White House Won't End Dismissals Of Gay Service Members
(AP)
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.
Best-selling author Mitch Albom on his first nonfiction work since "Tuesdays with Morrie."
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.
How many "flaming gays" do you know? ZERO! Someone who is excessively flamboyant would never choose to enter the military. So there you go!
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.
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.
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.
D.A.D.T. keeps a lid on gay flirting.
Our military doesn't need to become a meat-market. All sexual activity needs to be kept out of the workplace.
Posted by allylic at 4:39 PM : May 12, 20
Sounds good. Only one problem. The armed forces of the United States of America (the military) is NOT a democracy. A troop does not get to "vote" on whether or not he/she will follow a lawful order. Period. You can disobey an order & collect some stockade time or, if you really push it, a discharge. But the culture & the requirements of the services does not allow for somebody to "just say no". You obey a lawful order or pay the penalty. By the way, this IS experience speaking :)
EXECUTIVE ORDER 9981
Whereas it is essential that there be maintained in the armed services of the United States the highest standards of democracy, with equality of treatment and opportunity for all those who served in our country?s defense:
Now, therefore, by virtue of the authority invested in me as President of the United States, and as Commander in Chief of the armed services, it is hereby ordered as follows:
This gay American certainly is. I voted for Obama after Hillary lost the nomination, but I DO NOT have to again!!
As a legal matter, the President has the authority to suspend DADT during a time of national emergency, which is defined as having reservists serving abroad. Politically, I understand why the Obama Administration wants to get Congress involved. But I don't understand why he hasn't taken any action on this. He should either ask Congress to take action on this or tell the Pentagon to start a formal study on DADT repeal.
- by DinMiami May 12, 2009 5:09 PM EDT
- Obama is the most political animal, and that's why he is sacrificing good men and women in the military. Careers are ruined and Obama backtracks on a promise. I voted for Obama, but I like him less and less. Shades of Rick Warren.
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