"Change" You Can't Count On

When campaigning to the LGBT community, President-Elect Obama made the repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy a component of his platform. The official policy statement still found on Obama’s web site contains some fairly firm language regarding prohibiting discrimination and in general, a sense of urgency:

“Repeal Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell:
Barack Obama agrees with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Discrimination should be prohibited. The U.S. government has spent millions of dollars replacing troops kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation. Additionally, more than 300 language experts have been fired under this policy, including more than 50 who are fluent in Arabic. Obama will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure it helps accomplish our national defense goals.”

But in an exclusive report from the Washington Post, Obama and his transition team have indicated that the issue will likely not be dealt with “for months, and perhaps not until 2010” so that the administration can take time to discuss the issue with military leaders, build a consensus and then take a formal request to congress.

While it’s true, of course, this could be part of a larger plan touching multiple facets of the military, it could also be that the issues facing our community aren’t as important to Obama as his campaign promised. Couple this delay with his lack of commenting on the national protests for marriage equality, and we’re left a little bit wanting.

When it comes down to it, should issues of civil rights really require months for building a consensus? Would the civil rights movement of the ‘60s have progressed if time was taken for a majority of the population to support equal rights for people of all colors? No. What was required then and is required today are leaders willing to stand behind “change” and take immediate steps to jump start moving our society to the next phase.

What do you think? Should Obama be taking a stronger and more vocal stance on LGBT issues?

(Photo: Getty Images)

Comments

[HT]

I'm not the first to say this, but President-Elect Obama has less important things to do - such as fixing the economy and healing world relations.

/sarcasm

Please spare us all the narcissism of DADT and think of the whole country for a change. Thank you.

[Tommy]

WOW!~ I am shocked!!

Taking gay money..and support and then screwing us? HeY Bill..did you teach him that?

Will he make the Union bosses wait?

Nope...cause they would turn on him. Not like the gay elite..sheep with their noses up DEM ass!!

[Michael ONeal]

For the 1st time in my life, I didn't vote for a Democrat for president. Everyday I'm a little more glad. I think as a community we need to shock the Democrats and vote against them all in 2010, let them feel the power of our vote against them and watch how fast they stop pandering and actually do soemthing!

[gargoyle_in]

This does not surprise me one bit. We sure will get "Change" and it will not be change to DADT. This man is going to take away freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and redistribute wealth.

Everyone who voted for him got caught up in the rock star image and did not take the time to do their own research. Let us just hope these four years go buy fast.

[Timothy]

When are you all ever going to learn the fact. That what ever a presidential candidate state's in his election campaigning. Is never what he does after he's elected. Get with it people, the candidates only say what ever to get your vote's and support. There not realy giving a shit of what you want. Christ get a freaking Clue dumb ass's..... LOL I know from watching the new's very very closely on this election. That your (Black Baby - Obama) that you've voted for. Was against Gay's from the start. So now deal with what you've ask'd for cause now you have atleast 4 years to deal with your stupid decision of your vote. LOLOLOL Have A Nice 4 Years ! :-)

[Doyle]

Here is a definition of Koolaid Drinker for all you Youngins out there. A Koolaid Drinker is someone who will follow and support anything thier "man" or "woman" does them without question. Where this got its namesake is several years ago, a cult figure Jim Jones moved all his followers to Guyana South America to get away from pressures here in the states. That didn't stop questions about his practicies and after some congress memebers visited the cult in South America and they determined to return home to tell the world what was going on, Jim Jones secretly ordered the Congress memebers to be killed at the airport before returning home. He also fed all his members Koolaid, laced with poison. The members drank the Koolaid with out question and subsequently ALL DIED! Remember this the next time Your Leader, Obama, or anyone else for that matter, feeds you something. Are you going to drink it without question? If you do, you are destined for death, either of your own will and thoughts or death of your life. Obama is NOT the answer to our problems, NOR is he the Messiah! Quit worshipping him like he is. He is a slick politician much like Jim Jones was a articulate minister of God, or so people thought! Unquestioned leadership breeds an arrogance and sense of entitlement that leads to unfettered power. Think for yourself. Think for your future. Think.

[Ed]

You spoiled SOB's. What was it like before DADT? Clinton was the first to at least acknowledge us. Obama is willing to look into the situation. What would it be like with McCain? If you cant have it all you dont want anything. You kcik and scream, just like republicans, no wonder people are starting to hate us even more now.

[cheeky_sod]

FFS! The man's not even been inaugurated yet! And when he does he's going to be President of the United States, not God.

[Ed]

I relly cant believe how stupid these comments are. What was the alternative? All politicians lie but at least we have a TINY bit of hope with Obama. He is not our savior but it seems to me he is willing to listen. You would prefer 4 more year of Bush/McCAin? Tell me all the great things Bush did for the gay community please? And chewing us and spitting us out? Why dont you mention Dick Chaney and his duaghter?

[jwnaustintx]

There are bigger issues at stake right now, such as our economy. I don't mind if this particular issue is put on a back burner, as long as it's not forgotten about.

[paul]

no! I fear a public who looks to politicians for moral decisions. How soon we've forgotten nazi germany.. they voted for color too.. white colour.. and they made a madman the ultimate moral decision maker, above the courts and the church.. bad idea!.. Obama should deflect those issues to where they belong,, to moral authorities. He said he was against gay marriage but in favour of equality.. so allow gay marriage he says. Wow! what political double talk!.. to me, i'd love a black man in as president, but the right one, a good and honest one. In sum, obama cannot do what he wants,, the vote was hasty,, i think many people are re-thinking. Gays cannot marry.. why not 'civil partnership", to be more in line with human nature?.... at least hand that one over to more competent sources in morality.

[Denny]

Wow, this is embarassing. Of all the issues we face as a nation right now, the repeal of Don't Ask - Don't Tell isn't high on our list of priorities. Sorry. In fact, the Obama team has set back their time table on MOST ISSUES save for the economy, jobs, and the two wars we're engaged in. It's not just gay and lesbian issues.

Here's an idea: let's wait until Obama puts out the fires set by the Bush administration FIRST... then we can face the Culture Wars. Otherwise, there won't be an America left to give us equal rights.

Come on gays... we sound selfish expecting our problems to dissolve with the election of a Democratic president. Sheesh.

[Mike]

- Rodney

I'm addressing this to someone in the military already, since he as a better idea than most. Still this goes out to all.

I don't think Obama is likely to go back on his word. The question remains - implementation? Let's start discussing this now. Gay people need to shape this.

How soon in Obama's first term should he move on it? Will there be congressional hearings? Unlike in the 90s, democrats now control congress.

Should there be separate units like there was with blacks during WWII, and how Australia now have a separate gay unit? Would this be a good transition, as it was with African Americans?

Should there be a mentoring program, that lets gay personal can transfer to a unit, where there is already an openly (or not) gay member?

I'm sure there are other options and considerations.

[OceanBlueYoga]

The article was in the homophobic newspaper the Washington Times, NOT the Washington Post. Gay.com's article was incorrect. WT is NOT a friend of the LGBT community.

[Buddiboy]

And this should surprise anyone? He has not stuck by one thing he has said he would!

[Ben]

Give the guy half a chance for Christ sake. He's not even in the white house yet and everyones making demands on the poor guy like hes been there 8 years and hasn't done a damn thing. oh wait, thats the present administration.

[jay]

I may be in the military, and I voted for Obama and give a large, heavy, democratic round of applause when i see Obama on tv, regaurdless of the fact that I'm inevitably surrounded by republicans. I would be so HURT and ASHAMED if he turned his back on our people...

[RobbingYourSanity]

How does Gay.com allow you to write for them? Are they low on writers? I'd certainly think I'd have a shot with far less cynicism in four years of media communication training.

OBAMA ISN'T EVEN PRESIDENT YET!! Dear heaven, this article is pathetic and only takes away the site's credibility.

[JK]

Did you REALLY expect him to do this? If so you are stupid. Plain and simple. There will be no repeal, no push to help the gays at all. He got what he wanted and now you are second class citizens to him. He was more worried about giving Hillary a spot in the cabinet than in keeping his promises. You got what you voted for...fluff.

[pmk]

Um, this is from the Washington Times and not the Post. I would take what the Times says with a grain of salt. It's a rightwing rag with very little credibility.

Plus, it's likely that it will be months until this economic crisis is solved and we can repeal DADT anyway.

[Drew]

I suggest people read the Washington TImes article. The WT is a conservative paper that one would not expect to be sympathetic to Obama or gays in the military, but my reading of the article (with quotes both from an advocate for a servicemembers legal defense fund and an advisor to the Obama team) is that Obama is being his usual methodical self and making sure he will win this one and won't have a fiasco like Clinton did. So let's give him a bit of time. And if he doesn't come through, let's give the Democrats hell in the Congressional elections in November 2010.

[mdr]

Go figure. This is so typical. It amazes me that general public, and fags as well, actually belive most things that politicians say. I bet thousands of us gave millions of dollars to the Obama campain thinking that he would give us the right to get married and serve in the military. Think about it...poor people, minorities, and queers have been voting for Democrats for years. Guess what????? They are still poor, they still say that they are oppressed, and we still can't get married or serve in the military! Hmmmmm...maybe it is time for another strategy...or swapping parties!

[jimmy]

Geez, once again I am shocked at the absolute ignorance of anyone who is gay voting for McCain/Palin or George Bush. Obama needs to focus on the economy first. DADT is on the back burner. The Log Cabin Republicans want to make this an issue so they can act like the Republicans are actually supportive.

I wanted someone in office to fix this economic mess. It is a proven fact that the Republicans have spent more for years although they cry that Democrats do. Do some research on this.

I look back and see how much better off I was during the Clinton years and how horrible things have been for me and my friends economically and socially with Bush.

Give Obama a chance. And those Gay Republicans, you have a right to your views but it is shocking to me how you can be your own worst enemy. However, I have no doubt most of this Obama bashing boils down to racism.

[Stosh2]

Now you know the definition of "useful idiot". Fags who support the Democratic Party. You are so stupid/sad/self righteous/hilarious/contemptuous.

[Kellybobelly]

I only know that when I was in the Army during the 60's and 70's as openly gay they told me I couldn't get out of the military because we were at war. Even after the Vietnam war was over, with the powers that be knowing I was gay, they asked me to re-up. It make me think long and hard about making the Army my career. Hell, I was getting laid a lot, but I knew that I would be in the service of my country for 19 years and they would discover that I was queer. It wasn't worth my time. I was very proud to be service my country. I didn't wait for them to ask. I told EVERYONE. Just like getting married, it should be our right.

[JT]

I'm willing to wait til he has been in office a bit. He bothered to specifically mention us in his acceptance speech, after he'd already won and didn't have to do so.

If he (or Hillary) throws us under the bus again, there will be hell to pay this time. Bush had the excuse of being an ignorant twit who acted like a redneck. Obama knows better.

On one point I'll take exception. Executive Order should be made to tell them to stand down IMMEDIATELY and not discharge or prosecute ANYONE under DODT until otherwise instructed. Why? Simple. A couple war fronts. If you think it was hard to find people to interpret Arabic, imagine what it's going to be like to get Urdu, Brahui, Pashto, Dari, or any of the other languages spoken in Afghanistan. The LAST thing this military needs is to be tossing out capable translators over orientation. I hope the P.E. is wise enough to recognize that fact.

If Obama bails on us, the whole nation will be in pretty bad shape, because that'd mean he's bailing on everyone and everything else, too. But that's not what I'm seeing so far. To date, he's doing more than any other P.E. in history. So let's leave the man some space to breath and room to work. There's plenty of time to be disgruntled if he doesn't come through.

[JT]

Who is the idiot who said he's not stuck by one thing he said he would? Are you in some time warp, ahead of the rest of us? The man isn't even in office yet!

And this dung: OBAMA'S TOO FOCUSED ON CLOSING DOWN GUANTANAMO AND LETTING THE TERRORISTS GO FREE...

Pay really close attention, take off the dull-witted parrot hat, and realize that Justice Luis (?) was correct when he released 5 people out of 6 brought before him. WHY? because in seven years they still had NOTHING on those 5 except that they were on the street and got scooped up along with everyone else -- IN THEIR OWN F-ING COUNTRY. What part of that WE invaded THEM do you not quite grasp? Their presence there doesn't make them terrorists, (though ours being there might, in some cases.) So he's going to ... release innocent people that we've had imprisoned for seven years? What a travesty! The horrors! Innocent men going free! Next thing ya know, they'll be letting queers marry!

[rslbludude]

I believe that DADT should be removed, but Obama has *more important* things to worry about right now. *GASP* We have to wait a WHOLE YEAR?? Something is more important than me???? Yes. He will get to it in time; he needs to make sure this country doesn't crumble to the ground first.

[KES]

This article is so sadly premature, as are all of the comments about Obama's "broken promises". The man hasn't even been INAUGURATED yet and he has somehow broken his promises to the GLBT population?

Sadly the reality of the Washington establishment - most of which will NOT be changing with the new administration - is that consensus building MUST be done for any change of this magnitude to be successful. President Clinton learned that himself when DADT was enacted as a "compromise" compared to what the military and a majority of Congress wanted. Yes, it's a pretty bad compromise but the alternatives would have been far worse from our position.

As for our having to wait months or even until 2010 for this to come to fruition, how is that change we can't believe in? I don't recall Obama ever saying that this was something he was going to do on the first day, in the first month or even in the first three months. Even writing as a gay man, I don't think this is a "priority one" issue - there are far bigger fish to fry.

If the author would just come down to earth for a moment and take a look at the reality of the hellhole Obama is inheriting from the incompetent and soon-to-be-history Bush administration: The economy is in shambles; Thousands of Americans are out of work; Thousands of Americans have lost their homes; There is a war in IRAQ which is costing us the lives of American soldiers as well as billions of dollars a month; The reputation of the USA is crap worldwide; Any protections for the environment which existed pre-Bush have been decimated, resulting in the rape of our country's ecological systems; A Supreme Court, which if it leaned any more to the right would fall on its side; and there's more. Lots more.

The author is pained that Obama hasn't made any comment about the national protests for marriage equality. What did you expect him to say? Should he repeat his already stated position on that? He doesn't support same-sex marriage. I would prefer he not say anything than to repeat that and appear to be supporting our opponents. In light of his stated position, his not saying anything is about as supportive as he can be.

Even in a state as progressive as California, we couldn't pass marriage equality. Two other states also amended their constitutions to ban marriage equality - there are now 27 of them. That is a lot of opinion for one man to try to change. What are WE doing to support marriage equality and to change public opinion? Are you discussing this with your family and straight friends? Were you at the marriage equality demonstration in your city last Saturday? Or were you having brunch with your buddies, spending the weekend at the country house, shopping at A&F, or cruising on gay.com or Manhunt for your next fuckdate? If you're not taking action yourself, but expecting Obama to stick his neck out, you're looking for a handout. Not only is that unrealistic, it is just plan selfish.

Would I like Obama to experience an epiphany and say "now that I've seen hundreds of thousands of gay Americans (out of a country with a population in the millions) protesting for marriage equality, I've seen the light. I support Marriage Equality."-? Of course I would, but I don't want to deal with the consequences in 2012: another Republican president and all the baggage that would bring with it. Sarah Palin, anyone?

The author feels that Obama should make an immediate (and apparently unilateral) move on this civil rights issue and cites the 60's civil rights movement as an example as if civil rights for people based on race happened like turning a light on with the flip of a switch. Sadly it didn't happen that way, equality for black people took DECADES:
-Slavery ended in 1965.
-"Plessy v Ferguson" ESTABLISHED the doctrine of "separate but equal" in 1896 and that remained the law of the land until "Brown v Board of Education" overturned it in 1954
-"Primus King v State of Georgia" made the "White Primary" unconstitutional in 1946 but full voting rights were not conveyed until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed
-The Montgomery bus boycott was in 1955. The Civil Rights Act banning discrimination in Housing was not passed until 1968.

That, at least in my book, is not immediate. Is (was) it wrong that it took so long? Of course it was, but that does not change the fact that was how long it took.

Also to be considered is that while many of the changes made for racial equality were made and signed by the Legislative and Executive branches of the government, a lot of the heavy lifting involving politically unsavory/dangerous topics was handled by the Judicial Branch. Be assured that we do NOT want marriage equality to go to the present Supreme Court.

Much of what was passed into law by Congress was a clear result of mass demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience by millions of people of all races who were tired of things as they were at the time. The fact that so many people were fed up and demonstrated and participated gave our Senators and Congress people the political “cover” to vote on legislation which only five years earlier would have GUARANTEED their not being re-elected.

By comparison, on November 15, 2008 in a city of eight million people, approximately 20,000 people (generous count there) turned out in New York City to demonstrate for marriage equality. That's a drop in the bucket even of the GAY population of the city. I was there, were you?

Civil rights for people of all colors were won because large numbers of people fought for them. 20,000 people out of how many queers in NYC showed up to demonstrate for marriage equality? If this is important to us, we need turn out in far larger numbers than that. We need to give up the afternoon shopping, skip the country house for a weekend, and maybe skip brunch that day so HUNDREDS of thousands of GLBT people turn out for events like this. And bring our non-gay supporters with us. Only that kind of turn out will turn heads and give support to politician who want to take what is, whether we like it or not, still a politically dangerous position.

Give President-elect Obama a chance to at least take office and give him some time to tackle issues which are of far greater importance to many more Americans before we start screaming that he has turned his back on us. I believe we at least owe him that.

[KES]

Slavery ended in **1865**. I apologize for the typographical error.

[Steven]

I am 47 years old and never thought I would live to see the day when gay marriage would be on a ballot for the American people to vote on, we made history. DADT was brought forward and made policy, we made history.

All of these things that are put out there for discussion are forcing people to talk about it, and those people who don't want to talk about it, we are making history.

[Kevin]

President-elected Barack Obama can not start out in the first place of repealling of the Don't Ask,Don't Tell policy in the beginning. He needs to find out where everyone in congress stands. Do you want the first elected president that does have strong feelings for our community and this nation to begin on the wrong foot. Give this man a chance. He will be dealing with the Bush Administration programs for the first four years. Look at all of the problems that Bush has created.

[Jay]

I think that LGBT is important for President Elect Obama but right now and foremost his biggest concern is turning the economy around and getting the millions of americans who lost their jobs over the past 8 years a job back! Let him fix Bush's mistakes and then lets fight for our rights! We need jobs just as bad as we need our equal rights!

[RBW in Canada]

no surprise here! Obama has to keep his Black and Hispanic supporters happy. Remember this is the group that who voted 7 out of 10 against Prop 8 in California. I expect your 'new' adminsitration to do very little for gays and lesbians, Your new VP appears to be more supportive but I doubt his views will prevail.

[Chad]

Well here you go... Proof positive that the party that MOST gays vote for does NOT support us. At least the Repulicans will say how they feel to your face. Democrats wait and sneek behind our backs. This is only ONE thing I'm sure he will go back on. Those of you who trusted him will get exactly what you deserve... unfortunately so will the rest of us.

[Tyler]

Hhhmmm....did I just miss something?
As Obama has stated many times over...there is only 1 President of the USA at a time and so many are already criticizing him? He isn't in office yet! HELLO!!!!!
Let's give this man a break and a chance. Everyone wants a piece of him and he does and will have a full plate of issues to deal with on Jan 20 2009.
Economy....remember that nasty piece of trivia? Excuse me but the national and internation economy is by far more important now then the gay agenda. If we can't pay our freakin bills because we don't have a job or money what does it matter about being gay in the military?
And after the fight of gay marriage in Calif....pushing will not solve the issues. Patience and compromise will HOPEFULLY lead to success.
It may be more prudent to push for civil unions instead of gay marriage as well. The word marriage leaves a bad taste for a lot of people. Civil unions would have a less "christian religious" connection to it.
But in the mean time give Obama some space. The economy is far more important.

[Obamasucks]

LMAO serves all you idiots right. Voting for this lame piece of crap. "I'll tell you anything to get your vote, then do what I want to do." OH I love the buyers remorse going around especially formthe LGBT community.

[zarxo]

This man flips more than a Las Vegas whore! The one that that you can count on is "Obama is 'change' that you can count on." I'd rather deal with a enemy than a friend that lies.

I think Obama will be another Bush. Who knows, maybe the World Bank runs the U.S.A now. Doesn't seem the "will of the people" matters anymore. It's the WILL...and that's it. Who knows, maybe Obama studied Francis Bacon. Where humanism does not count, and all that matters is empiricism--another weave of Marxism but not the little c but the big C.

Hello Soviet America.

[Chuck]

He hasn't even been inaugurated yet. Cut the guy some slack, for crying out loud.

[Lee]

I dont want to go to the army, sorry but this country has done very little for me after being nearly killed and getting no justice because no one cared, then living a childhood being treated like crap because i was gay, only to grow up and find out adults are just as bad, i dont see as i owe nothing, i have not got freedom here, if any gay man does want to serve then good for him but personaly i think if you can fight for this country first you need to respect owed and thats freedom EQUALITY.. surely Obama would understand this with his background right?

[Michael]

I told you all from the beginnging, we are a NON ISSUE! The LGBT community jumped behind Obama and gave him our vote because he said he would help us, and he LIED! Big surprise! The man was campaigning to be leader of the free world. He said anything it took to get his vote. He lied about that, what else was he lying about? At least McCain-Palin told the truth about us. The Democrats hate us to our backs, the Republicans hate us to our face. I just hope that the next four years aren't all abunch of lies he told to get elected. You got what you wanted, now live with it.

[DD]

Just hope for change and change will come as we hope for change. Yes, he will get us there [not sure where] but if we hope, there will be change and then more hope for more change. Hillary is not change she is bills.

[pecola]

Taking time to build a consensus before trying to push legislation through Congress? That's not change you can believe in.

/sarcasm