February 20, 2010

Being a Weasel Doesn't Stop Lieberman From Seeking Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy

Am I the only one that thinks Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) is the most chameleon-like weasel in public service? I first became aware of the guy in 1980 when he ran as the vice presidential candidate with Al Gore. Lieberman was actively courted by Sen. McCain to be his vice presidential candidate in the 2008 election (before losing the nod to Sarah Palin). Last year Lieberman scuttled the public option and almost took down healthcare reform by his actions and demands.

Today, I see that Lieberman introduced a bill in the Senate that would repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) ban on gay men and women serving openly in the military within 13 months of enactment. This blog has been on record in favor of the repeal of DADT policy. However, it rankles me that Lieberman is sticking his nose into the process.
"Today we introduce legislation to stop the prohibition of men and women based on their sexual orientation in the American armed forces," Lieberman said. "[We] offer in its place a policy of equal opportunity to serve and defend our country."
Lieberman introduced the measure along with Sens. Mark Udall (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Roland Burris (D-IL), and Carl Levin (D-MI), chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee. Udall wrote that Lieberman's bill would shift the Pentagon DADT policy review from "considering whether to repeal" DADT to instead focusing on an assumed repeal.

It says something that lameduck Roland Burris is part of Lieberman's team on this DADT legislation ... don't you think?

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