Don't Ask Don't Tell: Blog Post 5

 I have witnessed a complete turnaround in regards to the support it received in the senate. Originally, it was placed inside a larger defense bill; however, rejected the bill, deeming it too complex to be able to sufficiently debate the topic before the Christmas break. When the bill was apparently dead, Susan Collins presented the bill in a piece of stand alone legislation as a last attempt to get it through the senate, and on December 18, In a 65-31 vote, the Senate passed the repeal that would allow thousands of Americans to serve in the military being openly homosexual. This was a historic achievement by president Obama. This victory was symbolic of several victories Obama added to his repertoire throughout a very productive lame duck session. Although failing to pass the Dream Act, he was able to sign a nuclear arms treaty with Russia, and cut taxes for millions of Americans.

This was a pressing civil rights issue that had taunted the gay community for 17 years. I personally agree with President Obama who strongly advocated for soldiers to serve in the military being openly gay. "I don't know what it's like to be picked on for being gay. But I do know what it’s like to grow up feeling that sometimes you don’t belong. It’s tough.” This was a historic moment in Obama’s presidency.  He was able to come through on a campaign promise that reigned in thousands of voters, and he was able to repeal a law that had hindered our nation’s security and the freedom of thousands of Americans.