Oregon Gay/Lesbian Vets Group Wants Obama To Go Faster on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

President Obama's pledge on Saturday at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign to “end 'Don't Ask Don't Tell” comes at an opportune time for Veterans for Human Rights.

The Portland nonprofit, which promotes equal rights in the Armed Forces, has scheduled a re-organizational meeting Oct 21 at 7 pm at the Q Center (4115 N. Mississippi Ave) to create new leadership.

“Everything sort of died down," says Veterans for Human Rights president publicity director Ron Rasmussen. "We are trying to get new blood. We can better serve veterans if we get them involved."

One of the 20-person group's goals is to seek a repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. “Sexual orientation does not affect ability to serve honorably or effectively,” says group secretary Frank Dixon.

Adds Rasmussen: “We are still waiting for Obama to step it up.”

Here's Obama speech, which includes a shout-out to Oregon's Terry Bean:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpt63iJFUEY[/youtube]