Gates: DADT Repeal Now A Matter Of If, Not When
Yesterday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates poured more cold water on the idea that Don't Ask, Don't Tell will be repealed anytime soon. "If we do it," Gates said, "it's very important that we do it right, and very carefully."
Lest you think Gates just misspoke, though, Elisabeth Bumiller of The New York Times said he resorted to conditional language more than once, adding that "if we do go down that road [it's important] we do it right and in a way that mitigates any downsides.''
Emphasis mine.
Back in January, of course, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said, in no uncertain terms, that the Don't Ask, Don't Tell would be repealed. But the administration's been slowly walking that back ever since.
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Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
Oh come on, this is just shameless bigotry. If military leaders aren't secure enough in their sexuality to serve with gay people, they don't have the mental fortitude to be in any kind of national security leadership position.
April 17, 2009 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
These military leaders already are serving with gay people. To deny the role that they currently play and the professionalism that they maintain is ridiculous.
Of course Congress (e.g. Sestak) will probably be taking this up this fall:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/rep-joe-sestak-retired-rear-admiral-seeks-to-take-lead-on-dadt-repeal.php?ref=fp2
April 17, 2009 11:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Doh, only "are" is supposed to be bold. Should have previewed!
April 17, 2009 11:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
What's really frightening is that our Christian, heterosexual army fights alongside gay-loving armies like Britain. We clearly can't count on those limey bastards to watch our back when they're watching our asses!
April 17, 2009 11:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think this has pretty clearly been kicked down the alley in the interest of higher priorities for legislation by the Obama folks.
It is also clear that the broader political left won't object too strenuously to the gays/lesbians being left behind on equality, so the administration only is worried about swing GOP votes on other matters. That Congress hasn't the balls to fight through a law to change the policy is painfully obvious. A five percent (more or less) minority is not a big enough block to overcome current hurdles in Congressional votes even with a hard push by the Dem. left in DC.
I suspect Obama/Gates are afraid that an executive order would be overridden by Congress if the military leaders pleaded to be saved from 'teh gay'. And they military guys will do that.
April 17, 2009 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is so painful to watch grown men and women cower in fear of the disapproval of a bunch of right wing religious bullies. Who exactly is going to be upset by letting people fight and die with at least the dignity of being free to be real human beings. Who the hell lives in fear of these bullies making life so difficult for the commanders and generals that they back down. My god what a bunch of COWARDS!
America ..... land of the NOT FREE, home of the NOT BRAVE!
What a bunch of COWARDS!
April 17, 2009 2:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think it's an abomination, and against God's will. However, if we're going to let straight people do it (fight & kill that is) I don't see why we shouldn't let gay people do it, too.:)
April 17, 2009 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Has Gates ever said, "when?" I think you're putting a lot of power on an "if."
Having said that, I do recall Obama saying he'd rather the issue be dealt with legislatively (and such legislation has been introduced). I am quite confident Obama will sign it once it hits his desk. Not taking any chances, however, I'm off to go write my Congresscritters to get them to move on this...
April 17, 2009 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
**Why do they keep treating straight male military members like a bunch of pussies? "Oh noooooes! The gay guy is gonna look at my penis!" Holy crap! Females have to put up with sexist stuff coming from male troops every day; I think the heterosexual males can deal with gays without falling apart.
April 17, 2009 7:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
And what would those downsides be, exactly, Mister Secretary? Would you care to ask, for example, the Israeli Defense Forces (which among other things granted survivor benefits to the gay partner of a deceased service member in, I think, 1996) what military "downsides" they have been experiencing?
April 17, 2009 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink