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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Obama Signals Intention to Reverse 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

    In 1993, newly elected President Bill Clinton wanted to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in America's armed services. The outcry against it was so great that he backed off and contrived, “don't ask, don't tell.”

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    In 1993, newly elected President Bill Clinton wanted to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in America's armed services. The outcry against it was so great that he backed off and contrived, “don't ask, don't tell.” During his campaign, Barack Obama said he'd get rid of that policy, but recent statements led to questions about backpedaling. Not any more. Last Friday, Obama's press secretary gave a one-word answer the question heavy with social and historical baggage. Aubrey Sarvis is director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

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    The Bush Administration and Possible War Crimes
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    3. 44:07Obama Signals Intention to Reverse 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'You’re reading this
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

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      Andrea Brody

      Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

    • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

      Sonya Geis

      Senior Managing Editor

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      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

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      Aubrey Sarvis

      Director, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

      NewsNationalPolitics

    The full episode

    3 of 3
    The Bush Administration and Possible War Crimes
    1. 1:40Egypt Struggles to Mediate Gaza Conflict
    2. 7:20The Bush Administration and Possible War Crimes
    3. 44:07Obama Signals Intention to Reverse 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'You’re reading this
    Back to To the Point