Posted on 06/30/2010 10:52:21 AM PDT by Second Amendment First
The gay soldiers arrested outside the White House protesting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will annouce today that they're demanding that President Obama testify in their trial on minor civil disobedience charges.
Their novel argument: Obama himself called on gay rights advocates to pressure him, so they were just following orders.
"Don't Ask" has energized gay rights activists frustrated with the White House's deliberate pace, even as Democratic leaders are frustrated with continued protests, as repeal is on track for next year.
The subpoena in the defense of Lieutenant Dan Choi and Captain James Pietrangelos
As the advisory puts it,
The subpoena seeks to compel the testimony of President Barack Obama who has, on several occasions as President and Commander in Chief (and previously as a Senator and Presidential Candidate) called on the LGBT community to "pressure" him to change the DADT law and policy, thus allowing gay service members to serve their country openly and honorably.
The subpoena of the President is necessary for the defense to prove that Defendants were following and obeying lawful orders or directives by their President and Commander in Chief, and were therefore under an obligation and authority to act as they did in order to pressure him - in a non-violent, visible way - on this important public issue. In addition, these statements support the contention that Defendants were acting out of necessity, in order to prevent discrimination and greater harm to gay service members now serving.
More detail from their lawyers here.
It would be really sad if these soldiers were otherwise doing their jobs as soldiers well. They’re finished now, and there’s no way they’ll get 0bama to testify on their behalf.
How Freudian...and I am sure he would love it.
I’m still waiting for someone with a pair, in the media or in Congress- or even on talk radio- to bring up the uncomfortable subject of exchange of bodily fluids on a battle field.
Keep gays OUT of the military for the sake of our children who have chosen to serve!
That’s the one subpoena Obama may not try to dodge.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.