LETTER TO THE US SENATE Re: DREAM & DADT

RE: Vote in Favor of DREAM Act and Overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Michael Watts, and I am US Navy Veteran. I served for six years from 2002-2008 as a nuclear machinist’s mate. I was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) from 2004-2008 where I was assigned to Reactor Department and worked in the engine room of the propulsion plant. Currently, I am attending the University of North Texas in Denton, TX pursuing my bachelors of science in mathematics with a minor in political science.

As a young American and a Veteran of our armed forces, I am writing to urge you as a member of this esteemed legislative body to vote in favor of two pieces of legislation later today. Voting in favor of these pieces of legislation would strengthen our nation through a constant in our history: expanding opportunities to our citizens.

There are two pieces of legislation that if passed will be included in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011 (S. 3454). When enacted, these pieces of legislation will expand opportunities to our nation’s citizens. The first is the enactment of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.

Many people immigrate with their minor children to the United States for just the chance for a better opportunity for those minor children. Some are willing to take the risk of breaking the law in order to provide that opportunity for those minor children. The DREAM Act would allow a pathway for citizenship of those children through various ways to positively contribute to this nation. This pathway is not amnesty and only affects the children who arrived in the United States as minors. The DREAM Act has provisions such as meeting certain age criterion, residency requirements, having a high school diploma or GED, and being of good moral character.

This piece of legislation ensures that those impacted by its enactment will achieve citizenship if they are in programs that contribute positively to this nation such as enrollment in college that leads to a degree or honorable military service. Our nation was founded on immigration and the belief that there is a better life in America. We must allow those children who were brought here for that better life the chance to become citizens and contribute to our society; not punish them and turn them away.

The second piece of legislation is the overturning of the military’s ban of allowing service to openly gay, lesbian and bisexual citizens, commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In the 17 years of its existence, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has discharged over 14,000 service members. That number is the equivalent of three Nimitz class aircraft carriers. The loss of that force would gravely cripple our defense capabilities and that is exactly what “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has done. Since its existence, this policy has cost the American taxpayer $363 million to replace those discharged due to this discriminatory policy.

Many gay, lesbian, and bisexual citizens have served and continue to serve this nation’s military. Our gay, lesbian, and bisexual veterans wore the same uniform that I, as a straight male, wore for my six years of service. We know what it means to serve, and I stand beside them because they are fellow veterans like me. Our gay, lesbian, and bisexual citizens deserve the same opportunity to serve this country with the honor and dignity that we give all of our service members. It is time to end this policy. No more turning away individuals who believe in the ideals of this country that they are willing to wear the uniform of the armed forces and if called upon, make the ultimate sacrifice.

Voting in favor of the DREAM Act and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will make our nation stronger as we expand the opportunities of those who are willing to make a positive contribution to our society. Passing these amendments will ensure we live up to one of our many ideals that every person has the opportunity to make a positive impact on our society and will be justly rewarded for those contributions.

Thank you for your time and attention to these important matters and I hope I can count on you to do the right thing for our country.

Michael Joseph Watts

MM2 (NUKE/SW), US Navy Veteran 2002-08

Texas Young Democrats, Veterans/Military Affairs Caucus Chair