Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Blogging— Edwards

9:30pm Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards has been a longstanding opponent of banning gay service in the military. In February of this year when the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (HR 1246), the legislation that would repeal DADT, was reintroduced, Sen. Edwards released a clearly worded policy statement that leaves no doubt about his position. In release, Edwards is quoted as saying, “It is long past time to end the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy and to allow openly gay men and women to serve in the military. It is critical to our national security that we have the best people in our military. Gay men and women have continually served our country with honor and bravery, and we should honor their commitment and never turn away anyone who is willing to serve their country because of their sexual orientation.” Flanked by his wife Elizabeth and oozing Southern charm, an Edwards Administration is a real possibility and his candidacy deserves serious consideration. - Victor Maldonado QUOTES: CARLSON: I want to squeeze in a viewer-generated question. And it's about "Don't ask; don't tell." This is from Jason Knight in Washington, D.C. He was a former native linguist who was dismissed under "Don't ask; don't tell." We have so many fewer Arabic speakers, thanks to that rule. EDWARDS: I know. I know. CARLSON: And he said since the ban cannot be lifted by executive order, he claims you need more than the president. President Clinton wanted to do more, but ran into the generals, ran into Congress, ran into a lot of roadblocks. So how do you do it? What are you going to do? EDWARDS: Well, I think the president of the United States can get rid of "Don't ask; don't tell." I appreciate the question, but if the president of the United States believes that "Don't ask; don't tell" is bad for America -- in fact, bad for our military, and it's discriminatory, all of which is true... CARLSON: And when General Colin Powell says no, you can't do it. EDWARDS: I'm not sure Colin Powell would say no. CARLSON: I think he did say no. EDWARDS: Back then. Back then. But it doesn't matter. It's not the job of the generals to make this determination. It is the job of the president of the United States to make this policy decision. (APPLAUSE) And I can tell you I am firmly committed to eliminating "Don't ask; don't tell." COMMENTS: Ok....Melissa Ethridge gets the first shot at Edwards and asks a wonkish question about health care....what is going on here?? Edwards is talking about children, running away from home because they are gay. What about the ones who leave home to serve their country? What about the ones that leave home for the service only to find out that they are gay? DADT is not only a question for the armed services, it is a problem that affects families, children and adults alike. DADT at its heart is about what it means to be an American. Edwards just called for repeal of DADT and said that if POTUS beleives DADT is wrong it is up to him to change it and that the President has the authoriy to make those changes....well done Sen. Edwards. BTW...did you see my officemate Jason Knight's picture....pretty cool! Good question Jason and good answer Sen Edwards. - Victor Maldonado GUEST COMMENTS: It is so encouraging to hear a man seeking to be our Commander-in-Chief declare his convictions regarding the freedom to serve. Former Senator Edwards shows the leadership we need to get the law changed. He needs to recognize that it’s the congress that will make the laws, but his stance will go a long way toward getting the congress to pass the Military Readiness Enhancement Act – so he can sign it into law! Colonel (Ret), US Army

Labels: 2008, live-blogging, presidential candidates

08-09-07