David Petraeus: "Time Has Come to Consider" Don't Ask Repeal

AP

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday, Gen. David Petraeus said "the time has come to consider a change" to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that bars openly gay men and women from serving in the military.

Petraeus had much more to say on the issue, but he didn't have the opportunity to say it: He was denied the opportunity to read an eight-minute statement outlining his position, AOL News reports. Sen. Carl Levin, who is leading the charge in the Senate for repeal, elected to enforce a "six-minute rule" on statements at the hearing.

Petraeus turned down the opportunity to submit the statement in writing for the record or distribute it to reporters; AOL reports that an aide said Petraeus wants to read it aloud.

The head of Central Command did answer some questions on the issue, saying he wants to see the results of the military's study on the impact of repeal. Petraeus testified that he wants to know whether changing the policy could make a difference when it comes to recruiting, retention and morale.

Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified last month that repealing the policy "would be the right thing to do."

"For me, personally, it comes down to integrity -- theirs as individuals and ours as an institution," he said.

At that hearing, Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert Gates formally announced the review to "thoroughly, methodically and objectively" examine the impact of repeal. The study is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 1st.

The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold an informal hearing on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Thursday.

More: Petraeus: Afghan Front Difficult in 2010

[tsigili]

Time for the religions of America, to stop condemning people who are different from themselves, because of religion. If religion didn't attack these people, there wouldn't be any controversy, in the first place.

[Dgunner]

God condemned the same sex relations . The peole are only conveying his message. it appears you haven't read or don't understand the bible.The people who know you and know your screen name now know your ignornce and predjudices as well.How ever in nam I discovered there is no such thing as predjudice in a fox hole during a fire fight as long they were shooting at the enemy.

[Joutue]

Joutue march 16, 2010 6:15 PM

There's more inportant issues at hand ( JOBS ) than bringing up the gays in the military, Don't ask Dont tell situstion.
Obama should have replaced all those Bush has - been's, and started a-new. He campaigned on change and left everything just like Bush had going on.
He needs to get rid of all those corrupt commanders in the military, and Robert Gates to boot.