Who has the secret to ending DADT?

Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings has withdrawn an amendment that would have prevented the military from using money to carry out the provisions of its Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which prevents gays from serving openly in the military.

Hastings reluctantly pulled his amendment to a defense spending bill while arguing that the policy is discriminatory and should be eliminated. An amendment to the Defense Appropriations, Hasting bill would have prevented funding any DADT investigation similar to the moratorium Sen. Kirsten Gillbrand introduce then withdrew, officially because she did not think she had the votes.

Here’s what Hasting said about why he pulled his bill: ``Due to pressure from some of my congressional colleagues and from the White House, I have withdrawn my amendment,’’ he said. ``I would, however, like to note that it is most unfortunate that we are not addressing `don’t ask, don’t tell’ at this time.’’

This certainly has the list serves and blogs buzzing again about everything from what we should expect from the White House to how do we finally rid ourselves of the odious DADT.