Bob CollinsStand down, gay rights advocates. The attempt to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is dead, and probably for a good long time.
“The whole thing is a political train wreck,” said Richard Socarides, a former White House adviser on gay rights during the Clinton administration. He spoke after Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announced she would vote against repealing the law, which effectively bans homosexuals from serving in the military.
The Senate doesn’t have enough votes to prevent a filibuster and it’s unlikely November will make it any more likely the measure will find support anytime soon. Democrats seem unable to pass most legislation without a super majority.
It also comes on the day when Gen. James Amos said he was against repealing the law. He appeared at his confirmation hearing to be the new head of the Marines.
“Sir, I’ve heard at the Marine bases and the Marine input for the online survey, it has been predominantly negative,” he said.
His views conflict with those of Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostwick, who last week told the Washington Times, “these people opposing this new policy will need to get with the program, and if they can’t, they need to get out. No matter how much training and education of those in opposition, you’re always going to have those that oppose this on moral and religious grounds just like you still have racists today.”
