Washington Post Editorial: Time to Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

On Thursday, nearly 100 congressmen signed a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates requesting detailed data on the number of gays and lesbians discharged under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The letter, written by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), amplifies previous concerns raised by Rep. Alcee Hastings on the Obama Administration's "strategy" on DADT.

The letter begins:

"We request that the Office of the Secretary of Defense provide data on the current number of DADT discharges since January 1, 2009 to the present, no later than January 15, 2010. In addition, we request monthly reports thereafter to Congress detailing the number of enlisted service members and officers discharged under the policy.... Through these monthly updates, Congress and the public will get a clearer picture of the continued costs and damage to our national security inflicted by this policy."

This morning's editorial pages of the Washington Post, known for hawkish stance on the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, continues the growing chorus of voices demanding a repeal of the "absurd" policy that prevents gays and lesbians from serving openly. The editors applaud Moran and his 95 colleagues and say ball is now in the president's court:

Rep. Patrick J. Murphy (D-Pa.), continues the painstaking work of securing sponsors for a bill that would overturn "don't ask, don't tell."... Recently, he was up to 186, approaching the 218 votes needed for passage. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) last month told the Advocate, a gay and lesbian newsmagazine, that a measure to overturn the ban is likely to be attached to the must-pass Defense Department budget authorization bill next year. "Military issues are always done as part of the overall authorization bill," he said.

President Obama has been consistent in public speeches and in Oval Office meetings with Mr. Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that he wants to end the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. So do we and a majority of the American people. Gays and lesbians in the armed services should be able to help protect the country without fear or shame.

The Obama Administration will submit the must-pass Defense Authorization request in February. We'll see if the DADT repeal is include. Or perhaps the Administration and congressional leadership want to avoid "controversial" gay rights issues as they head into mid-term elections.

[via AMERICABlog]

Comments

[Ravenback]

Not impressed at all.

100 Congress people can't even pass gas. When 218 House members and 60 Senators publicly commit to vote for the end of DADT, then I'll be impressed. Until then, nope.

[Talarico]

@ Ravenback:
Perhaps you missed it?

Murphy's bill has 186 co-sponsors, about 30 short of passage. But surely you're not saying you're not "impressed" unless there are 218 votes or 51/60 in the Senate? That's called "taking a final vote" ... not moving on a bill. And it's not how we did health care or any other issue. HCR didn't have the final votes until hours before passage (nelson, landrieu) but we pushed it for 9 months. Funny how some gays are using that talking point to give cover Obama cover .

Anyway, we have another option now and can go the route of the hate crimes bill and attach it to defense bill. It will be amusing to watch the White House wiggle out of that one. And its supporters gay community who want to repeal DADT "the right way"

smh

[Former COGIC]

>>>Rep. Patrick J. Murphy (D-Pa.), continues the painstaking work of securing sponsors for a bill that would overturn "don't ask, don't tell."... Recently, he was up to 186, approaching the 218 votes needed for passage. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) last month told the Advocate, a gay and lesbian newsmagazine, that a measure to overturn the ban is likely to be attached to the must-pass Defense Department budget authorization bill next year. "Military issues are always done as part of the overall authorization bill," he said.

And sadly it will not happen in the congress or this administration. They will not attach it to the defense spending bill and will want to avoid a standalone DADT bill. Gays are controversial, ya know.

[Ravenback]

@ Talarico

Funny you missed what I said. It was quite clear a precise. You need 218 House members to pass it in the House. You need 60 Senators to overcome a possible Senate filibuster. I have been hearing what needs to be done for too long now. I am more about actually getting it accomplished. Until that time comes, I am not impressed.

And furthermore, I hope your "funny how some gays..." comment wasn't in reference to me. I speak for myself. I don't represent all gays, most gays or even some gays. If you agree with me on a particular point then that's your right. If you don't agree, then what does that have to do with me. I am tired of hearing what people are going to do about this and about that. Get it done first then get congratulated. As it stands now, nothing has happened yet.

I hope I have made myself a little clearer. Just read what I wrote. It shouldn't be difficult.