Obama to End Clinton's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Military Policy

[marmar]

via AlterNet's PEEK:



Obama to End Clinton's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Military Policy

Posted by Manny, Kos Diarist, Daily Kos at 9:28 PM on January 14, 2009.

75% of Americans don't have a problem with gay people serving in the military, and neither does our newest US president.



According to the SF Chronicle , Obama has confirmed that it is his intention to end Don't Ask Don't Tell:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/13/MNTG159HHG.DTL&type=politics&tsp=1

President Obama will end the 15-year-old "don't ask, don't tell" policy that has prevented homosexual and bisexual men and women from serving openly within the U.S. military, a spokesman for the president-elect said.

Although he hasn't set a specific timeline, it has been assumed that he would repeal it during his term as he has stated that he opposes the policy.

Many younger people who hold disdain for the policy may not realize that when DADT was put in place by Clinton in 1993, it was against the backdrop of a complete ban on gays in the military and severe opposition from congressional Democrats.

Prior to DADT, it was a requirement to answer a question concerning previous homosexual conduct as a condition of enlistment. Although not stated on the document, a positive response would mean denial in enlistment. ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/119967/obama_to_end_clinton%27s_%27don%27t_ask%2C_don%27t_tell%27_military_policy/