Anti-'don't ask' activist Dan Choi hospitalized

In a statement to a progressive blog, Lt. Dan Choi -- a gay soldier who was discharged under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and a high-profile advocate of repealing the law -- was hospitalized after suffering a "breakdown." From his statement to Pam's House Blend:

I did not initially want to publicize this but I now realize it is critical for our community to know several things: veterans gay or straight carry human burdens, Activists share similar dens, no activist should be portrayed as super human, and the failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected officials, High powered lobbyists, or political elites. They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as well as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes have added to the result. I am certain my experience is not an isolated incident within the gay veteran community.

The Senate last week failed to pass a defense authorization bill that contained a provision that would have repealed "don't ask, don't tell." The House is set to vote Wednesday on a stand-alone repeal bill, and the Senate is expected to follow suit shortly.

Three former service members discharged under the law filed a lawsuit challenging the policy in San Francisco earlier this week. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who has strongly advocated for repeal, has warned against leaving the military "at the mercy of the courts."

(Via Huffington Post)

Photo credit: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais