The Senate repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” stands out as an important victory for progressives in America for 2010, and it’s encouraging to note that North Carolina’s conservative Senator Richard Burr came onboard as an unlikely ally.
Burr wasn’t 100 percent behind the timing of the vote, but in the end he wanted his name in the yes column. Here is the statement released by Burr’s press office:
“Given the generational transition that has taken place in our nation, I feel that this policy is outdated and repeal is inevitable. However, I remain convinced that the timing of this change is wrong, and making such a shift in policy at a time when we have troops deployed in active combat areas does not take into consideration the seriousness of the situation on the ground. But, the vote this morning to invoke cloture on this bill indicated that the broader Senate was prepared to move forward with a change, and despite my concerns over timing, my conclusion is that repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is the right thing to do.”
The repeal of the policy was pushed through by a small but steadfast coalition led by independent Senator Joe Lieberman and Republican Senator Susan Collins. Lieberman was the lead sponsor of the bill and he called the vote one of his “best days” in Congress,
Burr’s vote is gratifying considering his solidly conservative credentials. His vote joined Democratic Senator Kay Hagan in giving North Carolina a united front opposing a policy which Lieberman correctly called “inconsistent with basic American values.”
Comments
Recall campaign for Burr !!
Thank You Senator Burr for helping repeal DADT!
Just lost my vote - I'll vote for a "D" next time if I can - hate to say it be this guy needs to be punished.
I'll withhold my vote rather than vote for Burr again.
I'm not sold on Burr-if you believe it is an equality/civil rights issue then the time for change is always now. He should have voted with the other four Republicans to end the filibuster. I believe he knows the policy was discriminatory, but put partisanship over principle. When his party was defeated, he did what was right. I still won't be voting for him next time.
Yoy are one sorry SOB and I will never vote for you again. I am in the process of joining the local tea party and I will do everything I can to make sure you are never reelected.
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