They asked, he told, but he might get to stay

When Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach took his fight public to stay in the Air Force, he never told the millions watching him on national TV exactly how his commanders came to learn he is gay. Fehrenbach, 40, talked about his 18 years of service and the unfairness of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, the ban that prevents gays from openly serving in the military — but not once did he talk specifically about how he came to face dismissal. All he said in interviews, including one with Air Force Times, was that a “civilian acquaintance” reported him. Fehrenbach’s case tests the limits of what constitutes “telling” and under what circumstances a service member’s statement can be used to initiate discharge proceedings under don’t ask, don’t tell. Indeed, in the next few weeks, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley could allow Fehrenbach to remain on active duty — making him the first openly gay service member to do so under don’t ask, don’t tell.

[corrective_uncon scious]

That's a great way to "queer" the DADT Don't Pursue policy. Play word games with it. "I never said I was gay, I said I was reported by a civilian acquaintance. So f you."

[Ahki - Emerald City WA]

The title reads:
"They asked, he told"
But, then the story reads:
"— but not once did he talk specifically about how he came to face dismissal."

[McMike]

Fcuk America.

[Disgusted American]

McMike wrote:

Fcuk America.

Agreed! I've friggin Had it! Liberty & Justice for All my rearend! How come LGBT citizens RIGHTS are Always allowed UP for Popular vote in 2009? How come NO other minority rights are held to strict public scrutiny? This is a disgrace, and a total dis-illusion of the America I thought I was raised in.

[fuzi]

I say fcuk America, too. It shows me no respect, no loyalty so why should I show any for this sh*thole country? Let the bible-thumpers have it, it is going down the tubes anyway. The US is destined to be a 3rd world country in a matter of decades at the rate it is going.

[Gay in Bethlehem]

what part of having to again lie and claim you're straight makes you the first openly gay serviceman?.. If they were to ask him, he'd have to say no. He's not allowed to serve any more openly than any other gay serviceman. He's certainly not the first to be thought to be gay by others. But again, as shitty as DADT is, it doesn't automatically throw gays out of the army, they have to act on it. Some douche saying that he's pretty sure his fellow army-man is gay, is really not 'telling'.

[Pixelgoddess]

Ooh - How about we report every single member of the military for being gay? Then they'd have to do something - like get rid of everyone. The chaos would be entertaining if nothing else.:)

[nhjeff]

Gay in Bethlehem wrote:

what part of having to again lie and claim you're straight makes you the first openly gay serviceman?.. If they were to ask him, he'd have to say no. He's not allowed to serve any more openly than any other gay serviceman. He's certainly not the first to be thought to be gay by others. But again, as shitty as DADT is, it doesn't automatically throw gays out of the army, they have to act on it. Some douche saying that he's pretty sure his fellow army-man is gay, is really not 'telling'.

I think you forgot to read the article. Fehrenbach was faced with serious rape charges by a man with whom he claims to have had consensual sex. How is he supposed to defend himself against false charges if he's not allowed to tell his side of the story?

This seems to me to be a perfect case to take to court and overturn DADT.

[DNF]

Don't ask, don't tell, DON'T PURSUE is supposed to be the policy.

Somehow a lot of people have dropped "Don't Pursue". I would like our president to issue orders that don't pursue be followed.