Not so much 'evil' as sickening little cowards who are afraid to have an open debate and up or down vote on the issue.

Just plain old fashioned COWARDS hiding behind the skirts of Ms Filibuster so they don't have to declare where they really stand, ON ANYTHING!

While I strongly disagree with the Republicans on this issue, I think the "evil" comments on this board (in this thread and others) are over the top. The Republicans have their beliefs and I have mine...the 2 beliefs are vastly different on this issue but that doesn't mean either belief or belief holder is evil.

Disgusting. I'm ashamed of this country and the bigotry is promotes. The republicans are nothing but a bunch of racist, homophobic adolescent heterosexual boys. The Country of Dumb.

Every regular on this board knows that I want DADT repealed.

That said, wasn't there a letter served on the democratic leadership week that said that nothing would be considered until there was a continuing resolution to keep the government running through next month, and the tax issue was resolved?

I do believe there was, and it was signed by McConnell and Boehner.

Did Reid think they were just funning with him?

Cause, they were not. In fact, they were very serious.

Which I believe they have just proved.

The bad atmosphere in DC has to do with Democrats and Republicans - including Obama. They all put party politics before the country.

Travis - Not sure what you mean by "budget" - I don't think it has been submitted yet, but why should they vote on the economy and financial bills when the Repugs are just going to vote down anything of substance. Besides, they are a multitasking group that should be able to think about more than one subject at a time - ya think? As for this, it is a tragedy. I don't see how a single soldier or multiple soldiers being gay affects security - if anything, them outing someone who is in a sensitive position would do more harm than if they were "out" to begin with. People should not have to lie about who they are in order to serve their country. A bunch of homophobes who have made no effort to understand gay and lesbian people is what they are. I know a few lesbians and gays and I can say with all honesty, I would not want to be the enemy of a pi*s*d off lesbian.

MINORITY parties have no power when they are Democrats and ALL OF THE POWER when they are Republican.

WHATS UP WITH THIS NONSENSE.

We had a coup d'etat in this country and no one noticed????

Considering our country has been in some sort of "war" for over 30 years there's NEVER a time when we're NOT at war so please stop using this as an argument to overturn something that most people don't even care about anymore.

I don't understand how they can vote "no". This bill is about discrimination. Should your employer be able to discriminate, based on your sexual orientation? No. So why should the federal government be able to do that? We are protecting the bigots and the homophobes. It's time to protect the people who are willing to serve their country! What happened to country first?

and we say "in God we trust". the same God that does not hate but love. the same God that does not discriminate and the same God that brought us together as a Nation in one accord......huh.... the evil that men do, surely.....

Yes, making sure that we follow the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution can wait. The other guy's rights can always wait, just so mine are allowed me. So, let's do this. Let's keep DADT, but in the spirit of good fellowship, let's have the heterosexual not allowed to talk about THEIR families, have to hide who they see and who they love, all so they can serve their country and potentially die in war not of their making. K?

no joe

You are exactly right. Instead of resolving the tax cut extension and Unemployment Insurance as well as keeping the Government from shutting down, Reid would rather waste time with trying DADT first and then the Dream (nightmare)Act. Not to mention trying to reward his Casino buddies with his non-important Bill to legalize online gambling.

Do what is the priority for the Country and then go from there. I guess Harry is trying to exhaust his Christmas list early and take care of the Special Interest groups that eeked out his re-election. Illegals, Chinese, Casino owners,.....

Wrong. Your employer CAN and WILL discriminate against you because of your sexual orientation, unless your state defines your orientation as a protected class.

What's the problem: "Don't ask, don't tell." It's self explanatory. If it must be repealed, let's visit this issue again when our country is not at war.

Now let's move on to settle the real problems facing this country before it's too late, i.e. the expiring tax cuts and implementing a budget.

Excuse me? Equality is now "stupid @!$%#"? ... So does that mean funding health care for 9/11 responders is also "stupid @!$%#"? ... and how about that meager a $250 check to Social Security recipients?

So anything that is for the common person out there... is "stupd @!$%#"?

On another note... I called Senator Brown's office today (yes I am a Mass resident) and the aide told me that the senator would vote for the repeal. So his office is lying. He's a phony.

Mark - Brown wasn't voting solely for repeal this time. He was voting on a defense spending bill with the DADT repeal tacked on. Hopefully the stand alone bill will get all 61 votes (Brown, Murkowski and Manchin) anticipated.

Ron-1861300

While I strongly disagree with the Republicans on this issue, I think the "evil" comments on this board (in this thread and others) are over the top. The Republicans have their beliefs and I have mine...the 2 beliefs are vastly different on this issue but that doesn't mean either belief or belief holder is evil.

Without exception, this is the single most INTELLIGENT and TRUE comment I have ever seen on ANY thread! BRAVO RON, If I could give you a billion "votes" I would. I have been trying and trying to say this, and with the thousands of words I have used to attempt to get my point across, you make perfectly clear with just a few words. You literally made my day GREAT! Thank you!!

10% unemployment and rising and the liberals are worried about gays in the military. C'mon 2012!!

Just goes to show how well our school system is working...NONE OF YALL CAN SEE WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON!!!

For all you repubs and dems that whine about this understand one thing. It's not if its right or wrong...it's how much money this is going to cost.

EVERY DEM yelling for it forgets that as soon as this is repealed gay-bob and lesi-linda will be in a court hollering about their rights and discrimination. That dems is the problem. IT WILL COST billions

EVERY REPUB yelling for a no forgets this MAN or WOMAN is defending YOUR RIGHTS even though you think they are living in sin. That repubs is the problem. IT WILL COST billions to refit all the barracks and seperate facilities that will be needed for the non-gay to seperate his/her -self from what they preceive as wrong.

Who cares if they are gay. That doesnt make them any less patriotic BUT there absolutely HAS to be something to prevent the deluge of lawsuits that will stem from the repeal and the vast cost of seperation that will be asked for

if you where active duty and live tight spaces you too would want it resolved.Odd thing is all that don't think it fair or important fall into 3 groups 1 never served on a ship 2 are gay 3 could careless about service members quality of life that protect you and your freedoms.

The letter stating to DO NOTHING until the budget gets solved was just a stall to thwart the Presidency, and add to Rep. seats in the next election. Is there anyone denying this/not seeing this. It was NEVER about what the sheeple want........ Is it NOT possible for the Reps to accomplish more than one thing at a time? HAHAHA!!!! ROFL!!!!!!

Party of NO lives up to their moniker....again.....

Signed Lovingly,

A citizen who actually WANTS the Government to do what I voted for them to do, not just crock block the government

I am sooooo glad this was blocked. Finally some good news.

nana nana bobo....stick your head in doo doo

my thoughts exactly. just how many of these progressive congress members have ever served in combat situations. things are very primitive during war time and privacy is very hard to come by. and i still have had no one point out where in the constitution that to serve in the military is a guaranteed right. and the big block to the tax issue and unemployment benefits is witch nancy

It is inevitable for DADT to end. Might as well do it now rather than later. And for all the "let's wait until after we're out of a combat situation" I seem to remember that Harry Truman integrated all branches of the military right before Korea. And the integration was fine. Needed some fine tuning, but no major problems. Any "distraction" argument has been proven wrong in the 1950's with integration and the 1970's with women. All are MOOT points, because if a soldier is mature enough to die for his/her country, he/she most certainly has the capacity to respect any colleague. Futhermore, to limit our military at this time is incredibly stupid and short sighted. Should another war start, we cannot have artificial strains on our man power because a handful of idiots in Congress cannot put aside their differences and do something useful.

"Who cares if they are gay. That doesnt make them any less patriotic BUT there absolutely HAS to be something to prevent the deluge of lawsuits that will stem from the repeal and the vast cost of seperation that will be asked for"

This is really a non-issue as it was addressed in the report from the DoD.

To the idiot who asked why we are considering this when we should be talking about the budget.

This is a discussion about (some of) the troops, who are in two wars.

Since when do you folks talk budgets before wars????

In a press conference after the vote, Sens. Joe Lieberman and Susan Collins announced that they will introduce a stand-alone bill to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and that Senate Majority Leader Reid has promised to support it.

It is about time our Congressional representatives submitted legislation for ONE ISSUE and ONE ISSUE ONLY. This is the DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION for crying OUT LOUD.

Seems every piece of legislation submitted on the floor has TONS of additions not even related to the legislation which tells me our idiotic representatives put stuff into the legislation they know will fail on it's own merit.

Just what else have these PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL SOCIALISTS put into pending legislation on the floor no one knows about ??

Not to mention PORK....and don't get me started on voting for another "turtle crossing" or a "bridge to nowhere".

And on the same day that Louisiana decided to allow evolution in its textbooks after all. And for a second there I thought there was hope for America.

The republicans are sticking to their "hostage demand" by refusing to consider "ANY" legislation until they receive their "RANSOM" of tax cuts for the rich!!!!

The votes are there for repeal of DADT.... once the "RANSOM" is "PAID" to the GOP.

ABSOLUTELY SHAMEFUL!!!!!!

Yeah, the republicans are bad, they want people to earn their own living and pay their own way.

@nevada- we're always in some type of "war" that's what happens when you let men be in charge, and that is not a good excuse to deny americans their rights, if we waited until we were not in some type of war then nothing would ever get done about the injustices in this country. do you think that in the midst of a war it would be ok for people to stop discussing what is right, fair and just? because of the war should we not talk about tougher laws for pedophiles, or those who commit hate crimes. just because we are at war should we not discuss the act of murdering babies just because they haven't had the opportunity to breath air? i think not! just because we are in a war doesn't mean we should stop trying to better our country

I am in awe. these comments show the lack of information, why we have to discuss about sexual preferences? it's absolutely private, let's just concentrate on what is really important to the PUBLIC, our economy is in crisis, the unemployment index, our foreign debt, gas prices increasing right in the middle of our major national holidays...Are we going to keep dividing our nation on vague issues? let's unify to protect the common well, let's regroup as a nation, regardless of political views.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER...

Yep, I agree, let's repeal DADT, reinstitute the draft, put a two year military obligation on every able bodied man and woman.

That will give every one a better perspective on life in the military.

It realy is too damn bad the democrats can't get something as sensible as this passed. Must be the new era where most of us are much too tired of the hope and change and don't want ignorance fueled by political passion to run the country. Even good ideas get bashed when presented by the same people that have spent our grandchildren's future. If everything goes as well as this then hopefully Obama and the democratic folly will not accomplish anymore for the next 2 years. The republicans cannot possibly undue all that has passed in the last 2 years of the insanity we have experienced. The best government is one that accomplishes nothing and let's the free market drive the country. We have experienced enough from the Clinton era of banking reforms to think that the political arena should be involved with controlling the private sector.

OMG! Enough!!!... these men and women straight or gay are putting their lives on the line, NOT YOU Mr. Old Congress man or even you Mr. President. And if any of you are veterans you should know better!!..These are human beings, with lives and love ones waiting for them and praying to bring them home. Not to mention ending this greedy war. We as American's know this whole thing is all about greed. This is so wrong! I will always and to this day say Thank You solider! I know I could never stand in your shoe's. God bless you all, straight or gay, veteran or active duty. You have my respect and my prayers to come home in one piece and alive. My heart goes out to those who's love ones did'nt. You are the true voices of America and what we stand for. Not the old and new ones in Washington DC. Good thing for us all the Lord will have the last word on all this crap!

Yes BuffaloBob, you hunka, hunka burnin' love, you stud muffin you. It must be awful having to take a leak in those primitive combat situations, where privacy is such a precious commodity. Yup, those gay boys don't keep their heads down when you're doin' your thing.

Oh you object of male desire, how do you stand it?

Everybody on this board who like me served in the military has had gay people in their barracks, they just didn't know it, or they chose not to see it. If you feel threatened by having gay people in the barracks, then it's you and not them, it's your masculinity in question and not theirs, Americans are like scared little 12 year olds where sex is concerned, at once frightened and obsessed with it. If a person wants to serve their country, they should be able to, without having to lie.

Servicemembers risking their lives, limbs, mental & physical health IS important "@!$%#", more important than any budget. Being harassed, intimidated, discriminated against, fearing for their livelihood & personal & professional safety & security because of that ridiculously bigoted & unnecessary policy should not be part of the gig when they're out there fighting actual wars for you & me.

We need to block the liberals until the time is right for putting this bill down. The military is not a place for openly gay people to serve. If you don't like the rules, don't out yourself. If you don't like this country that was founded on principles and morals, Move to another country. This is America, we speak ENGLISH and the tiny infinitesimal percentage of the population does not rule the country or the military.

Which is probably all true, Irish, but is largely beside the point.

Reid tried to play legislative games with this. It bit him in the arse. He's also trying to get an online poker bill passed to pay back his union buddies in LV, the Dream Act finally failed earlier as an attempted payback for the Hispanic vote that went for him 2 to 1 because he promised the Dream Act and he's busy awarding huge, stimulus funded projects - to China.

Doncha just love Harry Reid?

DADT should be repealed - the Dems had full control of both houses and the presidency for two years and didn't do it. Because they're cowards.

@PragmaticToFault

DADT should be repealed - the Dems had full control of both houses and the presidency for two years and didn't do it. Because they're cowards.

NOT TRUE, democrats lost 60 vote super majority, in the Senate, in 2009 when Scott Brown was elected

DADT is the only way gays should be in the military, why should your private sex life be anyones buisness

Republicans won't pass anything until they get their "Wealth Care" plan passed of tax cuts for the rich! They are holding the rest of America hostage. They also shot down help for 911 heroes today too. Unbelievable!

This is almost funny. It wasn't the Republicans who failed to pass it, it was the Dumocats who didn't side with their own party. When you OWN Control of both houses and still can't pass what you want it's because your own party can't agree. Why blame the party who has no control over the outcome? If you do, I'd guess you are one of those individuals who blames everything on someone else and takes no credit for your own shortcomings. Catch a view of reality before you blast your garbage online.

How date Susan Collins blame Harry Reid for this vote. Voting for legislation is her job. You either support civil rights for all Americans or you don't. I urge every gay group in this country to take this to the courts. In the sixties the civil rights movement did not gain momentum until Brown vs. the Bd. of education. These leaders (Collins, Brown, McCain, etc.) and I use the term loosely are a disgrace to everything we stand for. How dare they hold this country hostage because they don't have a firm commitment on their precious tax cuts for the wealthy. The President cannot change this law - it is the law of the land. Grow up republicans - either do you job or stand up and say you really don't give a crap on civil rights. I am so sick of them all and rankly I am embarressed to be an American. Imagine what the countries of the world (who have already addressed this issue with mininal problems will continue to laugh at us. How these people sleep at night is beyond me. Shame on the whole lot of you.

The only ones to blame for this are the democrats. They have hung this carrot out for years. For the last 4 years they had complete control of the Congress and for two years control of the whole enchilada. They could have passed this in ten minutes but they didn't. They keep saving it for a campaign issue. And after all of that time some people are still stupid enough to vote for them.

I am glad the repeal failed. The majority of military members themselves do not want this especially not at this time. If they were to repeal my husband (who wanted to make a career out of serving) is prepared to leave as soon as his time is up. So many things go into this discussion that you all do not understand.

The problem is the far left Democrats don't know how to get a bill passed. All they have to do is propose a bill which would put all gays on the front lines in every combat zone around the world on a priority basis. The conservative votes would come out of the woodwork!

@mary P

OMG

For the last 4 years they had complete control of the Congress and for two years control of the whole enchilada

Again, this isn't true. The 111th Congress began on January 3rd, 2009. The democrats had a super-majority of 60 seats. With the unexpected death of Senator Ted Kennedy, that super-majority was lost when Scott Brown was elected and sworn in February 4th, 2010

So, the democrats controlled the Senate for 13 months.... not 2 years sweetheart.

Air Force Wife wrote: The majority of military members themselves do not want this especially not at this time.

The 70% for repeal that were surveyed in the report released to congress this week might have something to say about that.

Your husband is willing to leave his career because the homosexuals serving with him can now openly admit to not being attracted to him?

Redneck:

10% unemployment and rising and the Republicans are worried about gays in the military. That actually makes more sense than your original phrasing of the statement.

How about all the worrying about a publicly financed art exhibit at the Smithsonian those new Republican congressional leaders stressed about last week? Did you get all hysterical about that waste of our time during this recession? Or did that waste of energy go with your agenda? Just curious.

You have to hate the continuation of evil. Republicans and all of the other @!$%#heads go to hell.

What they fail to realize is that DADT will be repealed because this does not stand a chance in court. It will be ruled unconstitutional and removed. The Democrats tried to remove it in an orderly manner, and now it will be an instant change.

Look at it from a legal standpoint. The Supreme Court has ruled twice, TWICE, to uphold separation of church and state. These rulings remove any religious argument for it. In addition, the military survey proves that troop morale will not be affected, this removes that argument. There is no defense for DADT. It will be removed.

Sorry, you can blame Julian Asssange and Bradley Manning and the wikileaks for failure to pass.

To those saying that the Democrats "controlled" the Senate and could have passed this any time:

Unlike the GOP, the Democratic Party does not expect every one of its members to goose-step to the party line on every vote. We expect them to study the issues, and then vote their conscience and the interests of their constituents. Some vote one way, some vote another on every bill. I know that's hard to understand when you belong to a party that forces every member to sign a pledge agreeing to vote the way they're told EVERY time, but that's the way most democracies work.

I find it strange that the party that screams loudest about "bipartisanship" is the first to suggest that the Democrats should engage in bloc-voting to get their agenda passed. GOP - not so good at logic, but great at hypocrisy.

What a bunch of monkeys. If they won't legislate it then let the courts mandate the change and let the Generals deal with the resulting chaos during "wartime" as that is exactly where this is headed.

This is really a non-issue that can be pushed to the back burner, and the back burner shut off. This is just more smoke and mirrors by the Democrats to look busy when they are not focusing all their energy on getting people back to work. I am beginning to believe that they really don't care if anyone ever gets a job anymore. Hey Dems. Remember us??? The unemployed with bills overdue???

Anyone who is out of work and is waiting for congress to DO SOMETHING should remember this day when DADT was so important to the Democratic leadership that they OOPS, forgot to work on your little problem.

Not to further drag us off topic, but I'm gonna.

Edward - what do you want/expect the federal government to do to address the issue of jobs?

Funny...niteOwlet and the rest who use the standard Liberal biggoted "Repugs" and "Party of No" don't seem to put any blame on the Democratic administration that started the whole thing. And funny that these people want them to hurry up and get the issue done, when we sort of did that with health care and look where that got us. but no...must be the "evil" "repugs" in the "party of no". Did I miss any of the other pre-programmed biggoted and hateful liberal catch phrases?

So what legislation are the republicans trying to pass that would help the unemployed? There shouldn't be any reason why Congress can't work on all problems. In fact, that is their jobs, to address all the problems of the country. If the republicans would debate and vote, rather than playing politics and procedural games (filibuster anyone?), these other issues (you know, the issues they supposedly support), would get passed.

They only care about keeping Bush's tax cuts for the top 2%. They didn't vote for a stand alone bill for the 98% that they all supposedly agree on. They are holding Congress more specifically the Senate, and the American people hostage. They came out and said it, they will not vote on any legislation until they get what they want.

As we have seen for 9 years already, tax cuts do not create jobs. If they did, there would be jobs. Obama passed additional tax cuts for business, so by that logic, there should be even more jobs.

Why do you think that Congress should only be able to work on one thing at a time. By that thinking, being that we are in the middle of two wars, they should not be able to focus on anything but the soldiers, which would actually include DADT.

COOL send the bigot people to war and let the liberal and intelligent tolerant people stay here! Scum bag republicans have this country hostage! Hope all the republican morons screaming about No MOSQUE at ground zero remember all of this when You won't even vote to pay our volunteers for going on 911!

What is wrong with people seriously who want to give a bail out to billionaires for them to buy gold plated toilet paper but do not want to help out families who lost jobs because of idiot bush!

Obama is a sell out and he is just as bad if not worst than the retarted republicans!

Please democrats fight and remember America don't give into terrorist and this is exactly what Republicans are! TERRORISTS in our own country

By regulation, the military must be of higher moral standards than any civilians. Drugs, Being Drunk on duty, and adultry can result in being discharged from the military as well. Lets face it, Gays and lesbians do not have a high moral standard. God himself calls them wicked!!! If we allow ourselves to be imbeded with that moral standard, and do nothing about it than we are as wicked as they and God will wipe us all off the earth and start new!

Now with that said, the DADT was implemented by the democrates to protect those who are gay, not to punish them. Simply if they don't say they are gay, they get to serve along side others in the military, which is what they say they want.

How many people go around saying, I'm straight is there really a need to tell what your sexual habits are? come on people, some things should be left private. Any sexual conduct heterosexual or homosexual should be behind closed doors anyway.

So, let me get this straight...A man or Woman turning 18 has to register for selective service whicj is for a draft into the military, but it is against regulations for a gay or lesbian to serve. Sounds like a double edged sword to me. Or how about since gays and lesbians are 2nd class citizens not able to get equal rights in this country not paying taxes? Sounds fair to me...

You want to freely discriminate, there are ways to shut it down. When lawsuits start pouring in for having conflicting laws they will have to dump one of them. And you know they won't dump the Selective service registry, that's too much like control over ever person who turns 18.

All you gay activists can't just be happy your exempted in civilian life as equals, But now won't stop untill you have are soldiers all marching in pantyhose give it a @#$%ing break already. HOOAH to "NO"

"Gays and lesbians do not have a high moral standard." I stopped reading your post when I got to this part. You must hang out with a baaaad class of people because the gays and lesbians I know are just like anybody else, a few are outstandingly good, a few are outstandingly bad, and the rest try hard and fail sometimes, just like all the heterosexuals I know.

Double5,

You miss the point. This isn't about a smaller portion of the population having a say over the majority (although that argument could be made about Republicans in Congress). This is about the fact that in America it doesn't matter if you are a minority or a majority, a white or black or Hispanic or Asian, a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, etc, you still are a citizen of this country and have the right to be treated with the same dignity and respect as any other citizen. If you disagree with gays, lesbians, bisexuals, then that is your right. However, your moral or religious viewpoint is just one of many that make up this great nation. In America, the law is just and equal to all.

What you would have is a group of people made into second class citizens, forced to lie about who they are and not be able to express love for the person dearest to them because of some belief system that they may not even subscribe to. That's not American. It's more akin to totalitarianism found in George Orwell's 1984. Beware of the the Thought Police! Big Brother is watching! How would you feel if someone was trying to persecute you because of who you were in love with or because of what you did in the privacy of your own home? Did you "choose" your first boyfriend/girlfriend or your husband/wife or was it just love? Just plain and simply...love? What gives you the right to pass judgement on other peoples beliefs?

I've served in the military (20 years) and I fought for freedom and liberty for all Americans, even if they didn't believe the same things that I did. I've served on ships, lived in the barracks, and showered with other men in open bay facilities. And, I've know gay people, lesbian people, bisexual people and never, ever felt threatened by them. They did their job with pride and professionalism and weren't looking to score quickies or hit on their shipmates. That's the true picture of a volunteer force; putting your wants and desires aside and giving something of yourself for the defense of your home and family and the freedoms we all enjoy...or we all should be able to enjoy.

@double 5-

The military is not a place for openly gay people to serve.

what is your reasoning behind your rediculous statement? and FYI ,most people in the military dont "out" themselves. why would they risk getting dishonorably discharged from something they worked so hard to get into to? why would they risk not having the job security that comes with being in the military, especially since it would be almost impossible for them to get a job as a civilian with a discharge like that on their record? we're gay not retarted (well i guess, to be fair, some gay people are but that's a topic for another day!)

@surfin-

won't stop untill you have are soldiers all marching in pantyhose

really? that's the most rediculous statement i've heard all day. perhaps you been attend an English class at your local community college instead of passing judgment on others

@cover-

Gays and lesbians do not have a high moral standard. God himself calls them wicked!!!

When was the last time you actually spent time around a gay person? what is the basis for your idiotic statement? discriminating and bashing others shows just exactly how how your morals are. oh and when was the last time you had a conversation with god? or did you hear this tib-bit of interesting news frome a friend of a cousin who heard it from their uncles, boss' kid? LMAO! i honestly dont think that god goes around calling people wicked and if he does then i wouldn't want to spend all of eternity with him anyways

Oldcavsout - agreed...it's really sad to see both parties playing politics with this issue.

oldcavscout, in case you are confused, the democrats still have the majority of both houses until January. I am a registered democrat, but I wish the overly liberal progressives (as well as republicans) would open their eyes and attempt to fix the real problems with this country (i.e. economy, jobs, immigration)

Obama's administration is the one seeking to overturn the court's ruling against DADT. He's the one that keeps saying let's have a congressional solution to the problem. Now that congress isn't going to act to remove don't ask, don't tell, is he still going to fight in court to have the court's decision overturned. Uh, yes.

No this you can blame on that 'crazy' McCain.

A majority isn't enough. A large majority isn't enough. You have to have 60 votes out of 100 to advance anything in the Senate anymore. Any governing body that can't pass a measure with 57 out of 100 votes is dysfunctional.

The Democrats have their failings, God knows, but don't blame them for not using their "majority" to govern effectively. For good or ill, they've been stopped by a relatively small minority. Don't forget that President Bush declared his less-than-51% victory in 2000 was a "mandate" to govern unilaterally - minority views were dismissed without discussion.

I wish dems would stop being such wussies. "Oh no! the Republicans may filibuster!" Uh who cares? So they actually have to sit there while republicans read the phone book. Let them be douches and stand there until they get tired. Ugh the Dems are so afraid of a showdown it's pathetic! That is why they're getting beaten up by the Republicans.

President Obama has changed into a republican.

If the Dems would have been paying attention to the economy for the past two years, they might be in a position to deal with this tertiary bullcrap that only effects a fraction of a fraction of the country.

I think DADT should be repealed, too.

AFTER they have dealt with the tax issue, and funded the government.

Why is that so freaking much to ask? They pissed around and blew off doing a budget for FY'11 - which they are REQUIRED BY LAW to do, but didn't.

They've known for the entire FOUR YEARS they controlled Congress that the tax cuts were going to expire - and did nothing.

Sorry, Dems. You don't get your little special pet bullcrap for 5% of the population when 100% of the population has NO FREAKIN CLUE what their tax rate is - IN THREE WEEKS.

Spoiled rotten partisan brats, servet the COUNTRY, not your special interests.

@PragmaticToAFault

LET ALL THE TAX CUTS EXPIRE !!!!!

We wouldn't be in this position if the Republicans hadn't "jammed" the tax cuts through with the "backdoor" reconciliation procedure 10 years ago, with only 51 votes over democratic objection.

Legislation passed by "reconciliation" is only valid for 10 years. The republicans created this "faux" crisis.

Get a friggen grip on your partisan hack self, Greg, if you have to back 10 YEARS in a pathetic attempt to defend your stupid, cowardly, selfish democrats. These are NOT the type of people leading the party when I registered as a dem 22 years ago, and I'm digusted with them. They have become a party that panders to the lowest common denominator, forcing government subservience under the guise of "compassion". They will stoop at NOTHING to build a voting block.

Good God, how childish! Well, if CLINTON hadn't passed DADT in the first place, we wouldn't be having THIS conversation either, would we!?!!

Grow up. If you want to pay more taxes? WRITE A CHECK. The IRS accepts donations. Or are you sucking on the government tit, and want more of everyone ELSES money made available to continue your lifestyle choice of dependence. Until such time as the government displays ANY ability to respect the people of this country and spend the money they confiscate wisely and with restrain, I will object strongly in every available forum to the government taking ONE RED CENT from ANY American, wealthy or otherwise.

So which is it, Greg? Are you rich enough for higher taxes not to matter to you, or are you one of the 47% that sucks on the government tit and pays NO income tax at all? Hmmmmmm?

It's dead wrong for the republicans to hold "ALL LEGISLATION" hostage...until or unless thier taxes for the rich are passed.

iF YOU DON'T WANT TO PAY TAXES.....MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY... PROBLEM SOLVED

Those 47% of the people you cite don't pay federal taxes because they don't make enough money. They actually pay a higher percentage of their income in overall taxation because of the regressive payroll tax and sales taxes which hit everybody, and the elderly poor pay local property taxes on their homes, and that also is a regressive tax. not taking income into consideration. When a hedge fund manager making billions shipping jobs to China pays a lower overall percentage of his income in taxes than his secretary does, then something is seriously wrong in this country and we are truly becoming a banana republic.

Greg,

Do you typicaly spend more than you make? When your county, city or school decides to increase taxes, do you fully support them without any form of oposition? Are you even concerned with what those tax dollars are spent for?

It's been said, "It's not what you make that counts, it's what you spend". Our government leaders need to follow that advice and work on cutting the programs that do not have a quick return on that investment. If the inheritence taxes do go to 55% as stated, you will family owned farms and ranches collapsing all over this country. Only corporate run farms and ranches will be able to continue to survive. If you think food prices have escalated in the past year, wiat until only large corporations own the market. Coming to a conclusion on the Bush Tax Cuts is very important.

rb-justice When you are looking at John McCain you are looking at a real American HERO please show some respect (this man earned it) thank you.Don't it just gauld your azz that he is soooo good!!!!

Irishradical,

Do you feel that by increasing the tax rate on those individuals making over $250k, there will be less loopholes for the companies that are sending jobs to China to be able to take?

I agree with you Irishradical. Tired Texan, there will always be tax loopholes that the rich will exploit, therefore we need to reform the tax code to simplify it, reduce wasteful spending, and make it easier to spot tax dodgers. What I never hear people talk about is the off-shore accounts (i.e. the Caribbean or Switzerland, etc.) that people and corporations hide money in to avoid paying taxes. Am I mistaken in thinking that this is a problem? If we didn't pay any taxes, how would the government fund the military or have money to operate?

This isn't 1776. The modern world is increasingly growing more complex and our nation has expanded across the continent. We're a world power and as such the government of these United States requires an incredible about of money to run. We need to find the right balance on taxes; not too much and not too little. Unfortunately, for those craving power and money, they can never have enough. They want more and more, even if at the expense of their fellow man.

I believe in America and it's principles of capitalism and innovation and supply and demand. But please, someone explain to me when we became the symbol of greed to the world. CEOs with golden parachutes worth millions of dollars when they get fired?!?!? Where's your @#$!ing talk about companies being allowed to fail and go into bankruptcy? How come a CEO who fails can't just get fired and sent packing without sucking money out of the rest us? A company makes money off its customers or shareholders and then gives millions of it away to someone who fails to live up to their side of the deal? That. Is. Not. Right.

Cowardly liberals couldnt stand to bring it up as a separate bill before the election and vote on it. No one in congress has a spine any more.

Cowardly conservatives who can't even take a chance on open discussion. With leaders like McCain who can't live with a report that he doesn't like, how can we possibly advance trust the Repubs?

I am disappointed in Obama for not getting this done when the Democrats had the House and a super majority in the Senate. I really hate this lame duck session...the Democrats saved a bunch of bills they could have passed before the election, but instead they decided to play politics and wait until after the election so they could blame Republicans. (I'm not saying I like everything the Republicans do either...just stating that in these cases, the Democrats chose to play politics instead of trying to lead)

@Ron, You are speaking the truth. I'm also disappointed in Obama. Everything now a days is politics. Oh how our fore fathers would shake their heads in shame.

I am with lunchbox on this, without any finger pointing. I believe that ANY law should stand on its own. Since this isn't a budget item, it should stand alone and be voted on ALONE. Budget items should be included in an overall, line item veto budget, with "surprise" expenditures dealt with in an orderly manner after the budget is approved and law. Orderly could mean anything, say once a month, once a quarter, whatever. Tacking on "congressional policy" to a budget should not be allowed. Hence, amendments that do not deal directly with the title of the law should be used as paper to light the burners on the congressional furnace.

Ron,

The fake conservative Democrats have been the bain of our existence since P. Obama took office and in the last two years of the Bush administration.

There is no other explanation.

We need to change the 60 vote majority on every issue rules!!!!!!!

Even though it's sometimes very frustrating, I wouldn't want to change the filibuster rules in the Senate. Tyranny of the majority is something to be feared. Think what would have happened from 2000 to 2006 if there was no threat of a Democratic filibuster...

Remember there was only a real super majority for a month before Scott Brown was voted in.

I'm with HDawg & others that believe that this should be voted on as a single issue and not tacked onto something else.

When I read the basic CRAP that Congress does on a day to day basis--renaming a Post Office in honor of someone happens ten times a week, making days of remembrance for various causes and naming weeks or months for others. I'm not saying this stuff doesn't matter, because it seems to matter to someone, but I doubt they really need to meet on the trivial stuff.

I think the filibuster rules should be changed to be more like NFL replay challenges. Keep it at 60, but only give them one per month. If they use it up, then its gone...

The repeal of DADT now would give the DOD time to create a plan on how to phase it out. If the courts get involved it you could have the formation of the pink beret's within a week...

Big Business and Wall Street have been screwing the American people in the a$$ so long, I figure we are all pretty much gay now anyway...

When there were 60 Democrats in the Senate, Republicans were deeply outraged at the very prospect that the left might 'use' their 60-vote majority to 'impose their agenda over the will of the American People (by which they meant 'the Republican People').

But as soon as there was a 41st Republican in the Senate, imposing their agenda over the will of anybody and everybody has been the way business is done.

Life on the Bizarro Planet.

Oh McCain knew where he stood before the argument was ever made. I watched the testimony from the Chief of Staffs on Capital Hill and he would pretty much add "Well I don't agree" after every response to his questions.

You probably do have to ask -- the way he dances around. He has literally been (or soon will be) on every side of every issue.

If the brass wanted to stop enforcing this, they'd simply stop seeing it. Happens all the time with stupid secondary crap like this. "Dropped for lack of evidence."

Who can forget Larry, the "I am not gay, nor have I ever been gay. I love my wife", toe-straying GOP hypocrit.

Exactly! And those people have a big enough representation in the government to stall and even strike down bills they don't like. It's B.S. but welcome to party politics.

How is changing the law during wartime going to affect anybody. If you've been servering beside Frank for years, then all of a sudden DADT gets repealed and Frank says "I'm gay". All of a sudden, you can't serve with him anymore, right?

I disagree with Salas. I took the 'survey' that went out to the milityary about gays serving. The questions were so vague that anybody can twist the results for their own means (& have). No one knows what goes on between me and my wife, why should it be any different for someone else? Of these 200+ posts how many of you are serving?

Agreed, repeal, it who cares if all the bigots leave the military and we have to re institute the draft?

hey asswipe....lets take it out back and see who wins...you don't know squat about the fitness of gay men and women for the armed services..

Don't forget the Greeks - I'm sure Alexander would never allow gays in his army.

Yes that is why the legions did so much male on male sex - you idiot

Actually great people in power during the roman empire frequently had homosexual orgies.

I'm sure you served tough guy...probably with gay men whether you knew it or not.

Is this a joke? There was a lot of homosexual activity in ancient armies.

i got bad news for you sunshine.....

Spartans were more badass than Romans.

What an inane comment. Women comprise about 20% of the US military now, and the percentage is growing. Our military would be decimated if there were no women in it. Of course there are MANY gays serving now, albeit not openly.

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA YOU IDIOT!!!! This FEMALE United States Marine wants you to know that you are way off base! lolololol. You are laughable! If that's the case, let's go back to women staying home and letting you support us like the "old days." Can't have it both ways dip@!$%#. Wipe of the cobwebs and go take that hill.

What a joke . Read about the Greek warriors . Get over your Homophobia . I would much rather have shared a foxhole with a gay man who wanted to be there than a draftee who didn't . Two tours in Nam as a medic and two Purple Hearts , what did you do ?

YES! I love it bak1133!

ROFL I think you need to go look at your Roman history a little closer. Homosexuality was very common in the roman legions.

The Roman legions not only accepted gay men in the military, they encouraged it. And women have served valiantly in military regimes throughout recorded time. Learn your history before you speak.

...was satire going over your head.

Bob your views would be considered archaic even in ancient Rome. But I guess since you want to toss out all the straight, lesbian and bisexual women and all the gay and bisexual men you are a proponent of the draft.

wow are you dense and more to the point uneducated about antiquity........homosexuality has been and will continue to be around FOREVER.....it wasn't really until after the start of the chrisitan era that it was really condemned.........keep your deadhead in the sand......

Are you completed retarded??? Ancient Roman empire rulers regularly had massive orgies along with homosexual intercourse taking place on a consistent basis...Do your home work, better yet, learn how to read first

Are you insane, man? We aren't in ancient Rome any more, in case you hadn't noticed!

I do believe the Romans, not to mention the Greeks, actually brought along young boys to "serve" them on their military campaigns. It was known and widespread . What a close-minded bunch we have become to think like Bob Douglass. Are you afraid of some sort of "secret tendency" (omg) in yourself???

There's a fair amount of homosexual sex in today's armed forces!! Let's not be naive! DADT should go the way of the Dodo bird!

St. Timothy-2735893

"wow are you dense and more to the point uneducated about antiquity........homosexuality has been and will continue to be around FOREVER.....it wasn't really until after the start of the chrisitan era that it was really condemned.........keep your deadhead in the sand......"

--Did you willfully ignore the Old Testament writings (or Torah), or just forget about them? that would place the "condemnation" at least 1400 years BEFORE the "Christian Era".

And if this is about "equal rights", then if this passes, it will also be time to restore "equal rights" by repealing the "hate crime" laws that create "extra-protected" groups of people. Assault is Assault, and Murder is Murder regardless of ones motivation. Let's have equality in that, rather than laws that in effect, say, (for example) "if a homosexual attacks a non-homosexual, it's Assault; but if a non-homsexual attacks a homosexual, it's Assault plus a "hate crime"; or "if a homosexual says negative things about so-called "homophobes" it's "free speech", but if a "fundamentalist" says homosexuality is "sinful", then it's "hate speech". Let's add this double standard to the list of things to repeal. I really don't know that I care too much whether DADT stays or goes, and I don't hate homosexuals, but I do hate double standards.

@Kozmonot

Not everyone is a religious fanatic!!!!!!

Hey wasn't this country founded by people escaping religious persecution.... oh yea... almost forgot about that.

Well, yeah, then they found out if facilitated the spread of aids and started discouraging homosexuality.

I must say that the original poster just got served, served something fierce.

Pulling the trigger or pushing the bomb release button or interrogating an enemy combatant has nothing to do with heterosexuality / machismo / manliness and everything to do with patriotism and competency. There was a portion of the DADT report where someone mentioned that there was a gay guy in their unit. He also stated that it wasn't a problem because, "...he's big, he's mean, he kills lots of bad guys."

Demonizing human sexuality is something that religions do very well (just like they often marginalize a woman's role in MAN's society). Humans have always found sexual satisfaction wherever they could, even before religions were invented.

This is the 21st Century. Let's get real.

@bob- guess what, in rome they believed women were only good for making babies and keeping house. if you wanted to have a true romantic relationship you did it with another male as they were considered equals. have you heard of the bathhouses of rome?? also their military policies and practices obviously left a lot to be desired considering the whole fall of rome thing, perhaps you've heard of it? maybe if they would have let some female brains in the military they could have came up with a better strategy and they'd still be in charge of the world!

@kozmo- your religious point of view, or anyone else's, shouldn't even be brought up in this debate. for this to be a truly free country all of it's citizens, not just you and the people you like, should be able to live equally and harmoniously without fear of being persecuted for who they are. that was the whole reason america started if i recall correctly! religion should have no say when it comes to making laws for people that may or may not believe in said religion

At what point did I "persecute" anyone? Did I not specifically say I didn't really have strong feelings one way or the other about DADT? Did I not specifically say I don't hate homosexuals? How is it "persecution" if people disagree on issues? By that logic, you would also be guilty of persecuting others because you disagree with them on said issue. There cannot be any such thing as tolerance unless there is first disagreement. The first amendment allows one the freedom of speech to say that you are wrong, and also allows you to tell them they are wrong. Tolerance is when we don't resort to violence because of our disagreements. If I am angered by something you say, I need to practice "tolerance" and remember your right to express your views and beliefs; If you are angered by something I say, then the "tolerance" ball is in your court.

Besides, every law that is passed is based on somebody's view of morality. How then, can you say that religion (which is the basis for many, if not most views of morality) has no place when it comes to laws that people may or may not believe in? By that logic, those who disagree with repealing DADT, could make the same statement towards you - "Your beliefs about morality (what's right and wrong) should have no say when it comes to making laws because people may or may not believe in "your moral beliefs"."

Greg -

Just curious, what is your definition of a "religious fanatic"?

@kozmo- i never said you were persecuting anyone. i said that we should be able to live free from persecution- whether by you or anyone else i didn't specify. it isn't persecution to disagree its persecution to deny me the same rights that my straight neighbors have. i'm not for everyone believing the same thing, how boring would that be? what i am for is people being able to be open and honest about who they are, all this talk about how people in the military need to stay in the closet so as to provide a sense of community, or whatever the bs excuse is today, is absolutely ridiculous! how are all members of the unit going to be able to work together if they start out being forced to lie to one another? it makes no sense there is no logical explanation for DADT and it needs to be repealed end of story.

furthermore i think that the majority of people's beliefs are the same no matter what religion they are, or aren't, a part of. the majority of people believe that murder, stealing, etc are wrong. laws should be made with regard to what is right and fair not what is un-holy under a particular religion. and yes i'm tolerant of other people's views and beliefs and if i respecfully disagree with you i will still listen to your side of the story as long as you listen to mine.

MA voters were NUTS.

Yeah MA voters, I would be calling that guy up and asking what the hell he was thinking.

no.

The answer to that is pretty much....no! Will Rogers said "I belong to no organized party....I am a Democrat.". Obama is just now realizing that he never did have a majority in Congress - half of the 'Democrats' in the 'majority' were actually Republicans in drag....

Let us not forget who started and sold the bulk to my friend - Reid is a jerk following in a long tradition

show as much disrespect towards rick perry he was in china doing the same as reid

too bad you didn't fight and die for your country, paul

Please explain why this is a win for out nation? Unless you think hatred and intolerance are desirable qualities.

How do u even know? Don't insult people u don't even know My father is a highly decorated officer from the greatest generation who agees with me; how the world has changed since WW II; if they had allowed this practice in WWII we probably would not have won....

I'll send your regards to my lesbian aunt who served in Desert Storm and my gay nephew currently serving in Afghanistan.

Don't stoop to their level of hate, Kevin. When we start to hate, they've won twice.

Paul M - perhaps you aren't aware but a major breakthrough that allowed us to win WWII was developed by a gay man. Alan Turing, a British mathematician and codebreaker, developed techniques at Bletchley Park in the UK that allowed the Allies to read the settings on German Enigma code making machines. Without his expertise and help WWII in the European Theater would have lasted a lot longer and may have had a different outcome.

Does it bother you that your fathers life and perhaps tens of thousand or even hundreds of thousands of American soldiers and Allied soldiers lives were saved by the efforts of a gay British mathematician?

Unfortunately the story has a sad ending. Turing was prosecuted in the UK for being gay and was forced to accept chemical castration as a form of punishment following the war. He then committed suicide in the early 50's.

I'm not sure about you but in a war I'll take help from whomever is willing to stand side by side with me.

Just thought I'd provide a few facts opposing your view on how we would have been worse off during WWII with the service of homosexuals or women.

@Paul: Allen Turing's efforts were instrumental to breaking the German's Naval Enigma cipher system, which was critical in winning the war. He was gay. So, uh, I guess you're wrong on that one.

@Paul: Your FATHER was in the military. That doesn't mean that you are or ever were in the military. As for the greatest generation, that's up for debate. And before you rant and rave about how I'm "insulting your father's service or whatever crap you want to spew on about, yes, I'm sure he is a proud patriot, but more than a little misguided. A bit of a bigot too, I'm sure. My grandfather served in Korea, and he never had a problem with the gay community. My father served in the Marines for years never had an issue with gays. But I'm not going to stand on their service to justify my viewpoint. Neither should you.

Your post is the height of hyperbole and ignorance.

Whatever Lunchbox. Ignorance is a Republican way of life.

Good thing I am not registered under either party then.

Please enlighten me and tell me WTF is ignorant about Gays and Lesbians being able to serve openly?

Tell me WTF is ignorant about Republicans who are the only ones standing in the way of this, like pretty much everything else?

Hmmm, Eric and Bak where to start:

Eric; Your rampant use of inflamatory adjectives cannot fail to remove from this thread all sense of having a reasoned and rational discussion about the issue at hand.

Bak; A registered idiot....no, just someone who realizes that this situation is a whole hell of a lot more complicated than either of the hyperpartisans on each side would have us believe.

I honestly think that repealing DADT is the right thing to do. Bet you didn't see that coming did you? I also think that the overzealous vilification by each side accomplishes nothing.

You are joking right? There is no reasoned and rational discussion with Republicans. That is a complete joke. That has been proven time and again over the last two years and this is nothing but further proof.

And, this situation is not complicated. It is simply a misinformation campaign by Republicans, like every other issue and it has been disproven by recent accepted studies. It's the same fear-mongering horses**t that Republicans use every time to stir up their ignorant base into a frenzy.

Eric, you've suddenly changed my mind. You are absolutely right, we need more inflammatory rhetoric and demagoguery so that absolutely nothing gets done. To think that a nation built on compromise would continue that tradition is ridiculous, your right. Ill just go ahead and take my crazy ideas about having a rational discussion and move to New Zealand.

Rock-on Lunchbox!!! The DADT repeal bill was not "stand alone", as most bills aren't. This is all about politics not homofobism (is that a word).

I have an idea for you Lunchbox. Why don't you stop arrogantly patronizing others for their comments on this board and realize that many people are beyond disgusted with Republican obstructionism on nearly every single issue and they have quite the right to be upset or even angry, particularly since the President they elected seems to stand for nothing anymore.

There are certain issues where there is no compromise. Either you are for DADT or you are against it. There is no "half-way being allowed to be who you are". That's nice, but that's not reality. If you want to talk compromise then you should direct your righteous indignation at Republicans since they have been unwilling for the last two years to compromise on much of anything.

Eric,

You seemed to miss the part where I agreed with repealing DADT. Submit it as its own piece of legislation and have an up or down vote on it. From where I sit there has been no genuine effort on the part of the Democrats to incorporate policy items that are truly important to Republicans in exchange for their support. Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Regean, both master compromisers of the 20th century. They stand at polar opposites of the political spectrum, and yet both were able to rack up enormous legislative acheivments. My only point in all of this is that for all of the hellfire and brimstone on the part of hyperpartisans, there isnt a damn thing being accomplished. This tax cut extension was the first true "compromise" that I can point to in President Obama's first term, and yet it had to be accomplished by both sides holding a gun to eachother's head.

My message to politicians, get off your partisan saw horse, and get back to work.

Yeah, those Log Cabin Republicans are the only ones to challenge DADT since it was Democrat Clinton's brain child. What's up with those Republicans challenging the socialist order established by a Democratic President?

President Obumma had 60 votes in the Senate and chose not to address this then, because he's against gay marriage like he said during his campaign and when he had Saddleback Rick do his swearing in. He's a Democratic President so everything he does must be noble and good and motivated by the best interests of the country, so if he refused to handle the issue when he could have done so in a day, there's obviously something to the position, right?

Go Log Cabin Republicans! Keep the government out of our bedrooms and wallets! Next time skip these two parties and vote Libertarian!!!

I do not think that the majority in the military are gay. Do you have any actual statistics concerning the gay that have died in the recent conflicts vs the straight individuals.

The problem is not to do with gays in the military,most military that ive talked to don't have a problem with them,the problem is if they are allowed to be "OPEN" that they can say or do activities to or in front of those that are offending to those that are straight,(ie. if a gay man makes unwanted gestures to a straight man in the showers & straight man beats the crap out of openly gay man it is considered a Hate Crime & not considered defending yourself)therein lies the problem of the pc world that we are forced to live in. off soapbox Proud Father of a Straight Marine.

"if a gay man makes unwanted gestures to a straight man in the showers"

No, this is covered under Standards of Conduct and described as harrassment, found on p. 11 here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0610_gatesdadt/DADTReport_FINAL_20101130(secure-hires).pdf

ALL Marines are gay until they make corporal.

Of course, it affects military discipline and focus, which is why it's always been banned for thousands of years by world armed forces

Except when it is accepted or even encouraged.

gay men and lesbians can serve openly in these countries...and no leader reports problems of any type
1.1 Albania
1.2 Argentina
1.3 Australia
1.4 Austria
1.5 Belgium
1.6 Canada
1.7 Colombia
1.8 Czech Republic
1.9 Denmark
1.10 Estonia
1.11 Finland
1.12 France
1.13 Germany
1.14 Ireland
1.15 Israel
1.16 Italy
1.17 Japan
1.18 Lithuania
1.19 Luxembourg
1.20 Malta
1.21 The Netherlands
1.22 New Zealand
1.23 Norway
1.24 Peru
1.25 Philippines
1.26 Poland
1.27 Romania
1.28 Russia
1.29 Serbia
1.30 Slovenia
1.31 South Africa
1.32 Spain
1.33 Sweden
1.34 Switzerland
1.35 Taiwan
1.36 United Kingdom
1.37 Bermuda
1.38 Uruguay

actually, gay little boys have been on world armys' payroll for centuries. They were part of the "camp followers."

Actually, most countries now allow gays to serve openly, Paul. The US is in a very small minority.

I'm a veteran of Desert Storm.

I don't care if anyone is gay or straight. What they do does not impact me at all -- at home or on the battle field.

Paul, there are many armed services from other countries who have gays and lesbians openly serving. The United States has gays and lesbians serving now. I ask you, how does that impact your life? Are you or were you in the military? Have you ever been to a war zone? If so, why were you more concerned with whom the person next to you sleeps with than the enemy shooting at you? Are you saying that our armed services are so undisciplined that an openly gay or lesbian next to them would disrupt their job or focus?

Paul M-680251 , wrong , ancient Greeks and all the above countries who accept them . They just want to do their fair share . What's wrong with that ? And no , I'm not gay .

Is this just a troll? Or are you really that ignorant? "thousands of years by world armed forces?"

Ancient Greece: no. Ancient Rome: no. As of today, virtually every democracy on the planet of any size, with the exception of Greece and Turkey. Do you /really/ think "military discipline" is a problem in the Israeli Army?

Ok, would u jump in the lake if everyone else did? I guess because these other countries, as you say, are allowing it, then the US should? Are these countries known to have strong militaries? ARe they engaged in multiple conflicts around the world?

What other countries do is their business not the USA's. I am a veteran of the Vietnam conflict I believe openly serving gays would disrupt the fighting efficiency of the military forces. DADT is the best and only policy we should have.

bull@!$%#

The U.S. is in good company on this matter. None of the Muslim countries allow gays to serve and neither does China. That pretty much sums it up. Paul, your just ignorant of today's world. It's not your fault. Don't feel bad.

Oh your friggin kidding me...I am pretty sure a big effeminate flamer would not be standing in the front of the line trying to serve our country, not all gay men should be classified as prissy sissies. I am sure some of you serving have already slept next to someone gay and woke up still a complete hetero, soldiers who have nothing better than this to think about need to either get over it or go out and get their curriousity taken care of, because anyone else really wouldn't give a crap in a war zone, their only thoughts should be on the mission at hand and surviving for the sakes of their loved ones wating for them at home. Discrimination is Discrimination.

I really never cared about anyone's sexual preference unless I wanted to have sex with them.

Remember what Jesus said about homosexuality (hint: nothing!)

Casey- You can tell your older and stuck back in time. I don't mean this as a slam towards you. Just that our world has changed and its a different era. It's all about equal right now. I think you need to look at things a little more clearer today. Trust me- A gay man won't bite you. (unless you ask him to and thats a whole other conversation)

Paul, you can't have it both ways. First you say, "Of course, it affects military discipline and focus, which is why it's always been banned for thousands of years by world armed forces". Then when you are proven wrong, because most developed nations do allow gays in their military, you say "Ok, would u jump in the lake if everyone else did? I guess because these other countries, as you say, are allowing it, then the US should?"

You cannot both use other nations as an example when you think it suits your needs and discount them when they do not.

Gays and lesbians are allowed to openly serve in the former Soviet Union but not in the U.S.

I think that just about says it all.

"Ok, would u jump in the lake if everyone else did?" Are we now going to regress to "I know I am but what are you?" or maybe "I'm rubber and you're glue!" in this discussion? Please!

How would having an openly gay individual serving in your unit really bother you? Are you afraid that you might get ideas about being with them, because if that is the case, then you are the problem, or just f*** and get it out of your system. They are there to do their job, same as anyone else. If they want to serve their country, let them. A gay man can fire an M-16 just as well as a straight one. Probably with better wrist control too (har har).

Unfortunately the Supreme Count has been bought and paid for by the corporations so we can not expect any help there in getting this country on the right track. There is nothing SUPREME about them anymore

HA! DADT won't go away until its finally repealed...on the contrary, get use to an even more intense battle ahead...we love you too Leslie!

Kevin is absolutely correct. This issue won't go way until a repeal is issued in Congress or a court determines that the law is unconstitutional.

And it's people's ignorance like yours that accounts for a lot of our conflicts and battles in the first place.

funny because I'm sick of ignorant, self involved bigots such as yourself. Remember the first injured force in Iraq was a gay soldier. He lost a leg. But it's not your leg so who cares. Shame.

Just so you know the word BIGOT does not cover sexual preference. I do not hate homosexuals. I just do not want to shower with them. Should men and women shower together? I have not called you names but you bash me? I guess a homosexual can bash a heterosexual and that is AOK? Double Standard?

Okay, I'll play this silly game: how does the word bigot not cover people who hate and want to limit the rights of those who are gay?

Yup, so if it doesn't affect you, it must not be important, right? It's just OTHER people's rights. Wow.

Leslie, that is a terrible comparison. So you don't want to shower with them, that's your right not to. Although the only ones with the issue are the ones not comfortable with the idea that maybe they might like what they see. I'm not saying that you are, and even if you were, I would not judge you. All I'm saying is that I wouldn't have a problem showering with a gay man because I'm not gay. Yeah, he can look all he wants. Just means that I'm appealing to both men and women, not that I'm going to 'catch the gay' from him. Just makes me laugh to see so many people so insecure about such a non issue, but then I have to realize that people really do think this is a problem. Kinda hard to laugh then.....

If only more Republicans thought like you did. In my eyes one of the most noble things you can do as a citizen is serve your country. It is sad to see able willing bodies turned away from the military.

Thank you, John.

The way I look at it, the only reason I'd care if somebody was gay was if I was and i was looking for a date. I'm not, so I dont care. Now not wasting time hitting on lesbians would be useful info. ;)

Well said, John! I agree with Steven.

Thanks , John, Tucson, AZ , obviously a man of intelligence and integrity . I wonder how many gay men have died in service to our country without anyone in the military even knowing they were gay ?

bak1133,

I am sure plenty. Why would we need to know they are gay? Their orientation is not important to me. Neither is their race or religion of choice.

To C Robbins , you got it right , and thank you . It brings to mind how blacks in the military were given menial assignments until later in WWII , when they got the chance to prove themselves and did so very well with honor and dignity . The same can be said of the Japanese servicemen in WWII . Of course that didn't carry over in civilian life after the war , but that's another sad storey .