WRGW News at 6 for October 3, 2012

WRGW News at 6 for October 3, 2012 by Wrgw_News on Mixcloud

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Takes Effect

The United States military repealed its "don't ask, don't tell" policy Tuesday morning, allowing openly gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals to serve in the armed forces and marking a noticeable shift in the recognition of gay rights in America.

The policy, which did allow gays to serve in the military so long as they kept their sexual orientations hidden, began under the Clinton administration and had been the object of intense scrutiny for almost two decades. The policy's repeal was the culmination of several years worth of back-and-forth debate between the executive and legislative branches, the Department of Defense, and many members of the armed forces.

"It's always a significant moment in history when the government moves to enact policies that match the values held by the public," said freshman Rhett Gopaul. "In this case it's especially important given the ongoing debate concerning same-sex marriage; it's a step in the right direction and I hope it causes the tides to turn."

The repeal of DADT still remains unpopular among some members of Congress. However, the Department of Defense has made it clear that the law's repeal will not affect the actions of the Army, whether at home or on the battlefront. The Pentagon called for "business as usual" Tuesday, encouraging members of the armed forces to remember the values of respect and fairness.

Military services halted the processing of applications from openly gay recruits until the law's repeal took effect Tuesday morning, a strategy which will give prospective servicemen an equal opportunity to serve their country regardless of sexual orientation.

The law's repeal received hearty support on GW's campus from students on both sides of the political spectrum.

"Though I am a Republican, I support the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell,' because those who are fighting for our country should be able to practice the rights that they've sworn to protect," said freshman Edric Chung. "This isn't a matter of gay rights; it's a matter of freedom of speech."

Anti-DADT advocates held celebrations around the country in honor of the controversial law's repeal Tuesday. The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a watchdog organization which aims to end discrimination of gay and lesbian military personnel, hosted a party a few blocks off campus in honor of "Repeal Day."

The law's repeal marks a noticeable shift with regards to the recognition of gay rights in the United States.

Obama Presents Debt Reduction Plan at GWU

President Obama announced his plan to reduce the United State's national debt today to a crowd of dignitaries and students in GWU's Jack Morton Auditorium .  Titled "The Country We Believe In", the 45-minute speech outlined his proposal to combine both spending cuts and tax increases in an attempt to shave $4 trillion off of the national debt over the next twelve years.

The President first opened with some levity, joking that one reason he wanted to speak at GWU was to give students "one more reason to skip class."  Obama wasted no time, however, turning to the issue at hand, the national debt.

The White House has been at pains in recent days to underscore the "balance" of the President's proposal, and Obama quickly worked to establish a theme of duality that would endure throughout his speech.  Focusing first on the history of the role of government in the United States, Obama acknowledged that Americans were a self-reliant people "with a healthy skepticism of too much government."

However, the President contrasted this individuality with what he believed to be the interconnected nature of the American people.  Specifically citing the role of Social Security and Medicare, he asserted that "we would not be the great country we are today without those commitments."

Carter Discusses His Term as President

Former President and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jimmy Carter spoke about his new book, White House Diaries, Monday evening at the Lincoln Theatre on U Street. The event, sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, was originally scheduled to occur on September 29^th at Lisner Auditorium, but Carter fell ill and postponed the trip.

Carter discussed his opinions on domestic and global events including the construction of the Panama Canal, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the Camp David negotiations. Carter stated he does not regret any decisions he made as president. Carter also explained his opinions on Obama’s presidency, the ongoing talks to ratify the START treaty, and the ongoing energy crisis.

Speaking about the current polarization of political parties, Carter said he feels the divide has led to policy gridlock among other policy-halting schemes. Carter expressed that he was fortunate to have a Republican leadership in Congress during his presidency that was willing to work toward bipartisanship. Obama, Carter claims, does not have this luxury.

Following the event, Carter signed copies of his new book. On Tuesday morning, Carter continued his D.C. trip with a book signing event at the bookstore Politics and Prose.

Video Report - "We the People" Concert

- Jesse Regis

Day 3 Recap - DNC

Another great day at the DNC. This recap features among others, Political Consultant Terry Mcauliffe, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Keynote Speaker and Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner.

Also watch as Barack Obama is made the official nominee of the Democratic Party during the roll call vote by D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. WRGW was on the floor of the Pepsi Center to bring you the coverage.

Student Soundoff

A number of GW students were in Denver during the DNC. WRGW caught up with Alicia Froio, an incoming Freshman in the Elliot School. Watch the interview below

- Jesse Regis

Roll Call Audio

Wednesday's roll call vote was one for the history books.  Below is an audio piece that takes you to the Convention floor during the voting.  This is when Barack Obama was officially named as the Democratic Presidential nominee.  Click below for the story.

Roll Call Piece

- Mallory Thompson

Change is in the Air

[caption id="attachment_451" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Invesco Field as guest start arriving for tonight"][/caption]

Tonight is Barack Obama night here in Denver and we just arrived at Invesco Field.  The lines of people are streched all around the stadium, but luckily our press passes allowed us to zip right by.  We're seated in section 133, about 100 yards from the podium.  Because the Broncos colors are red and blue, the stadium looks very natural for a huge political rally.  The stage is surrounded by columns and blue draping.  While events don't start until 3pm Moutain time, people are beginning to pour into the stadium. 

Tonight, we'll see (in order of apperance) Olympian Shawn Johnson, actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, Howard Dean, Gov. Bill Richardson, Sherryl Crowe, will.i.am, Gov. Tim Kaine, Stevie Wonder, former Vice President Al Core, Micheal McDonald, Susan Eisenhower, Sen. Dick Durbin and of course, Barack Obama.

Today is the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington, when Martin Luther King Jr. made his famour"I Have A Dream" speech.  There will be a tribute tonight, with his son, Martin Luther King III, daughter Rev. Bernice King and Rep. John Lewis of Georgia.

One question remains....is Bruce Springsteen coming?  He's a favorite of Barack Obama's and Springsteen's "The Rising" is played constantly on the campaign trail.  The Rocky Mountain News said they have confirmation that he will perform an acoustic set, however, Springsteen's publicist says the rumours are false.  We'll just have to wait and see. 

Obama's speech is tentatively scheduled for 8pm, Mountain time.  Although we have limited Internet access, we'll do our best to bring updates.

- Mallory Thompson

Day 2 - DNC Video Recap

Among the most anticipated events of the election season occurred last night when Senator Hillary Clinton took the stage. The one-time White House hopeful was given the task of uniting the party after a primary that tested the endurance, and tolerance of the American electorate. Within the first few minutes of her speech she declared her unconditional support for Senator Obama, putting some rumors to rest that she was still harboring resentment towards the junior Senator from Illinois. At the same time she thanked the 18 million people who cast their ballot for her, implying that it moved America one step closer towards gender equality.

Former Virginia Governor, presidential candidate, senatorial hopeful, and GW alum Mark Warner took the stage last night for the keynote address, the same slot that thrust Senator Barack Obama into the national spotlight when he gave it at the 2004 convention. He spoke of his roots in business and on the economic conditions of the country. Tying John McCain to George W. Bush, he declared that America cannot move forward with leadership that is "stuck in the past."

While Warner has held political office before he is perceived as the future of the Democratic Party. The fact that he is from Virginia, where Democrats hope to win in November, may have played into the decision to give Warner the keynote spot. He is also considered a contender for the 2012 Presidential race.

- Jesse Regis

Democrats Get Fired Up at DNC

With election season in full throttle, the Democratic National Committee met last week in Vienna, Virginia to prepare for the upcoming months. The meeting, just a short Metro ride from GW, attracted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and presidential candidates John Edwards, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich and Bill Richardson – each of whom addressed dozens of spectators, 400 delegates and over 250 members of the national and international press. Most of the candidates spoke on the same issues including unemployment, ethics, healthcare, education and the war in Iraq.

During the meeting, former senator John Edwards declared, “America needs a fighter.” Obama proclaimed, “Our moment is now.” Kucinich touted workers rights, Richardson demanded the creation of more jobs, and Senator Biden practically asked for the nomination saying, “I can’t wait for that fight, I can’t wait to debate Romney, or Thompson, I can hardly wait for Rudy. I want it. I relish it. And I will win it.”

Senator Hillary Clinton was preparing to speak inside the Sheraton premiere, but was whisked away by Secret Service agents following a bomb threat in her New Hampshire campaign office. Senator Chris Dodd was campaigning in Iowa.

The meeting lasted all weekend and hosted meetings, caucuses, forums and activities to prepare the delegates for the road ahead.

Below is a clip from an impromptu speech by Senator Barack Obama.

- Jesse Regis