Isn't It Suppose To Be The Other Way Around?

Jim Webb Sure Isn't Making Himself Look Rational Here

Jim Webb has upset a lot of people by saying he would vote against repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for reasons beyond me except him having a bad irrational streak of looking bigotty.

But in this bizarre world we live in, we have an even more truly bizarre moment. Ben Nelson of all people says that he will vote "Yes" to repeal the crazy, insane, and outrageously stupid policy in the military.

A big step forward for the push to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell: Senator Ben Nelson, who has been aggressively lobbied for months by gay rights groups, is announcing that he'll support the repeal compromise. From Nelson's statement:

"I don't believe that most Nebraskans want to continue a policy that not only encourages but requires people to be deceptive and to lie. The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy does just that. It also encourages suspicion and senior officers to look the other way. In a military which values honesty and integrity, this policy encourages deceit.

"The process being used to repeal this policy is fraught with typical Washington politics, with some suggesting Congress waits until after the November elections and others pushing for a vote before the elections.

"I will support the Lieberman compromise because it removes politics from the process. It bases implementation of the repeal on the Pentagon's review and a determination by our military leaders that repeal is consistent with military readiness and effectiveness, and that the Pentagon has prepared the necessary regulations to make the changes.

"I spoke to Secretary Gates and he advised that while he preferred waiting until the study is completed, he can live with this compromise."

Sargent has more details about the compromise that is worth reading over there, but just picture this: Ben Nelson is now to the left of a Democratic colleague on one issue as of now.

What does that say about how ridiculous a spot Jim Webb has placed himself in?

You Know What They Say About A Broken Clock