President Obama: "Which Side Are You On"?

By David Mixner-

    With the Federal Court decision on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the Log Cabin Case, the moment of truth has arrived for President Obama. The decision by this administration on rather to appeal this case or to let stand the ruling which will in many ways define this administration for generations. The President can courageously stand for equality for LGBT American citizens or he can duck and hide behind the Department of Justice.

Politically the President's choice really is quite simple and he can say:

1. An overwhelming majority of Americans support the repeal of DADT.

2. The policy is wrong and an embarrassment to this nation.

3. Clearly, even in the political process, there is a historical inevitability for repeal.

4. Given the urgent needs of jobs, schools and food for Americans, he refuses to spend time, money and resources on this case when there are so many other priorities.

   Yesterday, even the state of Florida refused to appeal the adoption decision and now LGBT citizens can legally adopt children in Florida. Surely the President can rise to the same courage. In one brave moment the President can end this policy forever. He has refused to issue a 'stop-loss" order to protect Americans in the military but now he has the full force of the Federal Courts behind him.

   If the President appeals, he will lose forever whatever chance he has to be viewed as a man who acts on full equality for LGBT citizens. He will prolong pain, continue the witch hunts and continue this outrageous violation of human rights. Twenty-one Senators led by Senator Gillibrand has issued a powerful statement urging the President not to appeal.
Listen to their voices, Mr. President.



for more from David Mixner visit Live From Hell's Kitchen.

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