''The President has an awful lot on his desk. I know this is an issue that he intends to take on at the appropriate time. I know this is an issue that he (Obama) intends to take on at the appropriate time.... The Defense Department is doing the things it has to do to prepare, but at the right time, I'm sure the president will take it on.''

James Jones , US National Security Adviser, telling CNN what little he can about the military's ban on gay servicememembers. As AFP repors, 12,000 have been discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' since the original draft by Gen. Colin Powell went to Congress and was later signed into law by President Bill Clinton. (AFP) (Think Progress)