Posted on 07/06/2009 12:58:14 AM PDT by Publius804
Mullen Advises 'Measured' Approach to Gay Policy
The nation's top military officer said Sunday he has advised President Barack Obama to move "in a measured way" in changing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bans gays from serving openly in the military.
Obama as a candidate pledged to end the ban. As president, he has not said when or how he will take steps to do so, drawing criticism from gay rights activists and others. The president has pointed out that Congress in 1993 made into law a policy begun by President Bill Clinton.
"It's very clear what President Obama's intent here is. He intends to see this law change," Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on CNN's "State of the Union."
"I've had conversations with him about that. What I've discussed in terms of the future is I think we need to move in a measured way," Mullen said.
Mullen said he has discussed with his staff what steps might be taken to implement a change in the policy.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
Measured? Wth does THAT mean?
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55011
American Forces Press Service
Chairman Addresses Iraq, North Korea, ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 5, 2009 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressed the situation in Iraq, relations with North Korea, China and Russia and possible changes to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy during an appearance on a television news show today.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told CNN’s John King, on the network’s State of the Union program, he is confident that the withdrawal of American forces out of Iraqi cities and towns has been a very positive step.
Mullen said U.S. forces are alert during this period of transition, but there has been no indication that sectarian violence is returning.
“We have had an uptick in some major, high-profile attacks, but June of this year was the lowest level of violence (in Iraq) since the war started,” he said.
Leaders in Iraq are pleased with the start of the transition, but the chairman reminded people that the transition is only five days old.
“We’re aware of this period of vulnerability, but up to now it’s gone pretty well,” he said.
There are 130,000 American troops in Iraq today. By this time next year, plans call for that number to be down to 35,000 to 50,000, with all American forces out of the country by the end of 2011. The next big events in Iraq are the elections at the beginning of 2010, and Mullen said he sees nothing that will change these plans.
The chairman discussed North Korea’s missile program. North Korea fired seven missiles yesterday in violation of United Nations resolutions.
“They continue to thumb their noses at the international community,” Mullen said.
The international community – including long-time North Korean allies Russia and China – are continuing to put pressure on North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, and that must continue, he said.
The U.S. military is working to maintain dialogue with the Chinese, the chairman said.
The chairman will accompany President Obama to Russia for talks with President Dmitriy Medvedev. They will discuss cutting nuclear arsenals and other issues.
“We have areas where we have common interests – Iran is certainly one of those areas,” Mullen said.
Russia also has common interests with the United States in Afghanistan, in regards to piracy and in counterterrorism writ large. “We have things that we can discuss and are very positive and can move forward on,” Mullen said.
Mullen also spoke about the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The U.S. military will continue to carry out the law until the law changes, he said.
The Defense Department is reviewing the law to ensure it is being enforced fairly to all concerned, Mullen said.
“It’s very clear that President Obama intends to see this law changed,” he said.
Mullen said he told the president the military needs to move in a measured way given the military is fighting two conflicts. The chairman is discussing the issue with his staff and ways to move forward.
“What I feel most obligated about is to give the president my best advice should this law change, and the impact of that change on our people and their families at these very challenging times,” Mullen said.
Biographies:
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
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It means he can’t come out and call the President a moron, hence the ‘measured’ approach. I imagine that behind the scenes they’re doing everything they can to stop it.
Mullen dare not go further in opposing O.
Our country is ruled by civilians, not the military and eventually, Mullen will be forced to accept O’s recommendation.
Normally this would have to be voted on by the congress but this president ignores the congress and issues his own rules.
If Obama gets his way (and with the Dim congress, I’m sure he will), he will hose the demographics of our military good. Within ten years, you’ll have gays openly serving and living with their partners in base housing. How long do you think straight, religious folks (who make up the backbone of the force) are going to stand for that? No long—they will vote with their feet
I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the future, the “regular” military will be largely gay, vastly smaller, and look like the cast of the Village People. Will it be effective? Absolutely not. For real jobs, the Governemnt will hire our mercenaries from companies like BlackWater Security (or their equivalent). They will be the real military.
“in a measured way” in changing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy...
OK, here you go: Any ‘homo’ service person who is measured to be over 4’5” will be discharged immediately.
Incrementally.
Oh my! At first glance I thought you said 4.5”. LOL
I feel a draft.
Just what I was thinking. No decent person would want to serve in the military along side gays. So the all volunteer army will be very much smaller than needed. They will start the draft just to get new meat to play with while saying it is necessary for the military to function.
I sure this will have my gunnery sergeant father spinning in his grave.
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