WDGR

In a dramatic conclusion to the case in the Southern District of California, the Honorable Judge Virginia Phillips has issued a nationwide injunction on the enforcement of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy within the Department of Defense. Barring a decision by a higher court vacating the injuction, the military can no longer discharge anyone because of sexual preference issues.

Our Editorial Statement on the decision ending DADT: WDGR.

Well Done and Good Riddance.

As readers know, I've written before that I wanted DADT stricken from the books. As much as I've never liked some of the opponents of the policy, whom I've regarded as more opponents of the military than anything else, I simply don't believe the readiness/discipline arguments. Too much of the evidence put forward by its proponents is anecdotal or conjecture, and I simply don't accept that such weak evidence can support the denial of an Equal Protection challenge, particularly in light of the experinces of our allies on this subject. As to deference to the Brass, well ... there was a time when I was willing to defer to those senior to me, but as I don't wear a tree suit anymore, I've decided I like deciding things for myself. (That's not to say, of course, that I'm not happy to find myself in agreement with some former Brass, like General Colin Powell and Admiral Charles Larson.)

As a riot breaks out at the Stonewall Inn, this time in joy and celebration, both sides of the culture war ask: What happens now? Well, that's not exactly clear. As the government has sixty days to appeal the ruling, one option is for Obama to heed the advice of Generalissimo Chang Kai-shek: When in doubt, do nothing. If the sixty days expire without a notice of appeal being filed by the Justice Department, the ruling becomes final. Of course, the soon-to-be-Republican-controlled Congress could pass a new DADT statute, but that would require either 2/3 of both chambers, or Obama's signature.

Perhaps Obama will stick to his guns. Or maybe, keep them in his holsters.

The Russell Record offers its congratulations to the Log Cabin Republicans for their well-fought fight.