Bob CollinsA federal judges ruling striking down the rule that bans openly gay people from serving in the U.S. military has put the White House on the brink of another political firestorm.
In court papers filed today, the Obama administration says the dispute raises serious legal questions and that the government will be irreparably harmed unless the current policy is allowed to remain in place temporarily. The administration is seeking a stay on the federal judges order.
What else weakens the country? Not allowing gays to serve in the military.
Both of those points have come from the Obama administration in the last year and a half. The first, of course, came with today’s filing. The second came during a presidential speech at the White House in June 2009 during a reception with lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual supporters.
The two conflicting points are likely to be played side-by-side in the next day or so, but, perhaps, not this additional paragraph in his June 2009 speech:
“As commander in chief, I do have a responsibility to see that this change is administered in a practical way and a way that takes over the long term.”
It’s almost as if the president could see today coming.
