Admirals, generals: Repeal 'don't ask, don't tell'

[JackBeck]

By BRIAN WITTE – 6 hours ago

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — More than 100 retired generals and admirals called Monday for repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays so they can serve openly, according to a statement obtained by The Associated Press.

The move by the military veterans confronts the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama with a thorny political and cultural issue that dogged former President Bill Clinton early in his administration.

"As is the case with Great Britain, Israel, and other nations that allow gays and lesbians to serve openly, our service members are professionals who are able to work together effectively despite differences in race, gender, religion, and sexuality," the officers wrote.

While Obama has expressed support for repeal, he said during the presidential campaign that he would not do so on his own — an indication that he would tread carefully to prevent the issue from becoming a drag on his agenda. Obama said he would instead work with military leaders to build consensus on removing the ban on openly gay service members.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5igtJIqM3RT55BSIEgUfabiUuO6CgD94GUR000

[SoCalDem]

1. Their timing is a bit suspect to me.. This is what they did to Clinton

stick him with an issue right at the beginning, that would be sure to stir up the right wingers and breed "righteous anger" at him...and pit him against various factions in the military...

Amazing how this was never brought to Bush as an issue he HAD to address RIGHT NOW!..

I kind of hope Obama does call their bluff and lobby congress quietly to do away with this idiotic "plan" and just let anyone who wants to serve, to serve..no questions asked or answered..

[JackBeck]

3. If Obama hadn't consistently supported overturing DADT during his campaign I'd be suspicious.

Clinton's hand was called by Dole, with Nunn all too anxious to offer his support.

But that was 15 years ago, and we are currently looking at swearing in a Congress that should be much more friendly to a Democratic President.

[FreeState]

7. I dot think its suspect at all - Obama has it listed as a goal on his change.gov site

http://change.gov/agenda/civil_rights_agenda

Support for the LGBT Community
"While we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. It's about whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect."
-- Barack Obama, June 1, 2007

The Obama-Biden Plan....

<snip>

Repeal Don't Ask-Don't Tell: Barack Obama agrees with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Discrimination should be prohibited. The U.S. government has spent millions of dollars replacing troops kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation. Additionally, more than 300 language experts have been fired under this policy, including more than 50 who are fluent in Arabic. Obama will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure it helps accomplish our national defense goals.

[SoCalDem]

2. dupe

[bluestateguy]

4. Swell. Retired generals and admirals.

That does a lot of good.

How about some active duty generals and admirals who will go on the record publicly to advocate repealing the policy?

[bluedawg12]

6. Not sure active duty personnel could speak up on a political issue unless asked

but the retired guys and gals are free to speak truth to power.

[bluedawg12]

5. It's the beginning of a national dialogue

as opposed to the very negative rw reaction, that we now know and love as the vast right wing, mounted against Big Dog when he broached this topic.

It gives Obama cover and expert opinions to back him up re: his promise.