“I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.â€
— President Barack Obama, State of the Union, January 27, 2010
One sentence. Thirty short words, out of a total of 7077. That’s all Barack Obama spent on the 66,000 LGBTQ servicemembers in our armed forces who live daily in fear.
I want to remind everyone that the policy/law is actually titled, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue, Don’t Harass.” Somehow, the military fogot about the last half of the title. Especially the don’t pursue part. DADT actually is responsible for an increase in discharges from the military; ironic, perhaps, as the law was supposed to offer some cover for gay men and women serving in the armed forces.
And this reminder, via Georgetown Law, as well:
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is the only law in this country that authorizes the firing of an American simply for coming out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.”
But, back to last night’s State of the Union.
On one hand, he included repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the State of the Union. That’s a big deal. many worthy initiatives don’t make it into the SOTU, so, one could say we should be heartened.
On the other hand, it was thirty words. And he didn’t say when (except, “this year,) how (except, “I will work with Congress,”) or who was responsible. He didn’t offer invoking stop-loss, which would put a hold on any further discharges until the law is repealed. He didn’t demand it, as he did the jobs bill (granted, jobs are hugely important.)
Reaction has been mixed. From the LGBTQ community, most of my friends are skeptical. “I’ll believe it when I see it,” is the bottom-line reaction from most. One wrote on my Facebook page, “I don’t think congress is going to answer that call…” Another, “He has just repeated the same thing he has said for the past 2 years.”
My feelings echo David Mixner’s statement today:
“The reference to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in a State of the Union message was no doubt a powerful and historic moment for the LGBT community. The community has succeeded in pushing this rock up the hill so that at last DADT is part of the national agenda. What I don’t understand is why the President continues to resist issuing a ‘stop-loss’ order and end this practice now instead of a prolong and maybe never ending Congressional battle? What a moral high ground he would have spoken from last night if he announced a ‘stop-loss’ order and then challenge Congress to meet his courage. The President has the power right this moment, beyond inspiration words, to create powerful change for this community. He once again decided not to use his Presidential powers and depend totally on Congress.”
“Bob Gates applauded the line. That’s the most encouraging sign in twenty years.”
I remain cautiously optimistic.
The President has effectively moved the ball into Congress’ court — he usual M.O. Will “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal be included in the Defense Department budget, as has been the expectation? Will Congress even answer the President’s call? John McCain, as I reported last night, has already said, “No.”
Our job now, as Lt. Dan Choi said last night, is to get to work to make repeal happen.
And as I said last night, “Game on!”