Jul 30 2009

For those who think this administration is doing what it can to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", I have news for you: think again. Not only are they not using the powers they have to issue a 'stop-loss' order, they are actively now attempting to thwart any Congressional action on the issue. This is not a hunch, we now have enough information to know it is tragically true.

Gay Flag At the Gay Pride celebration at the White House our community cheered, rightfully so, as the President of the United States proclaimed that DADT was a 'national security issue'. That is a serious description. If those words were genuine, then the repeal of it should be a priority based on our nation's security. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.

Instead, the White House operations have actively been busy killing any progress on the issue they can in the US Senate. More disturbing, there are increasing reports that our some of our national leaders might be in our the game. In fact, some of our straight allies, like New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (photograph), Congressman Alcee Hastings and Congressman Patrick Murphy have been tougher on this issue than some of our own leaders. These folks deserve for us to remember their aggressive and hard working efforts to overturn the ban. They all have my admiration.

First we had the talented reporter Jason Bellini report on "Daily Beast" that some LGBT leaders and organizations were telling the President it was ok to delay DADT. Then, this week, we have the Palm Report in a 15 page expose talking about how the leadership of our community and the White House have collaborated to slow DADT down. Finally if anyone has any doubt, just listen to this interview with Congressman Hastings who explains he was directly asked by the White House to withdraw an amendment that would have cut off funds for the enforcement of DADT.

Despite direct pressure from the White House, Senator Gillibrand is proceeding with hearings on the issue this fall. Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, despite the heat, has stepped up to the plate and supported such hearings. These will be the first hearings ever to explore repealing DADT. This is a major step forward on this issue since almost all others have been stopped in their tracks by White House intervention.

We need no further evidence. The White House is not waiting for Congress to act as it has proclaimed. It is attempting, at this stage, to prevent Congress from acting so it won't have to deal with this issue. This is indeed tragic and President Obama would be well served to 'can' the rhetoric until he is honestly and truthfully ready to proceed without hesitation and deliver the goods.