Rep. Ike Skelton opposes DADT repeal, says it would 'create disruption' and cause 'serious problems

[ccharles000]

The leading House Democrat on military policy said Friday that he opposes repealing the law that bans openly gay people from serving in the military.

Seventeen years ago, Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) played a major role in crafting the controversial law known as "Don't ask, don't tell." When President Bill Clinton wanted to lift the ban preventing gay people from joining the military, Skelton opposed the move. The end result was a compromise under which gay service members would conceal their sexual orientation.

Now, after President Barack Obama pledged during his campaign and first year in office to repeal the law, Skelton finds himself on the opposite side once again.

"I am personally not for changing the law," he said during a C-SPAN "Newsmakers" interview that will air Sunday.

Because the military is engaged in two major conflicts, in Afghanistan and Iraq, changing the law would create "disruption" that can cause some "serious problems," Skelton said during the interview.

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/76427-skelton-opposes-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell

[Zoeisright]

1. What an idiot.

DADT has hurt the military and this country by forcing qualified men and women out for an incredibly stupid excuse.

Mr. Skelton needs to take his head out of his ass.

[Solly Mack]

2. Showing his complete ignorance of day to day life in the military

[PacerLJ35]

3. No it wouldn't

I've known people that served along side me that were gay, and honestly I never knew for a long time.

Some of my more conservative coworkers in the military constantly say "what happens if they start touching me" or "what happens if they try to sexually assault me"...

Well, dumbass, then it would fall under sexual harassment and sexual assault, just like it would for heterosexuals. The problem is, they don't realize that gay people have been serving in the military for many, many years, and as far as I know, there haven't been many same-sex assaults of a sexual nature.

I had met and served in Qatar with the Air Force Lt Colonel that got "outed" and then kicked out...I never knew he was gay until he appeared on the Rachel Maddow show. It's a shame that happened to him, he was a fighter dude, and most of those guys are assholes (well, towards non-fighter pilots). But he was actually one of the good fighter guys, got along with everyone, and we raised many a beer back then. He should have been allowed to finish out his 20 years and retire with dignity...after all, he gave this country 18 years of fine service.

People can blame the military all they want, but in the end, most of the rank-and-file in the military would be fine. A few would be up in arms, but ultimately they would have to support the change in the law or get out. Nothing will happen though until both the executive branch and the Congress take action. They alone have the authority to change the law.

[cherokeeprogressive]

4. I worked with gay men and women in the Navy. IT NEVER MATTERED.

What DID matter was this: "Are you capable of carrying this toolbox and aircraft part out to the flightline? Once there, can you get them both up onto the wing of the a/c so that if you need to, you can work on top of the fuselage or wing?"

"Yes? Well then here you go... check out a toolbox, go out to a/c 511, and change the port side inboard flap screwjack. Come get me when you're done so we can test it, sign off on it, and get the bird PMCF'd (Post Maintenance Check Flight) and back to 100% Mission Capability."

Granted, when I was deployed at sea in the 80's, there WERE no women on Aircraft Carriers... if there were, they'd have been put to the same test. Other than that, nothing else would have mattered.