Joe Lieberman finally did something right.
Today, the independent Connecticut senator who usually grates on our nerves like nails on a chalkboard, announced a bill that could repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military.
The bill, called the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, would also explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexuality.
Now, we know Lieberman is probably more pro-war than pro-gay rights, and by military readiness enhancement they mean “we don’t care who you are as long as you’ll die for us,” but we’re not looking a gift horse in the mouth on this one.
With the bill proposed and significant backing for a repeal in Washington, it seems like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” — a misguided compromise from our well-meaning 42nd president — will finally become nothing more than another embarrassing spot on America’s political past.
But that’s not an excuse to sit around and let it possibly slip by. Both Democratic and Republican U.S. senators need to push aside their mutual disdain for crazy Old Man Lieberman and pass the bill. It’s time.
We hope famous “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” flip-flopper John McCain doesn’t barricade himself in the Senate chamber and refuse to let the bill move forward until every other problem with the U.S. is magically fixed.
For now, we’re just satisfied Lieberman, who is usually an enormous disappointment all around, is taking a step toward progress — whether it’s for the right reasons or not.
