This Is What Half-Assing Looks Like

I'm a huge supporter of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. I want to see the policy go. Completely. And when the administration gives us this kind of bull shit regarding making DADT "more humane" or making incremental changes to the policy while working on full repeal, I can't help but think their ideas are pathetic. Like this gem from CNN, reporting on what Robert Gates is suppose to say in his DADT address tomorrow:

The official said one of the changes will be that outings by third parties may no longer be automatic grounds for initiating separation proceedings, especially if it is proven that the person making the allegation has a grudge against the military member. Gates' announcement will focus on regulatory changes that can be made at the Pentagon without the approval of Congress, which has been debating whether to change the law

Listen, Robby, sweety… I get what you're trying to do here. You're trying to do something nice-ish to calm those loud and crazy queers. Tossing us a bone, if you will, so that we'll start donating to the DNC again. But honey, here's the thing: Changing DADT so that only first-hand outings count is tantamount to California's current marriage conundrum, where some gay couples are legally married but others are not. If being outed by a third-party doesn't get you kicked out, then guess what? You're still Out! Which, by the terms of DADT, means you get kicked out (except in the case that you are in an immediate war zone, in which case the military will be happy to put your life on the line until you are phased back home, at which time you'll be promptly booted).

So what happens then? If I'm in the Air Force and my psycho ex outs me to my supervisors and my unit, I'm still out. In that case, I won't get kicked from the military? But if I out myself, then I can get kicked? Why wouldn't I just have a friend out me then so that I could be out while on active duty? Do you see why this change in policy is ludicrous and impractical to implement?

One of two things is happening here. Either the Dems think that making small changes will make it easier to make the big change when it comes time (it won't), or they think that attempting something like this gives them the ability to look like they are trying without actually having to worry about actually making a change because this change will fail.

Just repeal DADT full-scale already! There is such a vast majority of the American public that is for this repeal that there is no reason to not act. Hell, even the Evangelicals that are against gay people getting basic health care are for LGBT people serving openly in the military. You will not lose votes over repealing DADT and you can claim that you worked hard to "bolster the military" or increased their numbers or whatever other pandering statement you feel the need to make at your next campaign stop in your districts military installment.