So what’d we learn from today’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing? For one, we learned what an MRAP is (a “Mine Resistant Ambush Protected” vehicle). And also, that neither Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey (pictured) or Army Sec. John McHugh care much about seeing this Don’t Ask Don’t Tell thing through.
In October, McHugh hinted to reporters that he’d back a DADT repeal. At the time, we called it “huge.” But responding to the committee’s Chairman Sen. Carl Levin and DADT pointman Sen. Joe Lieberman, neither McHugh nor Casey gave much evidence that they were behind a repeal as forcefully as, say, Adm. Mike Mullen. Moreover, neither recommended a temporary moratorium on DADT investigations and dismissals, which Sen. Kirsten Gillbrand (who does not sit on the committee) is trying to push through.
A moratorium “would complicate the whole process” of a possible DADT repeal, says Casey.
And you should expect the Senate’s committee to listen to them on this. While lawmakers may want DADT killed, in the meantime we expect them to follow the military leaders’ guidance. Which means, without Obama mute on an executive order to halt dismissals, a temporary moratorium appears DOA. Which means DADT won’t be repealed — and gay soldiers will continue to be investigated — until Congress repeals the law in full.
Which likely won’t come until next year.
Devon
If it’s not done by January of 2011 it won’t get done. I doubt the nigh-inevitable incoming Republican majority will press forward on putting an end to it.
Brian En Guarde
It makes you wonder how American these people are. Dump the guys who put their lives on the line? Who ARE these people?? They are not good.
What kind of military loyalty could they possibly have, treating soldiers like dirt!
What are thy fighting for? Do they even believe in American principals, in Constitutional principals? Why fight for OUR nation, and not any other nation? What makes our country different? Not much, to these douchebags. You won’t fight for us? FUCK YOU!!!
jason
This is all Obama’s ploy to make us gays think that he’s doing something for us. The operative word is “think”. Obama has no more interest in repealing DADT than Oliver North.
I told you ages ago that Obama was a fraud. I haven’t changed my opinion.
schlukitz
And more bullshit from the bullshitters.
WASHINGTON – Top Army and Air Force officers said Tuesday they would be reluctant to overturn a 17-year policy that prohibits gays from serving openly in the military without more time to ascertain it won’t hurt the services.
“I do have serious concerns about the impact of a repeal of the law on a force that is fully engaged in two wars and has been at war for eight and a half years,” Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey told Congress. “We just don’t know the impacts on readiness and military effectiveness.”
Substitute the word “tradition” for “policy” and I think we can all then grasp their reluctance to end DADT just like, um, ya know…the “5,000 year old tradition of marriage.”
Don’t y’all just love these “edicts” that are etched in stone and then brought down off of some mount?
Jon
Openly gay and joining up no matter what(this week.) Kick me the fuck out if you don’t like it. Chill for a week queerty followers I think we should see something by midweek next week.
Please write your reps…I write at least 3 reps a day.
schlukitz
No. 5 · Jon
Good luck. We’re rooting for you.
Lukas P.
None of this stalling should surprise us, although the logic is supremely weak: At a time when our forces are stretched beyond imagination fighting two wars –and possibly gearing up for a third front, in Iran — the military continues to support expelling members whose sole crime is to out themselves or to be outed.
So, well-trained men and women with good records of service and who have met all other criteria to serve are being shown — and kicked out — the door.
In the name of what, pray tell? For what purpose?
Casey’s statement that a moratorium on DADT expulsions “would complicate” the process of repealing DADT also defies logic, and would seem to run counter to the concept of staffing any critical mission with the best and brightest available — no easy task with an all volunteer population.
I personally know two linguists who were kicked out: one despite native level fluency in Dari, an Afghani language and high level skills in another in Pashtu [sp?], the other has certifications in Arabic and cryptography. Neither was looking for an excuse to quit a job. How has this helped the Armed Forces, who face a shortage of linguists?
@Jon: Wow. Let us know how you fare. Take notes, too. Please. A human face with a news story always counts more than an abstract figure.
I don’t know if letters help, but they will be sent this week, by my fierce team of family members across 4 states. And possibly by my grandmother who lives in another country… She does write pretty decent English and Michelle Obama’s staff sent her a birthday card!
@Schlukitz:
As always, thanks for your keen analysis, kind words, and clear head. I read every one of your comments, even when I’m too lazy to respond directly. I’m presently writing up comments on (clinical) supervisees, which involves viewing footage of their actual sessions with clients. I’m happy to say they’re doing very well, with very few exceptions. We don’t pay very well, but nobody leaves here without lots and lots of feedback. We’re fast approaching “sink or swim” time, so I help where I can. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to see them progress. Or to help them find alternative careers, if that might be more suitable! Be well.
Ty
According to the Uniform Military Code of Justice- the act of sodomy is prohibited for anyone serving in the military. The Military Code of Justice is an act of Congress and can only be changed by Congress. DADT was an executiove order used to circumvent congress as it would have never passed in the House or Senate. Obama can’t do much on his own, he was foolish to speak as though he could on the campaign trail. Until Americans are willing to support acts of sodomy by those in the military, this will continue to be an unresolved issue.
schlukitz
No. 8 · Ty
Obama can’t do much on his own
But, he can, in fact. All it would take is the stroke of a pen to stop the senseless discharges of highly trained, specialized service personnel.
Why won’t he exercise that power? It would be the right thing to do…if he was sincere about wanting to end DADT.