RWB News: Two important things happened today concerning President Obama and the courts. A federal judge ordered the Military to stop enforcing the "don't ask don't tell" policy saying it was unconstitutional. Then the Obama administration filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts in support of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, that barred gay marriages, even though Obama had previously opposed the law.
A justice department spokesman said "The Justice Department is defending the statute, as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged." Then that tells me (common sense) that the Obama administration will also challenge the Federal Judge who believes she can legislate from the bench and declare a federal law unconstitutional based on her beliefs alone? If 'The Justice Department will defend statute as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged' then it looks like 'don't ask don't tell' will also have to be defended.
Now Obama's liberal base of supporters are happy with the Judge and her ruling but they are very upset about the Obama administration defending the Defense of Marriage Act. The Obama administration can "CHANGE" that word "traditional" to "sometimes" and pick and choose according to his and the administration's radical belief system. Many people say this judge did what the democratic congress and Obama could not do, repeal "don't ask don't tell".
The Obama administration is waiting for the Department of Defense to complete a study on what effect the repeal of "don't ask don't tell" may have on soldiers and the readiness of our military. This Federal Judge feels she is more important than our Soldiers and the Generals investigating this policy and Obama by not challenging this Judge would also say to the Generals their information was not that important.
This administration once again is trying to have it both ways but they can no longer do that. There are to many people paying attention to the Lies, corruption, radical ideas and the broken promises this administration seems to deliver on a daily basis.
Obama administration appeals gay marriage ruling
REUTERS (Reuters) – The Obama administration decided on Tuesday to appeal a judge's rulings that prevented the U.S. government from banning same-sex marriages, a move that could undermine support among President Barack Obama's traditional liberal base ahead of a key election.
The Obama administration filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in support of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, that barred gay marriages, even though Obama had previously opposed the law.
Although Obama opposes the law, a Justice Department spokeswoman said that the administration was defending the statute because it was obligated to defend federal laws when challenged in court.
"As a policy matter, the President has made clear that he believes DOMA is discriminatory and should be repealed," said Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler. "The Justice Department is defending the statute, as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged."
The rulings being appealed by the government were made in July by U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro in Boston who found the law violated the U.S. Constitution's 10th Amendment, which protects states' rights, and the clause granting equal protection under the law.
Under his rulings, same-sex couples would be entitled to the same federal spousal benefits and protections that are afforded to heterosexual married couples.
One of the challenges was brought by the state of Massachusetts and the other by several couples, including an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, Nancy Gill, who could not obtain coverage for her wife, Marcelle Letourneau, on her family health and vision plans.
The appeal comes at a tough time for Obama, who has been trying to shore up his liberal base ahead of the contentious congressional elections when his fellow Democrats are expected to lose many seats to Republicans. Democrats could lose control of the House of Representatives.
A key concern has been whether those who have supported Obama in the past will show up to vote in the November 2 midterm elections. He has opposed same-sex marriages but supported civil unions and extended some benefits to gay partners of federal employees.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69B63U20101012
Don't-Ask Policy Is Halted By Judge
The Wall Street Journal reported
WASHINGTON—A federal judge ordered the military to stop enforcing the "don't ask, don't tell" law that has been used to discharge gay service members, putting at least a temporary halt to the 17-year-old policy.
Tuesday's order by U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips in Riverside, Calif., applies across the U.S. and would halt proceedings against service members suspected of violating the policy, which aims to bar openly gay people from the military.
Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers United and a plaintiff in the case, said, "While this is certainly news to be celebrated, we would also advise caution [to openly gay service members] in advance of a potential stay" of Tuesday's ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Once again, an activist federal judge is using the military to advance a liberal social agenda, disregarding the views of all four military service chiefs and the constitutional role of Congress," said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.
The Pentagon is conducting an internal review aimed at eventually repealing the policy. Mr. Gates and Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, support the repeal measure that is pending in Congress.
However, some military leaders have said they want to wait on any action until the Pentagon completes its review, which includes a survey of service members on how the policy can best be ended. The results of the survey are expected in December.
Read Entire story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575548393832434092.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories
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