Don't Ask, Don't Tell Update

Even though President Barack Obama and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates have begun discussions with the Joint Chiefs of Staff on how and when to lift the military policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, don’t look for any movement on the issue any time soon.

Gates appeared on Fox News Sunday and confirmed that little progress on the dialogue has been made since the administration took office. He also said that both he and Obama have "a lot on our plates right now" and suggested, "let's push that one down the road a little bit."

During campaign season, Obama made statements about his intent to end the policy, but also communicated to do so at the right time.

Gates has however, downplayed the need to change the policy in the past. He went so far as to say that even discussing the issue could have serious impacts on national security when he stated, “the Global War on Terrorism is far-reaching and unrelenting. The threat to our country is here for the long term. As a result, every day, around the world, our forces engage with our allies in dangerous, life-threatening events, and this will continue into the foreseeable future. A national debate on changing [the military's policy] with the accompanying divisiveness and turbulence across our country, will compound the burden of the war.”

With the unprecedented strain on military staff we’re facing today, do you think that Gates’ “lots on our plates right now” excuse holds water?

(Images courtesy of Getty)

Comments

[Joe Moag]

See my comments on this from the last two times that this author wrote this same story in the last 60 days.

Please see, especially, my point that this author's choice for President, McCain, was dead-set against any change in DADT at anytime; now, soon, a little later, much later, ever.

[Mike]

Our troops serve side by side with gay troops from other nations right now. So, no, Gates' excuse is just that--an excuse! Kandahar in Afghanistan, until recently, has been under control of the Canadians, who allow gays to serve openly, for exaple. There aren't many more dangerous environments than that.

[George]

As a community, we shouldn't tolerate this much longer. I voted for Obama, but what has he done for us so far? No action on DADT, no LGBT nominations to his cabinet, no move to repeal the defense of marriage act, no movement on hate crimes legislation. Yes, we keep saying we must give him time...but the time is rapidly approaching when we cannot wait any longer. Obama cannot take the LGBT vote for granted in 2012.

[Paul]

So glad to be gay and not a U.S. citizen.
What IS your problem? It's amazing that you're still having this discussion. 15% of U.S. military personnel is estimated to be gay. You fight your wars left and right and without the economic disaster that your previous government created you wouldn't have had the manpower needed.
In Norway as in most of Europe gays in the military was a 70-ies issue. That's 30 years ago! I served 20 years for Norway and for NATO. Being gay was never an issue and never a problem. Maybe you should ban religious fanatics from the military instead?

[Endora]

While I certainly agree that there are more pressing issues our current administration faces I equally feel that our Gay troops are being dealt an unfair hand. I feel, with that being said, if the issue is so trivial that other issues out-weigh it than surely it should be one of the issues more easily resolved and thus "less on their plates" to do so.

[Michael B]

I find it hard to believe that rights of gay military people is still on the backburner. We have our military people in Afghanistan and our Canadian soldiers gay and straight are side by side. I do not think that Canada is any more vulnerable because we encourage gays to be open in their military duties.

[Joe]

when it comes to 'who has got my back' my only concern is can/will this 'person' put their life on the line for me? Are they willing to take a bullet for me. Would they sacrifice their life for mine? Truth be told. If this person says 'yes'. I will die for you my comrade at arms. 'Yes' I will sacrifice my life to save yours or anyone else for that matter. Then you know what? Why would I care if this person is a homosexual. Any man, any woman, ANYONE, any person who is willing to put their life on the line to save, protect, and afford me my life, is alright with me. The labels are yours keep them, As for me, thank you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to our United States of America Military Forces for all that each of you men and women do and sacrifice for my life.

[zac]

I have seen alot on the don't ask and don't tell because I was in the navy myself. There in some good and some bad about it. Well at least at my old command it really wasn't that bad out of 430 people the was only five of us. Really they don't care what you do out side work but when you there you have to be professional. Me it was easy fitting right in because i strait acting, But one of my freind he was a bit of a flamer. it token some of the people to get use to him but evently they did. One of the good thing about "don't ask and don't tell" is that they can't acuse, tell, ask about your oreintation. But I know the Navy is more lax on that rather then Marines or Army

[Jason]

Just like every other politician, Obama said and will continue to say what democrats WANT to hear.

*IF* he ends, "don't ask, don't tell"
Something else will take its place.
It's just not a cut and dry issue.

[jacob]

I was in the Marine infantry and went to iraq a couple times and even came out to a couple of the guys there... i did my 4 yrs as good as any other straight guy and in a lot of cases even better then them... i HONORABLY got out of the Corps then told all my Marine buddies about me and not one said that they cared and that it would of matterd we all saw each other as brothers and that it was all about the man to the left and right of you and who had your back... so i do think that the DADT should be done away and let everyone that wants to serve the UNITED States do so as they please...

[Glenn, Texas]

When will you people stop being so naive ? Obama does not support gays. ACTIONS speak louder than words. He talks a lot about valuing us but does nothing for us. Yes I admit having a Democrat in power is always better than a Republican but we chose the wrong one.

[corrective_unconscious]

>"*IF* he ends, 'don't ask, don't tell'
Something else will take its place.
It's just not a cut and dry issue."

Explain what is wrong with having the exact same requirements governing same sex conduct as governs str8 conduct? It seems perfectly cut and dry, just as it is in the militaries of Israel, Canada and all of Western Europe. Be professional on duty and don't fraternize within your chain of command....

[Jim]

Obama need to take action now on this matter if he really cares about equality, fairness, and democracy. How long more waiting? As long as the DADT still out there descrimination, prejudism, hate, and unfair treatment will prevail. If they care much about helping and promoting democracy to other country why they cant support their gay military who does a good job sometimes better the no gay ones. Stop talking do some action. Stop ignoring us.