Barack Obama to end US army's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy towards gays

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | January 14, 2009 | Alex Spillius

[CaspersGh0sts]

The move is expected to be among a series of symbolic changes he will push through quickly to stamp his mark on the presidency.

He is also expected to reverse several controversial executive Bush decisions within days of taking office next week.

Mr Obama has committed to closing the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay and will formally ban all interrogative techniques that could be described as torture, such as waterboarding.

It is expected that he will also reverse Mr Bush's orders restricting the distribution of funds for stem cell research and to overseas groups that offer abortion counselling.

The change of policy on homosexuality will allow gays to serve openly in all branches of the armed forces.

...

Although introduced before he came to power, Mr Bush's refusal to change the "don't ask, don't tell" policy angered many in America.

...Colin Powell, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is among influential figures who have called for the policy to be re-evaluated.

During his campaign Mr Obama often spoke out against what he called Bush's abuse of executive authority.

"I was a constitutional law professor, which means unlike the current president, I actually respect the Constitution," he said in 2007. ...

[Humal]

This is very close to Secret Agent Man's figure of 10%. Maybe the 60% I had read (here on FR) was a gross exaggeration. I do remember the large retirement of jet pilots when Clinton took office. It was close to 60% from what I read. I wouldn't blame them for wanting to get out, but it makes the American public more at risk.

[Secret Agent Man]

Yes. This will give them the ability to get in people’s faces about it and be protected doing so. The ones who complain will now be the troublemakers and require re-education.

[Secret Agent Man]

Yes but you cannot refuse to take it. It’s done a real number on a significant number of people. They will never be the same, many can’t fly anymore and are permanently disabled by it. It is very scary.

[Secret Agent Man]

Just to be clear, the “10%” isn’t MY figure, it’s the figure I read from a survey the armed forces took internally of the currently serving soldiers. I am just referencing it.

[Humal]

Thank you for the clarification. Maybe I should have said, “the figure you quoted”?

[DestinyEagle]

I have a lot of friends currently serving and I guarantee they aren’t going to just stand by while homosexuals practice their vile sex acts in the barracks. There is going to be a backlash big time. Obama has no right to force these degenerate lifestyle practices on our men and women in uniform.