With rioting in the streets of Iran, and a North Korean nuclear missile likely targeting Oahu right now, could perhaps someone else take the lead in repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell? Because I think Obama’s plate is full.

Nancy Pelosi represents the people of San Francisco—I’m pretty sure she’s qualified to take the lead on any gay rights issue. She doesn’t have to wait for Obama to ask. That so many good people signed a letter to Obama saying, “No, you do something,” is an abdication of leadership.

How is DADT subject to legislative action? I would think any such action would likely be of questionable constitutionality, since the President’s power to set military policy is essentially limitless. The responsibility here lies directly with Obama, not Congress.

264.  Wow—that’s a lot. 

No, repeal requires legislative action.  But the President has the power to suspend implementation of the policy which would force the legislature’s hand. 

The fact that there’s a lot going on in the world is precisely what makes this feasible.  The President can sign a piece of paper, perhaps at a ceremony with some decorated gay veterans, give some talking points to Robert Gibbs and place the burden on those in Congress who want to wail that this would weaken our national security.

the President has the power to suspend implementation of the policy which would force the legislature’s hand.

This is absolutely true. But this fact has yet to push DADT repeal up the President’s to-do list.

Congress made the law; Congress can change the law, completely on their own.

“Because I think Obama’s plate is full.”

Yeah, but…

The problem with that kind of thinking is there never will be a “good” time to do something controversial but right. 

In 1948, with the Cold War getting seriously under way, with Europe devastated, Truman integrated the armed forces by executive order.  A year later the Russians tested their first atomic bomb, the Korean War started in 1950, etc.

Lyndon Johnson was up to his neck in Vietnam, with anti-war protests getting louder, civil rights marchers facing off against the segregationists, but he still found time to push important civil rights, voting rights, and welfare legislation.  This was also the height of the cold war. 

Things are actually calmer now…

Jerry Vinokurov: You are mistaken.  Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power “To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces.”  Under this authority, Congress passed the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law in 1993.  While the president probably has the authority to suspend discharges unilaterally, Congress must repeal the ban.  Of course, they won’t do so until the president (with the Pentagon’s backing) tells them to, so you are right to say that ultimately it is presidential leadership that is required.

Pam: Is Dixon Osburn really still planning on attending the DNC fundraiser?  I’m a little surprised.

I agree with the people who are saying this isn’t Obama’s to fix - it belongs to Congress. It is a law. The confusion follows because the last time the public followed this, it WAS subject to Presidential-only action - which caused Congress to step in and pass the law when Clinton announced that he was going to take exactly that action.

At the same time, people act as though claiming this means anything with regards Obama. Since it is not within his ability to unilaterally repeal it, it follows all the more clearly that “he has too much on his plate” is utter bullshit. All he has to do is issue a statement that he finds the policy reprehensible and urges Congress to repeal it at their first opportunity. That’s what, 30 seconds at any given regularly schedule press conference, followed by periodic repetitions about how Congress needs to take action during subsequent ones.

End of issue.

Truman integrated the armed forces by executive order. 

The difference is that black folks were already “openly” in the armed forces. As far as I have been able to verify, black folks have served all throughout our history. Not just black folks passing as white which would be analogous to don’t ask, don’t tell.

This suggests the possibility of an openly gay, separate-but-equal corps as a first step towards integration. The 91st Gay Blades. The gay brigade, or the gay-crewed frigate.

But I have a thought. Get your Congressperson to sign the letter to Obama. Mine already has. When the number reaches 220—when there is a ready made majority—then Obama would have nothing to lose by signing an executive order.

then Obama would have nothing to lose by signing an executive order.

Except the Senate vote.  We really don’t know what the vote count there is right now, though we’ll have a better idea once a companion repeal bill is introduced (probably some time next month).

Congress made the law; Congress can change the law, completely on their own.

Yes and no.  Congressional Democrats (and Dems in the White House, come to that), are still scared shitless of being labeled “weak on national security.”  They need political cover from the Joint Chiefs, the service Secretaries and the Secretary of Defense.  Ultimately, it’s Obama’s responsibility to deliver their support.  He’s made a very good start by appointing John McHue Secretary of the Army.  Maybe now the Pentagon will actually start to study the question, leading to repeal within two or three years.

I was energized and excited by the possibility of movement on DADT in the first 100 days, and repeal by 2010.  As I come to understand just how much more work needs to be done by our community, my money is now on 2013.

Yeah, upon doing further research, I sit corrected. Looks like DADT was codified by Congressional action in 1993, rather than being a Presidential directive, which I had always assumed it was.

Pam, we may finally agree on one thing, I think they should suspend the DADT policy. It should make no difference what your sexual orientation is, if you want to serve your country! There are plenty of heterosexual men and women that don’t have the courage to serve our country.  If you’re gay and want to serve, I have the utmost respect for you and my full support!!

And we all know how well those Strongly Worded Letters work.
These congress jellyfish* have gerrymandered their districts into life time appointments.  So show some conviction, you useless sea cows**!

*With apologies to any poisonous sea dwelling invertebrates who may feel slighted by comparison to Congress-critters.
** ...and sedentary sea mammals.

You can suspend but not indefinitely.  He won’t do it unless Congress appears ready to move in 1-3 months.  I think DADT is ripe to die.  DOMA, probably not quite enough votes yet.

I was in the wait and give Obama a chance camp, but he has thoroughly fucked us over and the Democrats and their gay kapos will get neither my money or my votes in the coming elections. It may seem counterproductive to allow more conservatards to win elections, but like Obama I’m playing the long game. And at least the conservatives aren’t lying to the gays.