Chuck Hagel, in a typical mid-nomination self-abasement ritual, now finds that he really really likes the gays. He now supports don't ask, don't tell repeal, and he vows that if given the chance to serve, he'll move heaven and earth to extend full family benefits to gay families.
I think that sounds pretty swell. The Log Cabin Republicans are only partially assuaged. Amanda Turkel in HuffPo:
"For years the Pentagon has been dragging its feet with regard to extending benefits to the families of gay service members," said Gregory T. Angelo, interim executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, said in a statement to The Huffington Post. "To ensure that action is taken on this front, we need to be sure that there is a champion for our cause at the helm of the defense department. There is nothing in Hagel's record to suggest he will be that champion.
"While Senator Hagel's recent professed support for gay military families is encouraging, it stands at odds with his record of opposition to the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and his broader record of opposition to equality for gay and lesbian Americans," Angelo continued. "We look forward to the confirmation hearings when the Senator will be able to explain his apparent epiphany in greater detail. We continue to remain cautious about his nomination until that time."
Uh, look, Log Cabin Republicans, what is it you want? You've got a Republican here saying full health benefits for gay and lesbian military families. How huge would that be? In this country?
You're in a party that otherwise would just as soon cut off your reproductive organs and feed them to wild boars. How about a little perspective here? Your insane party is spending $3 million this year to keep the Defense of Marriage Act alive in court. Three million taxpayer simoleons, that is.
In a way I sympathize with this group. If you happen to be a fiscal conservative and gay, well, there you are, you're stuck, you can't be a Democrat (on fiscal grounds), so you just have to do your best and try to make the change from within. In another way, they just seem pathetic. Not quite Kulaks for Stalin, maybe, but not exactly all that different either.
