When word arrived that President Obama selected Dr. Clifford Stanley, a retired Marine general, as his nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, we thought we’d finally have a senior ally on our side of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell debate. So why isn’t Stanley meeting our expectations?
Because he wants the U.S. Senate to confirm him without any issues, stupid.
At yesterday’s Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Stanley — who, if appointed, would be the Pentagon’s pointman for DADT — it was Sen. John McCain who took a particular interest in the 33-year Marine veteran’s view on the policy. McCain, repeating what we already knew, addressed Stanley: “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a challenge that will probably fall under your purview, and that would be changing the DOD’s homosexual conduct policy. … I would be opposed to any attempt at modifying the existing policy in ways that will harm military readiness, placing upon the shoulders of military leaders an extra burden they simply do not need.” But it was Democrats who actually asked Stanley about his position, reports Kerry Eleveld.
When quizzed by Democratic Colorado Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado if he would support Obama’s call to lift the ban, Stanley replied, “Senator, I clearly recognize that this is a very sensitive issue, it is an issue that I’m prepared to address if confirmed. … This is a very very challenging subject, but one that I know we can get our arms around. I have to provide, based upon that input, a recommendation to Secretary Gates.”
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Clearly, the man has been coached well. He gave the sort of vague, non-answers that Republicans won’t be able to point out to cause controversy, while ably easing the minds of anti-DADT Democrats.
And it’s exactly what was to be expected of him.
Rich
Keep drinking the Kook-Aid and thinking the adminstration has any plan for ending DADT anytime soon. The window for DADT repeal in this Congress has passed. No DOD appointment is going to change that fact. Senate hearings have been delayed indefinitely. The House legislation is stuck in committee. There is no legislation in the Senate. Meanwhile, “allies” like Rep. Barney Frank try to appease activists by saying that DADT repeal will be covered in the next defense authorization bill. Nevermind that Rep. Frank isn’t a member of the House Armed Services Committee and has no influence whatsoever on that piece of legislation. Nevermind that the defense authorization comes up for its annual vote in September/October of each year — one month prior to contentious mid-term elections. Does anyone honestly believe Congress is going to make that vote in election season? We’ve squandered our “super-majorities” in Congress and failed to end discrimination at the hands of the federal government. Next year’s elections are more likely to be an anti-incumbent referendum on the economy and result in reducing the number of Democrats in Congress. Thanks for taking action while we had the opportunity!