Obama Flips, then Flops, on DADT

Will the real Barack Obama please stand up?

Will the real Barack Obama please stand up?

Earlier this month, the Obama administration maintained that gays and lesbians were welcome to join the armed forces based on a judge’s order barring enforcement of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t  Tell” policy.

Then the administration changed its mind, and as of press time, the initial injunction against DADT had been stayed pending appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice.

In an October 21 broadcast on NPR, reporter Rachel Martin called the White House on its apparent bait-and-switch. She pointed out the  irony of the White House directing an appeal of the ruling when President Obama has consistently contended he wants DADT repealed.

Furthermore, Martin said, the military must expand sexual harassment rules and redefine partner benefits. Consider this scenario: If a gay service member is legally married in a state allowing same-sex marriage, will the military—a federal entity—legally recognize that marriage? The armed forces may also need to implement sexual orientation sensitivity training (good luck with that, guys.)

The White House has said it supports a Congressional push to repeal DADT after an internal military review is completed in early December. Stay tuned to gomag.com for updates on the movement to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”


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