Sam Nunn Reconsiders DADT: ‘Times Change,’ May Be ‘Appropriate’ To Lift The Ban On Gays...

[babylonsister]

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/06/03/sam-nunn-dadt/

Sam Nunn Reconsiders DADT: ‘Times Change,’ May Be ‘Appropriate’ To Lift The Ban On Gays In The Military»

As chairman of the powerful Armed Forces Committee in the 1990s, then-Sen. Sam Nunn (D-GA) led a series of hearings that helped undermine President Clinton’s attempt to lift the ban on gays and bisexuals serving openly in the military. Nunn faced strong opposition from gay and civil rights groups. As UPI reported in January 1993:

Nunn, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has opposed lifting the ban and had proposed a six-month waiting period during which federal hearings would be held to consider the impact of removing the restrictions.

“We are here today to call upon Sen. Sam Nunn to stop obstructing President Clinton’s effort to end discrimination in the United States military,” said Don George, the Atlanta field coordinator for the Human Rights Campaign Fund.

Speaking in Atlanta, GA today, however, Nunn indicated a shift in his views, saying that it may now be time to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT):

“I think {when} 15 years go by on any personnel policy, it’s appropriate to take another look at it — see how it’s working, ask the hard questions, hear from the military. Start with a Pentagon study,” Nunn said. <…>

Pressed for his position on the matter, Nunn said, “I’m not advocating anything — except I’m saying the policy was the right policy for the right time, and times change. It’s appropriate to take another look.”

Although he doesn’t specifically say he supports a repeal, Nunn’s change of views is refreshing and follows progress by other traditionally conservative institutions. Last month, Joint Chiefs Chairman Michael Mullen also said that the military was ready to accept gay servicemembers if Congress repeals DADT. A December 2006 survey of servicemembers who had served in Iraq or Afghanistan found 73 percent of those polled were “comfortable with lesbians and gays.”

[NightWatcher]

1. sounds like he's getting his dirty laundry cleaned for a VP run

he's been on my short list of possibles and this should be notice that he is concerned with his public image

[Mojambo]

2. It's amazing what the lack of imperial cannon fodder will do to change bigoted opinion. n/t

[VP505]

7. I had that same thought

although not as eloquently as you expressed it.

[nomorenomore08]

3. Even the conservatives (at least the more intelligent ones) are realizing over time

that this just isn't an issue. Gays and lesbians have always existed in all walks of life, whether or not it was possible to be open about their sexuality.

[Squatch]

4. Abolish DADT

allow all servicemen and women to serve, openly, regardless of sexual orientation. One officer who I hold in extremely high regard is gay, and I would never hesistate to serve with her in any situation. She's one of my personal heros, and it pisses me off that she has to hide who she is while she serves her country.

[Thrill]

5. He wants to be VP

[bluestateguy]

6. This is why flip-flopping gets a bad rap

Do we really want politicians who never, ever change their mind? If that was the case, we'd still have segregation in this country.

[VP505]

8. Notice he didn't

say how wrong the thinking has been, just that "it’s appropriate to take another look at it." I would prefer politicos who can admit to being wrong and not afraid to say so without the song and dance.

[Malikshah]

9. Nunn--

Go fuck yourself.

Times haven't changed.

You might have gained an iota of common sense and decency.

[Bluebear]

10. No, times haven't changed, assclown. And neither have you.

"Take another look at it";"MAY be time"; "Start with a Pentagon study"-- wow, what a stunning reversal of your prejudiced heart.

JUST SAY NO to VP Nunn.

[Smarmie Doofus]

11. Wants veep badly. Not gonna happen.

As GHW Bush would have said, "Wouldn't be prudent."



>>>>Nunn faced strong opposition from gay and civil rights groups>>>>

Nothing like the tsunami Obama is going to face if he puts this jerk on the ticket.