(T-shirt!)
The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell moved forward moments ago in the U.S. Senate. Repeal is now one vote away:
Fifty-seven members of the Senate Democratic caucus and six Republicans -- Sens. Scott Brown (Mass.), Susan Collins (Maine), Mark Kirk (Ill.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Olympia Snowe (Maine) and George Voinovich (Ohio) voted yes. Four senators did not vote.
With the filibuster broken, the final vote's expected tomorrow. UPDATE: Roll Call expects a final vote around 3 p.m. Eastern today.
If it passes, and with 63 votes for cloture it should, President Obama could sign it into law next week. After that, Defense Secretary Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mullen have to tell Congress in writing that they're ready to make the change -- based on the Pentagon's study and on new policies being in place. And then -- then -- 60 more days go by while Congress holds hearings and reviews those policies. It's seems endless, but it's not. After 17 years, the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is very, very much within sight.
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A sad, dark 17-year chapter of sanctioned discrimination and persecution under DADT is about to come to an end, despite the misguided votes of the two old bigoted Neanderthals who represent Texas.
AustinBaze...you speak the truth. I feel like I have NO representation at the federal or state level in TEXAS. Very happy DADT will end without B and C's support.
So very glad Senators B and C did not get their way! I feel like no one in my state listens to the needs of the people, country, or state. DADT go away!!!
despite the TX bigots voting no, take solice in murkowski sticking palin in the eye (again) to vote yes! u betcha...
i vote away........
It is about damn time.
Wow, is all I can say. Something decent is actually getting done in the Congress? Double wow!
Didn't know anyone was working today. Lol guess the update wasn't necessary on my part then.
Basically, for anyone trying to figure out what just happened, this vote simply ended the filibuster. They were voting for cloture. It is likely that those who voted to end the filibuster will then go on to vote for the bill itself, but that is not necessarily a given. A final vote will have to be held in the Senate before the bill officially passes. So I guess in other words- begin cautious optimism in 5...4...3...2...
Which four gutless wonders didn't vote?
manchin, gregg, hatch and bunning
Did not vote: Jim Bunning (R-Ky.),Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Joe Manchin III (D-W. Va.)
Ah, Manchin the waffling Blue Dog Coward abstains from voting. Shocker.
YES!
Kirk's vote was unexpected. Did we see this coming?
Somewhat. He has said before that he supports removing DADT. Having said that remember this was just the vote to end cloture. They have 30 hours now to debate the issue before the final vote is cast. It may be that Kirk just wanted the filibuster to end. He may still vote "nay" on the final bill. I'm crossing my fingers that it's because he's a representative of Chicago that will keep him in line to repeal DADT.
Many here flooded his office with calls this week. To his credit, there were humans answering and recording the comments. I say he votes yes when it is called.
He very well may, I am keeping my fingers crossed with you.
I blog about this issue at: Http://www.ethicssage.com. The DADT policy is unethical and forces gay and lesbian Americans to lie and engage in deceitful conduct. Recent surveys indicate our military men and women are accepting of gays and lesbians in the military. There is no rational reason to continue this policy. It has already been ended in the UK and Canada.
Awesome!!!
fingernail biting, leg twitching excitement. meanwhile, such deep sadness that the republicans can block votes on legislation. according to nancy pelosi, it's not rip on the dream act, but dayum, when are these folks gonna grow up?
YAAAAYYYY!!! But DREAM lost by 5 votes.
One victory one failure, the A-holes should have done the same for the Dream Act.
Now for a real boost to gay soldiers, LET'S END THESE STUPID WARS!!!!
Not just gay soldiers, ALL soldiers (plus sailors, airmen, and marines)! ...err, All Americans! ....err, All Rational Humans would get a Real Boost by Ending All Wars (the 'Stupid' should go without saying, although Iraq was 'Beyond Stupid')!
Too bad Rachel and MSNBC aren't on to cover it today. But some good prison shows will help pass the time until Monday.
MSNBC actually has extended coverage today; Contessa Brewer is on right now. They've said they'll be on until at least sometime past 3pm when the final vote occurs.
seriously. when is MSNBC gonna grow up and be a real news network, broadcasting 7-days a week like everyone else. baffles me that everyone ... including the most mean spirited right wing "pundit" ... gives them a pass on this
We've had the 51 votes to repeal DADT for a long time. All those arms we twisted to get to 60 aren't even needed after this vote. It can be passed with Democratic votes alone.
I thought we only had 48 progressive Democrats?
NVM I'm not thinking of the wrong caucus.
You don't have to be Progressive or a Democrat to have Common Sense, and Do What's Right!
(as you already know, MM, just making the point)
Well, Lieberman introduced the bill. It cut to the center.
I think people just try to rebrand liberal policies when they start to gain support from the center so as to not appear to be supporting something liberal. But it is.
Blah sorry I had meant to say I wasn't thinking of the right caucus. I was confused about who I was thinking about. Romeo is right that it's a liberal policy, but yes Sean everyone should vote to remove it.
It's like pulling teeth...but Finally!!!! Down with DADT. Keep 'em on their toes. U Rock Rachel, Lawrence, Ed, Keith, Chris and the whole MSNBC team. Thanks for putting out the REAL truth and keeping them accountable.
I was beginning to lose hope for our country, in so very many ways! But this is a sign that there are still people in our government who understand the spirit behind the founders' ideas, and the intent of their words! Welcome to the 21st century, USA! Yes!
Keep calling your Senators -- don't let up the pressure now!!!!
They will only need a simple majority (51) for the final vote on either tomorrow or Monday.
Final vote on DADT repeal just got moved up to 3:00pm today under a consent agreement between Reid and McConnell! Wow, this is really moving quickly!
Wow!!
The list has Voinovich, voting Nay
nm
There will always be losses and wins folks, I am glad this was a win and disappointed about Dream and prepared for whatever comes next. We are living through change and I think change is it is good!