New report undermines officers’ letter supporting ‘Don’t Ask’

[Newsjock]

Source: DC Agenda

A number of high-ranking military officers whose names appear on a well-publicized letter supporting “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” were involved in career-ending scandals or have said the letter doesn’t represent their views, according to Servicemembers United.

... Supporters of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” have often cited the letter as evidence of military support for keeping the law on the books. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), an opponent of repeal, held up the letter during a Senate hearing on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” last month.

... The report found the average age among is the officers is 74, the oldest living signer is 98, and several signers died in the time since the document was published.

At least one signer, Gen. Louis Menetrey, was deceased when the letter was published and didn’t sign the document himself. According to a footnote on the letter, his wife signed the document for him after his death using power of attorney — six years after Alzheimer’s disease robbed him of the ability to communicate.

Servicemembers United findings also indicate the letter doesn’t represent the viewpoints of some officers who purportedly signed it. One signer said they no longer want to be a part of the letter, writing to the organization, “I do not wish to be on any list regarding this issue.”

Others said they never agreed to sign in the first place. One general wrote, “I never agreed. To represent either side of this issue.” Another wrote, “I do not remember being asked about this issue.”

Read more: http://bit.ly/aDFJjp
Link points here, shortened to fix odd characters: http://www.dcagenda.com/2010/03/03/new-report-undermines-officers’-letter-supporting-‘don’t-ask’

[NYC_SKP]

1. K & R nt

[NJmaverick]

2. hmmm... I wonder if all those agencies that were quick to condemn the President

will be as quick with their apologies.

[Ian David]

3. I am SHOCKED that McCain would lie! n/t