DADT vote happening now

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by Melissa

Does anyone know how the recent court ruling effects any of this? Also, for some reason I thought Obama had to go through Congress for a repeal and that an executive order couldn't be used. I thought I read this recently but now can't find where.

Melissa

I think that the reason was that an EO wouldn't secure the repeal of DADT on an absolute basis to stand forever- another president could come in and just undue his EO. But, within the first part of his taking office, he had enough political capital to do an EO and light the fire for Congress to pass legislation to get rid of it forever. This is my understanding only.

[Jess]

Rachel Maddow on yesterdays Senate activity.

http://gayrightsmedia.org/2010/on-th...the-far-right/


I'm not sure if Melissa was referring to the Log Cabin Republicans VS US GOV case. What I have been able to find out about it, is that it was first filed in 2004 and recently determined by Judge Virginia Phillips that DADT is unconstitutional. I believe she promised to put an injunction on DADT in two weeks if US GOV had not filed a formal appeal.

I have not been able to find whether or not the US GOV has filed such an appeal or if Robert Gates ( named specifically) has filed one.

If anyone has any current info it would be great if you could share it!

[Melissa]

Jess- Yes, that's the ruling I was referring to in my earlier post. The Obama admin has 60 days to file an appeal. I don't think that decision has been made or appeal has been filed yet.

Obama could suspend DODT with an exec order. It won't get rid of DODT but it could stop the military from firing or investigating anyone. For some reason, he has not done that. From the way I understand it, DODT would still be on the books but the EO would prevent it from being enforced. Which means that a new President could restart it again. So I'm not sure it would do much good. Especially if a service member came out while DODT was suspended and then was pushed out of the military in 2 years under a new President who scraps the EO.

Here's a article from the Huffington Post regarding an EO

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/aaron-..._b_199070.html.

Melissa

[Jess]

Thanks, Melissa. I was pretty sure you were talking about that case. I am praying it is allowed to stand as it would indeed set a legal standard for the constitutionality of discrimination of gays. I think it would be a mere step ( rather than leap) for the general population to see the very deep wrongs across the board from there, not just in military service.

I think Pres Obama could extend an EO with a pretty good bet that DADT will be revisited during his term. I just don't see it going away until the civil rights of all of us are sanctified.

Thanks again!

[AtLast]

I am mad as hell about what happened in the senate yesterday!

Ferfucksakes, they held up resources for our troops serving based on the politics around DADT!! But it is just fine for gays and lesbians serving to be killed and injured!

I am so tired of thr right wing GOP! And the fact of the matter is that I bet I personally fall on a pretty moderate scale on many issues overall. I'm not all that radical to the left most of the time. I also deeply support those in the military. No, I don't like war, but, these people are putting their lives on the line for us.

This just makes me sick on a human level.

[Jess]

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

I am mad as hell about what happened in the senate yesterday!

Ferfucksakes, they held up resources for our troops serving based on the politics around DADT!! But it is just fine for gays and lesbians serving to be killed and injured!

I am so tired of thr right wing GOP! And the fact of the matter is that I bet I personally fall on a pretty moderate scale on many issues overall. I'm not all that radical to the left most of the time. I also deeply support those in the military. No, I don't like war, but, these people are putting their lives on the line for us.

This just makes me sick on a human level.

I totally agree with "not liking war", hell, my old motto was " if they don't want gays to serve, then don't draft them" or denied for not being flat foot but "light in the loafer".
When I hear stories of folks actually willing and desirous to risk all for my rights ( whether I have them all or not) I have to place my support with these men and women.
I am pretty moderate also and do actually try to research my candidates and issues as I get older and try to become more informed.
I don't think anyone thought this would really pass on to the debate stage because why? Mid term elections.... Everything has to wait until then. Unfortunately, any decent politicians will only have about nine months to get anything done before what? 2012 elections....

I am only 46, but I swear, our system could not have always been this party driven, could it? Wasn't there a time when our representatives actually placed THAT responsibility first?

Perhaps we need a radical movement such as the Tea Party for those of us simply fighting for human rights. Maybe the Disco Party. I think it is time our electorate realizes that they can be voted out as easily as they were voted in. I would love to see the fat cats replaced with truly grass roots candidates who don't spend millions on ads or channels running 24/7 with their "message".

It becomes more difficult to retain hope for our future when our present is so crappy and doesn't seem to be heading into a brighter direction. Sorry for sounding so glum.

Thanks, At Last!

[christie]

Originally Posted by Jess

I totally agree with "not liking war", hell, my old motto was " if they don't want gays to serve, then don't draft them" or denied for not being flat foot but "light in the loafer".
When I hear stories of folks actually willing and desirous to risk all for my rights ( whether I have them all or not) I have to place my support with these men and women.
I am pretty moderate also and do actually try to research my candidates and issues as I get older and try to become more informed.
I don't think anyone thought this would really pass on to the debate stage because why? Mid term elections.... Everything has to wait until then. Unfortunately, any decent politicians will only have about nine months to get anything done before what? 2012 elections....

I am only 46, but I swear, our system could not have always been this party driven, could it? Wasn't there a time when our representatives actually placed THAT responsibility first?

Perhaps we need a radical movement such as the Tea Party for those of us simply fighting for human rights. Maybe the Disco Party. I think it is time our electorate realizes that they can be voted out as easily as they were voted in. I would love to see the fat cats replaced with truly grass roots candidates who don't spend millions on ads or channels running 24/7 with their "message".

It becomes more difficult to retain hope for our future when our present is so crappy and doesn't seem to be heading into a brighter direction. Sorry for sounding so glum.

Thanks, At Last!

Disco Party? Please tell me that polyester suits (ala Travolta in SNF) and those hideous hairstyles aren't required? I'm also opposed to sequins.

I think something like the "Has some Goddamn&d Sense" Party might be nice.