DADT and incrementalism as 'progress'.

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Tuesday February 02, 2010 · 9:42 AM PST

2010/02/02 · 09:42

We've all been a twitter about POTUS Obama's shout out to GLBT Americans when he stated he wanted to end DADT in his SOTU speech. It was a welcome stance to be taken in such a public venue, as opposed to the usual only in front of GLBT friendly audiences. If ended, and GLBT Americans actually become 'allowed' (in other words, have the same civil rights as everyone else, even some felons and non citizens) to serve in the military, it would indeed be a great achievement for this POTUS.

So what's the plan? We've often been told that there have been 'behind the scenes' steps being taken to get the 'fix' for the repeal on that full 'plate'. Groundwork. Today's hearings, as reported on MSNBC's web site, show how that 'groundwork' is playing out.

Baby steps at a time.

Gates: Fewer gay troops will be dismissed
Pentagon to take a year to study revising ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ officials say.

A year to study what was supposed to already have 'the groundwork' being laid. Well, something got laid.

And how about those congresscritters who are supposed to be Democrats. Yeah, Democrats, the party who always talks a good talk at election time to engage our support (funds, boots on the ground, activism) but when push comes to shove, guess who gets shoved 'down the road a bit'?

For their part, Democrats in Congress are unlikely to press the divisive issue until after this fall's midterm elections.

Well, at least there is a crumb being thrown our way. No longer can some right wing nutcase 'spill the beans' and cause a discharge. Or so they say.

One U.S. official said Gates and Mullen will outline a more lenient standard for enforcing the current ban, as Gates had said last year he would consider. The interim policy would make it harder for a third party to turn in a gay service member and would raise the standard for evidence that the service member is gay before the person could be dismissed.

I really have hopes that this time, particularly this time, President Obama will find his 'fierce advocate' voice and lead. Not 'make the charge ' to accomplish a goal, but actually lead the folks who are currently dragging their feet as slowly as possible to the finish line, post haste.

Full story here.

It's time. It's past time. If this takes more than the first 6 months of this year, Democrats will be responsible, wholly.

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