Kerry Eleveld revealed in an article for The Advocate that Rep. Barney Frank stated that the reason why a repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell wasn’t attached to the defense appropriations bill is because the Obama Administration doesn’t want to repeal the policy this year and actually prefers a delay of repeal efforts. “I’m disappointed with the administration talking about delaying legislation for a year. But I’m working with Patrick Murphy on it and I’m hoping we can push ahead.” Rep. Frank stated. When Eleveld noted the White House’s failure to designate the defense authorization as its preferred format for repealing DADT, Frank replied, “That’s because they don’t want it done this year, not because they want it done separately.” Eleveld goes on to point out that if Frank is correct, it shows that despite Obama’s SOTU pledge his administration is clearly hoping that the issue fades into the abyss until next year or later. All the while, discharges through the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy continue. (via JoeMyGod)
