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U.S. Senate Passes Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal 65-31

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» 68 comments

With this repeal, the process is set in motion to, for the first time in U.S. history, allow gays to serve openly in the military without having to hide their sexual orientation. Under President Bill Clinton‘s “don’t ask, don’t tell” law, men and women in service were required to stay silent about their sexuality, and since 1993 more than 13,500 service members were dismissed for failing to do so.

Earlier this week the House approved the bill by a 250-174 vote. The next step is for President Obama and his top military advisers to certify to Congress that ending the repeal of this policy would not hurt the ability of troops to fight. Thereafter, there will be a 60-day waiting period before the passed bill becomes law.

President Obama said in a prepared statement:

“The Senate has taken an historic step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend.”


MSNBC Rachel Maddow’s Tweeted reaction below:


Video of the vote results below:

Update: Sen Joe Lieberman’s Press Conference after the vote below:

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  • http://TheDividedStatesBlog.com Publius219

    The sad thing is….this isn’t really a big deal. I mean it is, but not in comparison to the bigger problems we face. And just look at all the horseshit it took to get this passed. John McCain-Romney up there talking about how it isn’t safe to do it in a time of war. Guess what? We’re always at war. War on drugs, war on terror, war in iraq, vietnam war, cold war.

  • Fox News: Waging war against secular governance

    Another feather in Obama’s hat. What makes it all the more sweet is that the Family Research Council (an officially sanctioned hate group) was opposed to it.

  • Dosser

    Anyone remember this article? http://www.mediaite.com/tv/lt-dan-choi-gives-freedom-watch-fans-good-reason-to-oppose-dadt-its-too-expensive/ My fellow Libertarian,Judge Andrew Napolitano,said it best that day; “one day, sooner or later, Congress will recognize the absurdity of this law, and the cost to human freedom and to the national security of the country.” Looks like that day has come Judge.What i don’t like is the fact that BIG~BIG government Obama will claim this as his “historic victory”.Either way,a great day for Libertarianism and Freedom everywhere.Now let’s get back to repealing this new Health Care Reform,known as “Obamacare” in Conservative circles.

  • Thelonious Funk

    R.I.P you S.O.B.

  • Harry Flashman

    I’m a conservative and I don’t have a problem with this. In fact, it’s long overdue.

    For those who think this will disrupt the military…..the US military is the most disciplined, most professional organization in the world. Thay can handle this. If someone acts out it will be addressed. If someone gets hostile, that will be addressed as well. They’ll adapt. They always do.

    Besides, gays are already there serving with honor. This will make zero difference in the overall picture.

  • http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

    I am VERY UPSET that my favorite website, foxnation.com, has not yet REPORTED on this story!!!!!111 Luckily the Fox Faithful have been writing furiously about this DISGRACE on foxnews.com!!!111 Check out these COMMENTS!!!!!111

    “DISGUSTING. This is ASBOLUTELY disgusting. send ALL F#AGGOTS TO THE FRONT LINES AND HAVE THEM KILLED FIRST this is NOT MY AMERICA and it’s NOT YOURS EITHER”
    “Break out the B. U. T. T. plugs and the Vaseline…Yeeeee Hawwwwww”
    “You thought the blacks had it bad in WWII? Wait till you see the jobs your going to get. Hope you like land mine clearance on the front line.”
    “I recommend to all christian military members and others who are anti gay….don’t support gays. Don’t give them buddy aid…don’t talk to them…don’t help them in any way”

    I LOVE it!!!!!!!!1111 The FOX NATION has spoken…. and we WILL take back our Once Proud Republic!!!!111

  • Harry Flashman

    Further, discharging a trained professional who is willing to give their life in defense of this country because of who they choose to sleep with on thier own time is just plain stupid.

    I’m glad this thing will be history soon.

  • Kird

    Wow, Congress actually did something, and, on a Saturday no less.

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    Fox News: Waging war against secular governance said:
    officially sanctioned hate group

    LOL. I OFFICIALLY santion YOU and RRK a hate group.

  • Dosser

    Karl Spensen said:
    FOX NATION

    I don’t know any Conservative who visits that site.It’s a little “childish”.All my Conservative friends seem to always mention http://hotair.com/ as their favorite ‘Headline’ website.

  • Dosser

    Dosser said:
    I don’t know any Conservative who visits that site.It’s a little “childish”.All my Conservative friends seem to always mention http://hotair.com/ as their favorite ‘Headline’ website.

    Just my two-cents.

  • Kird

    Harry Flashman said:
    Further, discharging a trained professional who is willing to give their life in defense of this country because of who they choose to sleep with on thier own time is just plain stupid.

    I’m glad this thing will be history soon.

    Yup, and from what my buds in the service tell me; its not like they didn’t know who was who in the first place. I asked a friend who is a conservative and a Staff Sergeant Army Recruiter what he thought about it and he told he doesn’t care who his crew fucks; he just wants good soldiers.

  • Kird

    Dosser said:
    I don’t know any Conservative who visits that site.It’s a little “childish”.All my Conservative friends seem to always mention http://hotair.com/ as their favorite ‘Headline’ website.

    Its probably liberal “activists” posing as conservatives who are making all those inane comments too.

  • Newsjunky

    McCain must be weeping, curled up in a closet somewhere. This aging, homophobic, bitter, out-of-touch Senator has disgraced himself and the country yet again by his undying opposition to the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Oh and don’t forget his miserably failed amendment to START. McCain = irrelevant. Failure twice in 45 minutes today.

  • TangledThorns

    Very soon we will see two male officers dancing together in their dress uniforms at their military ball. Hooray!

  • Fox News: Waging war against secular governance

    Hey KarlSpensen,

    I popped in to the Fox Nation, a virtual home for our most devout and moral citizens. I didn’t take me long to find some of that Christianity-inspired love:

    ih8tlibwusys [Moderator] 0 minutes ago
    At least now we know who to put on the front lines. One thing you learn real fast is NOT to rock the boat in the military. I predict a rise in friendly fire incidents.

    ih8tlibwusys [Moderator] 0 minutes ago
    At least now we know who to put on the front lines. One thing you learn real fast is NOT to rock the boat in the military. I predict a rise in friendly fire incidents.

    Read more: http://nation.foxnews.com/dadt/2010/12/18/congress-overturns-ban-gays-serving-openly-military#ixzz18VBQRvLI

  • Kird

    Newsjunky said:
    McCain must be weeping, curled up in a closet somewhere.

    He changed after losing the election. He used to be a moderate and a maverick, but now he just needs to retire.

  • Kird

    Fox News: Waging war against secular governance said:
    Hey KarlSpensen,

    I popped in to the Fox Nation, a virtual home for our most devout and moral citizens. I didn’t take me long to find some of that Christianity-inspired love:

    ih8tlibwusys [Moderator] 0 minutes ago
    At least now we know who to put on the front lines. One thing you learn real fast is NOT to rock the boat in the military. I predict a rise in friendly fire incidents.

    ih8tlibwusys [Moderator] 0 minutes ago
    At least now we know who to put on the front lines. One thing you learn real fast is NOT to rock the boat in the military. I predict a rise in friendly fire incidents.

    Read more: http://nation.foxnews.com/dadt/2010/12/18/congress-overturns-ban-gays-serving-openly-military#ixzz18VBQRvLI

    I wouldn’t be surprised if you or Karl were the author of these posts in question. Wouldn’t be surprised at all.

  • http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

    YES FINALLY Foxnation.com gets ON THE BALL!!!!!!111 Here’s some more comments from the FOX FAITHFUL!!!!!111

    “Anybody know when open season starts?”
    “Oh, I can’t wait to see the all-gay platoon in the next 4th of July parade. We can watch them sashay down the street in cadence to “We’re off to thank the Wizard (obo)” and marvel at their moves from “A Chorus Line” and proudly listen to the children say to their single-family mommies.”
    “What’s the difference having a gay in the fox whole or Obummer, your going to get frackd either way.”

    There were SO MANY MORE but the moderators (who are OBVIOUSLY undercover LIBS) are CENSORING our FREE SPEECH!!!!111 Are we EMBARASSING you, Foxnation.com?!?!?1111 Remember where your BREAD is BUTTERED, guys!!111 We informed, mature, and intelligent Tea Party Patriots are the REASON you are #1!!!!!!!!111

  • Kird

    TangledThorns said:
    Very soon we will see two male officers dancing together in their dress uniforms at their military ball. Hooray!

    Twit.

  • Fox News: Waging war against secular governance

    Kird said:
    Wouldn’t be surprised at all

    Yes Kird, I am sure all of the hateful comments made on conservative websites are made by imposters.

  • http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

    Kird said:
    I wouldn’t be surprised if you or Karl were the author of these posts in question. Wouldn’t be surprised at all.

    Dude I WISH!!!!!!!111 But obviously the people who make posts like these have INSPIRED me like you wouldn’t BELIEVE!!!!111

  • Jackyboy

    It is nice to see this overturned. If a gay person is willing to make the sacrifice for their country I (and no one else should really) have no objections to them identifying themselves as gay.

  • Kird

    Karl Spensen said:
    YES FINALLY Foxnation.com gets ON THE BALL!!!!!!111 Here’s some more comments from the FOX FAITHFUL!!!!!111

    “Anybody know when open season starts?”
    “Oh, I can’t wait to see the all-gay platoon in the next 4th of July parade. We can watch them sashay down the street in cadence to “We’re off to thank the Wizard (obo)” and marvel at their moves from “A Chorus Line” and proudly listen to the children say to their single-family mommies.”
    “What’s the difference having a gay in the fox whole or Obummer, your going to get frackd either way.”

    There were SO MANY MORE but the moderators (who are OBVIOUSLY undercover LIBS) are CENSORING our FREE SPEECH!!!!111 Are we EMBARASSING you, Foxnation.com?!?!?1111 Remember where your BREAD is BUTTERED, guys!!111 We informed, mature, and intelligent Tea Party Patriots are the REASON you are #1!!!!!!!!111

    Twit times two. Congress finally gets some common sense work done and you far left cooks immediately attempt to polarize and politicize. You do just as much damage as the bigots.

  • AngelPeters

    Congress has been so behind the curve on this one. Vast majority of Americans have supported this for some time

  • Kird

    Karl Spensen said:
    Dude I WISH!!!!!!!111 But obviously the people who make posts like these have INSPIRED me like you wouldn’t BELIEVE!!!!111

    Just as we close one chapter on stupid hate we open another it seems. By all means, keep promoting hate if that is what “inspires” you.

  • cjd ohio 1

    the hard part is yet to come, marriage benefits, housing alot of stuff to work out

  • playswithknives

    thank you white man’s jesus for this. now can we give the 9-11 first responders a fund to support them in their hour of need? they’re real americans by anyone’s measure. they gave their all, and are now suffering for it. there is no equivalent of the VA for them. for the cost of one jet fighter and one bomber, they would be set for the rest of their tragically short lives.

  • Kird

    cjd ohio 1 said:
    the hard part is yet to come, marriage benefits, housing alot of stuff to work out

    The military serves as the starting point for social change. You can’t, by the Constitution, force religious institutions to change, but civil unions will allow all subsets of Americans the full benefits of inheritance etc all.

  • The Real Royal King

    Kird said:
    The military serves as the starting point for social change. You can’t, by the Constitution, force religious institutions to change, but civil unions will allow all subsets of Americans the full benefits of inheritance etc all.

    You’re largely correct, but Congress certainly forced the LDS to change the Principle, albeit through the back door. If Utah hadn’t been so desperate to become a state, to retire its indebtedness and for protection, I am sure that the LDS would be practicing polygymy even today.

  • Fox News: Waging war against secular governance

    The Real Royal King said:
    I am sure that the LDS would be practicing polygymy even toda

    It would make marrying off our heretic-in-Utah a much easier proposition.

  • The Real Royal King

    Fox News: Waging war against secular governance said:
    It would make marrying off our heretic-in-Utah a much easier proposition.

    Perhaps she could be one of the Beckerhead’s wives.

  • Kird

    The Real Royal King said:
    You’re largely correct, but Congress certainly forced the LDS to change the Principle, albeit through the back door. If Utah hadn’t been so desperate to become a state, to retire its indebtedness and for protection, I am sure that the LDS would be practicing polygymy even today.

    Slippery slopes for polygamy folks. They’re free to practice it (isn’t there a reality show about it airing now) religiously, but legally they run into pitfalls.

  • Dosser

    Dosser said:
    What i don’t like is the fact that BIG~BIG government Obama will claim this as his “historic victory”.

    I knew it! http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/DADTrepealed/?source=TW
    That scoundrel,haha.

  • playswithknives

    i’m amused by how the regular crew of commenters here feed off of one another. the news stories act only as starting points to endless political wank.

  • Moderate

    “For those who think this will disrupt the military…..the US military is the most disciplined, most professional organization in the world. ”

    Nothing can destroy discipline more than a gay soldier standing in the showers ogling at others. If they want a gay bathhouse go to San Francisco.

  • Kird

    playswithknives said:
    i’m amused by how the regular crew of commenters here feed off of one another. the news stories act only as starting points to endless political wank.

    So true.

  • Kird

    Moderate said:
    “For those who think this will disrupt the military…..the US military is the most disciplined, most professional organization in the world. ”

    Nothing can destroy discipline more than a gay soldier standing in the showers ogling at others. If they want a gay bathhouse go to San Francisco.

    As far as I know personally, they’ve been dealing with that since 1969..

  • Moderate

    “As far as I know personally, they’ve been dealing with that since 1969..”

    The Air Force would transfer the gays and if the complaints continued they were discharged (several hundred per year).

  • http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

    MORE awesome comments from the FOX NATION!!!!!!!!111

    “queers are NOT normal people… that is WHY God commanded to kyll them when they come out of the closet…. and America should adopt the is Islamic manner…PUBLIC STONING of all queers”
    “This country really is circleing the drain, but before that expect a jump in friendly fire accidents”
    “I see the term fragged coming back into use……accidents happen. Be careful what you wish for.” (2 people liked this)
    “Sodomites are a perverted SICKNESS that is a choice…. and America should follow God’s SURE CURE for the Sodomites… public execution.”

    TRY to shut us up, FOX NATION moderators!!!111 WE are the reason that FOX is #1 – treat us with RESPECT or you will awaken the sleeping Tea Party GIANT!!!!!111

  • notsofast

    This is great. Now libs won’t be able to use that excuse to get out of serving.

  • Fox News: Waging war against secular governance

    Karl Spensen said:
    MORE awesome comments from the FOX NATION!!!!!!!!111

    That still doesn’t mean Christianity is NOT a religion of peace, in spite of the inspiration conservatives get from the Bible for murdering people.

  • Harry Flashman

    I note with great interest some of the quotes from some commenters at the Fox website. I guess the intent is to illustrate the hostility of the right toward DADT (or the demise thereof).

    I hate to break it to those happily posting that stuff but – there are idiots on both sides of the political spectrum. The right doesn’t have a corner on that market.

    If you need proof of that just go over to the Huffington Post or Kos or Salon and check the comments there. Just as loony, just as ugly. Same moronic coin, different sides.

    Most conservatives I know feel the same as I do about the repeal of DADT (see my comments above). Those fools commenting at Fox are NOT the mainstream, just imbeciles who can’t see past the fog of ideology.

    Just like their counterparts on the left.

  • http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

    Harry Flashman said:
    If you need proof of that just go over to the Huffington Post or Kos or Salon and check the comments there. Just as loony, just as ugly. Same moronic coin, different sides.

    Hahahaha NICE TRY dude!!!!111 Only the Right-Thinking Americans at the FOX NATION have the BALLS to constantly call for the death of not only the OBOZO IN CHIEF, but an ENTIRE group of people as well!!!!!111 Try finding THAT at the Huffington COMpost or the Daily POS!!!!1111 What a bunch of PANSIES, just like our future US MILITARY!!!!111

  • http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

    Oh and the best part is that we are all OUTSPOKEN CHRISTIANS!!!!!!!!!111

  • Harry Flashman

    I see the adult part of this discussion is over. I’m outta here.

  • http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

    Welcome to the Internet, LOSER!!!!!!!111 Don’t let the CYBER-DOOR hit you in the ASS on the way OUT!!!!!!!1111 HAHaHahahahahaHAHAHahahAHAHAhahaha LOL!!!!!!!111

  • cotchie1967

    Harry Flashman said:
    I’m a conservative and I don’t have a problem with this. In fact, it’s long overdue. For those who think this will disrupt the military…..the US military is the most disciplined, most professional organization in the world. Thay can handle this. If someone acts out it will be addressed. If someone gets hostile, that will be addressed as well. They’ll adapt. They always do. Besides, gays are already there serving with honor. This will make zero difference in the overall picture.

    I agree with you and I am a conservative to the right of Limbaugh. DADT did more harm to gays serving with honor than anything I can think of. Subjected them to blackmail, jealousy and harassment to the 9th degree. Shame on the republicans that could not escape their own stereotypes.

  • Cubby

    It heartens me to see so many mature conservatives showing their support here. It’s particularly noticable that some of the more outspoken regulars haven’t made appearances here – they probably saw how reasonable their colleagues were being and decided it would make them look all the crazier.

    However, I must respectfully disagree that he comments on the Huffington Post or even the Daily Kos are comparable to the Fox Nation. I see some of the most hateful things I have ever read on a regular basis there, and they are filled with the kind of ignorance and rage that HuffPo commenters could only dream of. I mean, Karl Spensen came from SOMEWHERE, after all.

    That being said – we need more like you around here, Cotchie and Mr. Flashman.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    gordonbloyershow said:
    LOL. I OFFICIALLY santion YOU and RRK a hate group.

    Suck it bitch. You said it wouldn’t pass, that it shouldn’t pass and yet it did.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    Harry Flashman said:
    I note with great interest some of the quotes from some commenters at the Fox website. I guess the intent is to illustrate the hostility of the right toward DADT (or the demise thereof).

    I hate to break it to those happily posting that stuff but – there are idiots on both sides of the political spectrum. The right doesn’t have a corner on that market.

    If you need proof of that just go over to the Huffington Post or Kos or Salon and check the comments there. Just as loony, just as ugly. Same moronic coin, different sides.

    Most conservatives I know feel the same as I do about the repeal of DADT (see my comments above). Those fools commenting at Fox are NOT the mainstream, just imbeciles who can’t see past the fog of ideology.

    Just like their counterparts on the left.

    The only problem is that the Barry Goldwaters and Scott Browns of this world have been overshadowed by the notsofasts, gordonbloyershows, MicheleFs and Michele Bachmanns.

  • Anne 1

    The_Reasonable_Lib said:
    Suck it bitch. You said it wouldn’t pass, that it shouldn’t pass and yet it did.

    Merry Christmas .

  • nrgetick

    Kird said:
    “I wouldn’t be surprised if you or Karl were the author of these posts in question. Wouldn’t be surprised at all.”

    the westboro baptist church is also a bunch of liberals pretending to be fringe rightwingers. Im serious guys
    .

  • nrgetick

    notsofast said:
    This is great. Now libs won’t be able to use that excuse to get out of serving.

    yea we can just say obama was born is africa now

  • The Real Royal King

    The_Reasonable_Lib said:
    The only problem is that the Barry Goldwaters and Scott Browns of this world have been overshadowed by the notsofasts, gordonbloyershows, MicheleFs and Michele Bachmanns.

    Isn’t that the truth?

  • The Real Royal King

    Anne 1 said:
    Merry Christmas .

    Our neighbors have a terribly interesting cat named Gus. Their holiday cards say “Merrie Christgus”. I think that amusing.

    Season’s Greeting to you.

  • Morgan

    If the Gays are smart, after DADT is repealed, they will continue under their own DADT.

  • Jackie_Treehorn

    Morgan said:
    If the Gays are smart, after DADT is repealed, they will continue under their own DADT.

    Or what they’ll get “fragged”?

    Please the only ones in who even care are the deep south sister fuckers whose parents and grandparents make up the worst of America….

  • greg454

    “Nothing can destroy discipline more than a gay soldier standing in the showers ogling at others. If they want a gay bathhouse go to San Francisco.”

    —So you think that’s why gays join the military? Just so they can check what guys look like naked? Give me a break, as you said, there are plenty of bathhouses and locker rooms where you can do that without undergoing the hell of basic training. No, gays want to join the military for the same reasons other people join, such as looking for adventure, the desire to serve one’s country, stability, leadership, a secure job that means something, pride, etc, etc, etc. Besides, everybody ogles everyone else in the locker room, people aren’t blind, in fact, it’s the guys with the biggest dicks that put the towel in their heads while everyone else wears the towel on their waist. Coincidence? Please, some guys would get offended if you didn’t look.

    http://politicallyincorrectlibertarian.wordpress.com/2010/12/17/second-hand-water-vapor-the-war-against-electronic-cigarettes/

  • BFD

    The_Reasonable_Lib said:
    Suck it bitch. You said it wouldn’t pass, that it shouldn’t pass and yet it did.

    Truth.
    Gordo has been wrong two for two.
    Chrstine O’Donnell and DADT.
    What an idiot. Dumbest poster here.

    Oh well, he still has his no-Mosque prediction.. lolol

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  • Kird

    BFD said:

    Oh well, he still has his no-Mosque prediction.. lolol

    No he doesn’t. The Mosque has been functioning for quite some time now. Look in the 60 Minutes archives for the piece explaining the facts of it all.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Dave-Templeton/1642703797 Dave Templeton

    We had the election and yet this same tired bunch of old and unpopular men stand before the camera after making decisions affecting the entire country. I wonder if “moth balls” would drive them away from the moral fabric of America?
    RINOs like Brown, Snowe, Collins, Graham and McCain and other disingenuous conservatives need to decide what side they are on from here on out. Since the presumably Republican Congressional seat victories in November 2010, the Democrats have proceeded to pass every piece of legislation they desired, pro-gay, pro-socialist and pro-liberal. I challenge the GOP to force Republicans voting FOR these measures to resign from the party and go where they are voting – with the Democrats!

  • writer

    “deep south sister fuckers….”

    Wow!

  • BlackWidow

    I wonder what the vote for DAFT did to Leiberman’s and McCain’s relationship. This is two good ones McCain pulled on Leiberman. He passed over him for VP and picked that idiot Palin and now this fight about DADT.

    I bet they are now sleeping in different bedrooms NOW. LOL LOL

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    BFD said:
    Oh well, he still has his no-Mosque prediction.. lolol

    BFD is wrong again, I never said Christine O’Donnell would win anything. Try posting that comment? LOL. The Mosque is about to die. Did you hear the news this morning? LOL

  • writer

    The King is rough on those Mormons. Don’t say anything about Islam, though. It makes him cry.

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