Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Nancy Pelosi praise lifting of combat ban as step toward equality

Defense Secretary Leon “Panther” Panetta might have broken the news yesterday that the Pentagon would lift the ban on women serving in combat positions, but nothing really seems official in Washington until someone tweets a tasteful photo of President Obama somehow taking the credit. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz stepped up to fill that void today, tacitly giving the president credit for making this historic step.

"Valor knows no gender." Another historic step in the march toward full equality: pic.twitter.com/LQA7DkSQ

— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) January 24, 2013

The quote is taken from the White House’s official statement on the decision, released today.

Earlier today I called Secretary of Defense Panetta to express my strong support for this decision, which will strengthen our military, enhance our readiness, and be another step toward fulfilling our nation’s founding ideals of fairness and equality.  I congratulate our military, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for the rigor that they have brought to this process.  As Commander in Chief, I am absolutely confident that — as with the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” — the professionalism of our armed forces will ensure a smooth transition and keep our military the very best in the world.

https://twitter.com/kesgardner/status/294271702614020097

https://twitter.com/_Tom_Bishop/status/294275576489984003

Related:

Drudge photo highlights White House’s ongoing war on women