Statement by Manan Trivedi on the Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the House of Representatives
MEDIA RELEASE
5.28.2010
Ed Niles, Campaign Manager
610-370-9489
READING, Pa - The following is a statement by former U.S. Navy Lt. Commander, Manan Trivedi following the passage of legislation to repeal the 1993 law known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) in the House of Representatives today.
"I applaud fellow Iraq War veteran, Congressman Patrick Murphy for the courage to push forward his amendment allowing for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" today in the House of Representatives. This policy has cost our nation so much since it was enacted in 1994. Over 14,000 highly motivated and skilled servicemembers have been released from the military as a result of the policy, and a 2005 report by the GAO estimates that taxpayers have spent $1.2 billion in the process of investigation, termination, and the training of replacements as a result of this policy.
"When we crossed into Iraq in 2003, we never once looked to our left or right and worried about someone's sexual orientation, their race, gender, religion or otherwise. The only thing that mattered to us was whether or not each of them were prepared and able to perform their duties and complete the mission.
"As we move into the Memorial Day weekend, I honor every single American who has stood up to serve and has paid the ultimate price out of one simple ideal; love for their country."
Manan Trivedi served in the Iraq War as a Battalion Surgeon with the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment Marine Corps Infantry Battalion as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He is also the Democratic nominee for Congress in Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District.
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"I applaud fellow Iraq War veteran, Congressman Patrick Murphy for the courage to push forward his amendment allowing for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" today in the House of Representatives. This policy has cost our nation so much since it was enacted in 1994. Over 14,000 highly motivated and skilled servicemembers have been released from the military as a result of the policy, and a 2005 report by the GAO estimates that taxpayers have spent $1.2 billion in the process of investigation, termination, and the training of replacements as a result of this policy.
"When we crossed into Iraq in 2003, we never once looked to our left or right and worried about someone's sexual orientation, their race, gender, religion or otherwise. The only thing that mattered to us was whether or not each of them were prepared and able to perform their duties and complete the mission.
"As we move into the Memorial Day weekend, I honor every single American who has stood up to serve and has paid the ultimate price out of one simple ideal; love for their country."
Manan Trivedi served in the Iraq War as a Battalion Surgeon with the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment Marine Corps Infantry Battalion as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He is also the Democratic nominee for Congress in Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District.
