You think Bush Jr. was actually championing Gay rights by using the exact same language in filing briefs that support DOMA?

Not considering that Bush's language supported his stated policies. That the current brief runs counter to Obama's stated positions raises questions about its real purpose.

If they use the same legal language, they are working toward the same end.

But that doesn't eliminate the larger point that it is far more likely that there is a level of complexity in this situation that you are not getting than that Obama is now turning his back on everything he has represented about himself in order to take action against gays.

Unfortunately, you are giving Obama far too much credit. I've been following his career rather closely since 2002. I've been involved in politics is the early 1980s.

At best, it can be argued that a rogue staff member wrote the memo and Obama wasn't aware of the language used or the inflammatory nature of the brief, but that would be a defense of ignorance.

I viewed Obama as a raising star long before most ever heard his name. He had many admirable qualities, he's smart, hard working, has great charisma, has a great ability to work with people of different views, but he has always lacked something. I used to think it was lack of experience, or understanding the ramifications of his actions, but it's beyond that. Obama can and will jettison any person or position if it means he gains politically.

I'm sincerely hoping that isn't the case with Gay rights, but I've seen it with him before, and it's unsettling.

Where is this credit card that promises never to adjust the rate?

I don't think that exists. Xanthro, do you have a link to such a deal? Please share.

The vast majority of my charges are on Amex which is paid off monthly, but of the standard credit cards I have, NONE allow them to simply change the rate.

If you're late with a payment, even to other sources, they can change the rate, but they just can't say, "Hey, I'd like to change you 28% today on your past balances"

It may be possible that a card may change the rate for future purchases, I don't pay as much attention to that because I'll simply not use the card, but none of my credit cards allow them to change the rate on existing balances, other than by set amounts because it's an introductory rate. None have any ability to arbitrarily change the APR.

For example, a card may have a 0% of balance transfers for 1 year, then 8% after that. The raise to 8% isn't arbitrary, it's part of the contract.

None of my credit cards has an APR greater than 8%.

wish I'd known I'd get cancer when I took out student loans

Then there are those of us who hadn't planned on cancer at the age of 39.

I'm sorry you have cancer, and I hope it's of a milder variety, but the unexpected happens, that doesn't release us from our obligations.

Each time I called to explain to my newly-managed lenders that I was going single and going through cancer treatment while starting my own business, they said oh, sorry, we can't do anything about that except offer you a deferment. Hence my 125K of loans grew to 175k.

They gave you a deferment, what more do you want? They should forgive your loan because you got ill?

I practice holistic medicine in primary care and can't afford to pay the monthly interest.

Maybe a better option would be a different specialty until you are back on your feet. Starting a practice with all you're going through is going to be tough.

I look forward to seeing how loan repayment is revised so others don't end up in my shoes.

They aren't. You got unlucky and have cancer, loans and laws aren't designed for the unexpected.

My wife has numerous medical issues, it's something we have to plan around. It doesn't mean we got to stop paying off student loans, or paying our mortgage.

I sincerely hope you beat your cancer and get back on our feet.

I'm not sure why everyone is so confused about DADT.

This was implemented by the Clinton Administration. Previous to this, it was rather routine to ask applicants if they were gay. And many Gay people had their careers ended from investigations based on nothing more than rumor.

Under DADT, the military can't just stake you out, or search your locker to find proof you are Gay to discharge you.

No, DADT doesn't go far enough, but it was a vast improvement over what existed before.

this after the Clinton administration had been vilified for actually trying to get rid of "don't ask, don't tell."

Bill Clinton didn't try to get rid of "Don't ask, Don't tell" his administration came up with it.

Previous to this, you could be, and were, asked your sexual orientation and saying you were gay would get you discharged.

DADT was a compromise, you could be Gay and serve, as long as you stayed in the closet.