may serve in our Army with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our rules, regulations, and policies reflect the repeal guidance issued by the Department of Defense and will apply uniformly without regard to sexual orientation, which is a personal and private matter.

For over 236 years, the U.S. Army has been an extraordinary force for good in the world. Our Soldiers are the most agile, adaptable, and capable in history and we are ready for this change.

Over the last several months our Leaders, Soldiers, and Department of the Army Civilians have discussed, trained, and prepared for this day. The President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs have certified that the repeal is consistent with military readiness, effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention. Your professionalism, leaderships, and respect for your fellow Soldiers will ensure that this effort is successful.

At the heart of our success is adherence to the Army Values. The standards not only infuse every facet of our culture and operations, but also guide us as we adapt to change. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage are not mere words - they are the very principles by which we live, train, and fight.

Accordingly, we expect all personnel to follow our Values by implementing the repeal fully, fairly, and in accordance with policy guidance. It is the duty of all personnel to treat each other with dignity and respect while maintaining good order and discipline throughout our ranks. Doing so will help the U.S. Army remain the Strength of the Nation."

It was signed by Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, United States Army Chief of Staff General Raymond T. Odierno, and Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh.

Observations 9.19

Circumstance is a movie I first read about when it won the Audience Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. I had never actually seen any of it until I ran into this trailer today.

Four years ago during a speech at Columbia University Iranian President President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that there were no gays in Iran. Seems he was wrong. Circumstance is the story of a forbidden lesbian romance in Iran and was made by a bi-sexual Iranian director Maryam Keshavarz. The leading roles are played by Iranian actresses Sarah Kazemy and Nikohl Boosheri. For safety reasons Circumstance was filmed in Lebanon but even there the local authorities weren't told the film's subject matter.

In Iran homosexuality is punishable by death.

YouTube Link