The CINC has been Sunk

Bill Clinton's unscripted address of the DADT issue during his keynote speech at the recent Netroots Nation 2009 conference illustrates how sitting presidents succumb to political pressure and make policy that conflict with their better judgment. President Obama is sitting in the exact same seat and chances are great that his decision about ending DADT will be no different. And, make no mistake, a President, as Commander-In-Chief (CINC), has the legal power to initiate the end DADT. True, today's social and political climate is more accommodating to LGBTQ concerns but in reality "THE MILITARY" is a world and culture all unto itself. It is impervious to logic, politics, public opinion and immediate congressional or legislative interference.

President Obama is reluctant to fiddle under the military hood and fix what's wrong for the same reason Clinton was unable to block DADT - they both have not served in the military. There is a peculiar American urge to hold everything military in complete awe. If you have not served (complete disclosure - I have) the tendency is to let "them" handle it. "Them" being the generals in charge at the Pentagon. Many non-veterans believe only veterans can make good informed decisions about military matters because, well, because they were in the military and you weren't. And this is where it gets sticky. "They", the folks in charge - the big boys and girls with the stars on their shoulders - will not, can not make an independent move unless the Commander-In-Chief gives the order. But don't just take my word for it. Notice that Generals, as a rule, do not express their opinion until after they're retired. Also note that the fight in congress to repeal DADT has only started to gain serious attention with a veteran walking point for the first time.

Don't believe for a second that petitioning or stalking your congressional rep to repeal DADT will have any effect. Political elephants like the Health Care Bill, fixing the economy and two wars have already sucked the remaining oxygen out of Washington. There is a solution, however.