President Obama Should End DADT with the Stroke of a Pen | 11 comments
I would prefer an executive order (0.00 / 0)
Sending it to congress just gives more time to the debate, distracts from other issues, and gives the pundits too much raw meat.  If it is done by executive order, then it's done.  Period.  After that the critics can whine and complain, but it is a done issue.

"No U.S. soldier ever dies in vain because they're carrying out the missions of their commander in chief. And we honor all the service that they've provided." - Barack Obama
[ Parent | ]
I'm not sure it would be a done issue in your scenario (0.00 / 0)
The only way to achieve any measure of finality is to get the statute off the books, in my opinion.  It may be, as you say, a lot easier for one man to change the policy than it is for Congress to act, but that's the whole point.  If the decision is retained by the executive branch, then the issue will just bounce back and forth each time the Presidency is delivered to the other political party (like other social issues that may be addressed as a matter of executive discretion... international aid to health organizations that provide abortion services, for example).  And then what do you say to the guy that reads the executive order, comes out of the closet, and then gets booted when the next right wing administration rolls in (as it inevitably will sooner or later)?      
[ Parent | ]
This needs to be an openly democratic process (0.00 / 0)
I have to side with Kayla on this one. DADT is a civil rights and national security issue and needs to be presented as such. There should be congressional debate and there should be an opportunity for leaders to choose publicly whether to be on the side of right or wrong. It needs to be clearly demonstrated that there is public support behind this initiative and is not simply the result of overzealous executive authority.

The critics are going to whine and complain no matter what, but public discourse and the opinion of the legions of national security experts who disagree with DADT will help chip away at their already indefensible position. On one side, you'll have Jim Webb, Wesley Clark, Paul Eaton, etc, etc, etc. On the other, you'll have Elaine Donnally and Sean Hannity. It may take more time, but it will get done the right way with no chance to be overturned by future administrations.  

[ Parent | ]
I have to take a moment and say one thing (0.00 / 0)
I really appreciate being able to discuss this.  I know it may sound like a simple thing, but it is not.  I was on a certain other blog yesterday.  No one on either side wanted to actually discuss the issue like this.  It was simply partisan attacks and petty attitudes back and forth.  I seriously appreciate being able to discuss the logistics of this issue in a reasonable manner.  Thank you.

I don't really care how it happens - as long as the policy ends.  I can see pros and cons of the executive order versus congressional mandate.  I still lean towards the executive order method, but as long as DADT is ended, I don't really care how.

"No U.S. soldier ever dies in vain because they're carrying out the missions of their commander in chief. And we honor all the service that they've provided." - Barack Obama

[ Parent | ]
We like you too, Chris. (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent | ]
Elaine Donnelly (4.00 / 1)
is my nemesis. Why does anyone listen to her on issues of gays or women in the military? She has never served, and makes ridiculous, outdated arguments.  
[ Parent | ]
Elaine (4.00 / 1)
You're not afraid of the army full roaming bands of attack lesbians that Donnelly has warned us about?

If you're going to insist on only listening to advocates who have credibility and logic on their side, I'm afraid that this is going to be a very one-sided discussion.

--Casey

[ Parent | ]
Cedibility and Logic? (4.00 / 1)

Like this guy?

David Gibbs III, a lawyer who in 2005 fought to keep brain-damaged Terri Schiavo on life support, told rally participants gay marriage would "open the door to unusual marriage in North Carolina.

"Why not polygamy, or three or four spouses?" Gibbs asked. "Maybe people will want to marry their pets or robots."

http://www.newsobserver.com/po...

[ Parent | ]
President Obama Should End DADT with the Stroke of a Pen | 11 comments
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