they have no right to compel the United States Armed Forces to accept this
They think that there are no limits to federal power.
You are correct. The DoD is not compelled to abolish DADT. This bill leaves it up to their discretion. Or so I read while lurking on a disgruntled DU thread. So I could be wrong, but in this case I think the information is correct. DU tends to be very up to speed on homosexual issues. Since they are angry that the DoD gets the final word, I’m guessing [hoping!] it is true.
Actually, in this country, they have *every* right.
If you listen to the military leadership, they’re all in favor of it. Starting with Gates and right on down the line. Heard the CNO interviewed yesterday, he says all they’ll need is a little time to review and revise all procedures, no big deal. Onward and upward.
If I take your meaning, you refer to the troops when you say “armed forces”, but according to the surveys they’ve published, the majority are in favor of it too.
I don’t like it either but I believe the military leadership has brought this on by not just resisting it, but by actively encouraging it.
Am I wrong?
Article I, section 8, "Congress shall have the power to...make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces."
I would say this is one of the rare examples of Congress exercising an enumerated power.
Yes, they do. The armed forces are not one of the three branches of our government. Congress is.
Well, technically they [Congress] do, and therein lies the problem. I agree that this vote is unfortunate to say the least.
If you're looking for silver linings, it will take a considerable amount of time to implement this. That means it's still theoretically possible to reverse it. Tough, though. Once you let the cat out of the closet, as it were, facts on the ground start becoming hard to roll back.
According to the Constitution they do.