AP: Ending DADT will be 'several-year process' with a 'special investigation'

Based on the reporting of the Associated Press, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is going to take awhile. It's being slow-walked, for sure. So, the process may start this week, but it's going to be a long, drawn out process. This isn't encouraging:

The Defense Department starts the clock next week on what is expected to be a several-year process in lifting its ban on gays from serving openly in the military.

A special investigation into how the ban can be repealed without hurting the morale or readiness of the troops was expected to be announced Tuesday by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

While the review is likely to take the better part of this year to complete, and even more time to implement, its initiation will advance President Barack Obama's goal of repealing the ban and bring a divisive issue for the military back to the fore.

At the White House, officials continued reviewing options to repeal the Clinton-era policy that the president vowed to repeal. The administration still believes that any repeal should start in Congress and have the backing of top military leaders.

Okay, that process of letting Congress take the lead didn't work so well for health care reform. Obama made the promise to repeal DADT. He keeps repeating it. He needs to make it happen. The repeal language better be in the President's budget, which we will see on Monday. A preview of the Defense budget in today's Washington Post doesn't mention DADT.

And, another study? That's ridiculous. This issue has been studied enough. The Pentagon is intentionally dragging this out -- and the White House can't let that happen.

The reporter states "Lifting the ban poses some emotional questions." Emotional? Gays and lesbians currently serve in the military. Every knows it, including top military brass. This isn't an issue about emotion. It's an issue of fairness and national security. And, the repeal has broad support from the public. This is a "no-brainer."

Obama needs to lead here. He's the commander-in-chief. And, Congress needs to deliver -- this year.

And, until Obama keeps his promises: Don't Ask, Don't Give.