Tepid support for DADT repeal from Obama, Pentagon, as Congress forces their hand

[Bluebear]

As American public support for gays and lesbians has reached record levels, Congress is pressing ahead to vote on a proposal to repeal the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which bans gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military.

Congress may vote as early as Thursday on an amendment that would put a process in place to repeal the controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

The Obama administration and Defense Secretary Robert Gates have both tepidly backed the proposal – although it came sooner that either had probably wanted, says Carl Bon Tempo, a historian at the University at Albany in New York.

“What’s clear is that Obama administration wanted to go slow and not deal with this until after the midterm election, their hand has been forced by Democrats in Congress,” for whom the legislation would be advantageous in their own districts, says Professor Bon Tempo. “And so they’re pushing hard and forcing the administration to move this up on agenda.”

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2010/0525/Is-Congress-forcing-Obama-s-hand-on-don-t-ask-don-t-tell-repeal

[racaulk]

1. Now THERE is some fierce advocacy!!1

:patriot:

[aquart]

2. "Tepid" seems to be Obama's normal temperature.

[zipplewrath]

3. Don't really care

If tepid will include all the protections we need, he can be down right cold for all I care. Just git 'er dun.

But I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Guess I'll have to wait until December.

[Bluebear]

5. It includes no protections.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will be considered repealed if and when the following happens:

1. The Secretary of Defense receives the "study."
2. The President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs certify that:
- They have considered the recommendations in the study
- DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations needed to implement a repeal
- The implementation of the repeal is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention.

Current policy will remain in place until the above conditions are satisfied. And if the above conditions are never satisfied, the current DADT policy will remain in place.

There is nothing in the legislation that says the repeal must happen.

[zipplewrath]

6. And they can go half way

That's my problem with this. They will be empowered to do some sort of "repeal in name only" crap. A bit like the health CARE bill that reformed health INSURANCE. But we had to pass it because "it would be a win".

[Smashcut]

4. ain't that the truth. split the difference, hedge when you can, and if in doubt, err on the right

Transformational leadership my ass.

[Webster Green]

8. Yep.

My thoughts exactly.

[Bluebear]

9. :nodding:

[amborin]

7. K&R