Edwards: "Long past time" to end unfair "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy

[JohnLocke]

John Edwards for President
Feb 28, 2007

Chapel Hill, North Carolina — Senator John Edwards released the following statement today calling for an end to the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy on gays and lesbians in the military. Earlier today, Congressman Marty Meehan reintroduced his Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.

"It is long past time to end the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy and to allow openly gay men and women to serve in the military. It is critical to our national security that we have the best people in our military. Gay men and women have continually served our country with honor and bravery, and we should honor their commitment and never turn away anyone who is willing to serve their country because of their sexual orientation.

"This is an issue of fundamental fairness — and our military ought to treat everyone fairly. I applaud Congressman Meehan on his important legislation."

http://johnedwards.com/news/headlines/20070227-dontask/
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA030107.pm.alva.8823eb9.html

[spooky3]

1. This must be what Coulter wanted to disparage in her nasty comment

about Edwards.

[NDP]

2. It's possible, but highly unlikely. Gore, Clinton, and Clinton weren't talking about don't

ask don't tell when she called them gay.

John Edwards' response needs to include reminding the American people of the names that MAnn Cunter called the 9/11 widows.

[Catchawave]

3. ...and the DU community voted it to the Greatest Page....

Ann's nasty comment that is. :banghead:

[JohnLocke]

4. Kick (nt).

[babylonsister]

5. Speaking of, this came out today, I think, from the Pentagon:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3143321&mesg_id=3143321

[FrenchieCat]

6. I think that's wonderful! Good Going John Edwards! But of course he's not the only one!

And yes, it is way long past time! :(

This is an issue near and dear to my heart.

Before Wes Clark even ran last primaries back in 2003 he took a stand against this dumb rule!

June 18, 2003
Former NATO Commander Critiques 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
GayToday.com
General Wesley Clark, USA (Ret.), a former NATO Commander and four star general, told NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday that he would "absolutely" look at changing the U.S. military's ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members.

"I don't think it works," General Clark said when asked about the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. " Essentially, we've got a lot of gay people in the armed forces, we always have had, always will. And I think that . . . we should welcome people that want to serve." General Clark went on to say that the ban is "an issue that the leaders in the armed forces are going to have to work with and resolve."
http://www.sldn.org/templates/press/record.html?section=5&record=974

General's orders: exclusive interview:
Retired four-star general Wesley Clark thinks "don't ask, don't tell" needs to go and same-sex unions are here to stay. Can these pro-gay positions win him voters' support—and the Democratic presidential nomination?
Advocate, The, Feb 3, 2004 by Jon Barrett
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2004_Feb_3/ai_n6010914

"The gay question has long been a political quagmire. Since Bill Clinton waded into the controversy in 1993, more than two dozen former senior military officers have denounced "don't ask," including Gen. Wesley Clark and Gen. Claudia Kennedy. "
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15790419/site/newsweek/