Time To Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Today, SecDef Bob Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen are expected to announce that the Defense Department will stop aggressively pursuing third-party charges of homosexuality against service members. They will also announce the formation of a group to study the issue for a year and (one would hope) to develop an implementation plan for eliminating the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Gay rights groups are calling the hearing historic even as they question how quickly the administration is prepared to act. But Republicans are already signaling that they are not eager to take up the issue.
“In the middle of two wars and in the middle of this giant security threat,” Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, the Republican leader, said Sunday on “Meet the Press” on NBC, “why would we want to get into this debate?”
Still, it is undeniable that a variety of 21st-century forces — a new generation in the military, a change in climate at the top levels of the Pentagon, pressure on the president from a critical interest group, even Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand’s anticipated Democratic primary battle in New York — converged to begin repeal of a 1993 law that has led to the discharge of more than 13,000 gay men and lesbians, including desperately needed Arabic translators.
As Mr. Gates told Mr. Obama last year, it was no longer a question of if the ban would be repealed, but when, said the meeting participant, who declined to be named to discuss internal White House deliberations.
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Polls now show that a majority of Americans support openly gay service — a majority did not in 1993 — but there have been no recent broad surveys of the 1.4 million active-duty personnel.
A 2008 census by The Military Times of predominantly Republican and largely older subscribers found that 58 percent opposed to efforts to repeal the policy; in 2006, a poll by Zogby International of 545 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found that three-quarters were comfortable around gay service members.
I understand President Obama's desire to postpone this debate until the health care issue was resolved. Since that issue is now nearly concluded, it is certainly time to move toward closure on DADT. The Republican claims that the military would lose efficiencies or be uncomfortable around Teh Gays just doesn't hold water. But that shouldn't matter, since they are the minority party, right? I'm much more concerned that conservative Democrats will try to hold up the issue in fear of election year backlash. What we ought to see is the Senate Democrats placing a short paragraph in the FY 2012 National Defense Appropriations bill. That would seal the deal, but do they have the guts? Will the Dems in fact grow a spine this year? I guess we'll find out.
Also see these articles discussing the positions of Rep. Pat Murphy (D-PA), a former Army officer, and CPT Tim Hsia, an active duty infantry officer.
"As Mr. Gates told Mr. Obama last year, it was no longer a question of if the ban would be repealed, but when"
They just repeated it today:
"As soon as congress acts on it"
The military leaders want congress to repeal DADT because congress enacted it.
Now how soon will congress get anything done? Who knows.
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
a war on terror.
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
You could iron a shirt with it couldn't you?
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
with a debate on gays in the military (Clinton) when you can damage gay rights with a debate on health care (Obama).
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
And funny. I like it.
Hasa Diga Eebowai
by the a desire to be liked-clinton- and a republican congress who is biased and backword.
Now the Generals are for doing the right thing and the republicans -putz mccain et al- are against the American people once again..
Granted there are some who are still afraid it might rub off on them like the little man above but how would he like having to deny a part of himself---oh yes he did --he caved to the vietcong at the Hanoi Hilton in three days... traitor is what it was called but his father-in law covered for him!
Wake up people these congress people are against-- anti american at every level! Never have they been fiscally responsible--Bushie and th e Congress stimulus in 2002 was $1.37 trillion them they added to it with tax cut for the rich -not paid for and 2 wars not funded...Now they want to have the citizens of America hide who they are...Shameless and despicable!
DADT has been going on so long now, if they stop actively pursuing people, that will be a first step. I could wait for an ultimate decision until after the mid-terms. Since the Dems have proven they don't have a spine anyway, no need to prove it now at the cost of Congressmen, it's going to be tough enough mid-terms as it is.
If the Democrats prove that they have even a tiny spine by repealing DADT before the mid-terms, they just might find out how many gays vote and keep them in office.
Election 2012: Be Educated! Be Active! Vote!
www.PhoenixJustice.com
how many straight people vote and support policies of equality for humans.
Of course it's the right thing to do and long over due, that's why the republicans will wage all out war against it. God only knows the bullshit they will drag out in this argument, but you know it's coming.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
What, Republicans in drag? Knew that when then Giuliani photos were printed.
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
The things being said are very hopeful:
A world of difference from the kinds of things being said back in 1993 when DADT was passed.
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ13DrJSk5w
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Mullen: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal is the "Right Thing to Do" C-SPAN3
Study the symptoms not the virus...
Mullen is sounding nearly sane!
With Grampy McInsane waving a petition from top brass?
lol
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
Sounded like Sen. Susan Collins [R-ME] is unbiased on the issue?
Study the symptoms not the virus...
McCain: Hey you damned gay guys. Get off my military lawn.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
a petition saying cutting Spanish power lines with your jet aircraft while "clowning around" is "an imperfect but effective" way to cut electricity consumption.
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
"Get off my military lawn"
Exactly what I was thinkin'!
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
Everyone knows there are gay people in the military. This Sgt Shultz joke has gone on way too long.
Goodnight, Frau Blücher
I doubt anything will happen until we hear how Sister Sarah feels about this.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
“In the middle of two wars and in the middle of this giant security threat,” Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, the Republican leader, said Sunday on “Meet the Press” on NBC, “why would we want to get into this debate?”
Jeez, I dunno John. Cause you need all the able bodied people you can get? Cause you're drumming out your more vital resources, like Arabic speakers? You tell me John . . .
"The reason for racism in America is white people and their attitudes."
The target has changed, the narrow-mindedness hasn't.
"Trust no one, Mr. Mulder." - Well-Manicured Man
There was never a singular target. It hasn't changed. Focus is different at the moment.
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
I hope they bring up how many translators were fired simply because they were gay. Especially when there is more information being accumulated than we have people to translate it.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
Do the straight guys in the military think they are so irresistible that the gay guys can't keep their hands off them?
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
childrenchaplains.“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
given the delusional Republicans and spineless Democrats.
Republicans will soon be telling their constituents that repealing DADT will kill their grandparents.
"The
deathgay sex panels""I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
in the mid-east, it's like a gay bathhouse over there anyway. It's the same way state side, too. One guy was bragging how his higher ups (enlisted) would have "barbecues" for the guys, when they all want to play together. SHHHH!
Gay sex has always been bi-partisan~!
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
where the bad tan man would not say "now is not the time".
Hasa Diga Eebowai
"Well tan my hide."
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
It seems there is usually an emphasis on the number of Arabic translators who are gay, and I can't help but wonder...
What is it about Arabic which draws so many gays who not only want to translate, but do so in the military? It just strikes me as odd from a statistical point of view.
Not for nothing, I'm a (straight) Navy Vietnam vet who has always thought DADT was stupid and a horrid "separate but equal" form of discrimination sanctioned by the government. Anyone who wants to serve their country should be the FIRST to expect the full and same rights as every other citizen enjoys without regard to sexuality (as long as officer/enlisted fraternization rules are adhered to).
I mean, if not, what the hell was I fighting for?
Perhaps these guys saw there would be a need for Arabic translators and proceeded to learn the language in college. You know, because they were smart.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
They never did call him consistent McCain, eh?
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
Straight talk, Mr. Pantsperson.
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
It's called "executive order". No debate, just sign it. Is that so goddamned hard?
the Congressional enactment route, it really is not that easy. Unless you like the Imperial Presidency Theories of Proconsul Cheney.
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
for Lincoln, it's good enough for me.
Why do we need a debate..the military agrees with the president that this had to end...every sane person knows it doesn't work.....WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
This president, unlike the last one, likes to do things on the up and up. In other words he has scruples.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
Didn't we rip bush for signing executive orders? Do we want to start ripping Obama for doing the same thing?
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
Bates Motel?
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
I'm not too fond of bloody shower stalls and crazy guys. Hell, lets go four star at least.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
I wouldn't rip him for it. If the Rethugs bitch...tell them to suck a bush. I'm sick of being used as a patsy ALL the goddamned time by the government.
The problem is . . .
If Obama just signs an executive order the next GOPher who sits in the oval office could do the same.
Congress enacted DADT in 1993 - it is congress who has to change the law for it to stick.
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEszTzdUMcY
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU8nhHYlQ-I&fe...
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol5Dfs7jqFI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBXu-iY7cw
“Why would anyone with a functioning brain believe this guy?”
Some guy with an eating disorder
This is coming to the military on orders of the commander and chief. Now it's up to Gates and the generals to push congress to get the job done. It's going to be interesting to see how the republicans fight this on substance rather than on such bs as now is not the time and such hog wash.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
Hard to say it, but Gates is making some strategically smart moves again. He can say Obama ordered him and then take credit. He seems much better at politics than the Democrats, thats for sure.
The military knows that today's young people are fine with the gay thing. And the military has been dealing with it for over a decade so it is really old news. So it is a Nixon going to China move for Gates and the Pentagon. It would be nice if this was done in a more positive, proactive way, in the name of human rights. Racial integration years ago showed the Army could help to move the country forward, while the south was still setting dogs and police at teenage civil rights protesters.
Gates also made a good PR move the other day with getting some token money back from Lockheed Martin and replaced the head of the F-35 jet program. Again, at a time when Obama tells families and the non-defense US budget to tighten their belts so we can pay the bankers, while Obama said the defense/black ops/ CIA budget was not subject to any Obama cutbacks, it just shows Gates knows what he is doing.
these days is within the ranks of the Republican party. For everyone else being gay is pretty much a non-issue.
Hasa Diga Eebowai
Especially the younger folks.
They don't even find the topic interesting. It just doesn't matter to them.
There is progress in spite of our politicians.
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
Progress for them is getting the diapers with the velcro straps.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
and needing them more than once a day.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
for the Republicans who work so hard to promote their "family values" ( as if gays were not members of families) with so many of their members shouting that message from the closet.
Hasa Diga Eebowai
...they needed more time to review how to carry out the change in policy...
Why do they need more time to change policy? Do they need to make gay showers and restrooms? Re-man units as gay only? Provide training to hetero members so they don't become gay?
Just give the order and do it.
You know, an interesting aspect of today's politics is that for every push the President makes, any social or legal problem he tries to remedy, the right creates an enormous propaganda campaign that has every teabagger shouting nonsense. This is not news to anyone, but I just realized the ferocious quantities of money pouring into the economy from these efforts is probably working well to improve the economy.
Silver lining!
Want to see an intelligent review of the DoD's Quadrennial Defense Review? Check this out http://demagoguesanddictators.blogspot.com/20...
Why should we take up this debate as we are in the middle of two wars?
Simple. Because regardless of how many people we kill and how many countries we target for whatever mythological reason, we still have the demonstrable moral purpose to do all we can to create equality among humans.
It is clear that you believe this is too difficult a task. I'm glad you weren't around when the argument was about freeing the slaves.
Remember that? That war dilemma of yours did not get in the way of that human and moral action now did it?
Grow a brain, man. It is always the right time when it comes to questions of equality.
"You know what countries don't allow gays in the military? Russia, China and N. Korea... what does that say about us?
Does Iraq and Iran or any other Mideastern defense force allow gays? Never mind...
Study the symptoms not the virus...
It's about damn time. Now we just need to sit back and watch the right wing lose it's already lost mind.
And anybody who says anybody else is less then them due to skin color or life style, you are the least amongst us, so we will be kind to you as well...
...but please shut up.
*not commenting on anything posted here, just venting. I guess it's not a good idea to smoke weed before you come to a blog. - sorry people
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