Proving once again his position as inspirational leader in the LGBT community, Lt. Dan Choi is getting arrested in front of the White House in about an hour. Choi, who has been a leading spokesperson in the struggle to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), feels strongly that additional sacrifice is needed by all of us in order to ensure its passage. A tipping point for the Lieutenant came when it was clear that there is a lack of passion from the White House regarding attaching the repeal of DADT on the Defense Authorization Act.

Lt. Choi Was joined in his action by Capt James Pietrangelo. In a statement, Choi said,

"Today, I am here on a mission with Capt. Jim Pietrangelo, and we are asking you all to join us. We’re calling you to action because we are at a turning point -- a moment in time where talk is no longer enough, and action is required.

Equality is not going to happen by itself

Continuing Choi's statement said:

And if we don’t seize this moment it may not happen for a very long time.

Some may tell you that I am one of the lucky ones. I have been welcomed back by my unit with open arms. And it would be easy for me to stay quiet and hope that change will happen.

But what I was taught at West Point and learned in war is -- hope is not a strategy. As officers, James and I both find it a dereliction of our moral duty to remain silent while thousands of our brothers and sister are not allowed to serve openly and honestly.

Capt. Pietrangelo was honorably discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in 2004 and I will be subject to the same shortly. As officers we are here today fighting for those in the ranks, and we need our Commander in Chief to do the same.

In a phone conversation with this blog, Choi indicated that it was a very tough decision. He understands fully 'the consequences of my actions and am willing to bear the sacrifice" in hopes of increasing the odds of passing DADT.

Even though national organizations and members of Congress have declared that DADT would be passed this year, it appears more and morei in trouble. Choi's actions is a brave and courage one and he deserves the praise of an entire community for once again 'reporting for duty' and making a sacrifice for his country.