Lieberman to take lead on Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/12/14/art.lieberman.jpg caption="Sen. Joe Lieberman will lead the push to repeal the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy."]Washington (CNN) - The push to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell will have an unlikely leader: Sen. Joe Lieberman.
The famously centrist senator from Connecticut said Monday that he would be a sponsor of legislation to be introduced next week.
"I will be proud to be a sponsor of the important effort to enable patriotic gay Americans to defend our national security and our founding values of freedom and opportunity," Lieberman said in a statement. "I have opposed the current policy of preventing gay Americans from openly serving in the military since its enactment in 1993.
"To exclude one group of Americans from serving in the armed forces is contrary to our fundamental principles as outlined in the Declaration of Independence and weakens our defenses by denying our military the service of a large group of Americans who can help our cause," he said. "I am grateful for the leadership of President Obama to repeal the policy and the support of Secretary Gates and Chief of Staff Admiral Mullen."
In taking the lead on the legislation, Lieberman is breaking with close friend John McCain, who opposes rolling back the policy.
Lieberman told the New York Daily News on Monday that he sees repealing the policy "as an extension, the next step of the civil rights movement."
From CNN Politics
- Biden administration threatens veto on House GOP-led energy bill
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Former Fugees member faces federal trial as potential jurors are questioned about star-studded witness list
- Biden's student loan forgiveness program faces a new threat from Senate Republicans
- Why Israel's instability matters to the US
- Untitled
Must be that there is no money in taking a stance against DADT, huh Mr. Lieberman?
Although I am no fan of Leiberman, I suspect he has taken a queue from the Israeli army. They allow gays to serve openly, and I don't think anyone would accuse the Israeli army of being ineffective.
lieberman is irrelevant - his support will hurt the effort of repeal - he should just pack up and go home
Joe realizes most people hate him and he wants good press. That's all this is about.
You can never predict what Joe's gonna do next. He's full of surprises. This is a pleasant surprise, for once.
since when did he start caring about Declaration of Independence?
I was all for repealing it. Now that Liebermann is for it, I'm not so sure.
Joes just like a Toyota.A company telling constant lies for profit.
I don't think you can count on Lieberman, because he will change sides at the drop of a nickel.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell is in the hands of Liberman, well this silly, discrimining policy will never go away and this country will now spend the next 7 years fighting each other. If you in America would just read the Consititution of the United States of America in it the does not give right to discriminate against another just to make yourelf happy and secure. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is discrimination plain and simple.
Looking for Glory on something he knows is going to pass with or without him. Wasn't a centrist on health bill was he?
Talk about liars, Lieberman has changed sides on issues so many times, how can anyone know what his position is from day to day. I wouldn't trust him to lead anything, because you never know where you'll end up.