Even though nearly 80% of Americans are in favor of ending the law that currently bans servicemembers who are openly gay from serving in the U.S. military, also known as the law “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the U.S. Senate has decided to forego the issue for the time being instead of acting on it and taking a step towards equality. In asserting the public agenda, this policy issue provokes public problems that some believe cause unfairness to others. GetEqual and other equal rights activist groups believe that today was a disappointing day for everyone engaged in ending the ban on lesbian, gay, and bisexual servicemembers. A filibuster pushed by Sen. John McCain kept the NDAA from advancing in the Senate this afternoon. GetEqual continues to push President Obama to end military discharges immediately.
http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/the_us_senate_punts_on_dont_ask_dont_tell
Kilee Imlay
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When I read about this decision to filibuster the "Don't ask Don't tell" policy I was completely shocked. This policy must/will eventually be passed because our society is now more acceptable towards gays/lesbians. Any American who wants to represent our country should haven't to hide his feelings or actions. I enjoyed reading your article because I didn't know before the GetEqual continues to push Obama. I hope Obama does the right thing for once and listens to the public and overrules this "dumb" filibuster.
ReplyDelete- Brad Beckwith
I may be wrong so correct me if I am but I don't think that the President has the power to overrule a filibuster. That requires 3/5 of the Senate.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the Senate putting off this issue though. There are many more pressing matters that are more important to the public. Economic recovery is a very big topic right now and for most I could understand wishing for that to be first and foremost. There will be a time soon when this policy goes back on the floor but for now it can wait.