Obama’s National Security Adviser won’t say when Obama will take on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
Obama’s National Security Adviser won’t say when Obama will take on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) sent a letter to President Obama urging him to take a stand on repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy which bans gays from openly serving in the military. “As Congress considers legislative action, we believe it would be helpful to hear your views on this policy,” Reid wrote. This morning, CNN’s John King asked National Security Adviser Jim Jones, “Is it time now?” Jones refused to say yes:
JONES: The President has an awful lot on his desk. I know this is an issue that he intends to take on at the appropriate time. He has already signaled that to the Defense Department. The Defense Department is doing the things it has to do to prepare, but at the right time, I’m sure the President will take it on.
KING: No idea when the right time is?
JONES: Um, I don’t think it’s going to be — it’s not years, but I think it will be teed up appropriately.
Watch it:
A prominent Pentagon journal reported the results of a study this week which found “that having openly gay troops in the ranks will not hurt combat readiness.” Taking issue with Jones’ statement this morning, John Aravosis writes:
What could Jones have said? How about, there’s a new analysis from a Department of Defense-related publication that…the ban can be lifted without hurting morale and cohesion. Or how about saying that the President just wrote to Senator Reid, agreeing to work together to lift the ban? Nope. None of that. All we got was another reason why the president may never be able to keep his promise.”
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
HEALTHCARE
HEALTHCARE
HEALTHCARE
Even a lifelong ADD person like myself it feeling dixxy. Just get the gawddam HEALTHCARE bill WITH A PUBLIC OOTION Passed, and then move on. Yeah, keep the irons hot, but remember Clinton’s motto it is HEALTHCARE STUPID!
October 4th, 2009 at 12:19 pm“myself it feeling dixxy”
Should be “myself is feeling dizzy”
I was doing three things when I posted.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:20 pmAravosis is just wrong here. Not being able to specify when it will be addressed is not the same thing as trying to provide an excuse for not addressing it. I realize people want this removed yesterday, and that it’s been frustrating it hasn’t been done already, but we need to be fair with the criticism.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:22 pmDeath Counselor says:
I was doing three things when I posted.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Was one of them “feeling dixxy?” ;)
October 4th, 2009 at 12:23 pm“All we got was another reason why the president may never be able to keep his promise.”
good grief…
i want george w. bush back… now THAT was a guy worth b!tchin’ about…
this ‘change’ thing was all a ruse… MUST’ve been… not?
… sorry…
October 4th, 2009 at 12:25 pmAravosis is just whistling dixxy.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:29 pmI understand that the President has a lot of things on his desk right now.
But there are people serving in our military, risking their lives and dying, who have to be concerned about being who they are, or they will lose their livelihood and career.
That is disgusting to me. This matter needs to be near the top of the pile of stuff on the President’s desk.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:30 pmMaybe bit’s conversion therapy could be the answer. What say you bit?
October 4th, 2009 at 12:34 pmObama’s National Security Adviser won’t say when Obama will take on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
– - So basically, he was asked but didn’t tell.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:40 pmDeath Counselor says:
I was doing three things when I posted.
- – Oh, Obamatasking, eh?
October 4th, 2009 at 12:53 pmIt might help if more generals and other brass would see the stupidity in the policy and ask for it to be changed.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:54 pmit’s true, zooey… and more people died today without health insurance…
and more people lost their jobs, homes, etc etc etc…
‘course, according to SNL, there is no change…
oh well…
October 4th, 2009 at 12:58 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
What does Dale7 think?
October 4th, 2009 at 1:03 pmthey knew the policy when they signed up, and so get the requisite respect,
and then some.
but, they knew.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:04 pmBest policy:
October 4th, 2009 at 1:16 pmDon’t matter.
John may have jumped the gun. There are strategic reasons for not disclosing a timetable on an issue like this. According to several reliable sources, the release of the Pentagon analysis was no coincidence.
Bush was all gut reaction and look where that got us. Obama over-analyzes everything and might be too cautious but is apt to make fewer mistakes. The way things work, everything affects everything else.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:18 pmI’m watching football.
Back in three hours.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:23 pmJust curious, I wonder if the draft board rejected gay men
October 4th, 2009 at 1:24 pmduring the Vietnam War, or discharged them upon discovering it
later ?
The intent with my comment at #18 was to suggest that it shouldn’t matter what the sexual orientation of any soldier is.
Question… what will the new policy be if “Don’t ask, don’t tell is repealed?
October 4th, 2009 at 1:26 pmThat is so wrong on so many levels. First of all, how many good people don’t enlist and how does that affect us? How many don’t re-up because they under-estimated the impact?
Secondly, consider the case of Col. Fehrenbach. A decorated fighter pilot who was outed through no fault of his own. Most “tells” are unintentional.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:27 pmDale7 says:
I’m watching football.
Back in three hours.
Isn’t football on for like 10 hours today?
October 4th, 2009 at 1:28 pmAt the risk of sounding like I support a bad policy, there is a very good reason to tread softly while we have troops in combat zones. There is a legitimate risk of any of several levels of morale (not moral) issues that could result from a change in policy. But there’s a bigger risk that some unrelated tragedy could be attached to that policy change.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:28 pmRejected by Selective Service BUT so many people did the Corporal Klinger tango at their pre-induction physicals that nobody was believed.
My lottery number was called. The only reason I didn’t end up in a rice paddy was a clerical error.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:33 pm24, DVR.
Commercials: Don’t watch, don’t listen.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:36 pmThey only thing they should kick out are the jams!
October 4th, 2009 at 1:41 pmDavidHart says:
That is so wrong on so many levels. First of all, how many good people don’t enlist and how does that affect us? How many don’t re-up because they under-estimated the impact?
good points, of course, duh…
but i don’t get how that makes my statement “wrong”…
these days, the gay person knows the policy when signing up, and so gets an extra measure of respect from me…
DODT will not be repealed too soon…
October 4th, 2009 at 1:44 pmbut in good time, i’m sure…
Dale7 says:
I’m watching football.
Back in three hours.
– - What is this now, TwitterthinkProgress?
October 4th, 2009 at 1:47 pmDale7 says:
24, DVR.
Commercials: Don’t watch, don’t listen.
DVR – great invention. I watch two games at once.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:49 pmpete says:
At the risk of sounding like I support a bad policy, there is a very good reason to tread softly while we have troops in combat zones. There is a legitimate risk of any of several levels of morale (not moral) issues that could result from a change in policy.
are YOU thinking of all the rejects and bigots who were allowed to enlist after changing requirements? … ’cause i am…
October 4th, 2009 at 1:50 pmkaty,
I’m not thinking of anyone in particular. I actually think that our young men and women in uniform would rise to the occasion and the worst outcome would be some awkward moments but, there is an utterly unpredictable chance of problems that must be considered.
I would be much more concerned about the powers of bigotry using an unrelated event to smear homosexuals and ignite a backlash. The variables of a “shootin’ war” make it a very risky place to spend political capital. And the additional risk of adding to the stress of the troops in the field, though small, must be considered.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:12 pmDale7 says:
I’m watching football.
Back in three hours.
I am listening to the radio and doing laundry.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:26 pmI’m scared of this ‘Death Counselor’ fella. I’m going to hold out and not post as a protest unless he stops forcing his death counseling indoctrination on me! I die when I choose and I will indulge myself in all the health care I want – no rationing!
October 4th, 2009 at 2:44 pmJames Jones was a Camp Lejuene Maj. Gen. of the 2nd Marine Division in the early 90s and heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee SUCKED!
October 4th, 2009 at 2:45 pmRationalRadioJett says:
Dale7 says:
I’m watching football.
Back in three hours.
– I am listening to the radio and doing laundry.
– - I am typing. And I just now belched. I am a multitasking God.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:46 pmWell, it’s not that the President can’t do one thing at a time, but it’s pretty clear he wants Congress to provide a permanent fix. And they’re not so good as multitasking.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:03 pmpete says:
I would be much more concerned about the powers of bigotry using an unrelated event to smear homosexuals and ignite a backlash. The variables of a “shootin’ war” make it a very risky place to spend political capital. And the additional risk of adding to the stress of the troops in the field, though small, must be considered.
This is the same type of arguments that were made when the armed services were integrated. It is up to the armed services to set out a policy for discipline in the event there are members who have issues. Strict enforcement will avert most of the ugly incidents. The policy will also include disciplinary actions against lower rank commanding officers who fail to enforce the policies. Once people know that the disciplinary policy is going to be strictly enforced, the people with issues violate at their own risk. However, I think the majority of people in the armed services are going to yawn because they do not see it as an issue. In fact, I would think that someone who harasses could find himself/herself being ostracized by their group who will come to the defense of anyone who is openly gay.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:11 pmLike a good republican, I’m thrilled Gen. Jones is injecting his personal views into the conversation. His apparent anti-gay views are getting the better of him and making Obami look anti-gay himself. The military is the last bastion of conservatism America has left and the bigotry must remain intact.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:35 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
kwsventures says:
don’t ask…. don’t tell… I don’t care.
Admit it, we do care. We can bring our stepford wives on base and tell everyone we’re straight but those SanFran natives should be held to account for every tidbit of their personal lives. We don’t care if they have an excellent service record and crucial skills. We republicans like to talk about marketable skills and hard work, but all that is null and void if you don’t meet the moral code.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:52 pmYour point is well taken, pags2.
Let me first reiterate that I think the people in our military will, eventually, eliminate all restrictions pertaining to sexuality without much fuss. Like I said, it will mostly just be a little awkwardness.
I do have some concerns about timing. I don’t pretend to judge the legitimacy of those concerns because I don’t have the pulse of those responsible for changing how the military treats sexuality. Mostly I just worry about adding a new and unpredictable element into the chain of command while at war. It just makes sense to minimize unpredictable elements into crucial decisions.
I’m not even making an argument for delaying action. I merely point out some of the factors in deciding when to pursue it. If not for the tensions in the military, and the country at large, I wouldn’t hesitate. If we were drawing down both occupations, meaning that overtaxed people are finally getting a chance to relax, that would put a whole new complexion on it.
The fact of the matter is that our military is exhausted and over extended. People who are tired and stressed make rash decisions. Adding new elements to such a situation, whether it’s a new policy on sexuality or introducing a new and unfamiliar piece of equipment, is risky in unpredictable ways. And there’s every reason to be wary when adding such elements into any stressful situation.
History is rife with examples of wartime soldiers and their leaders foolishly discarding a new and better piece of equipment or tactic just because of tradition, prejudice, ignorance, rumor, or just bad decision making under stress. They also will cling to an inferior weapon or tactic for the same reasons. Lots of “war winning” weapons have sat unused in defeat. Often, that piece of equipment is soundly endorsed once the immediate pressure of war is relieved.
It’s not a perfect anal0gy but it’s close. History shows that little things can spiral out of proportion in war. One can make the case that homosexual soldiers are a “weapon” that should be used now. I’m certainly open to the argument. But, if there is any doubt among the commanders from the top down it might be problematic.
October 4th, 2009 at 4:43 pmkwsventures says:
don’t ask…. don’t tell… I don’t care.
Nice of you to take the time to say so.
October 4th, 2009 at 4:53 pmIn the captain’s crew a man can sleep in whichever hammock he has a mind to.
Don’t snore. Don’t fart.
October 4th, 2009 at 4:58 pmSure but can you put him in bed with the captains daugther…
October 4th, 2009 at 5:26 pmdbadass, ye can judge fer yeself, take a look at the fair lass.
October 4th, 2009 at 5:32 pmbtw, she’s NOT me daughter. I be Captain Pissgums not Captain Phillips.
October 4th, 2009 at 5:38 pmBetter put her in the scuppers with a hoseclamp on her…
October 4th, 2009 at 5:48 pmRationalRadioJett says:
Dale7 says:
I’m watching football.
Back in three hours.
– I am listening to the radio and doing laundry.
Badmoodman says:
– – I am typing. And I just now belched. I am a multitasking God.
And I’m cleaning up the beer spew from my screen, keyboard, nose and shirt.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:10 pmSkyler says:
RationalRadioJett says:
Dale7 says:
I’m watching football.
Back in three hours.
– I am listening to the radio and doing laundry.
Badmoodman says:
– – I am typing. And I just now belched. I am a multitasking God.
And I’m cleaning up the beer spew from my screen, keyboard, nose and shirt.
And I’m swabbing the puke off the deck from last night’s party and none too happy about it!
October 4th, 2009 at 6:16 pmRE: Mathazar @ 21:
They did both.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:32 pmActually the Heterosupremacist in Chief Obama administration has moved on Don’t Ask Just Kick the Gays Out & Replace them with Felons and Fascists.
First they submitted briefs stopping the Supreme Court from ruling on this unconstitutional law, telling the court that women being raped to out them as lesbians and men being beat up to out them as gay is good for military unity. To replace those discharged they recruited felons and members of white supremacist organizations.
Then Obama stopped Congress at least three times from starting to pass legislation ending this affront to the second amendment to join a well organized militia.
Then the White House web page changed from calling for repeal of the law to revising the law.
And Obama said he would only talk to his military advisers about how or if they wanted to “revise” the law.
While he waits, more than 420 lesbians and gay men serving bravely in the military have been discharged after being outed.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:43 pmFunny. I was just reading about a Pentagon initiative to address the shortcomings in the recruiting standards enacted by Bushco when they finally realized they were bleeding the military dry.
October 4th, 2009 at 7:09 pmpete says:
I do have some concerns about timing. I don’t pretend to judge the legitimacy of those concerns because I don’t have the pulse of those responsible for changing how the military treats sexuality. Mostly I just worry about adding a new and unpredictable element into the chain of command while at war. It just makes sense to minimize unpredictable elements into crucial decisions.
We are not at war. Afghanistan and Iraq are military police actions. If we were at war we would not be having any of these discussions. This issue is the same as health care; it will never be the right time according to some people. There will always be an excuse as to why we cannot achieve this. I think it takes away from the intelligence of our armed services. Most of the people there are not uneducated and many of them are far smarter than we give them credit. It is an issue that should be resolved so that we can move on. If this were a battle, no one in the service is going to ask about sexual orientation.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:04 pmI do not agree with the “other life style”, nor will i accept it. Personaly i’ld rather not know, just so long as it is not pushed on me or my family. (If they want to pack fudge then let them, they will get their judgement.) If they can do the job then let them at it. They just need to STFU about it already, and stop crying for special rights. If they want equal rights then they need to act as a equal.
I am more worried aboout letting Radical Muslums in, than a bunch of homos
October 4th, 2009 at 9:42 pm58, On board me ship “The Filthy Whore” there are all manner of cut throats and thieves. You sir, are not fit company to join our crew. Go back to yer septic scow.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:59 pmDr Venture
You are a moron and a punk and as for what YOU think NO ONE CARES
October 4th, 2009 at 10:53 pm2STUPID2bUS
Yeah we get it you are incredibly stupid and a moronic bigot. If you want to parade your ignorance thats fine. Since you are far too stupid for anyone rational to care what you think why dont you just STFU until you grow a brain and can contribute to an adult conversation. What YOU accept means NOTHING to adults.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:56 pmWhen obama does take on DADT one can only imagine the hurtful ugly scenarios the righties have in store.
October 4th, 2009 at 11:11 pmi aint you says:
Personaly i’ld rather not know, just so long as it is not pushed on me or my family.
I would imagine the gay community is more repulsed by YOU than you are by them. So no need to worry.
October 4th, 2009 at 11:18 pmObama,
Seems like a no-brainer. Just stop it. Look at the pending cases and drop the prosecution. For those already prosecuted, deal with it. Dealing with those cases couldn’t really involve more resources than the expense of continuing the policy. The policy ruining lives.
Just get up tomorrow and sign the order. Done.
October 5th, 2009 at 1:54 am#64 I agree. Just sign the order and let the right have their firestorm of hate. Once it is done, then it will be difficult to reverse by any subsequent administration. History will be on Obama’s side if he stops DADT.
The garbage people are spewing on the issue is disgusting. It is appalling that a person can think of another human being as something less.
October 5th, 2009 at 2:20 am“Why? I’ve got to think about all of these things . . . ”
No, Mr. President, you don’t, there are no things, there are people, people sacrificing their lives.
Simply sign a paper that says, “The US military will not deny rights to employees based upon sexual preference.”
How hard is that?
October 5th, 2009 at 2:31 amWhy would it be more important that a person is gay than that he/she speaks the language of the people we suspect may want to hurt us?
If we can’t communicate with our alleged enemies, how the heck do we expect to get any meaningful intelligence.
Our policy was offensive for many reasons, not the least of which was because we treated our own citizens badly (multilingual, gay Americans who could have understood).
DADT is bad policy that Obama can end with the stroke of a pen.
This was GWB policy. We are doing much better now.
We’ve still got a bunch of loons shouting on the radio and FOX-TV, but everyone has crazy cousins.
October 5th, 2009 at 3:49 am(If they want to pack fudge then let them, they will get their judgement.)
October 5th, 2009 at 5:53 am—
But heterosexual anal excites you no doubt. What about femoral sex? How do you feel about that?
dbadass says:
“What about femoral sex? How do you feel about that?”
He gives his dog a bone, every time.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:20 am#58 – aint you says:
—————————————————–
“If they can do the job then let them at it. They just need to STFU about it already, and stop crying for special rights. If they want equal rights then they need to act as a equal.”
October 4th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Good point! Just like all the heterosexuals in the military, shoving thier sexuality in everyones face as they talk about how many women they bagged the night before, or married personnel shoving their lifestyle in everyone face by talking about their honeymoon, or children. Shoving their lifestyle in everyone face by keeping pictures of their spouse at their desk, or holding hands as they walk down the street or hallway. Kissing in front of everyone as they return to the states. It’s just sick how they expect “special rights” to shove their heterosexuality in everyones face like that.
The problem is that “equal rights” mean you treat everyone the same. Did you favour a rule that black personnel had to “keep it to themselves” when they integrated the military? If not, then grow up and live with reality.
The only people who truly have problems with gays serving openly are those who’ve been unable to grow up past adolesence, and those who use their chosen religion (and expect “special rights” for their religion) to shove their lifestyle on everyone else.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:07 am#71 – Crazy Legs says:
————————————————————-
“Have you come out or are you sill in?”
October 5th, 2009 at 9:17 am
I’m a veteran, so this legislation wouldn’t affect me. When I was still in the army, however, I wasn’t very quiet about my orientation. All my roommates at the barracks knew I was gay. Not one cared about me being gay. They just said “Please, don’t let me walk in on anything. . . .” I said the same thing to them. ;-)
October 5th, 2009 at 9:37 amAt least with “don’t ask…”, a soldier who has moral qualms about dropping bombs or howitzer shells on wedding parties or raping girls and then murdering their families can say, “Hey, Colonel, sir, I’m gay. Where’s my ticket home?”
October 6th, 2009 at 6:09 amWhy should he spend a moment of his time on your issues when you’re going to vote for him next time around anyway? karin germe
October 9th, 2009 at 9:46 am