Friday News Dump

At least it's good news, Friday afternoon news dump, or not. One of the greatest, recent civil rights advancements, actually, brought to us via the Friday-afternoon-news-dump.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense will certify Friday that the military is ready for the repeal of the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" law, setting the stage for openly gay troops to begin serving in the military in late September, U.S. officials confirmed.

The certification comes after months of training for military personnel to prepare them for the presence of openly gay uniformed colleagues for the first time in history, and starts the 60-day waiting period before the law is completely removed.

Under rules outlined by Congress in December, the president, defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were required to certify that the services are ready for the dramatic personnel change before the law could be repealed.

The policy will officially end 60 days after President Obama signs the certification. There will be no formal marking of the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell until the 60-day waiting period is over. I wonder if that will also take place late, on a Friday afternoon...