Category Archives: DADT repeal

Snyder on CNN.com: “Why the youth will back Obama again”

Posted by rsnyder on January 2, 2012 Comments Off

YDA President Rod Snyder published a blog on CNN.com today explaining why young voters will continue to stick with the President in 2012.

When young voters helped put Barack Obama in office, the Millennial Generation made it clear its voice affects elections. Some have opined that this generation won’t continue to support President Obama and the causes we care about. These doubters are wrong, and I know young voters will make a statement again in 2012.

Young people energized fellow supporters and went to the polls in 2008 because Barack Obama respected the youth vote as a legitimate political force…

While young people face a historically difficult job market, it’s clear President Obama has been working to ensure that we have every opportunity to succeed while Republicans continue to espouse policies that would widen a generational gap in prosperity.

President Obama has respected the power of young Americans in 2008, and they will proudly vote for him in 2012 because he followed through for the Millennial Generation and invested in the future of our country.

You can read the full text here on CNN.com. 

Statement from the YDA LGBTQ Caucus on the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Posted by rsnyder on September 20, 2011 Comments Off

My Fellow Young Democrats,
Today marks a bright moment in American History as we remove a discriminatory law from the US Statutes. Many of you have fought for this change for many years and because of your tireless efforts, the dream has become a reality. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is officially repealed as of 12:01AM this morning (Tuesday Sept 20, 2011).

This legislative change doesn’t come without its somber moments. Many soldiers have had to hide who they are or face dishonorable discharge from our military because of whom they love. That all ends TODAY!

No longer will men and women who want to protect our nation have to feel ashamed of who they are. Gay & Lesbian service members will be able to serve openly and with the dignity and respect they deserve. To all those men and women whom have served in silence, I thank you for your sacrifice. To the over 13,000 men and women who served and were discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation, I thank you and sincerely apologize for any negative impacts that you’ve had because of the discharge.

Today and into this evening, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Parties are going to be held across the nation. Young Democrats of America has partnered with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) to host these parties. If you’d like to get more information on where you can attend one in your local area, please visit the website for SLDN http://www.sldn.org/RepealDay.

Thank you again for your tireless efforts in getting Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repealed. Our job for equality is not done, but we are one step closer!

Sincerely,
Kristian Cosme
Chair
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Caucus
Young Democrats of America
http://www.yda.org/lgbtq