Colin Powell has added his voice to the growing chorus calling for the repeal of DADT.
Colin Powell, still one of the most respected voices on national security in the United States, added his voice to the growing chorus of calls for the Obama White House to follow through on issues important to the LGBTQ community. Tensions have risen lately, as other issues repeatedly brought up on the campaign trail have seen active White house attention. Obama’s meeting with LGTBQ activists eased the tensions somewhat, but more talk can only accomplish so much, and the community recognizes that.
Political Considerations
I understand the short-term political math that is probably behind the Administration’s slow build on these issues. The White House needs the support of conservative Democrats if they hope to break a Republican filibuster (which I firmly believe is a filibluff and the Obama Administration should call them on it) on health care reform. Forcing a move on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell could cause those same Democrats some concern over their constituents back home. Many of these Dems won hard-fought elections against Republicans likely to call them out for a re-match. Continue reading…
The Obama White House has decided that it will not appeal a ruling by a federal court which found that The Library of congress, under the Bush Administration, had discriminated against a transgendered woman in its hiring practices. The judgment, nearly $500,000, will be award unchallenged, in an action that Dick Cheney will surely point to as reason for violence in Pakistan. Continue reading…
Democratic leadership seems to be breaking down. The White house has dropped the ball on a number of core civil libertarian issues. Well-qualified servicemen and -women continue to be dismissed for the incredible dereliction of duty that is being attracted to the wrong gender. Now the Obama Justice Department has come out in favor of DOMA. Add to that continuing secrecy issues, including but not limited to blocking access to White House visitor logs and continuing Bush-era executive privilege policies. The problem extends beyond the President himself. Nancy Pelosi has proven herself to be strangely gun-shy, continuing to take care to incorporate Republican demands into new legislation despite that party’s impetuous refusal to reciprocate with Republican votes. The stimulus package? Watered down with useless tax cuts. Efforts to close Guantanamo? Collapsed in the face of fear mongering. Universal health care? Don’t hold you breath, I’m afraid. [...]
