Editorial
At Long Last, Military Honor
New York Times
Published: December 19, 2010
More than 14,000 soldiers lost their jobs and their dignity over the last 17 years because they were gay, but there will be no more victims of this injustice. The nation’s military is about to send a message of tolerance and shared purpose to the world — now that political leaders, who voted for legalized bigotry in the armed forces in 1993 and kept it alive since then, have found the strength to stand up and end it.
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The Senate vote on Saturday afternoon to allow open service by gay and lesbian soldiers was one of the most important civil rights votes of our time. The ringing message of the decision to end the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law will carry far beyond its immediate practical implications. Saturday may be remembered as the day when sexual tolerance finally become bipartisan.
Sadly, the vast majority of Republicans remained on the benighted side of the party line. Senator John McCain disgraced his distinguished military career by flailing against the vote, claiming it would be celebrated only in liberal bastions like Georgetown salons. But to the surprise even of supporters of repeal, eight Republican senators broke with party orthodoxy and voted with virtually every Democrat to end the policy. Fifteen House Republicans did the same on Wednesday. By focusing on history and decency, they took a stand of which their states can be proud. Perhaps a new moral momentum may even help them erase the remaining traces of prejudice in public life, including Washington’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriage.
They listened to senators like Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins, who helped round up the votes. They studied the Pentagon’s examination of the implications of repeal, prepared by the Defense Department’s general counsel, Jeh Johnson, which said it posed little risk to the military. They heard the voices of leaders like Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said repeal would enhance security by retaining soldiers who would otherwise be discharged or never enlist.
And those 23 Republicans split from those in their party who believe their principal purpose is to humble President Obama. The president, who will soon sign the bill into law, made repeal a signature promise, joined by Democratic leaders in the House and Senate. If he can muster support for the New Start nuclear treaty in the next few days, he will end the year, and the first half of his term, with more solid accomplishments than seemed likely after the midterm elections.
There is still much work to be done. The vote in Congress does not end the policy outright. That will come only after the administration certifies that it has prepared the armed services for the change, and after an additional 60 days. It should take only a few months to properly educate officers and enlisted forces and put the new policy into effect. During those weeks, as a matter of obvious fairness, the military should pledge not to discharge any more soldiers who acknowledge being gay.
After the transformative vote, Mr. Obama said thousands of men and women would no longer have to live a lie in order to serve their country. As they begin this new chapter in their service, their country too will find itself transformed for the better.
Sadly, the vast majority of Republicans remained on the benighted side of the party line. Senator John McCain disgraced his distinguished military career by flailing against the vote, claiming it would be celebrated only in liberal bastions like Georgetown salons. But to the surprise even of supporters of repeal, eight Republican senators broke with party orthodoxy and voted with virtually every Democrat to end the policy. Fifteen House Republicans did the same on Wednesday. By focusing on history and decency, they took a stand of which their states can be proud. Perhaps a new moral momentum may even help them erase the remaining traces of prejudice in public life, including Washington’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriage.
They listened to senators like Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins, who helped round up the votes. They studied the Pentagon’s examination of the implications of repeal, prepared by the Defense Department’s general counsel, Jeh Johnson, which said it posed little risk to the military. They heard the voices of leaders like Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said repeal would enhance security by retaining soldiers who would otherwise be discharged or never enlist.
And those 23 Republicans split from those in their party who believe their principal purpose is to humble President Obama. The president, who will soon sign the bill into law, made repeal a signature promise, joined by Democratic leaders in the House and Senate. If he can muster support for the New Start nuclear treaty in the next few days, he will end the year, and the first half of his term, with more solid accomplishments than seemed likely after the midterm elections.
There is still much work to be done. The vote in Congress does not end the policy outright. That will come only after the administration certifies that it has prepared the armed services for the change, and after an additional 60 days. It should take only a few months to properly educate officers and enlisted forces and put the new policy into effect. During those weeks, as a matter of obvious fairness, the military should pledge not to discharge any more soldiers who acknowledge being gay.
After the transformative vote, Mr. Obama said thousands of men and women would no longer have to live a lie in order to serve their country. As they begin this new chapter in their service, their country too will find itself transformed for the better.
4 comments:
Yep, I reckon that article says it all... and very eloquently.
The line about John McCain disgracing his distinguished military career is very powerful.
Couldn't agree more, Gary.. . yep...esp that McCain. . . .! ;-)
radjoe
Justin and Gary, McCain, is more
than a turncoat, first saying he
was for gays, then talking out of
the other side of his mouth. Even
his wife is much smarter than he.
Lying politicians, or Hypocrites,
don't we have enough crooks. I never used to believe my brother-
in-law, whom said they should line
up all politicians everywhere and
they should all be shot. I know what I mean, but can't spell it unless I have a dictionary. lol
Naughty list:
John McCain
John Boehner
Mitch McConnell
Eric Canter
....need I say more! Hhehehheh!
Smiles, JCinmeforever
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