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President Barack Obama today pledged to end the US Military policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 3,000 at the annual dinner for the Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights advocacy group.
Although Obama renewed his campaign pledge to abolish the controversial policy, he did not provide a timetable, and has been criticized by some of his supporters for failing to do so.
President Obama's incremental approach on this issue reflects his deliberate style, planning for each step. This go-slow strategy has been a bitter pill for some of his more ardent supporters during the campaign, when he promised to repeal DADT and work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.
Prominent gay rights blogger John Aravosis submitted a post entitled "Where's the Beef", wondering when explicit action will be taken, and complaining that President Obama merely repeated promises he made on the campaign trail.
What did President Obama say new tonight? Absolutely nothing. What did the Human Rights Campaign get in exchange for once again giving our president cover for all of his broken promises to our community? Absolutely nothing.
Others are more willing to give the President time to juggle the many responsibilities and seem to understand that this issue is one among many that Obama must deal with.
Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign was quoted as saying "We have never had a stronger ally in the White House. Never." During a media interview, he said the Obama administration has been working with the group on a range of issues "on an almost weekly and sometimes daily basis."
President Obama has urged supporters of gay rights to have faith in him. He has pointed to initial efforts, such as his executive memorandum that expands Federal benefits for same-sex partners. He has reminded them that progress on this issue will take time.
"I appreciate that many of you don't believe progress has come fast enough," Obama said. "Do not doubt the direction we are heading and the destination we will reach."
With no concrete timetable, his message Saturday was seen as a show of support and unity for an important constituency that has donated large amounts of money to the Democratic party. He acknowledged that there are those who feel that advancing the cause of gay rights is morally wrong. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that although support for gay rights is rising, about half of Americans still feel gay marriage is wrong.
Obama also pledged to seek to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that makes it more difficult for same sex marriages to be recognized in other states. He also noted the movement of Matthew Sheppard Act, named after the heinous torture and murder of a young gay man in 1998. The legislation would make it a Federal crime to assault people because of their sexual preference
In the end, his speech resonated with a basic declaration: "I'm here with a simple message: I'm here with you in that fight," Obama said. Although his pledges are promising and bring new hope for renewed momentum for the last group of Americans who can legally be discriminated against, time will tell how successful he is in realizing his promises.
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