Distinguished Speakers:
Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA)
Dr. Nathaniel Frank, senior research fellow, Palm Center, University of California, Santa Barbara, adjunct professor, New York University, author, Unfriendly Fire
Retired Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Alva
Discussion moderated by:
Lawrence J. Korb, senior fellow, Center for American Progress Action Fund
WASHINGTON, DC—The military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy has been a miserable failure, accomplishing the opposite of what its champions promised. It has resulted in skyrocketing discharges, invaded service members’ privacy, harmed unit cohesion by breaking apart fighting teams, undermined trust between soldiers, and embarrassed the military, widening the "civil-military gap" and hampering recruitment efforts by alienating Americans who view the military as out of touch.
Drawing on hundreds of exclusive interviews, Unfriendly Fire presents the rich, varied, and dramatic stories of America’s gay troops, including those on the front lines of the wars in the Middle East. It also presents the latest research and over a decade of evidence on gay service showing that gays can and do serve openly in the U.S. military without incident, and that the policy itself is weakening the military it was supposed to protect. Poised to become the definitive story of "don’t ask, don’t tell," Unfriendly Fire is a fair, lively, and compelling narrative that is sure to make the blood boil of any American who cares about national security, the right to speak the truth, or just plain fairness.
Representative Ellen Tauscher will join this discussion to offer her perspective on the new political environment surrounding this policy and the upcoming opportunities for change in the 111th Congress.
Copies of Unfriendly Fire will be available for purchase at the event.
Advance praise for Unfriendly Fire
Frank makes a compelling case not only that there has been a shift within our society, but that the time has come to look beyond our preconceptions and focus on capabilities. This book should be mandatory reading for anyone with an interest in the state of our society or the readiness of our military. – General John Shalikashvili, former chair, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Armed Forces
This book lays out clearly, fairly, dispassionately and accurately the terrible cost to our national security of this insane policy. It brings light – not heat – to the debate; and the light makes change seem not just necessary but urgent. – Andrew Sullivan, blogger at The Daily Dish and author, The Conservative Soul
A light lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Location
Center for American Progress Action Fund 1333 H St. NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20005 Map & Directions
Nearest Metro: Blue/Orange Line to McPherson Square or Red Line to Metro Center
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