BREAKING: Petraeus supports DADT repeal!

[FourScore]

BREAKING: Petraeus supports DADT repeal!
by indiemcemopants
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 11:18:12 AM PDT

Gen. David Petraeus on Tuesday told a Senate armed services committee that he believes "the time has come" to consider an abolishment of "don't ask, don't tell," but supported an exhaustive review of the policy's effects on recruitment and unit cohesion before either a moratorium or legislative repeal is considered.

This is good. I don't think he was expected to give an opinion either way on the repeal of DADT. He's not exactly a liberal - he's seen as a likely candidate for the GOP nomination in 2012.

This could do a lot to move things forward, especially with Barney Frank asking the White House to come out in full support of repeal.

"I believe the time has come to consider a change to Don't Ask, Don't Tell. But I think it should be done in a thoughtful and deliberative matter that should include the conduct of the review that Secretary Gates has directed that would consider the views in the force on the change of policy. It would include an assessment of the likely effects on recruiting, retention, morale and cohesion and would include an identification of what policies might be needed in the event of a change and recommend those polices as well."

The repeal could be done before the study is finished, obviously.

The best chance for repeal is to add the bill into the Defense Authorization bill. That's seen as the most likely way it will pass because it would require 60 votes for its failure. And Republicans won't vote against a national security bill no matter how much they might whine.

We need to call our reps and senators, as well as the president and make them do them do this.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/16/846809/-BREAKING:-Petraeus-supports-DADT-repeal!

[leftynyc]

1. Great news

The freepers are going to have a stroke - they wanted him to run for President. May have to lurk some later today to watch the tearing and rending of garments.

[malaise]

8. They'll call him Betrayus n/t

[leftynyc]

12. Wouldn't that be a hoot? (n/t)

[ShortnFiery]

2. Why not? Increasing numbers of "cannon fodder" to be sucked into the intake of the War Machine.

:shrug:

[EFerrari]

3. Why do they need another study? They don't. This is just responsibility shifting.

They could always ring up the IDF and ask them how things are going if they don't want to use the RAND studies ALREADY in their possession.

[Tailormyst]

4. Not going to jump for joy just yet

"But I think it should be done in a thoughtful and deliberative matter that should include the conduct of the review that Secretary Gates has directed that would consider the views in the force on the change of policy. It would include an assessment of the likely effects on recruiting, retention, morale and cohesion and would include an identification of what policies might be needed in the event of a change and recommend those polices as well.""

Frankly THAT is the weasel on this. That is the "at least a year" long review that's been ordered. Just in time for the 2012 campaign to start. Those in the GBLT community know full well what THAT means. That once again we will be told to shut up and vote and that things will be changed AFTER the election, otherwise it would be OUR fault if Obama lost.

Sorry, been down this road. I am glad the General has decided to embrace equality but I am saving the champagne for the actual repeal.

[MrCoffee]

5. That is sad

What you say is EXACTLY RIGHT, it's just sad that it's right.


Especially this part: "That once again we will be told to shut up and vote and that things will be changed AFTER the election, otherwise it would be OUR fault if Obama lost."


Very very sad. :hug:

[Tailormyst]

6. yup

:hug: So tired of the games.

[apocalypsehow]

7. Good for him, but enough with the "studies": just repeal the silly, unjust thing RIGHT NOW. n/t.

[Tailormyst]

9. The studies are a stall tactic

Soon it will be too close to the election and will have to be put off again until "after the election".

Wash, rinse, repeat.

[rhett o rick]

11. There is no excuse for stalling on DADT. nm

[HughMoran]

10. Good news

K&R

[LLStarks]

13. This should be checkmate for the policy. Added bonus: Freepers are deleting topics about it. nt

[Change Happens]

14. Congratulations to all gay people for this!!! Real progress folks...

Thank you President Obama :)