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Support Strong for Gay Navy Secretary

'Don't ask, don't tell' wouldn't apply because post is a civilian job

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2008 2:12 PM CST

(Newser) – Retired military leaders and congressional Democrats are urging Barack Obama to nominate Bill White, an openly gay executive at the New York museum featuring the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, as secretary of the Navy, the Washington Times reports. The civilian post would not be subject to the Pentagon’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, but the appointment would reignite a contentious debate.

“He would be phenomenal,” said one retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. White has been a strong friend of the military, raising money for military causes and helping military families. But one “don’t ask” advocate says White’s selection would send the wrong message and be “very demoralizing for the troops,” a contention one New York Democrat called “nonsense.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

President Bush is greeted by Fischer Foundation President Bill White as he arrives to participate in the re-dedication ceremony of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York, Nov. 11, 2008. (AP Photo)

A number of retired military officers are recommending the openly gay Bill White, currently president of New York's Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, be nominated as secretary of the Navy. (Intrepid Museum Foundation)

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He would be phenomenal. - Retired Gen. Hugh Shelton, on the prospect of openly gay William White as secretary of the Navy

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Guest

Dec 22, 2008 6:25 AM CST

Always wondered what goes on for long nights on the seas LOL. The Navy will never back a Gay person to represent them. Give me a break.

Zebraone

Dec 19, 2008 6:50 AM CST

Poor damn sailors are going to find a new way to keep their asses covered!!!

Shannonals

Dec 19, 2008 1:18 AM CST

Okay, wait a minute, this article makes no sense at all. If elected, the government is expecting the Naval community to serve under this man? I'll believe it when I see the name of his Active Duty support.

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Don't Ask, Don't Tell • Jerrold Nadler • gays in the military • Bill White • Obama administration • President Obama • Obama Cabinet

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