There's been a lot of frustration in Left Blogistan recently about the Obama administration's slow action and lack of visible advocacy for the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
I and others have argued that it takes time to implement a policy change of this magnitude. Without the proper groundwork and training, this could turn into a disaster of giant proportions.
Still others, however, have argued that all it takes is an executive order and the whole thing will be over.
While technically and lawfully true, I've argued that anyone who's ever been in a position where there's wholesale change in policy (whether in government or private enterprise) knows that doing the proper ground work before implementing a change in policy as large as this one is just good practice.
When I was 18, I wanted to enlist in the military. I talked to recruiters from several branches and was determined to go through with it; however, after talking to family and friends and doing my own research, I determined that I wouldn't be able to serve under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. If I wanted to start a life with someone, I wasn't going to let my career dictate whether I could or couldn't.
Eleven years later, I still think this policy should be repealed as quickly as is humanly possible, but I don't agree with the mindset of, "We have a Democrat in office, force it through."
So it was with some excitement this morning that I came across this article on Politico:
The White House, I'm told, will today announce that it's filling the key Pentagon slot for the implementation -- or repeal -- of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which bars open gays and lesbians from serving in the military.
[...]
Kevin Nix, a spokesman for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network -- which follows the issue very closely -- welcomed the move in an email:
There were indications of seriousness of purpose on DADT repeal today by this White House with its intent to nominate an Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Dr. Stanley is likely to be the President’s key Pentagon player in the DADT debate and will be critical for the President in getting military uniform buy-in. Historically, the position of Under Secretary of Defense provides oversight of "don’t ask, don’t tell."
I'm a little concerned, however, that the White House is letting Senator Joe Lieberman take the lead...even though he's indicated his support for repealing the policy.
In my view, the Obama administration is taking the proper steps here. If the repeal of DADT isn't handled correctly, it could set the cause back by years.
Please, write your Congressmen and the White House and let them know you support the repeal of DADT.
Thoughts?
UPDATE: I wanted to highlight homogenius' comment below, because I think it adds good insight to the diary:
- Military leaders are starting to use conciliatory language when speaking of a possible repeal of DADT.
- The Pentagon is quietly reaching out to our allies for advice on implementation.
- The most prestigious military journal, published by the War College, just published an article blasting DADT. Speculation is that this could not have taken place without Adm. Mullin's approval.
I confess I don't know all the reasons Obama is not using Stop/Loss or similar action to stall separations under DADT. But I don't believe he is sitting on his hands. I suspect, as you say, he is trying to work behind the scenes without shaking the hornets nest. Time will tell.