NOTE FROM JOHN: Note the language. Now it's "change... to whatever degree," and a hope to "repeal." It's increasingly clear that they're going to negotiate on DADT just like they did on the stimulus package, just like they're doing on health care. Better to have a "bipartisan" deal than actually keep your promise?
Today, Obama's nominee for Army Secretary, John McHugh, was asked about ending the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. His answer actually raises some questions. Kerry Eleveld has the details:
McHugh said the military's gay ban was "a serious issue" that he has not addressed since it was implemented in 1993. "The reality is the president has made very clear, and I have not talked to the president directly, but I have talked to high officials in the administration, and I have no doubt the president is going to press forward with his intent to change that policy -- to whatever degree remains to be seen. I think he would like a full reversal," he said. (emphasis added)There's no way McHugh didn't expect a question on DADT. But, to whatever degree remains to be seen? And, I think he would like a full reversal? Obama promised -- repeatedly -- that he was going to repeal the policy. That's the only acceptable degree.
"It’s also without question that Secretary Gates has begun a process of what he describes as ‘softening’ that policy; whatever that may mean remains to be seen," McHugh said of the Defense Department's review of how the policy is currently being implemented.
McHugh added that, if confirmed, his job would involve gathering information from military leaders and relaying it to President Barack Obama as well as explaining the rationale of any policy change to Congress and the military.
Can't anyone in the Obama administration be unequivocal about anything related to LGBT issues?
