Is DADT Finally Dead?

After US District Court Judge Virginia Phillips ruled that DADT must be immediately lifted, it was sad to hear Defense Secretary Robert Gates indicating that the White House is weighing their options to appeal. Unbelievable! Gates states that Judge Phillips ruling would have "enormous consequenses" for the men & women of the miltary and that permitting gay and lesbian troops to serve openly and honestly would require a lot of careful preparatin and "training." Oh, please! Being gay is normal, natural and NO BIG DEAL. How can a little non-job-related knowledge about a fellow serviceman or servicewoman (that you probably already knew) really impact you?

I'm trying to imagine how long the training course could possibly be and what they would say. I'm thinking something like these sentences and a hearty hierarchical command to behave nicely would do the trick: "As you know, those who serve in the military have different races, genders and sexual orientations, and as Americans it is our duty to judge people by their characters and not by any other criteria. Now that some of us can be honest about who we are, I ask that everyone maintain their professionalism and respect and continue to serve the military honorably and nobly."

Seriously -- what are they afraid of, other than fear itself --in the form of homophobia?

And the Federal government should not be sending a message to the general public that it's okay to discrimate or that policies should be based on fears and personal prejudices. This only validates the hostile attitude some have toward gay people.

It's time for an outdated policy to die a peaceful death. Let it rest in peace.

And Obama, you don't have to appeal this thing. Show us some moral courage and a little backbone. You've said you want this appealed. You've said it's wrong. You've said it's time for it to end. So let it end. Don't confuse everyone by saying one thing and doing another. Be the change you said you wanted to see in the world.