Congressman wants Obama to set timeline to end 'Don't ask, don't tell'

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http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/62101-congressman-wants-obama-to-set-timeline-to-end-dont-ask-dont-tell

A Florida congressman wrote Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday, asking Gates and President Barack Obama to establish a timeline to eliminate the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for members of the military.

Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.), the vice chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, asked the Obama administration to set up a date by which the U.S. would phase out its ban on gay and lesbian soldiers serving in the military.

"While President Obama has indicated his desire to have Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repealed, Congress has yet to receive indication from the Executive that it is ready to proceed with a repeal process that requires leadership on all fronts," Hastings wrote Gates on Wednesday. "I strongly urge you to ensure the swift and overdue end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell by working together with the Obama administration and Congress to establish a timeline, beginning now, within which to repeal the law and implement a policy of inclusion and non-discrimination."

Hastings has been a longtime advocate of repealing the current policy toward gay and lesbian servicemembers, a repeal which the president has said he also favors -- in due course.

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1. My guess is that Obama's policy of 'not my job, not my problem' will weather this latest call.

He has the power to do something about DADT immediately but prefers to fall back on the more comfortable 'it's congress's job' excuse.

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2. Senator Gillibrand on Rachel's show to discuss her efforts on DADT

In an email I just received,


Kirsten will be on the Rachel Maddow show this evening discussing the latest on her effort to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell.

The Rachel Maddow Show airs at 9 pm EST on MSNBC. Check your local listing for details.

You have all been such great supporters of this cause. Be sure to tune in and support Kirsten as she makes the case for repealing this unfair policy.

Thanks for your support,

Ross