Does Opposing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Bolster US Militarism? A Debate with Lt. Dan Choi and Queer Activist Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore

Lt. Dan Choi brilliantly debates (he’d make an excellent lawyer) the adamant Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore over the issue of gays in the U.S. Military on Amy Goodman’s DEMOCRACY NOW television show. Matilda’s appeal to morality is compelling, passionate. Dan’s appeal to critical thinking is dramatic, demanding the listener pause and listen to his reasoning. Dan is easily the more polished speaker, avoiding the many verbal pauses in Matilda’s presentation.  Amy Goodman’s production is topnotch including the wonderful musical score that’s incorporated. This is compelling viewing–click on the following link to watch it:

Don’t Ask — Don’t tell queer debate

Amy Goodman hosts a debate on whether the queer rights movement should be focused on repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law between Lt. Dan Choi and queer antiwar activist and writer Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore. Celebrating the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Sycamore says, only makes progressive movements in the US complicit with American wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan