Obama Protested In Beverly Hills: Lt. Choi Gives Speech On Gay Rights (SLIDESHOW/VIDEO)

Nearly a hundred protesters assembled Wednesday outside the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, CA where President Obama hosted a Democratic Party fundraiser.

Protest organizers called for Obama to repeal the government's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that exempts openly gay men and women from serving in the military.

Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and an Arabic translator, was discharged from the Army when he declared he was gay on national television. His conviction that the military's policy is "a deadly poison" inspired him to lead the protest on Wednesday.

"There is a message that I want to give to Obama," said Choi. "Stop forcing our soldiers to hide. Let them be free to serve."

Undeterred by Tuesday's decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold the ban on gay marriage passed by voters in November, Choi said to the crowd, "We can't wait for somebody else to give us rights.... if we want rights, we have to fight for it. We have to earn it." Choi ended his speech the same way it began, chanting, "Love is worth it."

Pro-peace and anti-torture protesters took part in the demonstration as well.

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All Photos by Mathieu Young (www.mathieuyoung.com).

Comments

[Artemis34]

To get into West Point (any of the military academies) you have to start working on it in High School, maybe as young as 15 years old.

When you were 15 years old, did you have perfect knowledge of yourself, who you'd be and what you'd do by 25 years old? No. Of course not.

Now scientist have even shown the brain continues to grow and develop significantly through 25 years old. So you literally do not have the same brain at 25 that you had at 15.

People like Lee Andrew imply that one has perfect knowledge of your self, not only in the moment but also your future self.

If that were true, Lee Andrew himself should never have joined the service as he is bi-sexual and should have had perfect foresight into his own homosexual acts and never should have taken the oath.

I on the other hand contend that Lee Andrew's assertion is preposterous and we should give Lt. Choi our support.

[Artemis34]

Show your support at:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/SupportDan

[RachelMc]

didn't the ppl who work with him already know he was gay?

[JohnJames]

They did, according to what Choi says, and didn't care and he's hardly the first with the same story. Why should they care? By all accounts he was utterly professional and, contrary to what the haters would have people believe, honest and self-respecting gay people don't leer at people in showers or otherwise violate other people's privacy. That's what closet cases do and good luck rooting them out.

[mama4obama]

Lt Choi, knew that when he came out on the Rachel Maddow show that he had started the clock ticking on his discharge. While I do not agree with DADT, I only care that you can shoot straight not that you are straight, for Lt. Choi or anyone that deliberately put themselves in the position to be discharged when the Congress has yet to take up the reversal of this policy has done so at their own risk. The President should not overturn this policy by executive order because it will only become a political football just like stem cell research has become. Though I sympathize with Lt. Choi, I also think that he knew exactly what would happen if he came out and he has to face those consequences until the policy is changed.

[EmeraldWorld]

Yes, I believe that this was completely intentional on his part. And it's resulted in this current fiasco we have now.

[Jezreel]

Totally agree.

[Maria Thomas]

sometimes silence is no longer an option - he knew what would happen and he spoke out anyway. good for him.

[bronzy]

I also agree, until this law is changed, I don't know why anyone would intentionally risk their job especially in this time of high unemployment, its not like this is a new law!

[comraderoger]

And using this logic, Rosa Parks should have just gotten up and gone to the back of the bus and just waited for the laws and rules to be changed.

To quote you, only changing a few things:

Though I sympathize with Rosa Parks, I also think that she knew exactly what would happen if she sat in the front of the bus and she has to face those consequences until the policy is changed.

Huh. Doesn't sound so good, does it?

Believe it or not, many gays and lesbians are tired of being forced to the back of the bus and some noise needs to be made to get people's attention.

[Disuberence]

Look! Jesus!

[felisa11]

This honorable man speaks the truth.

Sometimes the truth is inconvenient and hard to deal with it but the truth deserves to be recognized when it is spoken.

My son and daughter are active in the military and Lee Andrew is absolutely right.

Thank you for your service and voicing your opinions. You and all the troops have earned the right to speak and we will be wise to listen and learn from your thoughts.

[Lee Andrew]

@Montgriz

I NEVER said anything about being gay threatening "morale" shame on you for inferring such.

I support equality and human rights for all unconditionally my public service to my country and private service human rights records speaks for themselves.

@nowarpleez

I believe the answer to your question would be no I am not_ however the French part of me might disagree.

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Montgriz I'm a Fan of Montgriz I'm a fan of this user permalink

Tell me, then, why is America fighting alongside with its NATO allies in the Middle East and elsewhere when many of those nations have had gays openly serving next to Americans in combat and support? You should do the right thing (as you see it) and lobby for the US to break all ties with those nations that have gay service people and officers because they threaten the existence of American morale...Americans being so morally strong, and all.....
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nowarpleez I'm a Fan of nowarpleez I'm a fan of this user permalink

You're an embarrassment to Black people everywhere.

[GeorgeP922]

You didn't answer the question at all.

Stop trolling man, by not answering why all the NATO countries and ISRAEL, yes ISRAEL, a theocracy all allow any patriot to serve their military.

You sound like you WANT America to have a weaker military.

[JohnJames]

The Land of the Free is even behind Uruguay, of all places, in this matter. They repealed their military prohibition against openly gay citizens several weeks ago. At what point does our government's discriminatory laws against its gay citizens begin to make the US look a tad hypocritical as it lectures other countries about freedom and justice?

[rkreyn]

We are not every other country. We are this country and we set our own standards, expectations and laws. I couldn't care less what NATO troops or Uruguay's military allows. You think their so advanced move your *** there.

[milkman]

I have nothing against gays in the military. I think DADT will eventually be phased out. I don't think gay people will like what replaces DADT because it will most likely limit their opportunities in the military. I served 22 years and knew a few lesbians who did their jobs, got along with most people and were good soldiers. They played by the rules, were promoted and probably are retired now.
Thus said I feel no compassion for Lt Choi at all. This is an all VOLUNTEER military. Nobody put a gun to his head and forced him to join. Choi knew from the time he enrolled in the Air Force academy that he could be as gay as he wanted to be...he just had to keep his mouth shut about it. The military has many rules you don't find in the civilian world . Most likely the 'freedom' seeking Choi would have eventually broke one of them and been tossed anyway. He made the decision to come out. He must now enjoy or suffer the consequences. You can think this guy is a hero but you will never convince me of the fact.

[jmpurser]

Nobody made Rosa Parks refuse to give up here seat either. Gays are under no obligation to make life more comfortable for bigots and cowards.

[milkman]

If that's you best shot the gay's are in trouble.

[JohnJames]

You're wrong about Choi. He did not know he was gay when he entered the military. Many gay people when young go through some form of denial, not surprisingly given how homophobic our society is. Anyway, you clearly don't understand the situation gay service members are in. People in the military do get to know one another and that inevitably includes talk of girlfriends, boyfriends and spouses. Forget asking and telling, people inevitably guess if someone is always quiet on the subject. The situation is intolerable for anyone with the integrity not to constantly lie and deceive and that's exactly the situation DADT puts gay service men and women in.

[milkman]

Like I said I served with a couple of lesbians who were "out". They just didn't talk about it. As far as I know they didn't have any problems. I have no problem with gay people protesting the DADT policy. I have a problem with gay people joining an all VOLUNTEER military that has a DADT policy and then trying to become a media hero when they decide t to leave the military. I know many gay people, friends, relatives and kids I grew up with, all of them knew they were gay from the time they were in high school. You really want me to believe that Choi went through 4 years of the Air Force Academy and had no clue that he was gay? I think that exceeds the bounds of credulity.

[GeorgeP922]

You support discrimination and oppression in our MILITARY.

Someone give this kid a cookie.

[milkman]

Exactly when were you in the military tough guy?

[Jezreel]

"Thus said I feel no compassion for Lt Choi at all. This is an all VOLUNTEER military. Nobody put a gun to his head and forced him to join. Choi knew from the time he enrolled in the Air Force academy that he could be as gay as he wanted to be...he just had to keep his mouth shut about it. The military has many rules you don't find in the civilian world . Most likely the 'freedom' seeking Choi would have eventually broke one of them and been tossed anyway. He made the decision to come out. He must now enjoy or suffer the consequences. You can think this guy is a hero but you will never convince me of the fact."

Spot on. Totally agree.

[JohnJames]

You are the nasty woman.

[comraderoger]

And I suppose you think the all black only platoons in the military during WWII were also a good thing. You know, because the white guys wouldn't be comfortable having a black guy in the trenches with them. Or showering with them. Or sharing barracks with them. Or eating with them. Or...

[Lee Andrew]

Furthermore, it behooves the "civilians" on this comment to note that annually many military service individuals are accused of , charged and court martial for adultery and relationship with subordinates is prohibited and military personnel discovered to be guilty of such actions are busted in rank (demoted )and/or discharged.

This does not happen in civilian jobs does it?

How many of these people do you hear about on the TV news? (Few if any.)

To reiterate, different rules and laws. When a service person signs-up they know what they're enlisting for and - HONOR and fraternity to the corps is important.

The law says we won't ask you and you don't tell us - be homosexual but you cannot broadcast it to the world while an enlisted service member or officer.

Until it is changed in the USMCJ anyone who does breaks the law knowingly and is subject to the penalties dictated by the military commanders.

[felisa11]

This honorable man speaks the truth.

Sometimes the truth is inconvenient and hard to deal with it but the truth deserves to be recognized when it is spoken.

My son and daughter are active in the military and Lee Andrew is absolutely right.

Thank you for your service and voicing your opinions. You and all the troops have earned the right to speak and we will be wise to listen and learn from your thoughts.

[JohnJames]

Sorry to break it to you but the majority of our troops believe the expulsions should stop and the policy should be repealed.

[chaselv413]

It's a shame that Lt Choi wanted to serve his country honorably while Dick Cheney gets out of going to war with 5 deferrments, and yet he's called a patriot and a hero on the right. That's a coward in my book. Something is definitely wrong with this picture.

[GeorgeP922]

Something the trolls refuse to recognize.

If we want an all volunteer army, we need to stop discriminating our soldiers.

Who here is old enough to remember the fights against women in the military, then women in combat, and what do we have today?

Women who fight side by side with male soldiers, take the same bullets, ied blasts and walk with the same honor.

And besides what does your sex life have to do with killing people? If you want to get right down to the science of it.

[rharris513]

Lt. Choi can be the "face" that this issue needs. If ever we need a leader on this it's now.

[Lee Andrew]

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ, 64 Stat. 109, 10 U.S.C. ch.47) is the foundation of military law in the United States. The UCMJ applies to all members of the Uniformed services of the United States: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. The Coast Guard is administered under Title 14 of the United States Code when not operating as part of the U.S. Navy. However, commissioned members of the NOAA and PHS are only subject to the UCMJ when attached or detailed to a military unit or are militarized by presidential executive order.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_Code_of_Military_Justice

[jmpurser]

No one is saying that it's not the law so your repetitious posts really don't make an argument.

[Lee Andrew]

Let me briefly extend and clarify my previous remarks, I agree with the message (although not only directed towards the president) I simply don't agree with the method the Lieutenant is using to receive attention _ there are I am sure talented LGBT leaders who served got out honorably and are activist who would have been a better face. (Sorry I am not available I am Europe working on a human rights case.)

We cannot simply select the laws we choose to obey and ignore the others as some would like.

[Diffie]

However, sometimes disobeying injust laws are the best way to effect their change.

[diogenes1967]

Lee, but this does fall under the category of civil disobedience, for which choi is paying the consequences. This happens when people find themselves to be subjected to unjust laws.

[Manx]

I'm glad you weren't around during the civil-rights struggle of the 1960s. If your smarmy advice was followed, nothing would ever have been accomplished.

[BalancedEgg]

No clarification needed. We all heard you loud and clear the first time.

[nowarpleez]

So Rosa Parks should have just stayed in her place and got up to let the white man sit down, right? Stay in Europe, we have enough to deal with here in the USA.

[Lee Andrew]

Listen, first off it like comparing apples to oranges. DADT is a USCMJ law not a civil law. Secondly, I am American and regardless where my feet are planted I may express my opinion to and about issues which concern me as a natural born citizen of African-American and French heritage.

Thirdly, The majority of voters in California voted an approved the proposition in accordance with their laws. It was upheld by the California State Supreme Court . There is no easy fix on this one. The people have spoken - activist can scream to high-heaven unless another vote is held it will not change _ and don't hold your breath on the US Supreme Court overturning it _ I wouldn't.

[Diffie]

Lt. Choi gives a profound and important message. Also, as others have posted previously, religous expression is completely tolerated in the military, yet expression of your own sexuality is banned. I agree with Lt. Choi that "don't ask, don't tell" is toxic. Keeping people "in the closet" is most certainly a poison. Here is why I believe this. When I was a teenager, I was relentlessly bullied as being "gay" even though I am straight. That bullying caused me to consider suicide on many occasions. If the citizens of this country were honest enough and brave enough to accept that people who are not heterosexual are people of value, just as all people should be accepted, then such bullying would not be causing gay and straight people alike to commit suicide. Such bullying would not lead to the injury and death of people "suspected" of being gay because it would not matter. People would not have to sacrifice their service to this country and their careers in order to simply be who they are. This type of bullying and bullying of any type should have no place in our society. This nation is long overdue to face this injustice. As a side note, I am sure that some people who know me and see this post will be surprised by my words. To them, I apologize. I should have been talking about this for decades. At 45, I finally have courage to open my mouth. Love is worth it.

[Lee Andrew]

Lt. Dan you and I both know that the Uniform Code of Military Justice is quite different than 'Civil" laws of the United States of America.

You broke the law and should have been court martialed in my humbled opinion. You and I also know as officers that the law is the law until it is changed in the military. I don't agree with the law as you but you knew the laws before you signed up and definitely before you went on national television boasting your sexual preference.

I am sorry, as a veteran (service connected disabled) I have no empathy for your alleged suffering and pain. You in my opinion sought "celebrity" over rational reasoning and honor your sworn duty as an officer.

I wouldn't want you as a field commander either. You sir have no honor. Why did you sign up and take the oath? The beautiful men in uniforms? The adventure? To act butch? Oh, I know to serve your country.

Lee Andrew

VET 173rd US ARM RECON CAV (Proud LGBT)

[JohnJames]

Are you equally harsh in your judgment of those thousands in the military who have asked? That's against DADT too, but I've yet to hear of a single person expelled for that violation of the policy. Anyway, your petty and snide remark about "beautiful men, adventure and acting butch" makes it clear enough you're ultimately motivated by hatred.

[Lee Andrew]

I know of which I speak as both a minority and bisexual who obeyed the law and severed my country honorably as both a military, federal and civil officer..

The USCMJ establishes the laws and court of the US Military. There's nothing political about that 9at least not that we are aware.)

The Lieutenant knew the laws and he broke them - sentence discharge. Up and until the time that these laws in civil and USCMJ are changed as an OFFICER he swore to defend them.

Another "lawbreaker" in a position to demand nothing.

I unequivocally and vehemently support repeal of DADT of course however I just a little exhausted with those who justify their selfishness and juxtaposes it for celebrity_ especially a US military officer!

Smells to me of another yet lite version of Rod Majors the USMC adult actor and conservative pundit,

FYI I was a beret see 173rd ARM description in Wikipedia - I don't need to "act" Butch.

[milkman]

good point

[rkreyn]

I couldn't agree with you more. This man has no honor.

Rkreyn 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment

[Montgriz]

I would be curious to hear your definition of honor.

[DSOTM]

Lee Andrew

Thank you for confirming the denied truth of the right wing, gays do not have equal rights under our laws.

[Lee Andrew]

Point of order:

The Lieutenant is under or was under the USCMJ which CIVILIANS are not. The military has different laws and courts for a reason. DADT is a military stature established by congress and administrated via military courts.

So, in that aspect I suppose I did verify that "military" laws are not equal to civilian laws.

As a minority I speak about minorities human rights and LGBT rights.If a law is wrong we work to change it. We don't voluntarily enlist to be subject to it and then break it and complain for camera time.


Capisci?

[BoyInBOYCOTT]

Lee

can I get a....boo- PHUCKIN'- hoo

a little bit louder now
and a little bit softer now
and a little bit louder now
and a little bit LOUDER NOW!

you tools imagine we care what YOU think

[Diffie]

I think your analysis of Lt. Choi's actions are incorrect. I have not heard Lt. Choi request that he be given back his rank and position. I believe that he reached a point in his life - as many of us do - where the conflict between what we know to be the truth and what we are not saying becomes too much of a torment to remain silent. Dan Choi reached that point. He was willing to sacrifice his position in order to speak out against injustice. Personally, I believe that if every gay person in the military would do the same thing, it would bring our military to its knees. DADT needs to end now, and Dan Choi is helping to make that happen.