GOP's Gary Johnson: Obama Too Slow Ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

[Bluebear]

WASHINGTON -- Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, a libertarian considering a presidential bid, said this week that President Obama has helped advance gay rights -- but not quickly enough. "I think the dialogue was advanced, but when it came to 'don't ask, don't tell,' I would've let that court ruling stand," Johnson said on CBSNews.com's Washington Unplugged on Friday.

Last year, a federal judge ruled that the military's policy banning gay men and women from serving openly in the military was unconstitutional. Mr. Obama's Justice Department decided to appeal the ruling even though the administration opposed policy, because it is the department's obligation to defend all federal laws, they said.

Mr. Obama argued that the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was better reversed through legislation than the courts -- a stance that tested the patience of gay rights advocates. In a significant victory for the president and gay rights advocates, Congress did pass a repeal of the policy in December. However, actually implementing the repeal is expected to take some months, and some Republicans are suggesting the fight isn't over.

"Let's get rid of don't ask, don't tell," Johnson said. "I become emotional over the fact that we have young men and women in the service that are gay and can't express that, who are putting their lives on the line."

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20031653-503544.html

[SidDithers]

1. "Your coffee is awful, and your cups are too small!"...nt

Sid

[Fearless]

2. What does it say about you when...

Republicans tell you you're moving too slow on DADT? There's no excuse left, implement the damn change!

[Bluebear]

3. Thank you.

[Starry Messenger]

4. k&r