We ask, he delays
Obama vows to end Don't Ask, Don't Tell (again), and the homosexual community grows impatient.
Liz Azevedo
Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: News
"I will end Don't Ask, Don't Tell," President Obama announced, followed by cheers and applause at a fundraising dinner Oct. 10 for the Human Rights Campaign. The Human Rights Campaign is one of the largest gay rights advocacy groups and one of many homosexual groups pushing Obama to abolish the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy-the policy that does not allow homosexuals to openly express their sexuality in the military without being discharged.
In Obama's many campaign speeches, he made it clear that he intended to end the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and was praised by the homosexual community. However, ten months later nothing has changed for gays serving in the military, and Obama has done little on the issue.
"Obama was [elected] under false pretenses by homosexuals. He was going to change everything for the better but nothing has improved," said Cuesta student Laura Rogers. "He should live up to his promises... No one should be denied the right to defend our country just because they are gay."
Many homosexual groups and individuals have been speaking out about Obama's lack of effort on changing the policy thus far, and soldiers recently discharged for their sexual orientation have been vocalizing their disappointment.
"I think it is important to stress equality but there are more significant issues with the government that Obama must reconcile first," said Cuesta student Gavin Cardwell.
Obama's representatives are asking for more time and explaining that Obama came into office with a floundering economy and two wars under way, and has not had time to deal with this issue yet. He's also has been working to bring health care to the thousands of Americans who currently cannot afford it.
While homosexual groups argue that equality for everyone should be a pressing and prominent issue, Obama's spokesman Robert Gibbs explained when Obama first promised the elimination of the policy that the president's foremost efforts would be dedicated to jump-starting the economy.
As for when the controversial policy is going to change; don't know, can't say.
In Obama's many campaign speeches, he made it clear that he intended to end the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and was praised by the homosexual community. However, ten months later nothing has changed for gays serving in the military, and Obama has done little on the issue.
"Obama was [elected] under false pretenses by homosexuals. He was going to change everything for the better but nothing has improved," said Cuesta student Laura Rogers. "He should live up to his promises... No one should be denied the right to defend our country just because they are gay."
Many homosexual groups and individuals have been speaking out about Obama's lack of effort on changing the policy thus far, and soldiers recently discharged for their sexual orientation have been vocalizing their disappointment.
"I think it is important to stress equality but there are more significant issues with the government that Obama must reconcile first," said Cuesta student Gavin Cardwell.
Obama's representatives are asking for more time and explaining that Obama came into office with a floundering economy and two wars under way, and has not had time to deal with this issue yet. He's also has been working to bring health care to the thousands of Americans who currently cannot afford it.
While homosexual groups argue that equality for everyone should be a pressing and prominent issue, Obama's spokesman Robert Gibbs explained when Obama first promised the elimination of the policy that the president's foremost efforts would be dedicated to jump-starting the economy.
As for when the controversial policy is going to change; don't know, can't say.
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