outsdr | Trying to change a senator's mind

A while back, I wrote to Wyoming United States Senator Michael Enzi, asking him to vote in favor of repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell. He is a staunch republican. Today, I received a response.

"Dear Tim:

I am against repealing the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. I am concerned about what repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell would do to our military. For example, it could open up numerous avenues for lawsuits that could place our Department of Defense in precarious situations that could harm our country's readiness. By treating one group of soldiers differently from another, my concern is that our military capabilities and end-strength could be placed at risk. This is a concern some of the current military branch commanders have brought up and I take it very seriously. I would not support cloture to move to consideration of the Don't Ask, Don't' Tell policy.

Sincerely,

Michael B. Enzi

United States Senator

P.S. You can get a more complete view of all my activities in the Senate by visiting my web page and also signing up for my e-newsletter. Visit enzi.senate.gov for more information."

I've been trying to formulate a proper response. Heck, I even asked Reddit for help. I think I'll sleep on it, see what other responses I get, and then come up with something in the morning.

ETA: Here is the letter I'm going to send back:

Dear Senator Enzi:

Thank you for your response. While I understand you have concerns, I feel that they are miss-founded. I'd like to know what "numerous avenues for lawsuits" could be opened, as well as an example of any lawsuit that has ever harmed our Defense Department or decreased our country's defensive readiness. The military has survived the Tailhook scandal and resulting lawsuits; the military is already facing lawsuits from former soldiers, good soldiers like Maj. Margaret Witt, who served for 17 years before being discharged for no other reason than because she is a lesbian.

"By treating one group of soldiers differently from another"- these soldiers are not asking to be treated differently; they are asking to be treated the same as all other soldiers and to no longer be treated differently.

"This is a concern some of the current military branch commanders have brought up"- yet most of the top commanders have stated that they feel that their branches can handle the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Even the recent service-member's survey showed that the majority of enlisted men and women do not have a problem with its end. Surely it has been more harmful to our military to have discharged so many thousands of soldiers in a process that has cost over $400 million; soldiers who wanted nothing more than to serve their country and protect the rights of others that they are being denied themselves?

Please, I ask you to reconsider your stance. This is your chance to be a part of a historic movement; to be a part of the Congress that declared that yes, all men are created equal.

Thank you for your time.