Shortly before I headed out to tonight's hugely successful HRBOR networking event I received an e-mail from Heather Cronk of GetEGUAL advising that the vote to bring the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) up for conversation, which includes DADT repeal had failed. Ironically, I had been on an organizing conference call with Heather and Robin McGehee during which the discussion focused on the need to establish a national grassroots organization to change the equation on the battle for LGBT equality inasmuch as the current approach is broken - as is the U. S. Congress where supporting the equality promised by the Constitution, the good of the nation and the long term good of the U. S. military have been thrown aside by disingenuous and - in my view - whore like behavior by some of this nation's senators who increasingly demonstrate that they don't give a rat's ass about the country and are more than willing to sell themselves out as the equivalent of cheap whores for partisan gamesmanship. I share Heather's feelings:*
For now, we mourn for the LGBT servicemembers serving each day in silence -- some of whom will lose their lives without ever tasting equality. We mourn for the lack of courage shown by our elected leaders to put an end to needless discrimination.
*
The Senate's behavior is beyond disgusting and, to me, is further proof that this country is quickly heading down the path of ancient Rome insofar as many in the political class having forsaken the good of the country, not to mention demonstrating that they care absolutely nothing about the lives of ordinary citizens. As happened with Rome, at some point the rank and file citizenry will simply decide that the system does so little to serve their interests that it might as well collapse. As one blog noted:
*
Carnal whores have over the centuries caused far less damage to civilization, ethics, and morals that have another class of whore—the POLITICAL WHORE!!!
*
And the U. S. Senate seems to be the center of political whoredom in Washington, D.C. Newsweek has a piece that looks at the utterly broken Senate. Here are some highlights:
*
If you think the Senate is broken, today's vote to block a defense appropriations bill that carries the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" law provides certain proof. And if you don't think so, you might want to reconsider. By a 57–40 margin, the vote to repeal the bill failed; 60 votes were required for passage.
*
Pundits and politicians throw around the accusation of "playing politics" so frequently that it's become nearly meaningless. But if there's a case where it's warranted, it's here. Most Americans support repeal of DADT. The secretary of defense, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a majority of members of the armed services back repeal. In fact, more than 60 members of the Senate support it. And yet the bill couldn't get 60 votes.
*
There's almost no one who is immune from blame. First, the White House probably erred in giving in to demands months ago that the military be surveyed for its opinion. . . . senators themselves deserve the most blame. Several Republicans who have publicly backed repeal—in particular Lisa Murkowski, Scott Brown, and Dick Lugar—did not vote for cloture.
*
Even before the vote had ended, DADT opponents began calling for President Obama to take action to prevent the expulsion of gay soldiers, sailors, and Marines—a "stop loss" order that bans discharges, perhaps. With Republicans set to gain seats in the Senate and take over the House in the new term, the chances of Congress trying again on repeal are slim to none.
*
[I]t's a disappointing day for all of them when legislation that a majority of Americans and of senators support fails because of political cowardice.
*
I say a pox on both parties and I hope the courts will do what these gutless, lying bastards refuse to do - end DADT and prove that the U. S. Constitution's promises of equal protection under the law and freedom of religion are not a lie.
No comments:
Post a Comment