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On Gays in Military, Obama Moves Slowly

White House to defend 'don't ask' in court, will seek 'sensible' change

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted May 19, 2009 8:47 AM CDT
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(Newser) – On gays in the military, President Obama is stalling. During the campaign, he promised to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy instituted as a compromise early in President Clinton’s term. Now that he’s got the chance, the Wall Street Journal reports, he’s being cagey. His spokesman says he wants to change the policy by legislation, not presidential fiat.

Meantime, the policy is in force. An Army National Guard lieutenant announced he was gay to test the president’s commitment. And in the case of a lesbian discharged by the Air Force, the White House will defend the policy in court after an appeals panel ruled that it must show the discharge must be argued on its specific merits and isn’t covered by a blanket approach.

Democratic presidential hopefuls raised their hands to say they would eliminate the don't ask, don't tell policy during a presidential primary debate in Manchester, NH, June 3, 2007.
Democratic presidential hopefuls raised their hands to say they would eliminate the "don't ask, don't tell" policy during a presidential primary debate in Manchester, NH, June 3, 2007.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama gestures while speaking to military personnel at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, April 7, 2009.
President Barack Obama gestures while speaking to military personnel at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, April 7, 2009.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama greets military personnel at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, April 7, 2009.
President Barack Obama greets military personnel at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, April 7, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Sgt. Darren Manzella, an openly gay active duty soldier back from Iraq, speaks with reporters about serving under don't ask, don't tell, Jan. 8, 2008, at the National Press Club in Washington.
Sgt. Darren Manzella, an openly gay active duty soldier back from Iraq, speaks with reporters about serving under "don't ask, don't tell," Jan. 8, 2008, at the National Press Club in Washington.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Andrew Chapin of New York takes part in a rally on Capitol Hill, March 26, 2007, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy regarding gay soldiers.
Andrew Chapin of New York takes part in a rally on Capitol Hill, March 26, 2007, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding gay soldiers.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
kokuaguy
May 19, 2009 7:15 AM CDT
60 years ago the same arguments used in support of DADT were used by opponents of racial integration in the military.
kokuaguy
May 19, 2009 7:11 AM CDT
I am confused. DADT was established by Congress. How does the President have the power to end it by fiat? He has come out against it and has started the conversation. What more can he do?
bcfilmguy
May 19, 2009 4:51 AM CDT
You're right. The US has no mandatory service. Brave men and women volunteer to risk their loves because they love their country. That is why they shouldn't have to lie and sustain that lie while defending their country. As to whether they will find it hard working alongside intolerant people, that is the choice each individual should make. They may choose to stay in the closet, but it should be their choice. The fact that this is such an issue is pathetic. America needs to grow up.

Obama dawdles on vital gay issues
The Atlantic

 
gay rights • Don't Ask, Don't Tell • gays in the military • gays • President Obama • Dan Choi • Margaret Witt

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