BREAKING: DADT repeal certified, officially ends September 20

After all the waiting, the court rulings and legislative actions, it’s official: President Obama and the Pentagon have now certified to Congress that the US Military is ready to accept the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”:

After consultation during a Friday meeting at the White House, Obama — along with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen — issued certification to Congress that the armed forces are ready for open service.

“Today, we have taken the final major step toward ending the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law that undermines our military readiness and violates American principles of fairness and equality,” Obama said in a statement. “In accordance with the legislation that I signed into law last December, I have certified and notified Congress that the requirements for repeal have been met. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will end, once and for all, in 60 days—on September 20, 2011.”

Another months-long delay? Haven’t we had enough of those?

Eh. No real complaints. It’s done – certifiably so, even – and all that’s left is to start planning for that victory dance in two months’ time.

Yes, I know I can’t dance. Shuddup.

Tags: Don't Ask Don't Tell • DADT • Barack Obama • Pentagon • Leon Panetta • Mike Mullen • US Congress • US Military