White House thinks staying DADT will release pressure on Congress to pass legislation repealing it.

[Pirate Smile]

After listening to President Obama's speech at the LGBT pride event in the White House and Robert Gibbs on Hardball, it is clear that they think the continued use of DADT in firing gay members of the Military is necessary to keep up the pressure to get legislation through Congress for him to sign. Anything else can just be reversed by the next Administration.

A stay releases the pressure valve and lets Congress think they don't need to act to stop this disgraceful law.

Just an FYI for those who may not have heard it or were unclear (as I was) on what in the world their strategy was regarding this issue.

edit to add: Perhaps this more clearly states the point - continuing to follow the law pressures Congress to repeal it. The President's statement was what emphasized that a stay could be counter-productive to the goal of actually repealing the law.

[graywarrior]

1. Heard that.

Sort of makes sense.

[DURHAM D]

3. Not if you are one of the 265 that have been released on his watch. nt

[backscatter712]

5. Yeah. I only hope that the plights of Lt. Choi, Lt. Col. Fehrenbach and others get Congress to act.

I hope that Pres. Obama and Congress come up with something to retroactively fix these DADT discharges - offer them their jobs/commissions back, or convert them to honorable discharges, throw in some compensation.

[mikiturner]

6. No, it still makes sense

It's just very unfortunate as well.

[DURHAM D]

7. How many lives should be sacrificed for the "sense" making? nt

[Cant trust em]

15. What is this signature pic? Is that the cabinet? nt

[graywarrior]

17. True.

Wonder if they'll get compensated or reinstated.

[NYC_SKP]

2. That observation has often been made on this board.

It makes sense, but it also makes sacrificial lambs of those eliminated under DADT while Congress gets their sorry asses together.

[Cant trust em]

4. that would make more sense to me coupled with a big push to get it repealed

If Obama were to release a statement saying that he was actively working with congress to repeal the law, and for the reminder of the time to stay any firings from DADT, then this would make more sense.

Without the congressional action, this just seems like a weak excuse.

[Thrill]

8. LOL. I've been saying that up here the last two months

If he signs an executive order. Congress will do nothing.

It gets them off the hook. And the next President can come in and just overturn it

[Pirate Smile]

10. It is the first time I've heard them making it.

Gibbs kind of says it but he emphasizes that a law makes it permanent - not that the continuation of following the law pressures Congress to repeal it. The President's statement was what emphasized that a stay could be counter-productive to the goal of actually repealing the law.

[MiniMe]

18. Me too, I finally gave up

[sarge43]

9. As long as Article 125, as currently reads, is on the book,

gays and lesbians are at risk for discharge and only Congress can change the UCMJ.

[Hippo_Tron]

11. I'm sort of conflicted with that argument

For one, if DADT were definitely not on the books I would absolutely say that they should allow anyone to serve openly in the military via executive order. There won't be another President for another 7 and 1/2 years during which time the military will likely get used to the idea of gays and lesbians serving openly and the country will grow even more accepting of it than they are now.

On the other hand, since DADT is on the books we're talking about using a technicality rather than making a declaration of policy and that is less legitimate and also has the ability to be challenged in the courts.

[katandmoon]

12. So either way, if you're a gay service member, you're absolutely screwed

I see it the exact opposite way -- if Obama stays DADT, he gives congress COVER to repeal it.

[Cant trust em]

13. That's an interesting point of view.

Obama takes all of the political heat, so Congress can vote their conscience.

On the other hand, if Obama takes all of the political heat, then congress can skip a vote and still get their way. If I were an equality minded legislator from a conservative district, this would have a lot of appeal for me.

hmmmm.....

[katandmoon]

19. Just keep up the rationalizations for whatever Obama does or doesn't do --

meanwhile more and more gay service members get kicked out of the service because while Obama can point fingers at congress while not doing a fucking thing himself.

[Cant trust em]

20. I just think that there are a couple of ways you could read your analysis

You should probably check out my post upthread.

[Pirate Smile]

14. I don't see how it provides cover. Everybody already knows Obama is against DADT.

I, frankly, don't know why this would be a hard vote. The public opinion seems to be clearly in favor of getting rid of DADT.

[Cant trust em]

16. Somehow I doubt those polls are accurate

I'm pretty pessimistic when it comes to American opinions on equality issues.