Obama National Security Adviser Doesn't Know If "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Will Be Repealed

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's national security adviser says allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military is in the early discussions.

But retired Marine Gen. James Jones says it's very preliminary in a very busy administration.

Jones said Sunday he's not sure if the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy would be overturned, although Obama has said he wants it eliminated. Jones said the decision to go forward lies with the president.

For now, Jones says, "We have a lot on our plate right now."

To change the Clinton-era policy, Obama would need Congress' approval. Recent polls suggest public support but the White House faces other challenges with lawmakers, such as passing his budget and health care plan.

Jones spoke on ABC's "This Week."

Comments

[MyMindSpray]

Isn't the president supposed to be in charge of the military? Like, isn't that one of his ascribed positions, and he needs congressional approval to repeal this insane act?

[FebM]

Yes but congress makes the laws of the land, the prez is not above the law.

[Jaybot]

You mean, 'a Democratic President' is not above the law. It's evident Republican presidents can do as they please.

[Montgriz]

The congress might indeed pay the bills, but the President is Commander in Chief and also must sign any bills they send......Obama is showing cowardism here...once again....

[SD Indy]

Unfortunately he does need Congress to repeal it because they are the ones who put it into place (with the help of Bill Clinton).

What he can do however, is sign an executive order to discontinue the enforcement of DADT, but that is unlikely to happen.

[Doofus]

Racial segregation in the US military was eliminated in 1949
by an executive order from President Truman.

'Don't Ask - Don't Tell' was implemented as a federal law in 1993.

So much for foolish consistency.

Accomplishing such a change by law rather than by executive
order is possibly believed to provide political coverage for a
controversial decision. Maybe a lesson learned after 1949.
Not a strategy that worked too well for President Clinton.

[lmktacwa]

I heard on Rachel Maddow, that actually, President Obama can make the rule unenforceable with the stroke of a pen. Basically he can render it moot until such time as it has been analyzed. Hopefully, he'd get the rule reversed legally thru congress (they are the maker of laws). Yes he is the head of the military, but he can't make laws. The Constitution spells that out.

[hortonhearsawho2]

like, u'l learn that in the eigth grade, fer sure...

[bygollymissmolly]

It will eventually happen. But, what the President can do, right now as Commander in Chief, is to tell the military to stop expelling people because they have admitted they were gay. That is within his powers.

[JackNasty]

President Obama is far too busy firing gay Arab linguist Lieutenant Dan Choi to end the ban.

So much for candidate Obama's promise to be a fierce advocate for the righst fo gay Americans.
.

[RainbowPhoenix]

We should trust the word of this tool, why?

[Citizen-Jane]

It's about time that Obama come out publicly and speak on this issue. As I understood during the campaign season that Obama can multi- task. However congress needs to be pressured as well

If he does not make this happen soon I will find if difficult to support him in the 2012 season. Ever day that this ridiculous policy is allowed to exist speaks volumes about this current administration. Personally, I sorta expected this attitude toward DADT when he elected to keep Robert Gates as SoD. I'm not sure what General John James's personal position is on this issue, but Obama needs to PUBLICLY state clearly what his position on DADT NOW.

Both Choi and Tsao military careers(out standing officers) are floating in the wind right now because they both chose to come out and challenge this policy. A simple note of intent does not help either one of these soldiers only action will suffice. If he has the power to stop their discharge from services then get to it. What a shame/ travesty if he knowingly has the power to stop this irrational homophobic policy and did nothing.

And so far the only individuals who have shown bravery are Choi and Tsao publicly and nameless others, who are not reported in the news media, are just as brave as well. It is long past the time for the President to step up and delivery the begining salvo. Congress ALSO NEEDS TO ACT NOW.

DO NOT WAIT FOR OBAMA.

[hortonhearsawho2]

as chevy always said, ja.ne u ignor.Ant sl....t....

[Montgriz]

One thing being ommitted in all this discussion is that the USA has treaties with nations that have no such laws. Our troops are fighting next to and with troops from Canada, Great Britain, Spain, and even Israe now and then.......so, why are they ok with that? This is just the usual Christian bible crap we have come to know and loathe.....

[InOv8]

As a gay person who made hundreds of phone calls on behalf of Barack Obama's campaign for President, canvassed for him door-to-door, contributed to the campaign financially, sent e-mails to friends and colleagues supporting his campaign, purchased and wore publicly t-shirts supporting Obama '08, never once did I tell anyone that "this may not be the right time to elect an African-American for President." I'm beginning to wonder, would he have done the same for an LGBT candidate who brought the same talents, credentials, and intelligence as he did to his own campaign? Is there a time when the civil rights of one's fellow citizens is not right for their advocacy?

[JackNasty]

If President Obama continues to equivocate on this issue, I may think it's not the right time to vote for an equivocating President in 2012.

"What do we want? Gay rights! When do we want them? Now!" : The Gay Liberation Front, 1969.

[YellowDogInRedCounty]

I will give our President the benefit of the doubt, but if it is not rescinded by 2012, I will not give a penny to his re-election efforts.

http://manalive123.blogspot.com

[hortonhearsawho2]

yeah yeah, now tell us how ur an african american. really, we've heard um all b4...

[Cowboylove]

Obama can eliminate the discharge of gay and lesbians on the grounds of sexual orientation with the stroke of a pen. He is foolish to delay this any longer.

Obama has never been a strong advocate for gay rights. Even if DADT is overturned and gay marriage becomes legal, we still have a problem that is largely been ignored. Gays and lesbians can still be fired, denied housing, etc. They still remain unprotected until the President says they are equal citizens under the law and entitled to the same protections and rights of all other citizens under the constitution.

It seems an absurdity that Gay Americans must wait for someone to have the courage to give them legal status as human beings. Our grandchildren will judge us harshly for saying "it is not the right time" or " We have no problem with homosexuals as ling as they stay in their place and keep their mouths shut". The irony is, Washington DC may be the gayest place on Earth - and most republicans ans democrats who oppose gay civil right are gay themselves! It's getting to be harder adn harder to find closet space in Washington DC.

[Horatio]

Excellent point. And housing and employment discrimination affects FAR MORE homosexuals, bisexuals and the transgendered then does marriage. We are simply disorganized and disengaged as a community. The campaign against Prop. 8 was an ugly reminder. I know, I'm gay and Californian.

[Anonani]

Everybody wants Mr. Obama to do everything RIGHT NOW.

[hortonhearsawho2]

and that was yesterday...

[impik]

Obama gave a personal promise, only this week, in his handwriting letter, that he will change it. Even if it'll take time, he will change it. But i don't think it'll happen before he gets health care done. He made hundred of campaign promises, i don't know how people expect him to fulfill all of them in 100 days, or even in a year. Especially with all that he have to do.

[viflyer]

I am curios, is there anything that Obama has done that you are not happy with? Do you blindly defend EVERYTHING he does?

[Cowboylove]

In WWII there was an outcry when integrating the military was proposed. Those fears proved unjustified. Have we learned nothing. Institutionalized discrimination is wrong. Period. This is America for God's sake. If retired Gen. James Jones doesn't understand this, then perhaps he should step down.

We are frighting for the civil liberties of all Americans. It would be wise to remember without liberty and justice for all, America is less than American.

[PatriaNostra]

The difference is, it was not the military making the outcry, many commanders during WWII had no problems integrating their forces (such as Patton). While today the problem lies mostly with the senior personnel with the military, those officers however should view gay soldiers/marines/sailors/airmen as soldiers/marines/sailors/airmen subject to the same standards and disciplines as all the rest and held up to the same codes of conduct...problem solved.

[Cowboylove]

Denying any American Civil Liberties is an act of violence against the constitution. Accepting gay sand lesbians into the military has been done around the world without problems or incident. America should be ashamed we are one of the few western Democracies that are hold out son this issue.

As for the difficulty in serving with gays and lesbians in the military - you have to be kidding. Their are more gays in the Navy and Marines than in a San Francisco Pride Parade. Why is making valiant soldiers deny their sexual orientation - and fear being outed - considered necessary for National Security. Wouldn't it be in everyone's interest to allow them to be honest? Conduct not orientation should be the issue, and the military already has sexual conduct regulations between heterosexuals that would work effectively against same sex fraternizing.

Pretending people are not gay does not make us more safe. It just continues a tradition of ignorance and unjustifiable fear.

[PlayTOE]

After 8 years of accepting the worst ... ppl are upset because Obama is only twice as good as expected.

[GrammaCarol]

I do believe that President Obama intends to repeal DADT. I am the mother of a lesbian daughter, the grandmother of a gay man, and a long-time member and supporter of PFLAG...yet I understand his need to wait, as do my gay family members.

Obama took office with a country that is very much changed from when he started his presidential campaign! He did not plan on nor cause this financial crisis. Considering that, I think he has done remarkably well with all he has been able to get done this early. I understand that he has had to prioritize, and put some issues on a "back burner" until he takes care of the most pressing first.

I understand Obama's need to wait on DADT. He has A LOT on his plate, much of it is going to take a fight with congress. Tabling DADT until after the fight for health care, for instance, makes sense to my family and me. He needs to pick his battles, do what makes the most good for the most people FIRST. There are MANY more people suffering with poor or no health care than suffering because of DADT. We need health care reform NOW, this year.

I have no doubt that DADT will be repealed by President Obama long before the end of his first term. Just give him a chance!

[JackNasty]

You are not gay. You do not speak for any gay people. You are doing a great disservice to gay Americans in the military by telling them to keep waiting.

Justice delayed is justice denied.

[GrammaCarol]

You did not read the part about having a gay daughter and grandson?? THEY understand why this needs to be done in a careful, considered manner...and to not get into too many fights with congress all at the same time. My grandson IS in the military and he understands the need to be patient a bit more.

Are you a gay American serving in the military? If not, perhaps you speak out of tune.

I think your name befits you.

[dm10003]

The budget and resources dedicated to FT’s* should be ideally zero.

The budget and resources dedicated to RBFT’s** should be absolutely zero.

*False Threats
**Religiously Based False Threats

[southwindow]

I don't know how we let him get away with saying he is a "fierce advocate for gays and lesbians" he is a tepid and lackadaisical one at best, at worst he isn't one at all.