(Thumbnail image from Sky News)
“I am working with the Pentagon, its leadership and the members of the House and Senate on ending this policy. Legislation has been introduced in the House to make this happen. I will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. That’s my commitment to you.” -- Barack Obama, U.S. President (Footage from MSNBC)
At a gathering of prominent gay activists, U.S. President Barack Obama renewed his pledge to end the military’s policy of kicking out gay and lesbian service members if they openly tell people about their sexual orientation. We get insight on whether Obama will make good on his promise from The Atlantic, MSNBC, blog The Ordinary Gentlemen, CNN and The Wall Street Journal.
Andrew Sullivan at The Atlantic sums up why the majority of news outlets are skeptical Obama will follow through; he’s making pledges without giving timetables...
“...the sad truth is: he is refusing to take any responsibility for his clear refusal to fulfill clear campaign pledges on the core matter of civil rights and has given no substantive, verifiable pledges or deadlines by which he can be held accountable.”
MSNBC interviewed A.B Stoddard of The Hill who believes the president is being vague for a reason.
“This period between 2010 and 2012 will be a real time of sort of political moderation for the president because he’ll be running for reelection, so all of his big bold initiatives they’re coming now. He’s not going to take any big chances then. So you’re looking at, you know, 2013 and beyond if he’s going to act on this.”
A blogger for the Ordinary-Gentlemen.com is also doubtful. He highlights that if Obama really was serious about ending the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy he would’ve forced it through with an executive order.
“I mean, it was far more important for the President to push Chicago’s bid for the Olympics than it is for him to sign the executive order required to end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”
But CNN's "State of the Union" got perspective from Democratic strategist Donna Brazile. Brazile says the president is committed; it’s just a matter of time.
“This is more than just a dinner speech or conversation with a few friends. This a real commitment of the president to try to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation can be able and should be able to serve openly in the military.”
The Wall Street Journal interviewed the editor of The Advocate Jon Barret. Barret says regardless of what Obama decides to do, he’ll have to do make a decision quickly.
“We see there being a perfect storm in Washington right now, where we have a progressive president in the White House and we have a progressive majority in the House and Senate and there’s only two years that that might be there.”
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