Colonel Wallace entered the military in 1990, and for the vast majority of her career, she knew that because of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” she could be fired at any time, just for being a lesbian.

But times have changed. As Colonel Wallace prepares to deploy to Afghanistan in the spring, she can serve the country she loves, without hiding who she loves.

In fact, when she was recently promoted, she invited her partner Kathy to pin her new rank to her jacket in a ceremony at the Pentagon — without risking her career, or facing an investigation.

It’s been exactly one year since President Obama signed the law repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and when we hear stories like Colonel Wallace’s, we are reminded that when we work together, we have the power to change our country for the better.
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To this I must add. It takes leadership that is willing to help change become a reality for those oppressed by the will and vote of the majority. Here President Obama was willing to fight for the right of gay citizens to serve honorably without the fear of prosecution.

Others will look back and take credit for this man’s stand. Remember the other 43 looked the other way and basically said what other presidents had said to the OTW, when they asked to be treated as equals.

They to a man up until Johnson said wait, you are not ready yet, What they meant what those types always mean is they are not ready for the OTW to gain equality.

Today, a President stepped forward and said Gays are ready for equality in the military. Today because of that President’s courage we have it.

Those of you would make like of by claiming that “when we work together, we have the power to change our country for the better.”

That is a bald face lie! It wasn’t the working together. It was the visions of some and the courage one President. A President of ALL the American people who made it happen.
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When it came time to end discrimination against gays and lesbians in the military, President Obama showed true leadership, the Pentagon completed a thorough and transparent planning process, a broad coalition of advocates made their voices heard, and Congress acted.

Because they did, lesbian and gay service members will no longer be required to live a lie in order to help protect our country.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony one year ago, President Obama spoke about one of his visits to Afghanistan.

“A young woman in uniform was shaking my hand,” he said, “and other people were grabbing and taking pictures. And she pulled me into a hug and she whispered in my ear, ‘Get ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ done.’

And I said to her, ‘I promise you I will.’” To me, that story encapsulates President Obama’s compassion, conviction, and determination.

Over the past year, the Pentagon implemented the new law, yet again demonstrating the professionalism and class that we have come to expect from the world’s finest fighting force.

Because they did so, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was completely repealed in September, and we are hearing more and more inspiring stories.

For example, there’s Captain Matthew Phelps, who blogged about bringing his date Brandon to this year’s Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

And on the White House web site, we’ve compiled many more stories about what this day means.

As President Obama has said, “Change has never been quick. Change has never been simple, or without controversy.”

But when we see pictures of Colonel Wallace and Kathy, or Captain Smith and Brandon, we know what change looks like.

Of course, ending DADT is only one part of an ongoing commitment to keep our nation safe and staying true to our values.

This month, President Obama brought the war in Iraq to a close. As our troops come home, we are determined to serve all our veterans as well as they’ve served our great country.

And today, we’re reminded that when we work together to make our union more perfect, change is not just possible, but inevitable.

On this historic anniversary, we look forward to continuing to work with all those who love our country, and seek a more perfect union.
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Michelle, I agree with you. WHAT WOULD THIS COUNTRY BE LIKE WITHOUT THIS MAN?

I am white, but the truth should be told and acknowledged. 200 plus years of white men only, has been eclipsed by the leadership, compassion, and courage of one non white man.

I am proud to serve in the US military and to call him Commander In Chief.

Thank You Obama

I guess people who keep blaming Israel don’t really understand the conflict in the Middle East.

Neither do they understand what is really going on in Lebanon and Israel at this moment.

There should be only one question asked about Israel:
“Do you believe that Israel should continue to exist?

if yes, do you have conditions for our continued existence in your space.

If no, do you offer an alternative?”
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If the answer is “Yes, but….”, we can listen,and who knows,
learn something.
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If the answer to should Israel continue to exist is ‘No and No’ what can be done?

You don’t want us here, so what should we do, disappear?

That we will not do. I am a soldier and I will defend Israel’s right to exist here. Either you like with that or you or I die trying to change it.

Dafne

I am not happy with the bombing by Israel but some of it is the fault of our men.

If the Hezbollah would keep away from civilian homes and stop hiding or storing weapons in schools and religious shrines, there would be less carnage.

Blame the terrorists for depending on human shields.

Israel makes the best use of its weaponry to make “surgical strikes”.

If innocent civilians are killed or injured, blame Hezbollah and those who support them — not just Israel!

I am not so ignorant that I cannot think for myself. I see what is happening around me. I hear the constant propaganda aimed at influencing me and the rest of the women to blow themselves up for the aims of men who will maim and kill us for showing an ankle.

I WILL NOT DO IT. and I WILL INFORM ON THOSE WHO DO.

You make up your own mind. But remember these times when the men turn on us. And they will!

The same religion they are using to convince ignorant girls who cannot read will be used to force us to return to the medieval times when that religion was formed to fight the crusaders.

I for one don’t want to be told what to do my males. I certainly don’t want them to tell me when to die for their causes.

Fadwa

Israel must win the hearts and minds of the world and not just the support of the U.S. and its jewish lobby. Increasingly the rest of the world is seeing Israel as the problem.

Ikram