He would be open to repealing it:
Barack Obama says if elected president he will not require that his Joint Chiefs of Staff be opposed to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that prevents gays from serving openly in the military.The Democratic presidential front-runner favors repealing the policy, which was instituted during the Clinton administration. He said his priority for the Joint Chiefs will be that they make decisions to strengthen the military and keep the country safe, not their position on the policy.
"I would never make this a litmus test for the Joint Chiefs of Staff," Obama said in an interview with The Advocate, a gay newsmagazine.
[...]
Asked what he could reasonably accomplish for the gay community as president, Obama said he can "reasonably see" repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy as well as signing legislation to ban workplace discrimination against gays. He said he'd like transgendered people to be covered by the law, but thinks it would be tough to get such legislation through Congress.
Obama also said he's interested in ensuring that same-sex couples in civil unions get federal benefits.
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It is very sad that Obama would even think of helping gays. He will do anything to get a vote.
It is very sad that Obama would even think of helping gays.
Why?
European and Israeli armies don't have any of this nonsense. It's time to enter the 21st century. For you conservative reformed people out there, maybe you should think about moving out of the the 16th century. A little progress now and then wouldn't hurt.
jeff hensley, WHY is it "very sad that Obama would even think of helping gays"???
And while we're at it, why is it that ONLY the people that "tell" get fired and not the ones who "ask"???
This ridiculous, discrimminatory policy has hurt America. They fired several dozen Arabic language translators merely because they were gay, and American troops paid a dear price for that tragic mistake.
Grow up, America! Like greg said above, hurry up and join the 21st century. Many other countries allow gays and lesbians to serve in the military with no adverse effects.
Michele, I see you made no comment either way. Interesting, especially in light of your apparent hate-on for Obama. Do you think just by posting that you will put him in a bad light or somehting? Your thoughts?
"It's very sad that Obama would think of helping gays." What's truly sad is that comment.
I'm a former military brat whose father served in three wars. If the author of that post isn't willing to put his life on the line in Iraq or Afghanistan right now, he has no business criticizing the many gay men and women who are serving our country with dignity and courage, and the many more who might be willing if we would stop being such hypocrites. (If it's O.K. for gays to serve and risk their lives, why isn't it O.K. for them to be open about who they are like any other soldier?) Obama is right to suggest we revisit this stupid and discriminatory policy. But of course the Republican attack machine will use his comments to inflame people's small-minded, mean-spirited and ugly attitudes, as they have done election after election--and we have all paid for the the disastrous results; but no one more than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice--gay and straight--and those who loved them.
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