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Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Archive

Thursday

4

February 2010

1

COMMENTS

Repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Written by , Posted in Foreign Affairs & Policy

The reason Barack Obama made a call to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell” in his State of the Union speech is obviously political.  He is in a tough way and needs a win to bring home to his base.  That said, he has been consistent on this position from the beginning, and it’s not just his base that should be pleased.  Folks on the right who talk a good freedom game should support repealing the policy as well, for the simple reason that it’s the right thing to do.

The enforcement of DADT has resulted in the loss of key personnel, such as translators, at a time when we cannot afford such. Why should we fight our enemies with one gay hand behind our back?

For years, concerns over unit cohesion have been sufficient to prevent revisiting the 90’s era rule. But are these concerns justified? Let’s look at the evidence. Twenty-five countries allow gays to serve openly in the military, including the highly effective Israeli Defense Force. The Israeli decision in 1993 to allow gays to serve openly if they choose had no negative impact on their effectiveness.

It’s time for the U.S. to stop limiting our resources by denying qualified soldiers the chance to serve on the basis of their preferences in the bedroom.

Monday

12

October 2009

0

COMMENTS

So Do It

Written by , Posted in Identity Politics

President Obama promised this weekend that he will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell:

We cannot afford to cut from our ranks people with the critical skills we need to fight any more than we can afford — for our military’s integrity — to force those willing to do so into careers encumbered and compromised by having to live a lie. So I’m working with the Pentagon, its leadership, and the members of the House and Senate on ending this policy. Legislation has been introduced in the House to make this happen. I will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. That’s my commitment to you.

I agree with the President.  The policy costs us valuable service members at a time when we need them most.  It’s a self-imposed burden that we can not afford.  But why is he talking instead of acting?  His majority is not going to get any bigger, and ought to be enough to pass what is in the end fairly simple legislation if he simply picked up the phone and told Congressional leaders to get it done.  As usual, he’s all talk and no substance.