The end of Don't Ask Don't Tell?: In attempt to please the left, Obama swaps logic for politics
By: Jonathan Webb
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Opinion/Editorial
President Obama has found himself pushing a number of agendas in his first year in office, including health care reform, the closure of the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay and a recovery of the country's economy. But his latest political battle has taken on a much smaller, yet equally controversial, front.
During his first State of the Union address, Obama said he would seek a quick end to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation that prevents homosexual members of the military from disclosing information about their sexuality. Obama has been on something of a crusade for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, giving a speech last year affirming his support for gays and lesbians. The move came soon after he and his administration had come under fire for not doing enough, quickly enough.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is merely the latest battle he has chosen in that fight. The bill was signed in 1993 - by Democratic president Bill Clinton, who was also working with a Democrat-controlled Congress - proving you do not need to be a right-wing ideologue to see the justification for the law. But gay rights activists charge that it limits soldiers' freedom of expression.
Let's examine that point for a minute.
Members of the military act apolitically during their time of service. They are under oath to serve their commander-in-chief, the President of the United States. So whether or not they approve of the president's policies, they must follow through. Their rights are not the same as those of private citizens. This is what makes the push for a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so puzzling. The measure is put in place to allow operations to run comfortably and efficiently. It is not done out of a means to humiliate homosexuals. In fact, it probably does the opposite.
While gay members of the military are not allowed to engage in homosexual acts, others within the military are also not allowed to question them regarding these issues. This is a point rarely broached on this topic. Basically, in order for gay members of the military to be discharged, they are going to have to send some pretty obvious signals on their own accord.
During his first State of the Union address, Obama said he would seek a quick end to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation that prevents homosexual members of the military from disclosing information about their sexuality. Obama has been on something of a crusade for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, giving a speech last year affirming his support for gays and lesbians. The move came soon after he and his administration had come under fire for not doing enough, quickly enough.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is merely the latest battle he has chosen in that fight. The bill was signed in 1993 - by Democratic president Bill Clinton, who was also working with a Democrat-controlled Congress - proving you do not need to be a right-wing ideologue to see the justification for the law. But gay rights activists charge that it limits soldiers' freedom of expression.
Let's examine that point for a minute.
Members of the military act apolitically during their time of service. They are under oath to serve their commander-in-chief, the President of the United States. So whether or not they approve of the president's policies, they must follow through. Their rights are not the same as those of private citizens. This is what makes the push for a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so puzzling. The measure is put in place to allow operations to run comfortably and efficiently. It is not done out of a means to humiliate homosexuals. In fact, it probably does the opposite.
While gay members of the military are not allowed to engage in homosexual acts, others within the military are also not allowed to question them regarding these issues. This is a point rarely broached on this topic. Basically, in order for gay members of the military to be discharged, they are going to have to send some pretty obvious signals on their own accord.
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