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Saturday, December 18, 2010
President Hails Vote to Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Law
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2010 - President Barack Obama hailed the Senate's vote today to repeal the law that banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military and expressed confidence the Defense Department can institute the new policy while maintaining military strength and readiness.
The Senate, during a rare Saturday session, voted 65 to 31 to overturn the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that's been in effect since 1993.
"The Senate has taken an historic step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend," Obama said in a statement issued after the Senate voted earlier today to break a filibuster and move forward to a vote on the bill.
"By ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the military, despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be gay," the president said. "And no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love."
Obama said he's "absolutely convinced" that repeal of the law will underscore the professionalism of the world's best-led and best-trained fighting force.
"And I join the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the overwhelming majority of servicemembers asked by the Pentagon, in knowing we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other military leaders repeatedly expressed a preference for legislative action – which they said would permit an orderly transition for the military – over having the law struck down by a court, requiring immediate compliance with the change and possibly creating different rules in different places.
Following the House's passage of the repeal Dec. 15, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said a congressional vote would enable the Defense Department to "carefully and responsibly manage a change in this policy instead of risking an abrupt change resulting from a decision in the courts."
Defense officials said yesterday they were preparing for the law's passage. Clifford L. Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, is expected to issue a memo to inform the department of the change and explain timelines for its implementation.
Obama said today's decision recognizes that it's time to close one chapter in U.S. history and open another. "It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed," he said. "It is time to allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly."
Special Report: Don't Ask, Don't Tell
DoD Support Plan for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Related Articles:
Department Prepares for 'Don't Ask' Repeal
'Don't Ask' Remains in Effect as Gates, Mullen Tackle Plan
| Biographies: Robert M. Gates Navy Adm. Mike Mullen Related Sites: Special Report: Don't Ask, Don't Tell DOD Support Plan for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Related Articles: President Hails Vote to Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Law |
Obama Calls on Senate to Ratify New START
Obama Calls on Senate to Ratify New START
By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2010 - President Barack Obama used his weekly address today to call on Congress to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty before recessing for the holiday, warning of the consequences of delays in moving forward on "an urgent national priority."
"Ratifying a treaty like START isn't about winning a victory for an administration or a political party," the president said. "It's about the safety and security of the United States of America."
That, he said, is why the treaty has had bipartisan support from former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, as well as every living Republican secretary of state, the United States' NATO allies and the U.S. military leadership.
Obama also noted that Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stressed the importance of the treaty earlier this week at the White House. "All the Joint Chiefs are very much behind this treaty because of the transparency [and] because of the reality that both the United States and Russia are going to have to recapitalize their nuclear arsenals," Cartwright said. "To have transparency ... to put structure to that activity, we need START, and we need it badly."
"And that's why every president since Ronald Reagan has pursued a treaty like START, and every one that has been reviewed by the Senate has passed with strong bipartisan support," the president said today.
"We have taken the time to get this right," Obama said, noting that new START has undergone more than seven months of Senate review and 18 congressional hearings.
"It's time to get this done," he said.
Delaying action comes at a cost, the president emphasized. "Every minute we drag our feet is a minute that we have no inspectors on the ground at those Russian nuclear sites," he said.
Gates: New START Treaty Accommodates U.S. Plans
Email from the President - "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Sharing an email I just received from the President of the United States:
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Saturday, December 18, 2010 7:06 PM
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
| Hours ago, the Senate voted to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." When that bill reaches my desk, I will sign it, and this discriminatory law will be repealed. Gay and lesbian service members -- brave Americans who enable our freedoms -- will no longer have to hide who they are. The fight for civil rights, a struggle that continues, will no longer include this one. This victory belongs to you. Without your commitment, the promise I made as a candidate would have remained just that. Instead, you helped prove again that no one should underestimate this movement. Every phone call to a senator on the fence, every letter to the editor in a local paper, and every message in a congressional inbox makes it clear to those who would stand in the way of justice: We will not quit. This victory also belongs to Senator Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and our many allies in Congress who refused to let politics get in the way of what was right. Like you, they never gave up, and I want them to know how grateful we are for that commitment. Will you join me in thanking them by adding your name to Organizing for America's letter? I will make sure these messages are delivered -- you can also add a comment about what the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" means to you. As Commander in Chief, I fought to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" because it weakens our national security and military readiness. It violates the fundamental American principles of equality and fairness. But this victory is also personal. I will never know what it feels like to be discriminated against because of my sexual orientation. But I know my story would not be possible without the sacrifice and struggle of those who came before me -- many I will never meet, and can never thank. I know this repeal is a crucial step for civil rights, and that it strengthens our military and national security. I know it is the right thing to do. But the rightness of our cause does not guarantee success, and today, celebration of this historic step forward is tempered by the defeat of another -- the DREAM Act. I am incredibly disappointed that a minority of senators refused to move forward on this important, commonsense reform that most Americans understand is the right thing for our country. On this issue, our work must continue. Today, I'm proud that we took these fights on. Please join me in thanking those in Congress who helped make "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal possible: http://my.barackobama.com/Repealed Thank you, Barack |
Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. |
ROAD CLOSURE: Due to falling ice NY 218 is closed Town of Cornwall - Orange Co.
ROAD CLOSURE: Due to falling ice NY 218 is closed in both directions between Cornwall Town Line & West Point Military Academy until further notice - Town of Cornwall - Orange Co.
River Road is now Clear (Tonawanda, NY)
CLEARED: Rte 266 NB/SB from Sawyer Ave to Rte 325 in the Town of Tonawanda has reopened to traffic due to a disabled vehicle at 630pm , Erie Co.
BE PREPARED TO STOP RIVER ROAD TONAWANDA
GO SABRES!
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Accident: I-190 Island near N G I Bridge SB & 190S to I290E
Accident on the I-190 Niagara Thruway Southbound between exit 21 and 20
Unknown time to clear use caution in area.
NIITEC is reporting an accident on I-190S to I=290E reported at 6:12
Accident: Walden Avenue at Thruway
Motorists in the area of the Galleria Mall Exit to the thruway may see some backup from an addicent that has recently cleared. Please use due care and have a safe and happy weekend.
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