Advocating for liberties.

To positively move forward, one must not condemn or the status quo. Focusing on how to improve things WITH suggested solutions is vital to progress. In making efforts to propose change for military families, I have been keep that in mind - it's my mantra, if you will. I have always been of the mindset that negativity begets negativity. So rather than focus on "what's wrong", I shift my focus to what is right and how can it be improved. Really, this is a good rule to follow in our day-to-day life. It's just that simple.

For example, our great Nation affords us liberties that others around the world are not so fortunate to enjoy. Given that, we must hone in on our right to make proposals, challenge existing procedures and laws, vote, and support those who need advocating.

The Fourteenth Amendment states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." (Source: U.S. Constitution, www.law.cornell.edu).

The positive: No laws currently exist that expressly abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens who are military dependents.

HOWEVER, no law protects military dependents from discrimination.

Proposal for Change: to raise awareness on the issue of military dependent discrimination. Further, to aggressively seek state and federal support to provide equal opportunities for military dependents; to ultimately prohibit discrimination of military dependents.

In continued efforts to move for progress on this and related matters, I have been communicating with DOD officials, U.S. Senators, and various military support agencies and organizations to promote change. You can help too! Read on...

Military spouses, members and dependents, you are welcome to participate in a survey concerning discrimination in the employment and education arenas. Please spread the word, your support is appreciated. This survey may be done anonymously. Results will be compiled for a report in effort to further support military spouses, members, their children and other dependents. SURVEY (if the link doesn't work, cut and paste this into your web browser www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZK6KMNZ)

Additionally, you can submit questions, stories, statistics, or whatever else you have on this topic to militarylegislation@yahoo.com.