DADT is dead #13

Maybe more than you wanted to read about DADT. Obviously, it's a major issue for me.

Now comes the drama of senate hearings. Testimony from DoD Secretary Gates, Adm. Mullen, and the authors of the survey report -- all making an almost unarguable case for repeal. But that didn't stop John McCain's shameless demagoguery and reducing his credibility to zero.

Here's a news flash from Huffington Post, quoting the executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, about McCain:

John McCain's demeanor throughout the testimony of Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, General Ham and Mr. Johnson, was entirely dismissive bordering on disrespect. In the testimony, no one made a more powerful argument for repeal today than Admiral Mullen. In a measured, methodical fashion, Admiral Mullen addressed and destroyed each one of McCain's irrational fears about open service. McCain continues to ignore the findings of the report that showed 92% of troops are fine working with gay service members.

In contrast, McCain's buddy Joe Lieberman, for whom I have no great affection, broke with his buddy and strongly endorsed repeal of DADT, a policy which he essentially called "un-American." And Republican senator Susan Collins is a strong supporter of repeal, suggesting that she would even break ranks with the GOP's threat to block cloture on anything until tax cuts are settled.

Joint Chief of Statt Adm. Mullin's opening statement was an eloquent endorsement of repeal:

There are some for whom this debate is all about gray areas. There is no gray area here. We treat each other with respect, or we find another place to work. Period. That’s why I also believe leadership will prove vital. . . .

My belief is, if and when the law changes, our people will lead that change in a manner consistent with the oath they took. As one Marine officer put it, “If that’s what the president orders, I can tell you by God we’re going to excel above and beyond the other services to make it happen.”

And frankly, that’s why I believe that in the long run, repeal of this law makes us a stronger military and improves readiness. It will make us more representative of the country we serve. It will restore to the institution the energy it must now expend in pursuing those who violate the policy. And it will better align those organizational values we claim with those we practice.

As I said back in February, this is about integrity. Our people sacrifice a lot for their country, including their lives. None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well.

How in hell can John McCain still try to block this, substituting his own pitiful poor judgment for this unprecedented support from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a veteran of 40 years of military leadership who has risen to the very top military rank?

This should be the final nail in this pipsqueek little man's political coffin. Mullen speaks about integrity. John McCain has no clue what that means. He sold out any he ever had long, long ago.

Ralph