May 12, 2009 4:43 PM

White House Won't End Dismissals Of Gay Service Members

By
Brian Montopoli
Topics
Domestic Issues
(AP)
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs today indicated that President Obama will not intervene to keep gay servicemembers from being dismissed from the military, despite his vow to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

Gibbs said "the policy isn't working for our national interests," but added that ending it will "require more than the snapping of one's fingers."

"To get fundamental reform in this instance requires a legislative vehicle," Gibbs said. "The president made a promise to change this policy; he will work with the Joints Chiefs of Staff, the administration and with Congress to ensure that we have a policy that works for our national interests."

Noted a reporter at the briefing: "He is the Commander-in-Chief. I mean, if the president and the Secretary of Defense can bring about a new leadership in Afghanistan, replace the commanding general there, couldn't the president and the secretary of defense delay any more people getting fired under 'don't ask, don't tell'?"

Responded Gibbs: "Well, there have been discussions about the best way to move forward, and the only sustainable way to do that is through -- sustainable and durable way -- is through legislation, which the president has promised and has continued to work for."

Last week, the Army dismissed an Arabic linguist for revealing that he is gay.

Add a Comment See all 20 Comments
by usnjake May 13, 2009 3:58 PM EDT
"DADT keeps a lid on gay flirting. "

LOL... that's funny, amer_icon. Yeah, DADT keeps all the flirting down... like we servicemembers have nothing better to do.

Tell me this, does militry regulations keep straight GIs from flirting with their peers?

Your logic is appalling... hilarious even. I hope you're not in the military, you'd be a loose cannon, and one that I'd rather not trust my life to.
Reply to this comment
by avigil2 May 13, 2009 2:06 PM EDT
These FLAMING gays on-duty... posted by dudelookslikeachimp

How many "flaming gays" do you know? ZERO! Someone who is excessively flamboyant would never choose to enter the military. So there you go!
Reply to this comment
by tommynutz May 13, 2009 1:51 PM EDT
If **** are allowed to bunk with regular men then women and men should be in the same quarters as well
Reply to this comment
by usnjake May 13, 2009 1:39 PM EDT
"Have you every considered that most people in the military don't want gays serving along side them? Obama is choosing to honor the wishes of the vast majority over the whines of the few. This is as it should be."

Allylic, as someone serving in the military, having done three tours in the Middle East since 2005, it has been my experience that most of us enlisted servicemembers could care less if gays and lesbians serve with us, so I am not sure to what majority you are referring.

As a matter of fairness, DADT is one of the most stupid rules ever devised and does nothing to promote group cohesion and morale.

In the 1950s, President Truman had the political courage to put an end to racial segregation in the military, I hope Obama has the same stuff.
Reply to this comment
by amer_icon May 13, 2009 1:07 PM EDT
DADT keeps a lid on gay flirting.
Reply to this comment
by Oregon_State_OSU May 13, 2009 11:56 AM EDT
I think this whole article and story is Gaye !
Reply to this comment
by vranger May 13, 2009 8:25 AM EDT
What a surprise.

Obama finds that YET ANOTHER of his hot air campaign promises sounded good as lies on the campaign trail, but in the practical world just won't work.

Calling someone a Yo-Yo has NEVER been more appropriate.

These guys lied their behinds off to get in the White House, and have yet to live up to ONE SINGLE campaign promise ... including his claims that he would not be a turnstile for spending not only OUR tax dollars, but the tax dollars of GENERATIONS to come.

Hate to say "We told you so", but we did, more than a year ago.
Reply to this comment
by dudelookslikeachimp May 13, 2009 8:12 AM EDT
Tolerate no gay behavior we are not willing to tolerate its equivalent in heterosexuals. Many gays want special rights to go beyond heterosexual rights.

But guess what? The DOD does not support your right to say "I am a Marine and a Republican". So why would they support your right to say "I am Marine and gay?" It is considered a political statement at this time and is certainly meant as a political statement by every gay involved.

The Marines do not ask that you say "I am a Marine and heterosexual" and if done politically, the Marines may well court-marshal your ass too.

The Marines are willing to make a statement that they support any American citizens right to be gay. The Marines are even willing to say they support any private citizen's right to say that they are gay. Private meaning no uniform or rank nor obvious connection.

And honestly I have met a few of these DOD gays and if they were heterosexual -- they would still be thrown out. These FLAMING gays on-duty generally commit all sorts of "Tail-Hook" type harassment during their advocacy -- probably because they want to be called out. But maybe some of them are just that stupid about telling someone they are sexually interested then insisting on frequent touching and close quarter duty.
Reply to this comment
by american_11-2009 May 13, 2009 7:05 AM EDT
Was there not some Gay that said he had sex with Obama during the election? This is pay back time!
Reply to this comment
by nolies74621 May 13, 2009 5:41 AM EDT
We will be hearing for Prez Hilton I am sure. I wonder if he will cuss BHO like he did Miss Califirnia?
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