Tony Perkins, Family Research Council, discusses John McCain's stand for the U.S. Military and for Life.
McCain McDoubles His Efforts
Regardless of what Americans think about Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) politics, we can all agree on one thing: he's a fighter. And yesterday on the Senate floor, he showed flashes of that old Navy toughness, challenging Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) to a fierce war of words over "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Sen.
McCain has been one of the few leaders willing to stand up for our troops, trying to beat back the push to celebrate homosexuality in our military. And he made it clear on Thursday that he won't give an inch until Senate leaders give his party the chance to strike down the language on DADT and military abortions -- an opportunity they didn't have last year when Democrats attached "hate crimes" legislation without any debate. If you have a chance, the video of the Senators' exchange is worth a watch.
"I'm not going to allow us to move forward," Sen. McCain fired back, "with a bill that contains the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' [repeal] before a meaningful survey of the impact on battle effectiveness and morale of the men and women who are serving this nation in uniform. It's--again, the chairman of the committee and the majority leader and the other side are moving forward with a social agenda on legislation that was intended to ensure this nation's security."
The Left is trying to persuade more people to support the bill by claiming that it blocks the troops from the funding they need. That's not true. The Defense Authorization bill is different than an appropriations bill, which actually provides the military's funding. This legislation directs the military how Washington wants the military to spend the money, whereas appropriations bills are the actual funding vehicles. Holding this bill up until taxpayer-funded abortions and open homosexual service are scrubbed out, will not prevent the troops from getting the resources they need to accomplish their mission. That funding has already been approved.
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