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A Question of Choice Part 2

Monday, October 18, 2010 05:05 AM

tags: DOJ, Don't Ask Don't Tell, The Obama Administration

Speaking of choice, there is a persistent talking point (pushed by the White House and President Obama’s supporters) that says the president has no choice but to defend Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and DOMA in court and that the DOJ is required to appeal adverse federal rulings. The problem is - that is just NOT true. In fact the DOJ just DECLINED to appeal a federal ruling that allows Christian groups to proselytize in federal parks. Servicemembers United was outraged by the Obama administration's hypocrisy. And sent out this press release in response:

"In the very same week, the administration says that it absolutely must appeal a federal court's decision on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' while it orders the Justice Department not to appeal a federal court's ruling in favor of the conservative Alliance Defense Fund. This contradiction is simply incomprehensible and insulting," said Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United and the sole named veteran plaintiff in the case along with the Log Cabin Republicans. "Servicemembers United renews its call for the administration to withdraw its appeal of both the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' ruling and the injunction pursuant to that ruling."