History Repeats, Once Again

I'm sorry to use the cliche, but it is a cliche for a reason- it is all too true.  History has repeated itself, as it has done before and will do again.  Harry Truman, in 1945, signed a law that integrated the American military. (Read how it happened here) In AIS, we have learned that African Americans have not always been treated equally in America, as the Declaration of Independence depicts they should be in the very first line.  Are "All men created equal"?  Looking at American History, it seems not everyone believed it.  After serving in seperate troops in the Civil War, World War One, and the American Revolution, the black militiamen still did not recieve respect that white soldiers did.  Not until World War Two did the soldiers fight together in integrated batallions.

Now, in the year 2010, more than fifty years later, we again face inequalities in the military.  The GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) communities, by law, are limited in their freedom of speech when in the military.  The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy prevents people from expressing their sexual orientation.  No showing friends pictures of their partner, while others show openly their husbands and wives.  No boyfriend-girlfriend talk.  None of that. 

Thanks to the dedication and insistance of many, though, this law may be ammended.  This week, a California court of law ruled the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law unconstitutional as it limits freedom of speech.  (Click here for the full story from CNN).  This law, in my oppinion, stains the fabric of our country.  I am thankful that its power may be eliminated in the coming weeks. 

Being a strong supporter of equal rights, I looked for a way that I, a single teenager from the suburbs, could impact the national community.  Join me in supporting the repeal of this unfair law.  Sign the petition here so your voice, whether it be straight or gay or a little of both, can be heard.  Thanks, everyone.