E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSThe Boston Globe puts the blame on Republicans: "GOP blocks repeal of ‘don’t ask’"
The New York Times: “The outcome, at a time when Congress is increasingly paralyzed by the partisan fury of the midterm elections, was more a result of a dispute between Democrats and Republicans over legislative process than a straightforward referendum on whether to allow gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers to serve openly.” The Times adds that there will likely be another vote later this year.
Is Bill Clinton really blaming Colin Powell for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell?" CBS's Katie Couric asked Clinton if he regrets putting DADT in place to which he replied, ""Oh, yeah. But keep in mind, I didn't choose this policy." He then blamed Republicans, who he said were seeking an absolute ban on gays in the military. And then said this: "When Colin Powell sold me on 'don't ask, don't tell,' here's what he said it would be: Gay service members would never get in trouble for going to gay bars, marching in gay rights parades as long as they weren't in uniform. That's a very different don't ask, don't tell than we got."
Per NBC’s Ken Strickland, Senate Democrats this week will revisit their effort to pass a bill that would require greater disclosure on campaign advertising funded by corporations, unions, and other organizations. The DISCLOSE Act was created in response to Supreme Court ruling on the Citizens United case. Last summer, Democrats fell one vote shy of the 60 votes needed to break a Republican filibuster on the bill. (The vote was actually 57-41, but Lieberman -- who supported the bill -- was absent the day of the vote; and Reid switched his vote for procedural reasons.) In a tweet, Majority Leader Harry Reid's spokesman Jim Manley said, "We're debating DISCLOSE Act tomorrow w/vote Thursday."
"House and Senate Democrats scrambled Tuesday to finalize their pre-election exit strategy. But as has been the case for much of the 111th Congress, they remain at odds on a path forward," Roll Call writes. "The only thing the chambers seem to be able to agree on is that they need to let Members go home by the end of next week, after passing a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through the elections."
"The Senate is poised to consider whether to impeach U.S. District Judge G. Thomas Porteous Jr. during the lame-duck session, now that an appointed impeachment panel has completed nearly two weeks of proceedings," Roll Call writes.
Leave a Comment:
o
I find it interesting that the republicans are again blamed for blocking the legislation even though there were a few democrats that voted against it as well. Apparently it's much easier to blame the opposition party than admit there may have been flaws with the legislation.
DADT is flawed, no question about it, but what does it have to do with the defense budget? They both relate to the military but beyond that, I see no reason why they belong in the same bill. The Dems have been trying to repeal it through this underhanded tatic for years and it's failed every time. Bring it to the floor on it's own merits. Allow open discussion and input from both sides. Fix the policy or don't based on that discussion, but quit trying to tie it in to critical legislation for political posturing.
I agree things should not all be lumped together into one bill, especially when they are not related, however this isn't something new. Republicans have added amendments on to the defense budget in years passed as well, some having absolutely nothing to do with the military. It's how politicians (both sides) work, unfortunately.
It initially became law in Clinton's Defense Bill. That is why. Also, it is part of national security. At a time when it is difficult to recruit, turning away patriotic people willing to fight for this country is stupid at best. This is also a Civil Rights issue. Think about it.
And just for FYI, there are amendments in the bill brought by Republicans.
If Reid had not played political games in order to get reelected. DADT would be going forward for a full senate vote. He lost the votes of Susan Collins and 2 other democrats due to pure politics. Lets not forget he also voted against the bill
He only voted against it because he didn't have the 60 votes, it was procedural. I will agree he lost votes due to politics, however the blame can be spread to both sides of the aisle as this is how the senate now works.
Reid changed his vote at the end. As Senate Majority Leader, in order to bring the bill to the floor again, he needed to veto the bill.
Learn about how government works before you make statements.
janet, you are not well read. If you do understand everything correctly, then you are trying to spin it. Exactly what games were played? Let's see, he gave his OK for Republican Amendments which would have allowed debate.
Why don't Republicans just admit two things. A) You hate Gay People. B) Republicans plan on voting against the President no matter what.
A) Because most of us don't but you don't hear about us from the media because we're boring. B) There have actually been a great many things the republicans have voted to pass right along with the democrats but you don't hear about that because again, it doesn't make for exciting headlines. The objections happen when the legislation up for a vote is perceived as a fundamental change to the American way of life. The people voting no have been elected by citizens just like you who are entitled to a voice in our government and they are asking, often demanding, their elected officials to do their jobs and vote no on these issues. I would expect the same from democrats when they are the minority party- they were not put into office by people who want them to roll over and vote against their beliefs.
DADT is unconstitutional. I've always thought this and the courts now agree. Any service member who is or has been discharged under any anti-gay regulation should sue the services for violation of their civil rights. If they did that, you know that DADT would be gone tomorrow.
This election is the "Stupid" meter for the american public.
Republicans backed by Big Bussness want to punish the middle class for what they did for the last 8 years. If your in the middle class and you vote for a republican you increase the reading on the meter.
Really after they put us were we are you really want to put them back after 2 years? EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPONED HAS BEEN A RESULT OF TRYING TO FIX THE MESS LEFT BY THEM. WOOOOO!
All this Goverment interference was to stop a depression. Ya give money to the CEO'S. They will continue outsourceing and shipping jobs overseas and pocket the money. There is no morals in bussness. You thing you help them you will get a brack. The american Middle is a buch of dim-wits and Republican politicans no it!
For those who support the repeal of DADT both veteran and non-veteran, I have something for you to consider in the upcoming vote on DADT. Same-sex attraction is a disorder that is contrary to good natural order and the good of the individual. Effective reparative therapies have been developed to alleviate this disorder. The gay lifestyle takes this same-sex attraction to a destructive level with the erotic acting out of this psychological disorder. It does not have place in the military especially in a combat situation.
As Vietnam veteran and father who lost a son ( 22 years old killed 2006) in Iraqi Freedom, DADT should be retained for good reason. The gay community has been pushing their agenda for decades with full support of the liberal media. This gay lifestyle is exactly that- a lifestyle which is destructive,unhealthy and perverse. The effects of this lifestyle have been effectively concealed and suppressed by the media for decades.
Just recently ( September of this year), CDC released their report on STD's ( Sexual Transmitted Diseases) in the U.S. There is a epidemic spread of STD's among the youth. MSM ( Men who have sex with Men) have inflicted on the youth of our country an epidemic rise of AIDS/HIV. Fifty percent of infected youth don't know that they have AID/HIV. These infected youth are spreading this disease through gay and bisexual lifestyles. Bisexual lifestyle has particular concern because of its novelty and ability to infect the heterosexual population. The gay community have been receptive to the bisexual lifestyle in hopes to increase their number who would be in support of their gay causes.
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted by Universities and Government institutions that have demonstrated the destructive and unhealthy effects of the gay lifestyle over the years.
Why would you enshrine the gay ( destructive) lifestyle in the military ?