RACHEL MADDOW EXPLAINS THE CHANGES IN DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL

Rachel Maddow talks about some of the changes to Don't Ask, Don't Tell expected to be outlined in an address today by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. These changes could make a difference for the men who have been discharged. While a complete repeal is the best, at least these changes are a step in the right direction. Here is a portion of it:
"Guidelines to be announced Thursday call for testimony from third parties to be given under oath. The discharge of enlisted personnel must be approved by officers who hold a rank equivalent to a one-star general or above, according to military and defense officials familiar with the plan... The goal is to ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently across the military and that flimsy testimony from third parties is eliminated, the officials said. The plan is considered a stopgap measure until Congress decides whether to repeal the 1993 law...Gay rights groups say the plan to require high-level scrutiny for discharges under 'don't ask, don't tell' is a step in the right direction but add that Congress must still act to lift the ban. 'Service members would still be leaving the services under 'don't ask, don't tell' every day, so what we need is repeal,' said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director, Servicemembers Legal Defense Fund." [source]

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