The Justice Department has NO GROUNDS to appeal. The USA Defense Department is 'in the process' of implementing such a directive. The process the military is engaged in under Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Mullens is well managed and provides FAR GREATER security to the USA.
The men and women that serve our country are vital to its protection. If they are chronically on an emotional roller coaster that only adds to the instability of a 'ready' force.
I believe at this point the antiquated and bizarre, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is dead in the water. Congratulations to the USA military in having yet another hideous political directive defeated under the leadership of President Obama. We are grateful to him and too all those that serve. I wish all those wishing to return to service, but, were dismissed under the old policy would seek redress and come back to the USA military that desperately needs them.
PROFESSIONALS. The USA is an all volunteer military lined with men and women that are professionals and know their jobs and career choices. I doubt sincerely any problems will result. Quite the contrary, the military will run smoother and advancement of 'the best' will proceed without incident providing a ready and expert fighting force.
...The federal government (click title to entry - thank you) has 60 days to appeal, but Justice Department attorneys have not said whether they will.
"Defendants United States of America and the Secretary of Defense immediately to suspend and discontinue any investigation, or discharge, separation, or other proceeding, that may have been commenced under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Act, or pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 654 or its implementing regulations, on or prior to the date of this Judgment," U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips wrote.
In September, Phillips said the policy banning gays did not preserve military readiness, contrary to what many supporters have argued, and that evidence shows that the policy in fact had a "direct and deleterious effect" on the military. She also found that "don't ask, don't tell" violated the 1st Amendment.
Phillips said at the time that she would issue an injunction barring the government from enforcing the policy....
