Judge Rules Don't Ask/Don't Tell Policy Unconstitutional

[fasteddy]

This judge made the right choice. Bet it has the far right PO.

Actually libertarians like myself are quite pleased and in talking with some other "right" minded folks today they thought it was time to put an end to the nonsense and discrimination.

 

[fasteddy]

The Democrats won majorities in 2008 by energizing both their base and moderates. The moderates in large measure because they were so disgusted with Bush & Co.

I'm sorry to say that those groups are simply not going to be energized enough to go to the polls based solely on DADT. But the hardline conservatives and rightward-leaning moderates definitely will.

Nobody is arguing that conservatives won't pick up seats in this election.
The issue is how many more seats they'll win - will it be enough to even take the Democrats' senate majority away.
If a gay-rights issue goes to vote, it will push Republican votes even higher than they are already going to be.

In talking with a liberal friend today we discussed the irony of how Sen. Boxer might be defeated because of a victory for gay rights. The thrust being that energized bigots will turn out in greater numbers to show their anger at the court ruling.

 

[metta]

White House Responds To Ruling On Don't Ask, Don't Tell

I reached out earlier today to the White House for response to yesterday's ruling declaring "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" unconstitutional, and just received this statement from White House spokesman Shin Inouye:

"The Justice Department is studying the decision, including the question of its scope and immediate effect and we expect them to announce their next steps after that review is completed. The President remains committed to legislative repeal of DADT, and he will continue to work with lawmakers to achieve that goal this fall. And he will continue to work closely with Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff on an ongoing study of how to best implement the repeal."

http://www.towleroad.com/2010/09/white-house-responds-to-ruling-on-dont-ask-dont-tell.html

 

[scream4ever]

^^^I was just about to post that metta! That's the first time I've heard Obama is pushing for the legislative repeal for this fall, so I consider it good news.

Everyone take a moment and call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and whomever your senators are and tell them to push for a floor vote on the Defense Authorization Bill. If it can be voted on before the Nov. elections it's (IMO) guaranteed to pass.

 

[chrisrobin]

The only thing the Senate needs to do is to block all legislation. Let Republican obstruction continue!

 

[scream4ever]

^^^60 votes are required to break a fillibuster. So far, at least 4 Republicans (Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, Scott Brown, and Dick Lugar) have said they won't vote to fillibuster the defense bill. At least 3 Democrats would have to vote to keep the fillibuster (last year only 1 Democrat voted as such).

 

[fasteddy]

Reid doesn't have the balls to pursue the bill before the election, he is afraid of energizing the folks in his state against him even more and nationwide the dems are only giving lip service(and not the fun kind) to the issue as they always have.

 

[frankfrank]

Okay, LET the Republicans and TeaBaggers go around and rant and rave about this, when there are far bigger fish to try (outsourcing, ramifications of the Health Bill, etc.)!

It may be a few years too late for them to make hay on this issue any more. With the economy still in its sorry state (uh, maybe Montana should change its name to Handbasket, so its capital would be Helena, Handbasket - lol), I think the electorate may have little patience left if Republicans dwell on morality issues (which in this case is no longer even seen as such an issue at all by many).

Come on, Justice Department - don't do anything for a change - MAKE MY DAY!!!!

 

[metta]

Profile of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Judge Phillips

http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_judge12.2b08e9e.html