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October 05, 2009
Obama to Take on Military Gay Ban at 'Right Time'
Obama to Take on Military Gay Ban at 'Right Time'
Obama will focus "at the right time" on how to overturn the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays serving openly in the military, his national security adviser said Sunday.
"I don't think it's going to be — it's not years, but I think it will be teed up appropriately," James Jones said.
The Democratic-led Congress is considering repealing the 1993 law. Action isn't expected on the issue until early next year.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., recently wrote Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates asked to share their views and recommendations on the contentious policy. In Sept. 24 letters, Reid also asked for a review of the cases of two U.S. officers who were discharged from the military because of their sexuality.
"At a time when we are fighting two wars, I do not believe we can afford to discharge any qualified individual who is willing to serve our country," Reid wrote.
Jones said Obama "has an awful lot on his desk. I know this is an issue that he intends to take on at the appropriate time. And he has already signaled that to the Defense Department. The Defense Department is doing the things it has to do to prepare, but at the right time, I'm sure the president will take it on."
As a candidate, Obama signaled support for repealing the law. To the disappointment of gay-rights supporters, he has yet to made a move since taking office in January. The White House has said it will not stop the military from dismissing gays and lesbians who acknowledge their sexuality.
Last year, 634 members of the military were discharged for being gay, or .045 percent of the active-duty U.S. force, according to an Aug. 14 congressional report.
The largest number of gays who were ousted under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy came in 2001, when 1,227 were discharged, or .089 of the force.
The House is considering legislation to repeal "don't ask, don't tell" and allow people who have been discharged under the policy to rejoin the military.
Jones appeared on CNN's "State of the Union."
Wild Thing's comment........
IMO Military should make the decisions for the Military. Those without Military experience should butt out.
I think the days of presidential candidates having served in the military are pretty much over.That's sad because being in command of that military is such an important part of the job.
....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.
Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67
Posted by Wild Thing at October 5, 2009 06:45 AM
Comments
The article said this: The largest number of gays who were ousted under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy came in 2001, when 1,227 were discharged, or .089 of the force.
I'm wondering if that was a result of going to war in Afghanistan? Many enlist only for the education benefits and when they actually have to "protect and defend", they want out. I'm thinking many decided to tell and get discharged. And, as long as the discharge was under honorable conditions, they got their education benefits.
Posted by: BobF at October 5, 2009 07:50 AM
Good point BobF. I think if they tell they should get 6, 6 and a kick.
Posted by: Mark at October 5, 2009 02:21 PM
BobF., interesting, I bet your right.
Posted by: Wild Thing at October 6, 2009 12:07 AM
