Federal Judge orders lesbian Air Force nurse reinstated
Daylife/AP Photo used by permission
A federal judge has ordered the reinstatement of an openly lesbian former Air Force major who was dismissed from the military under the government’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
Judge Ronald Leighton of Tacoma, Washington, made his ruling Friday. It is the latest legal and political setback for the Obama administration, which is seeking to end the policy through a legislative and executive solution.
Uh, I would have to interject, here, that Obama is trying to dump it off on Congress. He knows, you and I know, that will accomplish nothing. Especially before the fall election. There is nothing “executive” happening.
And he apparently hasn’t the integrity to live up to his promises to the Gay and Lesbian community made during his presidential campaign.
Maj. Margaret Witt, a decorated flight nurse with 20 years of service, had sued to return to the Air Force Reserve. She was honorably discharged in July 2007 on the grounds that she had a six-year relationship with another woman, a civilian…
“Her discharge from the Air Force Reserves violated her substantive due process rights under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. She should be restored to her position as a flight nurse with the 446th AES as soon as is practicable,” wrote the judge…
She was described in employee reports and by trial witnesses as an “exemplary officer” who was an effective leader, caring mentor, and skilled clinician. She had hid her homosexuality for years…
Witt’s lawyers from the ACLU argued the Spokane native’s sexuality never led to any problems within her unit. Several members of her squadron had testified they would welcome her back.
“Today we heard the hammer of justice strike for Major Margaret Witt,” said ACLU of Washington Executive Director Kathleen Taylor. “We look forward to the day when all members of our military can serve our country without invidious discrimination. To discharge her simply because of her sexual orientation was entirely unfair to her and unwise for the military, which needs her significant skills.”
The saddest thing is that the Democrats and Obama are a slightly better alternative to the intellectually and ethically corrupt thugs in the Republican Party and their teabagger Brown Shirts. On some issues.
I can’t be moved to vote for the evil of two lessers.
It’s the “lesser of two evils.” And, I sort of like lesbians. Not ugly, bull dyke lesbians with a mustache bigger than mine, but, stone cold babe lesbians. Republican Brown Shirt
davisoftheapes1
September 25, 2010 at 6:20 am
Yet another Republican with no comprehension of sarcasm.
moss
September 25, 2010 at 7:35 am
Wouldn’t say his only problem was with comprehension.
god
September 25, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Overdue!
keano
September 25, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Uh, I would have to interject, here, that Obama is trying to dump it off on Congress. He knows, you and I know, that will accomplish nothing. Especially before the fall election. There is nothing “executive” happening.
And he apparently hasn’t the integrity to live up to his promises to the Gay and Lesbian community made during his presidential campaign.
Obama is taking the correct track here. DADT is the law as passed by Congress. Obama swore to uphold the laws. It was less than two years ago so many were truly upset with Bush for enforcing the laws as he saw fit. The proper way here is to change the law, not ignore it and hope it goes away. It would be just as wrong for Obama to start ignoring the law as he sees fit.
Second, she was discharged during Bush’s term. The DoJ is obligated to defend the law, and government, regardless of personal feelings or beliefs.
Court rulings may be a poor way of changing the law, but as long as there is such a divided Congress, it will have to do. And all my best to the Major and thank you for your continued service.
Mr. Fusion
September 25, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Obama also swore to uphold the Constitution and can act on behalf of that tattered document to aid legal battles against lousy laws.
One of the reasons Presidents have executive privileges as part of tripartite checks and balances.
god
September 25, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Maybe one day gays won’t be discriminated against, falsely accused and relentlessly abused in New Mexico. It is particularly gruesome when criminal acts against gays come from politicians. And still more insulting and humiliating when the US Attorney and ACLU are aware of the activity but do nothing in regard to it.
E Trams
September 26, 2010 at 4:23 am
Any chance of an soon to be released sequel called Brokeback Mountainette with Eva Mendes and Tiger Woods ex wife?
davisoftheapes1
September 26, 2010 at 11:11 am