
The nation's top defense officials declared yesterday that they are moving forward with the plan to repeal the US military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that would mean gay men and women to serve their country openly. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen have requested a year to study the impact of such a decision before Congress would lift the policy.
Mullen spoke about the controversial policy at the Senate hearing.
"No matter how I look at the issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me, it comes down to integrity – theirs as individuals and ours as an institution."
Beautifully spoken!! And so right on all counts!!
Although President Barack Obama has endorsed the 11 month review of how to lift the ban, there is no deadline to end the policy. Gates, however, plans to to loosen the enforcement of the rule in the meantime. If the policy is repealed, it would be the largest change to the military since President Truman integrated the services in 1948!!!
However, as to be expected, many Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee were strongly against the proposition for change, including Senator John McCain, who claimed to be "deeply disappointed" and claiming the assesment to be "clearly biased" in presuming the law should be changed.
Well, we're 'deeply disappointed' that that your 'clearly biased' bigotry is affecting your ability to reason rationally! Not that we're surprised!!
We think that Colorado Senator Mark Udall, who quoted Senator Barry Goldwater, said it best:
"You don't have to be straight to shoot straight."
AGREED! We're thrilled that there are so many officials - including some Republicans!! - fighting the good fight in Washington, DC!! It's time to end this silly, hate-fueled policy!!
What do U think?? Should 'don't ask, don't tell' be repealed??
[Image via AP Images.]
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