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NYT Editorial

Finally, the New York Times editorial board weighed in on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." We agree with the paper's analysis of the legal ramifications of Monday's Supreme Court decision: "not much of a legal setback." We also think the White House should consider all options currently on the table, including the "stop loss" proposal.

Another option open to President Obama is to turn his campaign rhetoric-he's all for overturning the law-into writing, meaning draft a bill outlining how he would repeal DADT and enact a nondiscrimination policy. Presidents do this all the time. They send up their own legislative proposals to Capitol Hill for consideration and to serve as a guide.

At the end of the day, this discriminatory law will only be undone by Congress. But right now, it is up to the President to send a clear message to lawmakers that he wants this done and done the right way. As commander in chief, his view on DADT carries great weight with members of Congress, who are waiting for him to show his hand. The 65,000 gay and lesbian service members currently in the military are waiting too.

06-10-09 By Kevin Nix, SLDN Communications Director |