Question about DADT and Truman desegregating the military...

[Archae]

I heard somewhere that when soldiers were polled prior to Truman desegregating the military, the vast majority (white) were for keeping the military segregated.

Anyone have any other info on this?

[mitchtv]

1. you are correct, but

the democrats , (on orders from their bosses, the GOP), enshrined DADT into a law unlike segregation which was UCMJ, which could be changed by the Commander in Chief

[elleng]

2. True, and similar for Jews.

(sorry, no link at the moment.)

[sandnsea]

3. Here's Truman's EO

"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. This policy shall be put into effect as rapidly as possible, having due regard to the time required to effectuate any necessary changes without impairing efficiency or morale."

It took three years for the military to even begin to look at implementing any changes, and many many law suits to get meaningful desegregation.

Without Congress, there's no easy path to get this done.

[cliffordu]

4. Unfortunate but true -

I'd like to see protests outside the fucking capitol building.......

[RKP5637]

5. The URL below seems to have a pretty good summary of President Truman's Military Desegregation Order...

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50583

[Archae]

7. Thanks.

Appreciate it.

[msongs]

6. Harry was a real fierce advocate nt