Reid Backs Plan to Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Policy

[jefferson_dem]

Source: NYT

Reid Backs Plan to Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Policy
By Carl Hulse

With a possible fight brewing in Congress over repeal of the Pentagon’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military, Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader of Utah, came down on Tuesday solidly in favor of eliminating the ban.

“We’re having trouble getting people into the military,” Mr. Reid told reporters when questioned about whether he could support an 18-month moratorium on enforcing a prohibition on gays in the armed forces. “And I think that we shouldn’t turn down anybody that’s willing to fight for our country, certainly based on sexual orientation.”

Mr. Reid said he would go the proposal, being considered by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrat of New York, one better and support a permanent repeal of the ban.

Ms. Gillibrand, eager to court support from the large New York gay community and improve her standing with liberals prior to her election bid next year, is reportedly considering trying to add a moratorium to the Pentagon policy measure now being considered in the Senate.

That measure is quickly becoming a focal point of social issues as Senate Democrats are also pressing an amendment that would expand the definition of hate crimes to include those committed against victims on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disabilities.

Read more: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/reid-backs-plan-to-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell-policy/?src=twt&twt=thecaucus

[BlooInBloo]

1. \o/

[jefferson_dem]

4. \o/ - That's like a three character Rorschach test.

Never seen it before.

Two objects come to mind. One is a bowling ball knocking down two pins. Another is rather perverse so...I won't share. :evilgrin:

[BlooInBloo]

7. lol! Does this help?

It's gamer-speak.

[Crowman1979]

2. Well do something about it Reid!

Or are you just gonna do your usual "all talk and no action because the Repubwicans won't wike us" rountine?

[closeupready]

3. I like Gillibrand - I'd never heard of her before she was appointed, but

turns out she's quite progressive - what a refreshing change! :)

[Crowman1979]

5. Not only will getting rid of DADT give LGBTs more rights...

...it will also discourage rabid fundies and freepers from joining the military! :D

[pasto76]

8. hmm, thats a really awesome point!!

never thought of it that way. Freepers do more harm to my Army than anything. because they beleive theya re so special, they think they can forego Army policy. Ive had to discipline more than one.

SGT PASTO

[Fearless]

6. About time.... provided he doesn't cave again...

[mitchtv]

9. talk is cheap

All Sen Reid does is talk.