In yet another move that makes me believe that LGBT Americans were cynically used by Obama during the 2008 campaign Defense Secretary Robert Gates says that a repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell needs to be pushed down the road and that dialogue has not really progressed very far at this point in the administration. Fine and good for Gates and Obama, but not so good for LGBT citizens serving honorably in the military who have to continue to worry about being caught up in witch hunts triggered by anonymous accusers. Obama has shown great skill and implementing nice window dressing - e.g., changing the White House website to include alleged LGBT goals or signing on to the non-binding U.N. resolution decriminalizing homosexuality - but when it comes to substance, Obama is missing in action. Here are highlights from the New York Times on this latest proof that gays have been thrown under the bus:*
Don't expect any change soon to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy about gays in the military. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says both he and President Barack Obama have "a lot on our plates right now." As Gates puts it, "let's push that one down the road a little bit." The White House has said Obama has begun consulting with Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on how to lift the ban. Gates says that dialogue has not really progressed very far at this point in the administration.
*
Gates appeared on "Fox News Sunday."
1 comment:
It is not just a policy, but a law that must be repealed by Congress. Until then, perhaps we should insist that those violating the "Don't ask" and "Don't pursue" part be discharged. That loss of personnel might speed up the process, I think.
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