DADT: OK....someone explain this BULLSHIT from Bob Gates...

[Hepburn]

...assuming there is some legit explanation:

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made clear on Thursday that any repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law would have to be undertaken slowly, and suggested that it might not happen at all.

“If we do it,’’ Mr. Gates told reporters on his plane enroute to Rhode Island, “it’s important that we do it right, and very carefully.’’

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/category/government-politics/military-dont-ask

What the hell??? This to me from Gates translates to: "We need to find a right way to stop being bigots." Sounds just like the BS to me about having African Americans and Whites in separate groups in the military. What total horse manure.

Hey, Bob: Clue #1 ~~ You just fucking repeal the DADT rule, OK? What the hell is there to guess about, think about, plan for??? The right thing to do is to just get rid of DADT. I am concerned that you even have a question about this.

:eyes:

[snowdays]

1. Whitehouse.gov Backs Down on Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

Have you seen this??


Obama is listening----to his commanders on the ground and Gates.

If you go to the link the changed parts are highlighted in different colors and easy to see.

At the bottom of the article, it also explains this Tracker tool.

http://www.propublica.org/article/whitehouse.gov-backs-down-on-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell-501



Whitehouse.gov Backs Down on Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
by Brian Boyer, ProPublica - May 1, 2009 3:47 pm EDT




May 1: This post has been updated <1>.

Update, May 2: Friday night, Whitehouse.gov reinserted language <2> saying President Obama supports the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. The specific language: "He supports repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell in a sensible way that strengthens our armed forces and national security."



A subtle but substantive change in the president's position on "don't ask don't tell" was noticed today by our watchful eye-on-the-administration tool, ChangeTracker <3>. An edit to the civil rights issues page <4> tells the tale.


<4>

Previously, the message was clear. As of two days ago, whitehouse.gov said, "We need to repeal the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy." The new version of the page says that the president "supports changing Don't Ask Don't Tell in a sensible way that strengthens our armed forces and our national security."

In January, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was asked, "Is the new administration going to get rid of the 'don't ask don't tell' policy?" Gibbs proudly gave a one-word answer <5>, "Yes.”

In March, Defense Secretary Robert Gates seemed to back away from that stance <6>. When asked by Fox News about "don't ask don't tell," he said, "I feel like we've got a lot on our plates right now."

The latest changes on whitehouse.gov seem to further that hedge -- and make it the White House position.......

[hulklogan]

2. Is that statement sigificantly different than what the President himself wrote in his note

to 2nd Lt. Sandy Tsao?

Sandy - Thanks for the wonderful and thoughtful letter. It is because of outstanding Americans like you that I committed to changing our current policy. Although it will take some time to complete (partly because it needs Congressional action) I intend to fulfill my commitment. — Barack Obama.

It sounds like Gates is just reiterating the Administration's talking points on DADT, that it will happen but it will take time and it must be done carefully because it will take an act of Congress to change it.

I don't think this waffling on DADT does the President any good, and we all know it doesn't do our military any good to continue to discharge LGBT heroes from the service. The President needs to pressure the House to move on the already proposed bill to end DADT and get it out of committee ASAP.

[Hepburn]

3. Yes, to me it is:

Obama did NOT say he had to find a right way to get rid of DADT. That is what really, really bothered me from Gates: That there was some "right" way to get rid of something VERY wrong ~~ bigotry and discrimination.

JMHO

[hulklogan]

4. I'm no fan of Gates, but I see a "right" way and a "wrong" way to end DADT, unfortunately.

The right way would be the way that is completely legal and gets rid of DADT once and for all. The wrong way would be an illegal act or ending it in a way that allows a future bigoted Congress or President to bring it back.

I hope that is what Gates was trying to say, but knowing him I doubt it. :patriot:

[Hepburn]

5. I had not looked at it that way....

...but I can see the alternate meaning you stated. However, I do also agree that Gates probably did not mean that.

:hi:

[Creideiki]

9. The right way

is suspending discharges pending Congressional action. Let the House bill move through and in the meantime, not kick out any more people.

The irony is that racial integration happened by executive order, but some bigoted assholes in Congress felt the need to protect yet another heterosexual privilege through legislation.

[msongs]

6. next thing ya know, they'll be wanting to let african-americans in the military nt

[Tangerine LaBamba]

7. All it takes

is an Executive Order, properly drafted. That's all Obama has to do to eliminate DODT.

Chimpy Fucknuts made an art out of the Executive Order power - how come it's not good enough for Obama?

Slowly, my ass....................

[Hepburn]

8. I agree....

...get paper, get pen, make order, sign document.

:shrug:

What the heck is the hold up?

[bluedawg12]

10. Translation: We're not doing it. n/t