Obama Makes DADT Repeal Official

Posted on Dec 22, 2010

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A Democratic president brought the infamous “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy into the U.S. military, and now President Obama has undone that particular piece of work by Bill Clinton. On Wednesday, Obama signed the bill ending DADT, saluting GLBT service members from the past and present and asking those who may consider enlisting to factor this latest development into their choice, as now they too can take part in his overseas adventures.  —KA

USA Today:

At a ceremony at the Interior Department, Obama thanked “all the patriots ... who were forced to hang up their uniforms” because of the policy, which dates to early in the Clinton administration.

Obama said all the service chiefs are committed to “implementing this change swiftly.” He said that one day, people will look back and wonder “why it was ever a source of controversy in the first place.”

Obama said he hopes all those who left the service because of the policy will seek to re-enlist. And he encouraged all gays to consider service.

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