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Lieberman Introduces Bill to Repeal DADT

Posted by B. Daniel Blatt at 3:01 am - March 4, 2010.
Filed under: 111th Congress,Credit To Obama,DADT,Gays In Military

One of the smartest moves this Administration has made has been to delegate to the 2000 Democratic Vice Presidential nominee the task of introducing the bill to repeal Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell.  And yesterday, that good man introduced legislation to that effect:

Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, legislation that would lift the ban and prohibit discrimination against gay service members. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.) said he expects his panel to take up the measure in May as part of the annual defense authorization bill.

Given the respect the soon-to-be senior Senator from the Nutmeg State enjoys in military circles, advocates for repeal (including yours truly) could better make the argument that repeal won’t compromise military readiness or unit cohesion.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it was a smart move to put Lieberman at the forefront of this effort.

Now, let’s hope that where there’s a will, there will be a way.  And that the superextended vote on health care won’t sap the energy out of Congres from moving forward on repeal.

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11 Comments

  1. [...] more: Lieberman Introduces Bill to Repeal DADT Share with [...]

    Pingback by Lieberman Introduces Bill to Repeal DADT | The HomoFile — March 4, 2010 @ 4:42 am - March 4, 2010

  2. I thought you wanted to know what the military report said about repeal first? Or was that Bruce? or was I just mistaken?

    Comment by American Elephant — March 4, 2010 @ 6:14 am - March 4, 2010

  3. One of the smartest moves this Administration has made has been to delegate to the 2000 Democratic Vice Presidential nominee the task of introducing the bill to repeal Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell.

    How do you do that and argue for it in court?

    Comment by ThatGayConservative — March 4, 2010 @ 6:46 am - March 4, 2010

  4. 2: Excellent point, TGC. The Obama Administration has zero credibility when it comes to this issue. Oh not just on defense matters, but on actually keeping its promises. I do not doubt Lieberman’s sincerity in seeking repeal yet I have no faith whatsoever in his party leadership in spending the political capital it will take to get repeal through. The health care debacle will not help either as partisanship is ramped up so high now even something like repeal that if polls are to believed has large support among the electorate will suffer because of it.

    Nope, the Dems have no spine and this will go nowhere. It’ll be buried in committee till after the election and die there.

    Comment by John — March 4, 2010 @ 8:55 am - March 4, 2010

  5. Uh oh! Now liberals must be in favor of DADT, otherwise they will support Lieberman!

    Comment by Mitch — March 4, 2010 @ 9:32 am - March 4, 2010

  6. Why can’t you lift the ban while still allowing discrimination? It’s the difference between a slow approach to a snowball. The military should be allowed as much flexibility to manage their soldiers for maximum effect.

    BTW, I think allowing discriminating does not mean they will still do it, but it gives them a way of dealing with issues in a military way as opposed to civilian methods.

    Comment by anon2273892 — March 4, 2010 @ 11:31 am - March 4, 2010

  7. What I think it interesting is that Lieberman says he doesn’t have 60 votes yet to pass it. I would like to know how that is possible, because I would think at least Snowe and Collins would support it…and that with all Dems would be enough. I would have to think some democrats won’t vote for it yet or something….probably the D-bag Nelson…

    Comment by Darkeyedresolve — March 4, 2010 @ 12:10 pm - March 4, 2010

  8. Why can’t you lift the ban while still allowing discrimination?

    I’ll second that — the “prohibiting discrimination against gays” part raises an orange flag of caution for me, as it has all sorts of potential for mischief (e.g., when someone passed over for promotion is eager to blame anything but his/her own performance).

    Comment by Throbert McGee — March 4, 2010 @ 7:54 pm - March 4, 2010

  9. [...] Lieberman Introduces Bill to Repeal DADT [...]

    Pingback by GayPatriot » Prediction: No DADT Repeal This Year–Or Possibly This President — March 4, 2010 @ 8:58 pm - March 4, 2010

  10. I guess not.

    Comment by American Elephant — March 5, 2010 @ 1:09 am - March 5, 2010

  11. Wait a second where are the Republicans you all worship at at the altar at. Hmmm looks likes not even the moderates will vote this way must less the conservatives. Imagine that.

    Comment by Tim W — March 5, 2010 @ 3:03 pm - March 5, 2010

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