"Generational transition" ...Amazing statement from Sen. Burr (R) on his support for repeal of DADT.

[jefferson_dem]

Social conservatism fades in 'generational transition'

Jonathan Martin notes a remarkable statement from Richard Burr:

Given the generational transition that has taken place in our nation, I feel that this policy is outdated and repeal is inevitable. However, I remain convinced that the timing of this change is wrong, and making such a shift in policy at a time when we have troops deployed in active combat areas does not take into consideration the seriousness of the situation on the ground. But, the vote this morning to invoke cloture on this bill indicated that the broader Senate was prepared to move forward with a change, and despite my concerns over timing, my conclusion is that repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is the right thing to do.

If the Republican from North Carolina is talking like this, opposition to homosexuality has, in some broader sense, lost its political juice. That generational transition marks a shift away from the old political order of both social conservatism on issues of sexual morality and -- on both sides, I think -- activism around abortion.

Burr was one of two Republicans (Ensign was the other) to vote for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" after opposing cloture.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1210/Social_conservatism_fades_in_generational_transition.html

[vaberella]

1. I respect his views, although I don't agree. But I'm happy for his vote. Thanks JD! n/t

[jefferson_dem]

2. Burr didn't want to advance the repeal... but effectively conceded that it was TIME...

to overcome his own objections and do this NOW. That's REAL progress.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. he also just narrowly got

back in there... he heard the footsteps

[vaberella]

4. Exactly and that is what makes him a progressive.

Most think progressivism = left. It's far from that. It's when we get real people coming together and bringing about change because they realize that the world is not stagnant and evolving. That we as a nation is always growing and evolving. That's progress and as you said it's definitely real progress.

[phleshdef]

5. This country has "grown up" a LOT just in the past decade on GLBT issues.

I remember when I was younger and it was almost kinda taboo to see a gay character on television. I remember when no one thought anything of it if a gay slur was used or insinuated in film or music. I remember when it was laughable that gay marriage would be legal in ANY state. And I remember when Americans generally seemed to think it was perfectly reasonable to not allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. Our society has changed a lot in the past 10-15 years as far as this goes. This is why people need to be patient and realize that our society is going to take its course. All the unfairness that should have been ended yesterday can not be ended tomorrow. But it can be ended and it will be.

[TheKentuckian]

6. Patience implies these things just happen but the reality is the darkness must be kicked

until it bleeds daylight and is defeated.

Patience did not win the day but rather damn near radicalized relentless pursuit.

Society doesn't take it's course but rather is dragged kicking and screaming into the future by those who never, ever give up and won't take tomorrow as an answer.