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News & ArtsTuesday, February 2, 2010
Homo / News Pentagon Pledges to Unravel DADT
Posted by Unpaid Intern on Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Posted by news intern Sarah Anne Lloyd
As mentioned in the Morning News, Reuters reported today on the process to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the US policy banning gays from openly serving in the military.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who has been skeptical of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the past, has now voiced his support and announced that a team of advisers is expected to come up with an implementation plan for repealing DADT by the end of 2010, but Gates says it could take longer before it's complete. The plan is "expected to look at sensitive issues, including how a change might affect unit cohesion, recruitment and retention, as well as the possibility of extending marriage and bereavement benefits to the partners of gay soldiers."
But not everyone is sold:
"At this moment of immense hardship for our armed services, we should not be seeking to overturn the 'don't ask, don't tell policy," said Republican Senator John McCain, who was his party's presidential nominee and lost the 2008 election to Obama, a Democrat.
"I have served with homosexuals since 1968," said chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, according to the article. "Everybody in the military has."
Within 45 days, as an interim step, the Pentagon will try to figure out a more "humane and fair" way to enforce Don't Ask, Don't Tell. "This could include halting disciplinary proceedings against gay servicemen who are 'outed' by others," the article says.
1
The Washington Post had a couple of online chats about DADT - even a Pro and a Con chat.
Eventually we'll get through removing it. It's mostly the old fogies that are resistant.
Eventually we'll get through removing it. It's mostly the old fogies that are resistant.
2
I don't understand why you need a year and team of advisers to figure out how to stop enforcing a law. Sounds like the Pentagon is dragging its feet.
The worst part about DADT is that the affected soldiers receive a dishonorable discharge, which is just as bad as a felony conviction when you're looking for a job.
The worst part about DADT is that the affected soldiers receive a dishonorable discharge, which is just as bad as a felony conviction when you're looking for a job.
3
For the record: I was about to post about the hearing today when I saw this. I was locked in an airless room recording a couple of podcasts and couldn't get on Slog until just now. Thanks, Unpaid Intern!
7
The plan is "expected to look at sensitive issues, including how a change might affect unit cohesion, recruitment and retention, as well as the possibility of extending marriage and bereavement benefits to the partners of gay soldiers."
It's a positive sign, and a move in the right direction, that they are looking at marriage and bereavement rights for same sex partners of soldiers.
It might also have an impact on recognizing same sex couples, and their right to marry, on the Federal level. Might.
One can hope.
8
Actually, Will, it's not just the old fogies who are against repeal. Obama has been against repeal. He could have lifted the ban on his first day in office by signing an executive order stopping all investigations and discharges under DADT. He chose not to because he doesn't give a fuck about lgbt people. But times are hard for the military. You can't continue to occupy other countries (including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Haiti, Japan, Germany, and more than 170 other countries) on the number currently enlisted. Do not be fooled into thinking these hearings demonstrate Obama's "progressive" position. US imperialism is getting more aggressive and they don't mind queer boots on the ground. I suspect they're holding these hearing to give a public cover to what they really want to do: come up with solution that best serves to perpetuate US imperialism and the War of Terror around the globe without making it appear that the government support equal rights for lgbt people. But it's our job to push this further. If lgbt people can kill and be killed for oil and empire, then there is no excuse for not having equal rights at work (ENDA) or in the community (1964 Civil Rights Act).
9
I don't understand why we need hearings to come up with a policy on paper to reflect a policy in practice. LGBT people already work in the military, some openly. This seems to be a public show for the politicians.
12
When will McCain die? Or at least when will he stopped being quoted on legitimate issues?
By now, it's known by everyone and their brother that everything McCain says is meant to sustain his political career -- he's not speaking for himself any more than he is for mainstream voters.
..I need to punch something now.
By now, it's known by everyone and their brother that everything McCain says is meant to sustain his political career -- he's not speaking for himself any more than he is for mainstream voters.
..I need to punch something now.
14
Tweet today by Mike Mullen: thejointstaff Stand by what I said: Allowing homosexuals to serve openly is the right thing to do. Comes down to integrity.
15
@2- Your info is false. A DADT enforcement terminates military service with an honorable discharge, and as such, is an improvement over the pre-DADT days, when homosexual discharge earned one a dishonorable.
With all the screaming over the 'unfair' DADT, it really *was* an improvement over what was in place before it, as any queer who served pre-DADT will be happy to tell you.
With all the screaming over the 'unfair' DADT, it really *was* an improvement over what was in place before it, as any queer who served pre-DADT will be happy to tell you.
16
@12 - Good question. McCain's cop-out of "It's a post-9/11 world and our country can't do shit about reforming anything anymore" instantly made me think of his "100 years in Iraq" comment.
17
@2 The problem is not just repealing DADT; the problem is installing policies and finding money for same-sex partners' benefits. That is what takes so long.
/seven years active duty, current reservist, and proud to have served with gays and lesbians.
/seven years active duty, current reservist, and proud to have served with gays and lesbians.
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