DADT repeal to take effect in September; Republicans still fighting it

[pnwmom]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57235.html

House Republicans are asking President Barack Obama to hold off on allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military, saying it would be “premature” to do so now.

The letter from 29 lawmakers delivered Friday to the White House comes as legislative efforts have fizzled to block or stall implementation of the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that prevented gays and lesbians from serving openly.

The repeal, enacted in December, requires Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen to certify that the military is ready for the change, triggering a 60-day waiting period. Gates has indicated that he would do so before leaving office at the end of this month if Mullen and the other joint chiefs tell him they’re ready.

The military already is moving toward completing the process of training troops for the change. And Obama — who considers the repeal one of his signature achievements — is unlikely to stand in the way, meaning the repeal would take effect in September.

SNIP

[Behind the Aegis]

1. We shall see.

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. And it only took 20 months longer than he said it would. nt

[pnwmom]

3. Than who said it would? Wasn't it always supposed to be connected

to training of the various services?

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. No. It wasn't.

Was 'training of the various services' required when the military integrated? Truman gave the word, the generals gave the orders, and the troops obeyed or left the service.

The 'training' meme was promoted by bigotted general officers who were trying to delay passage, and now are trying to delay implementation. It could have been done a year, a year and a half ago.

[Bluebear]

4. What a disgrace.

[SidDithers]

7. Yes. A disgrace that Republicans are still fighting it...nt

Sid

[bluestate10]

6. And Lieutenant Dan Choi is set to help elect droves of republicans. nt