Why Ask?

Got a letter from a concerned reader about Barack Obama's stance on openly homosexual individuals who want to serve in the US Armed forces.

The story goes on to explain his stance on "Don't ask, Don't tell"

Here's the link to that story.

My question is, why bring this issue up? It hasn't been on the boiler plate. It hasn't been an issue, why make it one? This is not exactly a "Uniting" issue that Obama has tried to pursue. It seems like a mis-step in campaigning. He's stepped on a polarizing land mine.

Look at it this way, it's one of those, "have you stopped beating your wife yet" kind of questions and answers for a politician. You will automatically alienate one group - in this case the Churchie-brand Conservatives. Granted, the ultra-uber-Conservative types aren't going to be voting for Obama anyway (and that's my opinion based ONLY on his record and his policies. Nothing else.)

John McCain (R) won't exploit this hole in Obama's armor. But the folks who campaign and vote on this one issue will.

There's a theory out there that Karl Rove drummed up the Ultra Conservative Churchie-types out to vote for Bush based ONLY on gay marriage. I only heard that AFTER George took the presidency from John Longface Kerry. However, if there's even a sliver of a possibility of this to be true - why open yourself up to a newsletter telling people who vote that way -- and scaring them BACK to the polls?

There was even a fairly good chance that the Ultra Conservatives would have sat this election out. This bloc isn't a big fan of John McCain and his less than pandering stance to them. You have them sitting at home, not voting. That's almost as good as a vote FOR you these days.

Then, Obama's campaign has, in one interview, galvanized those people back into the polling booth AGAINST you. Ugh.

Or does Obama need to take that risk in the General Election? Does he need to shore up his gay support? Is it because, although he supports gay rights, he doesn't speak to the gay news, such as the Advocate? Has he been outed for a policy of, "don't ask me, cause I'm not going to tell you." Has it been calculated that a solid gay Democrat percentage will post him over Hillary's delegate count?

"The gay press may feel like I'm not giving them enough love, but basically all press feels that way at all times," Obama told The Advocate.

Well that settles that then.

Another issue is the issue. It's been a fairly good policy that has found a way to be so wishy-washy and non-committal (a Bill Clinton masterpiece) that everyone seems placated by it. It's been in force since 1993. Why dredge that muddy water again? Is the policy NOT working? What am I missing here Obama needs to open himself for defeat in November for bringing this issue up? Wait until elected - THEN surprise everyone with it.

Feel free to comment, cause I don't get it.