DADT at Netroots Nation
Blogger Lane Hudson, labeled a "heckler" by some in the press and blogosphere, did seem to get former President Bill Clinton off script at Netroots Nation.
As The Nation's Ari Melber reported, "About 20 minutes into his address, Clinton was briefly interrupted by blogger Lane Hudson asking about a repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell...' Then he turned serious, answering the question by noting that at the time, Congress built a ‘veto-proof' majority that would reverse any attempt to admit gays in the military by executive order...Clinton pointed to the conversion of Gen. John Shalikashvili, who opposed gays in the military at the time, and has since reversed his position. Stressing the complexity of the issue, Clinton said he ‘hated' what happened and regretted that gays remain excluded from open service in the military."
In a follow up on Huffington Post, Lane rightly noted, "What happened that was really important, however, is that President Clinton did address the issues that I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have without my forcing the conversation."
We have found this to be the case, too. Forcing the conversation is not always fun, and often ruffles some feathers, but is essential. Silence is not golden when it comes to policies affecting the LGBT community.
08-14-09 By Kevin Nix |
1 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Marc Liggin in Oakland CA on August 15, 2009 at 12.02 am
I commend Hudson for putting honest public pressure on politician Clinton to explain the roots of his DADT policy. Clinton’s response was illuminating. My guess is that 10 years from now you will see Obama on YouTube explaining why he did not take action to suspend DADT when he could have. The point being DADT is a political fire that cannot be extinguished solely by politicians. LGBTQ service members must now force the conversation. http://www.objector.org/NOV_11__2009.html