Republicans Still Opposed To Equality

Here are some facts.   Homosexuals have always fought for this country and done so bravely -- from the Revolutionary War to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.   Around two out of every three Americans believes that the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy (DADT) should be scrapped.   Forcing gays/lesbians in the military to hide their sexual preference or be kicked out violates the American promise of equal rights for all its citizens.   Majorities in both the House and Senate believe DADT should be repealed.   About 70% of those in the military, including most military leaders, think DADT should be done away with.

Considering the above facts, it would seem to be a foregone conclusion that the DADT policy would be repealed.   But that doesn't take into account the small-minded beliefs of congressional Republicans.   Republicans talk about equal rights but they don't really believe it. They only want equal rights for people like themselves -- not everyone.   They don't think they were elected to insure all Americans are treated equally, but to instead push their own narrow-minded religious beliefs on everyone else.

They proved that once again yesterday.   The Democratic leadership in the Senate tried to bring the military appropriations bill (which included repeal of DADT) to the Senate floor for a final vote, but to do that they needed 60 votes to stop the Republican filibuster.   They only got 57 votes.   There is no doubt that DADT would be repealed if allowed to be voted on, but the Republicans continue to prevent that with their filibuster.   This means it is unlikely that DADT can be repealed this year (and even more unlikely it could happen next year after the Republicans assume control of the House).

President Obama is not blameless in this whole mess.   On the campaign trial he promised to repeal DADT -- and two years later he has failed to accomplish that.   He could have just issued an administrative order (like Truman did to end segregation in the military), but he didn't.   He could also have instructed the Justice Department to not appeal the decision of a California judge that ruled DADT unconstitutional -- but he let the appeal happen anyway.

The president says the repeal of DADT should be done by Congress.   The truth is that he doesn't have the political courage to do it himself and wants congressional cover.   That is just sad.   It's time for the president to grow a spine and do the right thing (especially since the Republicans seem determined to block it in Congress).   And he should do it now.   America has waited long enough for him to keep his promise.