Posted Mar 18th 2010

Clark Ray, candidate for D.C. Council At-Large and a former Reserve Police Officer, condemned the police actions that led to Lieutenant Dan Choi and former Captain James Pietrangelo being held in jail overnight.  Choi and Pietrangelo both served honorably in the U.S. Army but have become victims of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.  The two men were part of a rally to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell when they handcuffed themselves to the outside of the White House fence in protest, were subsequently arrested, and were forced to remain in jail overnight rather than be released on bail.

Ray stated, “Lieutenant Choi and Captain Pietrangelo committed an act of civil disobedience today in reaction to a law that has ended the military careers of more than 13,000 personnel, depriving every branch of needed interpreters, pilots, medical personnel, and intelligence officers—a scourge on our military that deprives our fellow citizens of their basic human rights and makes America less safe and less free.”  Ray continued, “It should be obvious that both men will willingly appear in court and should not be forced to spend a night in jail for their principled, non-violent act of protest.  At times like these, we should be reminded of Dr. King’s warning to be wary of those more devoted to order than to justice.”

Tags: Clark Ray, Dan Choi, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, James Pietrangelo

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