Tucker Carlson ignores reality to mock “stupid issue” of DADT repeal

This morning on Fox & Friends, The Daily Caller's Tucker Carlson discussed the potential repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell with host Brian Kilmeade and former DNC finance chair Robert Zimmerman. When Zimmerman asked Carlson what his excuse was for “not moving” on a repeal of DADT, Carlson explained that he is not opposed to repeal, but views it as “totally a sideshow issue” and a “stupid issue.” Carlson also mocked the idea that it was “central to American national security.”

Zimmerman explained that the US has a “shortage of Arabic translators,” and that many have been dismissed under DADT, prompting Carlson to say “spare me.”

Kilmeade, confused as always, chimed in with the question “if we repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, we'll have more Arabic translators? Most of them are gay?”

“Most translators are gay,” Carlson joked, “and flamboyantly so.” Watch:

Contrary to the smug dismissiveness of Carlson and Kilmeade, dozens of Arabic linguists have reportedly been dismissed from the military under DADT, in addition to more than 13,500 other service members. So, to answer Kilmeade's question: Yes, if we repeal DADT, we will have more Arabic translators.

Based on his website's editorial standards, Carlson's treatment of the issue on Fox this morning isn't much of a surprise. Last week, The Daily Caller published an odious column from Joe Rehyansky that included the “sarcastic comment” (since removed) that the military should allow lesbians - but not gay men - to serve in the military in order to give “straight male GIs a fair shot at converting lesbians and bringing them into the mainstream.”