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.
