Senate votes to end military ban on gays

[NYC Liberal]

Source: MSNBC

In a landmark for gay rights, the Senate on Saturday voted to let gays serve openly in the military, giving President Barack Obama the chance to fulfill a campaign promise and repeal the 17-year policy known as "don't ask, don't tell."

Obama was expected to sign it next week, although the change wouldn't take immediate effect. The legislation says the president and his top military advisers must certify that lifting the ban won't hurt troops' fighting ability. After that, there's a 60-day waiting period for the military.

"It is time to close this chapter in our history," Obama said in a statement after a test vote cleared the way for final action. "It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed."

The Senate vote was 65-31. The House had passed an identical version of the bill, 250-175, on Wednesday.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40715888/ns/politics-capitol_hill/

[SeattleGirl]

1. This is so great!

I watched the vote, and was very happy to hear the final vote count!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[rasputin1952]

5. I watched it as well...

and for the record, for all of the previous hand-wringing and whining...the actual vote was pretty damn boring, but it is most certainly historic...

[The Hitman]

2. Wooo Hoo!

FINALLY! We Dems accomplish something! :)

[Name removed]

36. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Posteritatis]

38. Better that they should fight for fewer rights, I suppose. (nt)

[The Hitman]

78. Aw damn

What was the deleted message? I missed it.

[blaze]

3. Yes!!! nt

[emulatorloo]

4. EXCELLENT! eom

[Name removed]

133. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[treestar]

6. Whoah!

That means that two who voted against cloture voted for repeal!

:bounce: :bounce: :party: :party:

[KeyserSoze87]

7. YES! The lame duck congress has finally accomplished something!

:fistbump:

[meegbear]

8. Got the news while at the bar...

A guy bought a round for the house.

BOO-YAH!!!!!

[The Hitman]

20. Damn it!

Free drinks at the gaybars today?

I should have planned my afternoon better.

[savalez]

40. Ah, the ol' days of being at a bar at noon. lol.

[The Hitman]

80. Ain't nothing wrong with that

Wish I woulda.

[savalez]

87. I agree!

[MindandSoul]

106. That's great. . .I just hope it wasn't a gay bar. . .I want to believe that

every person of good will is happy about this, whether they are gay or straight!

It is a victory for human rights!

[meegbear]

150. It was a gay bar ...

I got the news from a MSNBC alert sent to my iPhone. I called the bartender over, telling him and ordering a celebratory shot. A guy a couple stools down, hell, drinks are on me and set up the bar. We toasted it - it was a great day for all!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

[slay]

9. Yay!

and FINALLY! :party:

[calimary]

10. Most Excellent!!!!!

It's about time! Something we can all celebrate - especially us long-neglected progressives! Actually, if you really wanna know - ALL AMERICA has something to celebrate with this vote.

[dana_b]

11. wonderful news!!

Hopefully we can get rid of DOMA soon too!

[Skinner]

12. Great news!

I am so glad.

A great day for America. An important step forward for equal rights for everyone. Congrats to all of our LGBT Duers. :thumbsup:

[swimboy]

35. Thanks!

It's hard to believe. I'm pretty emotional about it.

[burning rain]

13. A famous victory!

Truly, something to celebrate.

[Luciferous]

14. Great!

[craigmatic]

15. It's official Obama is a greater president than Clinton.

[bowens43]

82. huh? In what way?

[craigmatic]

110. He passed the 2 progressive things that Clinton couldn't before 1994.

HCR and DADT repeal are a big fucking deal. This also shows how much pull Obama has with his own party compared to Clinton in the 90's.

[Lord Magus]

131. Clinton signed this horrible policy into law. Obama has now ended it.

[alarimer]

192. He did nothing.

It took Congress to do something. Obama's justice department appealed when it was declared unconstitutional. He could have stopped it there. My guess is he is not going to sign this bill.

[Lord Magus]

194. My guess is you're insane.

Actually, if you think that Obama isn't going to sign this bill, it's not even a guess.

He appealed the court decision because he felt (correctly) that it's inappropriate for a district court judge, who by definition is supposed to have jurisdiction over only their district, to make the final ruling on a nationwide issue. Given how many far-right judges Bush got to appoint to district courts, many of whom make Scalia, Alito and Roberts look reasonable by comparison, that would set a dangerous precedent.

[Lord Magus]

195. Well gee, what do you know.

The signing ceremony is http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/12/21/Obama-to-sign-dont-ask-Wednesday/UPI-20581292953817/">today.

[Lord Magus]

197. Confirmation that you're nuts:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/22/obama-repeals-dont-ask-dont-tell

[Tx4obama]

16. The EIGHT republican 'yes' votes were....

Collins
Snowe
Brown
Murkowski
Voinovich
Kirk
Ensign
Burr

[The Hitman]

19. Grrr

I hate how the GOP will vote to filibuster a popular bill and then support it after the filibuster is overcome.

Dirty, obstructionist, politicking.

[SnakeEyes]

41. In this case...

the difference between pre-cloture and after is those extra votes came from those that refused to vote yes for anything prior to the tax deal.

[The Hitman]

79. You think?

I dunno. I think GOP priorities go: 1. Block anything Obama is for; 2. Help out corporate America; 3. Help out foreign corporations (see BP spill); 4. Help out home constituents; 5. Help out the rest of the U.S.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

196. Your readiness to jump to the interpretation that's most merciful to Republicans is admirable. -nt

[MindandSoul]

107. Yes, it is frustrating. . .but at least these few came trought at last!

[Skinner]

29. Burr?

I'm surprised to see a Southern Republican on the list. (With apologies to our fellow DUers who live in the South. No disrespect intended.)

[Tx4obama]

58. Yep Burr was a 'yes'

And the senators not voting on the final vote were:
Bunning (R-KY)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hatch (R-UT)
Manchin (D-WV)

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00281

[bertman]

122. Seeing Burr vote for repealing DADT was a total shock. And freaking FANTASTIC!!

Finally, that sorry SOB has voted the way I asked him to vote.

He's a vet and said he would go with the recommendation of the military even though he's always leaned toward keeping DADT. I guess the recent hearings before Congress were enough to push him to make a good decision.

I will definitely let him know I appreciate his vote.

For once.

[AlbertCat]

128. Burr? I'm surprised to see a Southern Republican on the list

Well, my Dem NC Rep in Congress, McIntyre, voted no.... so.....



And I sorta get the "will it harm troop's fighting ability?" baloney as a formality, but what's the 60 day waiting period for? Why can't we just DO things? Here we are in the era of cell phones and being on call 24/7 and the gotta do it now, fast, right away.... but laws apparently must wait 60 days... 2 years.... 4 years to get implemented? Wassup wi' that?

[SaveAmerica]

142. I think this is because of the Survey results. they've always thumped chests

about the military and going on about it being owned by the Republican Party (everyone in the military is Republican). After they got the results of the survey (which I think they played up because they were so sure the results of the 'Republican Military' would be different. Survey says: they felt that DADT should be repealed and it's my opinion that the Republicans were caught with their pants down. It's the only reason I can think of that he would vote for it.

[iamjoy]

61. Call and Thank Them

If you are a constituent of one of these Senators, call them and thank them. Some of these folks are going to take a lot of heat for their votes and it will be nice for them to hear a bit of encouragement and appreciation. Of course, maybe we should call our Democratic Senators as well in order to remind them that progressives are paying attention...

[MindandSoul]

105. Good for them! That's the kind of Republicans that we can

do bi-partisanship with!

[pasto76]

17. How does one "certify" that it will not hurt fighting ability?

weird language.

[Lucinda]

46. I had the same thought... n/t

[bonnieS]

53. The courage campaign,

while claiming victory, is saying there was a deal Obama made months ago that says that even after Obama signs the bill no one can serve openly. Certification is first required as stated above.

[griloco]

56. Well, you get a signet ring and some red wax....... n/t

[Lord Magus]

132. That's what the Pentagon's study was all about.

[grahamhgreen]

186. This is the wiggle room. It's not over yet.

[tomg]

18. In the immortal words of Joe Biden

"This is a big fuckin deal." This is so good on so many levels and for so many people.

[WheelWalker]

119. You took my words right off my fingers. I couldn't agree with you more,

:kick:

[KeyserSoze87]

21. Obama's approval rating is going to skyrocket.

[Jester Messiah]

157. It might recover somewhat

I'm still pissed over his huge giveaway to the rich while the economy continues to stagnate. Don't think I'll ever see him in quite the same light again after that.

That said, this repeal is a Good Thing. Maybe he's playing the "long game" after all.

[KeyserSoze87]

166. I'm predicting it will go up about 5-10 points.

[some guy]

22. Congratulations!

One step closer to full equality for all citizens of the US.

[Scurrilous]

23. K & R

:thumbsup:

[90-percent]

24. Wonderful News

And I think it's more of a victory for CIVIL RIGHTS in general, than just gay rights.

Another long fought battle won in the name of what the Founding Fathers would have expected from us by right about now.

I hope guys like the heroic soldier Dan Choi get a reprieve and are allowed to continue to honor their country with their service.

-90% Jimmy

[Mafia Killer]

37. so right !

this is setting the course for the day when the rights of all men
will be recognized, not just those rights the "right" feels we're due.

p.s.
notice how partisan the right is when you cater to them.
they don't like it when the lapdogs snap at their heels.

[jbfam4]

25. Finally

Liberty and justice for all.

[PopSixSquish]

26. The Moral Arc of the Universe is Long But it Bends Toward Justice!!

A great day...

[mr_smith007]

27. 'Bout damn time!

Welcome to the modern, industrialized world America!

[Tx4obama]

28. There haven't been any discharges under DADT since at least October 21st

See links here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=570614&mesg_id=570672

[defendandprotect]

95. Wonder if any will try to re-enlist ... especially though who may have had

career intentions? Many who had language skills would be assets to recover?

[BumRushDaShow]

30. Congrats!!! K&R

Let's hope that DUers manage to avoid manufacturing a negative spin to this historic occasion in order to bash President Obama.

[myrna minx]

31. Yay!

:woohoo:

[iandhr]

32. Credit where credit is do

Good job Senator Lieberman

[Odin2005]

33. YES!!!

[sirthomas66]

34. This is great news for more than the obvious reason. It means there

is large contingent of people who understand the concept of equity and right and wrong. That may carry over.

[savalez]

43. fingers crossed!

[cbayer]

39. A wonderful day, indeed!

:woohoo: :fistbump: :woohoo:

[droidamus2]

42. I applaud but...

I think this is another great moment for equal treatment in this country but I'm a little uncomfortable with the weasel language of 'certify that it won't hurt troops fighting ability'. Isn't that what the military has been claiming all along. What keeps them from refusing to certify and just going back to the pre-dadt policies. What I want to hear from Obama at the signing is straight forward the certification will be done by a particular date with no weasel room. What I don't want to hear is things like 'this certification can take some time and we want to go slow to get it right'.

[pnwmom]

62. They already know that it's going to be certified because

of the report produced at the top. The bill wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't going to be certified.

[Politicub]

44. Yes!!!! I'm so happy right now

President Obama's term has been an important one for gay rights. DADT repeal and hate crimes legislation.

Three cheers for the senators who voted yea!

Having a democratic majority matters.

:toast:

[underpants]

45. As an Army vet I say - it's about damn time and BRAVO well done

:patriot:

[pasto76]

51. ditto on that

gay troops are in iraq and afghanistan RIGHT NOW. They will miss another holiday with their families, are serving honorably. They deserve the respect you and I received.

[JohnnyLib2]

70. Yessir!

[Little Star]

47. Congrats to all who fought for this victory!

[KamaAina]

48. Don't ask, don't tell, DON'T BOTHER!!

:bounce: :party:

[ProudDad]

49. This is a good thing (n/t)

[DesertFlower]

50. finally. we made history today.

[fortyfeetunder]

52. Hope this is enough to keep this repeal PERMANENT.

I am elated yet hopeful we NEVER see this reversed.
:woohoo:

[Tarc]

54. The FReeper-in-chief is having a homophobic hissy fit over this

Some choice quotes from Jim Robinson, aka RimJob;

"If you support the homosexual agenda you are anti-constitution and you'll get the zot from FR!"

"If you wish to support the homosexual agenda, then get your gay libertarian ass off of FR. That clear enough for you?"

"FR is NOT a fricken liberal debating society. It’s a God, Family, Country, Life and Liberty liberal-free zone. If you don’t know already where you stand on these fundamental issues of God-Given Liberty without debate, then you sir are NO conservative!! You are either an evil democrat ally or gutless wonder RINO!!

How many times must I tell you that I do not want it on FR!!!!"

"Guess these big spending, homosexualist corrupt bastard RINOs don’t understand what open season on RINOs means. Hope they find out in 2012, 2014, 2016, etc. I see no end to the RINO hunt. No bag limit!!"



It just makes it all the more worthwhile to see the fringe right-wingers having near-aneurysms.

[GOPBasher]

68. It IS nice to see homophobic, right wing assholes exploding, BUT

it is almost surreal to see what that guy calls "liberty." That's freakishly Orwellian. He claims over and over again to be for "liberty," but apparently "liberty" means you're NOT allowed to be a homosexual? WTF? That's might be directly out of an Orwell novel.

Anyway, good find! That IS funny to see! :-)

[Jester Messiah]

158. Their definition of liberty

Is that you are free to follow their theocratic dictates. They really seem like they'd be more at home in Iran, just with crosses instead of crescents.

[GOPBasher]

170. LOL Good point. On a side note,

I love your sig line. I hope you don't mind that I'll be quoting it.

[Jester Messiah]

193. Heh, go ahead.

I stole it myself, so I can hardly complain if you do the same!
:toast:

[ZombieHorde]

55. Finally. Recommended. nt

[hardtravelin]

57. Interesting if we see a bump in recruiting numbers.

[lillypaddle]

59. Maybe we all can finally come together in agreement

for at least this moment. What wonderful news!

[bowens43]

83. Absolutely!

This is a win.

[ProudDad]

60. Now if we can just find a way to repeal the filthy "Permanent War Economy(tm)"!

Neither straights nor gays would have to be cannon fodder for the Empire...

[proReality]

63. It's about time!

No...it's way past time!!!

[Justpat]

64. Truly wonderful news.

To our gay brothers and sisters: :toast:

[Duke Newcombe]

65. "giving President Barack Obama the chance to fulfill a campaign promise"...

Really!?! Seriously?!

It was done IN SPITE OF the president, not because of him. Thanks for another missed opportunity for bravery, Mr. President. Thanks for talking a good game, Mr. President.

At the end of the day, we were the change we were waiting for--not you, sir.

[TomCADem]

77. Crazy! DADT Repealed And You Still Attack The President?

If this was so easy, why wasn't it done previously? Crazy!

[texshelters]

92. Obama could have pulled a Truman

and just declared an end to DADT with an executive order. However, Obama wanted more support so 1) There would be less upheaval, and 2) he didn't have to take the full brunt of any negative reaction.

In this case Obama's cautious approach served him well even if several serving soldiers were removed under DADT since his election.

Peace,
Tex Shelters

[Tx4obama]

114. No. The situation with Truman was very different.

When Truman issued an executive order to desegregate the military there wasn't a law on the books that had been enacted by Congress regarding segregation in the military.
But regarding DADT - Congress had voted and enacted DADT into law, so it was Congress that needed to vote for the repeal of DADT making the 'law' null and void.

[texshelters]

118. Lawyers disagree on that point

but I get what you are saying.

Peace,
Tex Shelters

[Fruittree]

109. "Really!?! Seriously?!"

Yes - Really ... and Seriously...

Thank you President Obama!

[awoke_in_2003]

187. anyone who knows me...

would never accuse me of being a cheerleader, but your post here stinks. The repeal is a good thing, let us not fuck it up by pissing and moaning about the president.

on edit: clarifying the grammar.

[GOPBasher]

66. K & R! n/t

[Ezlivin]

67. Liberty, liberty, liberty! All hands on deck!

I raise a toast to all of the men and women who have served their country despite the many obstacles placed in their path.

Now ain't that a nice liberty!

[brettdale]

69. Change

Obama said he would do it and he has!!!

[Number23]

71. This is fantastic. McCain of course, has been showing his natural ass

and blaming the repeal on "elite liberals with no military experience" completely ignoring that there were 8 Repubs who also voted in favor of repeal. If this doesn't shut the mouth of every idiot claiming that there are no differences between the two parties, I don't know what will.

This administration will go down in history for so many wonderful things. Happy to rec.

[Lord Magus]

136. In the real world McCain is the elitist who's out of touch with the military.

He's had no meaningful contact with the fighting men and women for decades, yet sees himself as the arbiter of what they believe.

[alp227]

72. in other news, radically homophobic military officers join the militia movement

But congrats Congress!

Oh, yes President Obama deserves a sceptical eye when he signs the bill considering that his admin wanted to appeal the federal court decisions declaring DADT unconstitutional.

[Dappleganger]

73. It's about damn time...

that atrocity by Bill Clinton was undone. THANK YOU!!!

[CatWoman]

74. I'm so so very happy

:cry:

[HuckleB]

75. YEAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

[TomCADem]

76. Good Job Democrats and President Obama!

K & R!

[bowens43]

81. Very good!!

but it worries me that there was a legislative resolution rather then a judicial resolution. I would rather have seen this declared un-constitutional in the supreme court.
If congress can repeal it, they can reinstate it and come 2012 when the republicans will likely have the presidency and control of both houses of congress this will become a a very real possibility.

[laylah]

84. I am SO ecstatic...

however, the SO just said there was probably a back room deal re: the tax bill bs in return for the repeal of DADT. There was a time we were not so cynical and could just celebrate.

Congratulations to our GLTB troops...it is about time! :patriot: :hug:

Jenn

[Canuckistanian]

85. It happened? Hurray!

I never thought it would happen.

Kudos to Harry Reid and yes, even Lieberman.

It was a stupid ban from the beginning and cost the military many thousands of dedicated, skilled people.

Excellent.

[Frank Booth]

86. Excellent.

And I'm glad to see John McCain on the wrong side of history, where he belongs.

[Hamlette]

88. Great! One more reason to hate Obama!

Why is it will find fault this time? That he didn't do it sooner? It was sooooooo easy? He's such a bad guy? Wish we had Hillary?

Maybe he didn't go far enough? He should have also given them all a pony? It's hard to keep up with the Obama hate on DU these days.

[supernova]

89. Change we've waited for!

:D

:applause:

Congrats to all our armed forces, gay and straight, who can now serve together openly and honestly.

[Zenlitened]

90. K&R, and much gratitude to those who fought so hard and so long to bring this day about. - n/t

[ellie]

91. Woot!

Awesome!

[pink-o]

93. For all the posters who wonder why Obama didn't go the way of judicial appeal or reconciliation:

That was my question too. But someone on the radio just last week explained there was a clause in the original DADT that would only allow it to be repealed by Congress. So this administration's fears were that if the courts or the executive branch interfered, any repeal would be temporary and overturn-able. Even though it took longer, this was the only way we could get it done and not worry it would be immediately quashed by the next idiot who the stupid low-info voters might elect.

What I want to see more than anything is Marriage Equality and the legal nullification of Prop H8. I hope this is a stepping stone to that path--I have a lot of friends' weddings to attend!!!

[defendandprotect]

94. Amazing ... didn't think it would happen ... !!

Happier days ahead, I hope, for all effected by this miserable legislation for

so long!!

One wedge issue gone!!

:)

[leeroysphitz]

96. loving this. Eat shit, conservatives. Pretty soon you are going to have to explain why

proudly gay, decorated American war heroes aren't entitled to the same rights as everybody else.

[Auggie]

97. K&R

[tpsbmam]

98. Hallelujah!

Finally....finally this is repealed and finally some good news out of Washington!

I hope this buoys Dan Choi -- he and many others fought hard and valiantly for this. Congratulations to all of us! Any victory for civil rights is a victory for all of us.

But most especially, a hearty congratulations to all of my GLBT brothers & sisters! One step forward.


:toast: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :grouphug:

[Jefferson23]

99. Excellent! n/t

[shirlden]

100. December 1, 1955

I was discharged from the Air Force for being gay. 55 damned years......55 damned years.....55 damned years. I don't know if I should be happy that I lived long enough to see justice and change or cry because it took 55 years............
I loved the Air Force and would have happily been career.............55 years......

I am over joyed for my brothers and sisters who now can have that career.

:patriot:

[SalviaBlue]

101. Oh my, shirlden... this must be bittersweet for you.

:hug:

[Name removed]

102. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[progressoid]

125. I imagine you have many fellow service members in the same situation.

Happy and yet sad.

Let's hope this is the beginning of a new wave forward in America.

Thank you for you service shirlden.

:patriot:

[Lord Magus]

134. Fortunately we won't be having more service members going through this in the future. -nt-

[Ian David]

160. You should sue for 55 years of back pay. n/t

[CLANG]

103. I will personally not celebrate until I see the President sign the bill.

[Tx4obama]

116. That's a bit silly, since Obama said he'd sign it next week before heading to Hawaii.

The White House has to have enough time to gather everyone up.
Probably going to get Dan Choi out of the hospital too so that he can be there for the signing of the bill and Harry Reid can give Choi his West Point ring back!

[CLANG]

168. It's never silly to side with reality.

When it is signed it becomes reality - not before.

[awoke_in_2003]

189. there is no way he won't sign this...

of course, I said that it would never make it through the senate. I am eating my crow on that one

[lunatica]

104. To my gay brothers and sisters

[MindandSoul]

108. K&R!

[jwirr]

111. K & R

[KoKo]

112. This sounds very Good...and KUDO's FOR THE FIGHT!

Keep at it long enough and keep at it consistently and you/we CAN WIN! Takes much dedication and money...and organizing.

:grouphug:

[caseymoz]

113. Wonderful day!

Obama redeemed himself somewhat, and kept a promise. Two more things like this, and I'll probably reconsider not voting for him 2012.

I'm thinking that the GOP voting for this was probably a secret part of the Tax Compromise. Otherwise, I can't think of why GOP's in Congress voted for it.

Congratulations to all gays in the military!

I bet Fred Phelps has died suddenly and is spinning before he's in the grave!

[PoliticAverse]

115. Congratulations.

To those that waited so long for this and to those that worked so hard for it.

Keep the pressure on until the victory is complete.

[deacon]

117. K + R

[OhioChick]

120. K&R n/t

[Name removed]

121. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bertman]

123. This is a sweet moment for all of us who have served with gays in the military.

I have to say that the testimony of many of the high-ranking officers who testified before Congress was overwhelming for me. I never thought I would see the day when those men would speak so proudly and passionately for their fellow armed service members who happen to be gay. It says a lot about the change that is going on in our society.

Proudly reccing this thread.

[Deep13]

124. Hell yeah! Hell yeah! ...

Uh-huh! Uh-huh! Uh-huh! :party: :toast: :bounce: :thumbsup: :kick: :headbang: :woohoo: :applause: :patriot:

[uppityperson]

126. k&r for about time

[Rosa Luxemburg]

127. Victory!

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

129. Although I do understand the feeling of victory,

I get the distinct smell of this as being done specifically as a distraction from the Dem tax cave-in earlier in the week.

Call me a cynic, but it's obvious to me. :shrug:

[Name removed]

130. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

137. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Major Hogwash]

138. Go ahead, be a cynic, but I've got to tell you -- today, history was made.

Passing budgets and tax cuts and that sort of thing, that happens every few years, at least once a decade.
But, what occurred today is the freedom for millions of people in the United States that can now stand up publicly and be proud of their son or daughter, brother or sister, uncle or aunt who is currently in the military serving proudly, while keeping their sex lives hidden from the federal government because of the outrageous attitude that prevails they should not have volunteered anyway.

Tens of 1000s of gay people kept from signing up to volunteer for service because it was illegal for them to join before 1993.
And it has been a poor policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for the last 17 years.
It was a farce, because the military didn't just ask, they snooped into their private e-mails, followed them around, and questioned their neighbors about their activities.

So, I see this as an historic day, as a complete reversal from what has been a terrible policy, and was a complete charade for the military to pretend that they care and that the policy protects gay servicemen and women while serving their country.
It doesn't compare to a run-of-the-mill tax cut bill or a budgetary bill, it's a complete rejection of a stupid policy that was not enforced, but provided the military with just enough cover so that they could make the claim that they were being fair to gay people.

I don't argue very often with people that post here. But, in this instance, I strongly disgree with your point. What happened today was historic, and it is the culmination of over a dozen years of people crying out for this policy to be stopped, for the policy to be changed, because it was anti-American to let someone serve, just as long as they hid their sexual identities from everyone else.

As a human being, I was glad to see this day happen.
I think on that we can agree.

[Politicub]

140. +1 and kick for history being made!

:kick:

[defendandprotect]

153. It's historic for human rights -- but sadly Obama destruction of Social Secuirty is also historic...

for human rights --

justd as Clinton's overturning of 60 years of Welfare Guarantees was historic

for human rights!!

My head is with this historic "win" -- but my heart is also looking at 17 years

where homosexuals were required to wage battle for human rights and what else

could have been done with that energy. I'm thrilled this is finally won.

And I hope that Obama will now find it harder to defend his pointless and outrageous

objections to Homosexual marriage!!

[snooper2]

147. actually, you are close

I read in the dungeon about someone who found some CGI pre-animation at CNN. Amazing how they time these things :scared:

[defendandprotect]

152. Somewhat agree ... but you can feel that this calls for celebration but so much heart lost ....

for the Obama administration and wealthy corporate-legislators --

not to mention a run-away MIC -- that it's difficult to see long term

battle over nearly two decades as anything but having been unnecessary --

and kept in play by the right wing as a wedge issue --

My surprise is that Obama helped the GOP out on that wedge issue for so long!

[cate94]

135. Awesome.

And I admit that I am stunned. I didn't think this was going to happen, but I am grateful it did.

[awoke_in_2003]

139. please pass the tabasco...

I have some crow to eat. :)

[William769]

141. I don't want to rain on any body's parade here but...

The only people I am giving credit to this evening are the GLBT service members that lost everything to come out of the military closet to put this issue on the front burner.

It's a fucking shame that we actually had to fight for something that heterosexuals take for granted, defending our Country.

[defendandprotect]

154. +1000% ---

and in this entire battle for homosexual human rights --

the courage of homosexuals, their intelligence, their own dignity and humanity

should be a lesson for all of us in any battle to be waged.

Our society profits from inclusion -- and I hope that Obama will find it much

harder now to support his outrageous position on homosexual marriage -- and

perhaps wake up and lend support to that cause!

[JTFrog]

163. You aren't raining on our parade, you are pissing in the wind.

That certainly comes as no surprise. :eyes:


Thank you President Obama and Democrats for bringing an end to this discrimination!!!



:fistbump:

[William769]

171. Hopefully your standing in the right direction.

[JTFrog]

182. No doubt about it.

I'm standing on the Democrat's and President Obama's side. The side that ended DADT. :thumbsup:

[PBass]

143. ROPE-A-DOPE !!!! (NT)

[pleah]

144. We got one victory and got fucked on another. n/t

[8 track mind]

145. Good job Mr. President, damn good job!!!!! n/t

[Intransigent Atheist]

146. Suck it bigots! /nt

[democrank]

148. Terrific!

[tavalon]

149. Excellent!

[paulflorez]

151. Obama kept his promise! This is a BFD! Freepers pushing 'selves even closer to terrorism/treason!

This was a promise loud and clear in the 2010 State of the Union address. I jumped for joy when he said he'd end DADT. If McCain had won the election, this would not have had a chance in heck of happening.

Gay Americans will now be able to serve visibly in the U.S. Military as professionals and heroes. The lies that Gay Americans are unprofessional, unhonorable, un-American will be destroyed. With the younger generation being significantly less homophobic because they grew up with gay peers, the repeal of DADT will prove a double-whammy against the America-Hating Anti-Gay Tea Baggers. Freepers are already talking treason, overthrowing the government, destroying this country. Things are only going to get worse for the Tea Party Terrorists in this department and they will become a smaller and smaller minority, which will only make them more and more delusional and more and more an obvious threat to every single American. If the Tea Party latches onto Anti-Gay rhetoric, it will backfire on them big time. The anti-gay faction will have to sit down and shut up or they will destroy the Republican Party.

Obama deserves only some of the credit for repealing DADT though. Lt. Dan Choi, the SLDN, Pelosi, Reid, the Democrats and those 6 Republicans who voted for cloture made this happen. Lt. Dan Choi is a civil rights hero. He needs to be reinstated ASAP.

Also, FUCK BURR AND ENSIGN. They voted against cloture and then voted for the repeal when only a simple majority was necessary. I hope the Tea Party eats them alive and runs another election-losing Angle/O'Donnell. If they think that Americans are going to buy into a message of hating Gay Americans who are soldiers/veterans then they are going to lose. It's hard to hate someone who is fighting and dying for YOUR freedom, especially when all you have against them are LIES.

THIS IS A BFD. IF YOU AREN'T OUT THERE PARTYING, THEN YOU AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION!

[klook]

155. This is a necessary step

on the road to the day when it's no big deal for a gay person to be a teacher in any American classroom, a pastor in any church, a co-worker in any job.

I oppose a lot of what the U.S. military does and stands for, but I am happy for my gay brothers and sisters today.

[Crowman1979]

156. Good, now they won't have to recruit people with ASVAB or crime waivers.

Plus the religious nutjobs in the military will probably go AWOL. :D

[no limit]

159. I had serious doubts they would get this done. I'm so glad I was wrong

K&R

[Love Bug]

161. If I may quote the late, great Molly Ivins:

"It is possible to read the history of this country as one long struggle to extend the liberties established in our Constitution to everyone in America."

This is a win for everyone!

[ElsewheresDaughter]

162. This doesn't change all the belly up he has shown to the repugs..this is NOT enough

to make up for it

[JTFrog]

164. Time to draw more lines.

[cecilfirefox]

165. This is great. :)

There are some marines, soldiers, seamen, and airmen who can finally put their suitcase down. This is good. To late for me, but good none the less.

[slackmaster]

167. This proves that the Senate hates gay people

They want gay people to take bullets for the rest of us.

:sarcasm:

K&R

:kick:

[forty6]

169. Gotta love this reaction from an army man's comments in Stars and Stripes: ..

"“The last thing we should be spending our time on is if this man likes men,” he said. “It’s so crazy because gay men and women are in the Army now and getting the job done. So, what changes if we know they’re gay? For me, it would be like, ‘You’re gay? OK. Get back to work.’”

http://www.stripes.com/reactions-to-dadt-repeal-mixed-among-servicemembers-1.129295

[kestrel91316]

172. Once it is actually SIGNED I am gonna take back what i thought about Obama

and gays. And I should have known to trust the constitutional scholar in him to push for legislative change than an EO or through the courts and their "activist judges".

[TomClash]

173. Now let's make sure all service branches enforce the law

It's great to pass laws, but it equally important to execute them and that doesn't always happen with vigor.

Nevertheless, it is encouraging when the most galactically stupid of policies is relieved of its utter uselessness in the light of day by the People's representatives.

[laconicsax]

174. Awesome!

:wow:

:woohoo:

[norske]

175. Welcome to equality

Welcome to equality.......as long as you are willing to participate and facilitate the US in crimes of empire and hegemony, torture, murder, mass killings,....all for corporate profit.

[Kurovski]

176. No argument here.

It's a fucking shame that we all live in hell.

[AsahinaKimi]

177. The negative comments

from this Yahoo article;
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20101219/ts_yblog_theticket/in-a-historic-vote-the-senate-overturns-dont-ask-dont-tell

Are just beyond disgusting. I could only read a few pages in, and while there were a smattering of some positive comments, most were from pure haters. Its no wonder this country is so messed up.

[Kurovski]

179. Holy tamoley!

And I thought I was an idiot!

If anyone wants to feel smarter, I recommend reading some of those comments. you'll feel like a Yale graduate. (George W. Bush notwithstanding.)

[divine_truine]

178. THIS LAW SHOULD'VE NEVER SEEN THE LIGHT OF DAY!

Now we can all begin behaving as if this law never happened. Before doing so, let me just say this: Leave it to a filthy, homophobic, closeted hypocrit republican (retired senator sam nunn of georgia) in crafting this appalling piece of legislation in the first place. Where is that troll hiding? his a** needs to be hauled in front of the teevee cameras and raked over the coals...this includes all the homophobes on FRC, grampy mcsame and all closeted homophobes still serving in gov't writing laws against gay people.

REQUIRED VIEWING: HBO documentary 'OUTrage' that talks about homophobic hypocrisy that has infected the halls of govt.

[Liberty Belle]

180. Where's the HOUSE roll call on this? Anybody have it?

[Veruca Salt]

181. HELL YES!!!!!

K&R!!! :toast: :kick: :grouphug: :applause: :patriot:

[Pliskin2]

183. So much good on this.

I never thought to see this sort of thing become "legal."

[Name removed]

184. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pliskin2]

185. At this point I I can't give a kudos but I can give a WHOHOO?

[Taverner]

188. FINALLY

!

[Atypical Liberal]

190. It's about time.

I can't believe that people are still arguing over this kind of thing.

I remember a video about a guy talking about his daughter at work. She said, "You people don't understand. You've already lost. My generation doesn't care."

[alarimer]

191. When will the President sign this?

I noticed he signed the tax cut bill right away. But not this. Makes me wonder of he intends to veto it. It would surprise, given how his justice department appealed when the judge declared it unconstitutional.