Conservative NC Senator Votes to End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Burr wasn't 100 percent behind the timing of the vote, but in the end he wanted his name in the yes column. Here is the statement released by Burr's press office:
"Given the generational transition that has taken place in our nation, I feel that this policy is outdated and repeal is inevitable. However, I remain convinced that the timing of this change is wrong, and making such a shift in policy at a time when we have troops deployed in active combat areas does not take into consideration the seriousness of the situation on the ground. But, the vote this morning to invoke cloture on this bill indicated that the broader Senate was prepared to move forward with a change, and despite my concerns over timing, my conclusion is that repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell is the right thing to do."
The repeal of the policy was pushed through by a small but steadfast coalition led by independent Senator Joe Lieberman and Republican Senator Susan Collins. Lieberman was the lead sponsor of the bill and he called the vote one of his "best days" in Congress,
Burr's vote is gratifying considering his solidly conservative credentials. His vote joined Democratic Senator Kay Hagan in giving North Carolina a united front opposing a policy which Lieberman correctly called "inconsistent with basic American values."
Published by Jeffrey Weeks
Jeffrey Weeks is an award-winning NC newspaper columnist who writes about saltwater and freshwater fishing, southern seafood and cooking, hunting, popular entertainment, and sports. View profile
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10 Comments
Post a CommentGood article, good news.
Excellent reporting!
I love Orchiolum's comment. I'm SO glad that Don't Ask Don't Tell is history!
PUT BURR AND THE REST OF THOSE WHO VOTED YES ON THE FRONT LINES .THEY WILL MAKE A GOOD GOOD TARGET .BURR I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR YOU AGAIN
PUTBURRANDTHERESTOFTHOSEWHOVOTEDYESONTHEFRONTLINESTHEYWILLMAKEGOODAGOODTARGET.BURRIWILLNEVERVOTEFORYOUAGAIN
During my lifetime, America has almost always had troops on the ground somewhere. If we'd waited until there was no combat, as Senator Burr suggests, this bill would never have passed. I also believe that those in government realized that the courts would rule Don't Ask, Don't Tell unconstitutional sooner than later. After the few remaining areas of legalized discrimination in our society fall, America's promise of liberty and justice for all will have been fullfilled. Although not all agree with the decision, it represents a significant step forward for America. Our Constitution is indeed alive and well, shining brighter today than yesterday.
oh boy!
cheers for the reporting
As long as those not telling don't start showing, should be no problem :) Very good article.
"Don't ask don't tell" should be repealed. It don't work.