WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama will allow gays to serve openly in the military by overturning the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy that marred President Clinton's first days in office, according to incoming White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
The startling pronouncement, which could re-open a dormant battle in the culture wars and distract from other elements of Obama's agenda, came during a Gibbs exchange with members of the public who sent in questions that were answered on YouTube.
"Thadeus of Lansing, Mich., asks, 'Is the new administration going to get rid of the "don't ask, don't tell policy?'" said Gibbs, looking into the camera. "Thadeus, you don't hear a politician give a one-word answer much. But it's, 'Yes.'"
The Obama transition team declined to elaborate on that one-word answer when asked by FOX News on Wednesday about a timetable for repealing the policy, which was enacted by Clinton after a protracted public debate. Obama officials also would not explain which lawmakers or Pentagon officials would attempt to repeal "don't ask, don't tell."
FOXNews.com - Obama to End Military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News
If true, it's about ****ing time. It will be interesting to see whether Congress agrees though.
Obama aide: Ending 'don't ask, don't tell' must wait
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In an overlooked YouTube video posted on Friday, a spokesman for Barack Obama said the president-elect is committed to ending the policy that bars openly gay men and women from serving in the U.S. armed forces.
In a response to a question on the Web site Change.gov asking whether Obama would get rid of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said: "You don't hear politicians give a one-word answer much. But it's 'Yes.'"
Gibbs on Wednesday expanded on his answer, saying, "There are many challenges facing our nation now and the president-elect is focused first and foremost on jump-starting this economy.
"So not everything will get done in the beginning but he's committed to following through" with ending the policy against being openly gay in the military.
There are enough problems with fraternization without adding this social experiment to the mix. "I'm sorry sir, I couldn't send Pvt. James in, he's my lover". "Of course he got promoted, he's banging the Lt. !"
There are enough problems with fraternization without adding this social experiment to the mix. "I'm sorry sir, I couldn't send Pvt. James in, he's my lover". "Of course he got promoted, he's banging the Lt. !"
As one who cares little about homosexuality in general, as people are people in my book.
One would have to ask, is it wise to implement social change in the middle of two wars?
Why do this now, and not wait until peace time? will it affect moral? less than most think, more than others. But the fact that troops are dying, do we want to mess with a social status quo at this moment?
Also the Spartans managed to kick a lot of ass while ****ing it too.
Are you saying that our troops can't adapt?
It's not like anything will change. Gays already in the army could come out. Big deal. Obviously they were doing their job just fine before. They would continue to do so.
Because rampant gay-sex trumps one's duty to serve his country? Are you serious?
They also had rockin abs.
Are you saying that our troops can't adapt?
It's not like anything will change. Gays already in the army could come out. Big deal. Obviously they were doing their job just fine before. They would continue to do so.
I just don't like social tinkering with the military. How's that? It was a mistake to put women on ships, and now here comes another social experiment. Sheesh.
Yeah, that movie was sooooo...heterosexual. Just like Top Gun when they broke into that volley ball scene.
I really am all for this. You don't have to be straight to shoot straight.
One has to wonder if it will have any adverse effects on our military. You average private is not necessarily the most open minded person.
Yeah, that movie was sooooo...heterosexual. Just like Top Gun when they broke into that volley ball scene.
That was when I decided NOT to join the Navy.....
(how was that crip, sorry mr. V.)
exactly the opposite. they can, the 1% though that cant may have a detrimental affect on the 99% who dont care.
I bet I know more gays that served in the military than you, honorably..... just sayin... I am also saying that if you change a policy like this in the middle of a war you are gonna get someone killed. not one life is worth a social experiment/change for ones political agenda.
You want to take this leap, fine, do it in peacetime, don't mess with potentially morale busting social changes in the middle of a war.
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