Lieberman
keeps up the DADT fight and more
, contributing editor, 365Gay Blog 12.13.2010
8:38am EST
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Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal on life support. Last week, the U.S. Senate hid behind process instead of
taking a stand for principle. The defense authorization bill, attached
with a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal amendment, was defeated 57-40. Here
is what West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin had to say after giving his no
vote. “While I believe the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy will be repealed
someday, and probably should be repealed in the near future, I do not
support its repeal at this time.” So the policy “probably” needs to be
gone, but right now ain’t the time? Anyone want to explain that to me? While
it looks bleak, Sens. Joe Lieberman and Susan
Collins
are bringing a stand alone bill during this lame duck session. Called
S.4022, the bill is sponsored by Lieberman, Collins, Sen. Kirsten
Gillibrand and Sen. Mark Udall. This is a long shot and depends on
the Senate staying in session during its Christmas break. Call your
senator and tell him/her to keep working until this is done.
- Protest held last Friday. Servicemembers Legal Defense
Network sponsored a rally on Friday afternoon protesting the Senate vote. The
organization wants the Senate to keep working until repeal is done. “If we
miss this window it will be years before legislation could make its way
make to the floor,” said Michelle Benecke, a co-founder of SLDN.
- Is the DADT vote Obama’s fault? Andrew Sullivan says no. The Atlantic magazine
writer argues President Obama pushed for repeal as hard as possible,
only to be blocked by the GOP. While I think that is a fair reading, even
with the Justice Department fighting for the policy in the
courts, let’s wait to see what the White House does if repeal can’t
survive the work of Collins, Lieberman, Gillibrand and Udall. If
DADT survives this session of Congress, and the president orders the
military to cease and desist with kicking gay soldiers out, then there’s
not much else we can expect from him. On this issue that is.
- Rich takes on the homophobes. Depending on your politics,
Frank Rich’s Sunday columns are either a
godsend or the scribblings of Satan’s helper. Don’t think too many readers
here are going to complain about Rich’s smack down of Bill Donohue. The
leader of the Catholic League got his knickers in a twist over a David Wojnarowicz piece called “Fire in My
Belly.” Donahue and his minions trotted out anti-gay bile, and the
National Portrait Gallery caved by taking the piece down.
- PFLAG ’s founding president dies at 90. Adele Starr, the first national president
of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, died on Friday. RIP
and thank you.
- Atlanta mayor apologizes for bar raid. The City Too Busy To Hate
finally did right for its 2009 raid of the Atlanta Eagle. On September 10, 2009, 62
patrons were handcuffed, illegally searched, and kept on the ground for
approximately two hours. “I believe that what occurred that evening should
not have happened and should not happen again,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “As
mayor of Atlanta, I feel pain for anyone mistreated in our city and
apologize to each plaintiff in the . . . case.” Along with the public
contrition, there is a $1 million settlement between the bar and city.
- Elizabeth Edwards’ funeral. When do Westboro Baptist
Church weirdos pray and listen to sermons? All their energy seems spent
protesting funerals. Or at the very least announcing they will show up
with their kooky signs. Only five Westboro fools–including two
children–showed up at the home coming of Elizabeth Edwards.
