To the Point
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Moves to Crucial Phase
If "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is not repealed by this year's lame-duck session of Congress, gay and lesbian activists say they'll resort to the courts. What's the impact of a Pentagon study of the rank and file, leaked to the public in advance of scheduled debate on Capitol Hill? Also, Charlie Rangel walks out of his ethics hearing, and a possible end to US combat in Afghanistan.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenIf "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is not repealed by this year's lame-duck session of Congress, gay and lesbian activists say they'll resort to the courts. What's the impact of a Pentagon study of the rank and file, leaked to the public in advance of scheduled debate on Capitol Hill? Also, Congressman Charlie Rangel walks out of his hearing before the House Ethics Committee, and the Obama Administration wants to end combat in Afghanistan by 2014.
Banner image: Former gay members of the US Military participate in a vigil at the gravesite of Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, at Congressional Cemetery on November 15, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Vietnam Veteran, who died in 1988, received both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star and was later discharged from the Air Force for being gay. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesCharlie Rangel Walks Out of His Ethics Hearing
There was high personal drama today on Capitol Hill when New York's Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel walked out of a long-anticipated Ethics Committee hearing called to give him a chance to defend himself on various changes. Martin Kady is Congressional Bureau Chief for Politico.com .
Read the story8 minWhat's the Future of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?'
After decades of controversy, Congress recognized the right of blacks and women to serve in the US military, perhaps making the armed services America's most thoroughly integrated institution – except when it comes to sexual orientation.
Read the story36 minUS Plan Would End Combat in Afghanistan by 2014
President Hamid Karzai said yesterday he wants the US military to reduce both the visibility and intensity of its presence in Afghanistan. Today a spokesman said that was not intended as a vote of "no confidence" in General David Petraeus.
Read the story7 min
