Appartently Hagel is the one

[merrily]

3. It is a problem for all the reasons you stated and also for the reason that Hagel himself

stated about Hormel, namely these kinds of appointment reflect our values as a nation.

I don't buy his uber conveniently timed apology anymore than Hormel does.

As for Obama on gay issues, that has been a mixed bag, starting with statements Obama made in Rick Warren's church during the 3008 campaign, the converted gay singer, etc. It took long enough to repeal DADT; Obama came out in favor of gay marriage only after (1) a lot of pressure from his campaign donation bundlers and (2) (supposedly) Biden's slip; and DOMA is still the law of the land, even if D of J is no longer challenging it in certain circuits with horrific comparisons to incest and bestiality.

I never believed that Obama was a homophobe. I always believed it was about political caution. Each person needs to decide for himself or herself whether that, if true, would make Obama's actions and statements more acceptable or only more cynical.


Let's assume, though, just for the sake of discussion, that Obama has a perfect record on gay rights and always did. That still would not make me comfortable as to Hagel.

In general, I have not been unhappy with many of Obama's appointments, starting with Rahm, Geithner, Gates, Goolsbee, Summers, etc. , though I did approve of some of his choices to one degree or another.

As to whether Hagel is now truly penitent and would champion equal rights in the military and in the embassy, I very much doubt it. I can't recall ever seeing anything but self-serving, convenient penitence from Republican politicians on matters of this nature. And Obama has no super power that enables him to assess Hagel's heart better than anyone else can.

As to trusting Obama, Obama is President, so that is not the issue. Obama won't be sitting on the shoulder of the Defense Secretary 24/7, like the angel/conscience in one of those "angel on one shoulder, devil on the other shoulder" cartoons. So, for me, trusting Obama is far from enough for me to be comfortable with Hagel.

In all, I would much rather have someone who was not so "agressively" verbal about his belief that gays do not belong in the service of this nation or reflect his values.


Last but not least, what in hell is wrong with appointing Democrats?