Apparently, the DOD finally figured out exactly who is in charge of this country, and it's not them.
On Tuesday, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said the military has no plans to repeal the policy and that the White House had not asked for the 1993 policy to be scrapped.
Two days later, Gibbs said Morrell had backed off that position; Morrell released a statement hours later doing just that.
"President Obama has been clear in his direction to Secretary (Robert) Gates and (Joint Chiefs) Chairman (Mike) Mullen that he is committed to repeal the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy. He has also been clear that he is committed to do it in a way that is least disruptive to our troops, especially given that they have been simultaneously waging two wars for six years now," Morrell said.
"Although this will require changes to the law, the secretary and chairman are working to address the challenges associated with implementation of the president's commitment," he said.
Over the years, many talented, dedicated soldiers were kicked out of the military under Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT).
Of the discharges for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 410 were male and 209 were female, according to the figures obtained by the Globe from Pentagon personnel officials. That compares with a total of 627 discharges in fiscal year 2007; 612 in 2006; 726 in 2005; and 653 in 2004.
. . .
More than 13,000 troops have been discharged for being gay since 1993.
In the middle of two wars we can't find enough troops for, and given that it costs tens of thousands of dollars to train each one, it is insane that we are still kicking out soldiers that have done nothing wrong, other than be what they are.
Also, it's incredibly disturbing the kind of company DADT puts us in: Countries that do not allow openly gay soldiers include the US, Iran, Iraq and Libya.
Any time you end up on a list with freakin' Iran, you need to rethink the direction you're going in.
Don't forget the dismissals of Arabic translators, too.
ReplyDeleteI bet it's really easy to replace them.
ReplyDeleteOnward, theocrat soldiers...
ReplyDeletemy dad and i had a really big fight about this today.
ReplyDeletenot because my dad has any problems with gay people (i still remember the time my friend Tom hit on my dad, and my dad fluttered his eyelashes at Tom and said "why sir, what a kindly thought! how sad that my wife, she who controls me, is not so kind as to share". which may have actually been the nicest way i have ever seen anyone say "thanx but i am not gay")
no, we were fighting because he doesn't believe that a majority of the military wants DADT repealed. he thinks that the military is exactly the same as it was when he retired (coincidentally, in 1993).
sigh.
the thing is... the thing is, most of the people in the military either don't care, or actively want DATD repealed. the only people really against are wingnut fundies and politicians who are afraid of rocking the boat.
i am now actively agreeing with people at Pandagon who say we need a real third party. and actual alternative to the Dem party. cuz honestly, my choices are a Republican who is going to actively legislate against my interests, or a Democratic who is going to subtlely legislate against my interests.
yes, i am far-far-far-far-far-left.
but we have *VERY* few people in office who are even CENTER-left, let alone just left!