There has been a flurry of press releases and statements issued by members of Congress and the White House on a supposed deal worked out to allow for the "repeal" of Don't Ask, Don't Tell this year, with implementation to follow after the Pentagon study is completed at year end. Personally, from what I have read so far, I have severe concerns that Obama is trying to claim a victory on behalf of gays in the military while in reality delivering absolutely NOTHING. *
In fact, some aspects of the supposed "compromise" would appear to allow the Pentagon to scuttle any real repeal - especially if it doctors the results of the Westat study as some fear may occur. And short term, the thousands of LGBT service members currently in the U. S. military gaining nothing. Worse yet they have no assurance that they ever will. Pam Spaulding hits on some of my concerns when she states the following:
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Do they think we cannot see the political jiu-jitsu at work -- it's repeal with no teeth, as in it gives the administration and the LGBT groups the ability to claim "victory" in 2010, without actually freeing the members of the military who will continue to serve in silence. They have to wait for 1) the study to reach completion (what was likely to happen regardless) and a new wrinkle -- 2) an arbitrary time when the President, Gates and Mullen decide they know how to implement it without any ill effects, and the president signs an executive order signaling "go forth" with anti-discrimination measures. That's a pitiful half-measure. How about "it's an order?"
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The Obama administration has left the fate of service members in the hands of the Pentagon as the final arbiter -- and whoever was present working on our behalf as a community thinks this is palatable. Remember that.
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What is the measure of "hurting recruitment" -- asking enlistees if they are afraid to shower next to someone who is openly gay? What if they say "yes"? Again, why coddle the homophobes who want to serve their country. Closeted LGBTs are putting their lives on the line every day for all Americans. If someone is that bigoted they either need to suck it up or be disciplined if they cannot "man up."
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Compounding my concerns is the language of the bill currently under consideration as made available by America Blog:
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Translated in to normal English, this language means the following:
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"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will be considered repealed only if and when the following things happen:
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Do they think we cannot see the political jiu-jitsu at work -- it's repeal with no teeth, as in it gives the administration and the LGBT groups the ability to claim "victory" in 2010, without actually freeing the members of the military who will continue to serve in silence. They have to wait for 1) the study to reach completion (what was likely to happen regardless) and a new wrinkle -- 2) an arbitrary time when the President, Gates and Mullen decide they know how to implement it without any ill effects, and the president signs an executive order signaling "go forth" with anti-discrimination measures. That's a pitiful half-measure. How about "it's an order?"
*
The Obama administration has left the fate of service members in the hands of the Pentagon as the final arbiter -- and whoever was present working on our behalf as a community thinks this is palatable. Remember that.
*
What is the measure of "hurting recruitment" -- asking enlistees if they are afraid to shower next to someone who is openly gay? What if they say "yes"? Again, why coddle the homophobes who want to serve their country. Closeted LGBTs are putting their lives on the line every day for all Americans. If someone is that bigoted they either need to suck it up or be disciplined if they cannot "man up."
*
Compounding my concerns is the language of the bill currently under consideration as made available by America Blog:
*
Translated in to normal English, this language means the following:
*
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will be considered repealed only if and when the following things happen:
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1. The Secretary of Defense receives the "study" - apparently this means the Westat study.
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2. The President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs certify that:
(a) They have reviewed and considered the recommendations in the study
(b) DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations needed to implement a repeal of DADT, and
(c) The implementation of the repeal will not negatively affect and is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention.
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Meanwhile, the current policy will remain in place - and if the above conditions are never satisfied, the current DADT policy will remain in place forever.
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That's right, there is nothing in the legislation that says the repeal must happen. Yes, Gay, Inc. is trying to put a positive spin on this proposed bill that does in reality nothing and sets up the stage for the continuation of DADT indefinitely. In fact, here's my message to SLDN:
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I'm sorry, but as an attorney reading this bill it promises NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are being played for suckers. Obama wants to claim he delivered on his campaign promises without actually delivering. This bill is BULLSHIT!!
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(a) They have reviewed and considered the recommendations in the study
(b) DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations needed to implement a repeal of DADT, and
(c) The implementation of the repeal will not negatively affect and is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention.
*
Meanwhile, the current policy will remain in place - and if the above conditions are never satisfied, the current DADT policy will remain in place forever.
*
That's right, there is nothing in the legislation that says the repeal must happen. Yes, Gay, Inc. is trying to put a positive spin on this proposed bill that does in reality nothing and sets up the stage for the continuation of DADT indefinitely. In fact, here's my message to SLDN:
*
I'm sorry, but as an attorney reading this bill it promises NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are being played for suckers. Obama wants to claim he delivered on his campaign promises without actually delivering. This bill is BULLSHIT!!
*
I can only surmise that Obama and the Congressional Democrats - including Senators Webb and Warner - view LGBT Americans as cretins. This bill if passed provides NO reason to stop the continued withholding votes and money until DADT is REALLY repealed. This is not repeal. This is political gamesmanship with no substance and yet another betrayal.
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