House weighs overturning 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

[UrbScotty]

Source: CNN

A House panel weighed overturning the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy Wednesday, the first time Congress has considered the rule since it was implemented 15 years ago.

The policy, adopted in 1993, allows gay and lesbian individuals to serve in the armed forces as long as they do not publicly engage in homosexual behavior. The law also prevents military leaders from asking a service member about his or her sexual orientation.

Congress implemented the "don't ask, don't tell" law after President Clinton backed away from a plan to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military. The armed forces' most senior officers resisted the plan, saying they feared that homosexuals would disrupt unit cohesion and morale.

The House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee was considering a bill by Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-California, that would repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" law.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/23/dontask.donttell/index.html

[TrogL]

1. Gay soldiers have been in the Canadian military for decades with no problems

I know a couple of them.

[onehandle]

2. I'll probably be flamed for this, but the California lefties need to stfu until after the election.

We have a chance to win it all and get huge leads in Congress.

Hold off on this stuff until 2009.

[DUlover2909]

3. I agree. No need for divisive stuff that really isn't critical to happen immediately.

[LeftHander]

8. Yes, lets put off LGBT equality longer...

Send the message to all of us LGBT people that as long as we shutup, go to work, spend our money, everything will be a-okay. Also let the LGBT youngsters feel even more alienated as the learn first hand how callous and ignorant the world really is.

So as you postpone MY equality: get to know this youngster and others that may be like him:



Lawrence King was shot in the head twice by a person who was okay with inequality for LGBT people. So much so that killing the young man as he sat in his classroom was okay for him. he made Lawrence go away. Because he was bothered by Lawrence's spirit and individuality...

I would give up a house seat or two to argue the merits of LGBT equality in marriage, work and life if it would prevent another needless death of a beautiful young person.

Maybe if people learned at a early age that we are all equal then maybe the world wouldn't elect asshats and hypocrites into office.

You "lets just wait" people just don't get it.

[The Croquist]

4. I'll take the Flame too

We have a chance of winning in November. A really good chance of winning in November. This won't help us winning nor will it be enacted into law. Even if it passed both the House and Senate (unlikely)Bush will veto it and then the Republicans will run ads bragging about it. Just let it ride until next year and try again. There will be political fallout but we will have almost 2 years before the next elections and Obama will sign it (I think).

Do you remember the anti-gay marriage referendums a few years back? I was shocked at how many of my friends voted in favor of discrimination. I didn't bother to talk about it prior to the election because I assumed that they would all vote in favor of equal rights. I was very disappointed.

[foxeyes2]

5. No

Why should GLBT people have wait for equality? How long is it okay for Gay people to be discriminated against? We keep getting told to wait because "this election is too important".
How could any election be more important than full inclusion for all Americans? Anytime a gay issue comes up whether it is Marriage Equality of repealing DADT Democrats come out of the woodwork claiming we are going to lose the election for the Party. We get thrown under the bus every time.
Our GLBT Service Members deserve better, they deserve to not have to lie and hide and be kicked out fro being who they were born to be. All GLBT Americans deserve better and it infuriates me that there are people on this site that advocate continued discrimination. If this election is lost it won't be the fault of gay folks or our issues.

[raebrek]

6. It was the same thing for slavery

They kept putting of getting rid of slavery. Now is not the right time. If we do that then this might happen. I say make it so. Let's stand tall now and say what we believe in.

Raebrek!!!

[The Croquist]

11. GLBT people should wait until January 20, 2009

Politics is the art of the possible. If you don't want to wait until 01/20/2009 perhaps you can explain how you will overcome a Bush veto.

[raebrek]

7. Would they replace it?

Would they replace it or just take away "Don't ask don't tell"? I didn't see anything in the article that said what they planned to do if it were repealed.

Raebrek!!!

[Alter Ego]

9. Can this wait a few months?

You know, until we have a Democratic Congress AND a Democratic Prez? Please?

[David__77]

10. I'm gay and I oppose this measure at this time.

I don't want to do anything to open further the recruiting pool to the armed forces engaged in occupation and killing abroad.