why in God's name would Obama choose a religious leader who supports discrimination against ANYone?
that's defines exclusion, not inclusion.
Mark in Florida
· 11 months ago
exactly. I just don't get it. And I get politics and calculation....none of us on here are naive. This one, simply floors me. Especially when you see the comments that Warren made with his NBC interview w/ Ann Curry. It's shocking.
woodnthrifty
· 11 months ago
Yes those comments were extremely shocking. A kin to saying that if blacks and whites marry then some will want to marry a monkey.
Didn't Obama pick Warren before Obama knew of those comments and before the Curry interview? Obama is busy and probably exhaused after two years of campaigning. Don't despair just cause of that one mistake.
Rob Mule
· 11 months ago
How I do love thee, Barney...
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
Indigo
· 11 months ago
There's no reason to be angry with Mr. Obama. We learn from his actions that he does not pay his debts. We'll learn more as time goes on but for now, he enters office trusted only by the Mooseketeers.
Clint
· 11 months ago
I just called the DNC and told them I am through giving my valuable time, effort and money only to be thrown under the bus. I hope some of you call them as well -- 877-336-7200.
houstonray
· 11 months ago
DONE!!! Thanks for the number!
afafkd
· 11 months ago
... if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them...
erip
· 11 months ago
Go Barney!! Poor choice Barak... Evidently the transition team just doesn't get it.. Bigotry veiled in biblical interpretation is still bigotry.. These bigots used the same arguments to support slavery, prevent the mixing of the races and a host of other racist activities. Now its on to the gays.. What happened to the separation of church and state? I don't care if every religion in america puts a big sign on the front door.. NO FAGS ALLOWED... i do mind when my government, who's salary i pay, supports this kind of crap. Evidently obama doesn't want the seat at the back of the bus to stay empty for too long. His line that people know his stance on gay rigths is just a load of crap.. What would happen if people showed up to the innauguration wearing white pointed hoods and just said.. well people know we're not racist, we just like the design...
houstonray
· 11 months ago
I just really am boggled by this choice. Here in Houston, we have our own 'mega Church' leader, the Rev Joel Osteen from Lakewood Church (which if I'm not mistaken, has a bigger congregation than Rev Warren). He's not my most favorite person in town, but he does alot of good work and more importantly, he's very positive toward the Gay community. I really don't fathom why it seems Rev Warren was the 'only' choice?
Come on...It's almost as if Obama 'owes' something to this guy. The 'inclusive' argument is wearing thin.
This is an inauguration that will be read about and studied and written about for decades, if not centuries, from now. And Rev Warren will be right up there in the middle of all of it.
Jan 20th was supposted to be all about change, the change all of us wanted and the change all of us helped make happen.
The day for being inclusive would be Jan 21st or later....
Greensburg
· 11 months ago
Anyone know how long I should wait to hear back from the transition team? I sent 2 emails through BO website (you know...that change.gov thingy) and that was yesterday, still nothing back from them. Maybe they are still looking for a neo-nazi and white supremicist to invite to the inauguration and cant answer me yet...or maybe they just decidided to ignore my questions since I'm no longer important for my vote as a gay man....I mean come on...wink...wink...who else would I vote for other than a democrat? I'm not holding my breath on getting a response from the "team". As far as Obama is concerned he has "addressed the issue and now is the time to move on and look forward....." yadda yadda yadda
TomJoad
· 11 months ago
Why are the lions share of people close-minded, "moralistic" (without any real deep understanding of morals), and afraid of anything they don't understand?
Why is Britney Spears a "recording star"/musician? Because most people aren't very moral or awakened. The general public has bad taste, do not want to reflect too much, and believe religion is a "top down" pyramid (as if priests and shamans had an inside track to god and morals)...
It's wrong, but it is the way it is. But on the other hand, inclusion seems to me to be the only way to awaken people. You won't get ALL but what about the few that you do? Lecturing people, and telling them they can't feel what they feel is a road to nowhere, but showing tolerance and firm resolve as well as acceptance can actually open up things.
It's like the more you want to shut them out, the more you strengthen their resolve. I don't suggest here that one "accepts" intolerance, but that one sees it for the sham it is, and treats it accordingly. How many cases have we seen where someone is bigoted (ignorant) and because of circumstances learn that the people they were against "are all right folks".
It happens time and again, the only thing to help is "get to know me!"...
Hippies did it in the 60's. They actually "charmed" the people most directly in opposition by confronting them with love and flowers. It worked to a degree. It happened in a LOT of places, and in those times, they actually DID convert a number of folks over to even become hippies too. Sure, now it all seems trivial, childish, etc. but it took guts to put a flower into the barrel of a gun.
Indigo
· 11 months ago
Concering culturally significant milestones: Majel Roddenberry, age 76, R.I.P.
houstonray
· 11 months ago
"Computer....." with no reply now, is just a sad day.....
stoic
· 11 months ago
While we Libs have been mocking the MSM for pushing the "Center/Right" meme, the new Obama administration have been doing yeoman work installing the same in the government. The selection of Warren was simply more of the same and it's what we should all expect for the next four years.
ShirleyGoodnessanMercy
· 11 months ago
I believe Obama when he says he wants equality and justice for gay citizens.
But straight people (aside from 5 or 6 of them) are STUPID. We have to yell at them now and then.
And now is the time to yell at Obama. Just as black people have needed to yell at us clueless white people now and then. If you don''t walk in the Shoes, you don't know a lot of things you need to know to avoid making stupid mistakes. No matter how good your intentions are. So we need to scream and yell at Obama now. He needs to hear our outrage.
Would it kill him to replace Rick Warren with Bishop Gene Robinson?
woodnthrifty
· 11 months ago
Cancel the invocation entirely. Obama could just say I can't please everyone with my pick. We are a multireligeous nation and any one I pick will offend others. Just for fun imagine him picking Farakan. How about a Rabbi. Billy Graham (that wouldn't be change....he is always there). He could just call for silent prayer......pray to the God of your choice (but don't face Mecca).
Give the new guy a fuckin Break.........He's got a whole lot of shit to handle with two wars, a crumbling economy. Here in Georgia a lot of redneck types think he is a muslim terrorist, communist, socialist. People here are writing the paper saying they are quitting their job and go get their check from Obama.
And you guys are worried about getting married. That's because you have never been married. I have 4 times.......IT IS NO PICNIC. Look around you! How many happy marriages do you see. Were your parents happily married? You want to put all your eggs in a basket that have a 50% chance of failure. You want to lose your house, pay alimony. I vote for outlawing all marriages. Divorce is so easy that marriage is nothing much. Love each other muchly and quit hating Obama for picking that fat prick, insensitive asshole. I am sure Obama didn't hear those horrible interviews that fat prick gave when he picked him.
BHBuck
· 11 months ago
Very well put:
"I am still excited about the tremendous changes in policy that I expect under an Obama administration. But it's the job of progressive advocates to hold public officials accountable, and to speak up even when our friends drop the ball. This decision, which will leave a bad taste in the mouths of many passionate supporters of Barack Obama, is one of those times."
-Kathryn Kolbert, president, People for the American Way (CNN)
sherifffruitfly
· 11 months ago
Indeed. It's so superior to the loudpouting, it's incredible.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
distinguish between loudpouting and "speaking up".
Personal Failure
· 11 months ago
40 years ago, Rick Warren would have doing his best to keep Obama from eating at lunch counters and drinking from water fountains, all the while claiming that he doesn't hate blacks, the bible does.
For shame, Mr. Obama. This isn't change.
John
· 11 months ago
No shame on the Gay community for standing on the sideline while many African Americans was hang and beaten to death for marching for civil rights.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
deranged.
katiec
· 11 months ago
Barney Frank is a headline grabbing, hot air idiot. He needs to just shut up and go away.
Webster
· 11 months ago
In our government, where intelligence is a rare commodity, Barney Frank is one of the smartest and most capable we've got. I don't think he deserves your opprobrium.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
and wouldn't it have been better if the comment had addressed Frank's statement?
thingwarbler
· 11 months ago
Yeah, that was really insightful. And given his track record of disappearing progressive democrats I'm sure Rahm Emanuel is thinking something like that, too.
John Pitblado
· 11 months ago
I'm an atheist Obama supporter, and I too am disappointed that this occasion -- like virtually every other political event in the U.S. -- will be marred by the blatant injection of church into state. I'd be equally appalled if it were a lesbian minister from a progressive church. Perpetuating the lie that is religion is dangerous for the future of our planet. If gays want to feel better about their pariah status, you can always look to us atheists. But you know what? Let's get over it. It's an inaguration, not a policy-setting meeting.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
you don't seem to have anything to "get over". anybody threatening your marriage?
gumbygirl
· 11 months ago
Are you seriously suggesting that atheists are not hounded and persecuted in this country? Come on. This sort of "my minority status is more relevant than yours "is just plain silly. Everyone here is entitled to their opinion, otherwise, we're no better than people like Warren.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
you didn't really answer my question. i'm an atheist too. it's awkward at parties, but it doesn't get me fired or beaten up or left alone without a family. Remember also that atheism is an opinion, not an identity. you SHOULD have to defend your opinions, but ideally not your identity.
John
· 11 months ago
Interestingly, a couple years ago, I suggested to my wife that we annul our VT marriage, and apply for a CT civil union (we live in CT), precisely because the civil union is a uniquely secular institution, kept clearly separate from any of the religious connotations of marriage. But we couldn't get a civil union in CT, because it was restricted to same sex couples.
woodnthrifty
· 11 months ago
Amen to that. Let's pretend there is a God and gays will get their rights in God's way and in God's time. So you religious gays out there blame God not Obama.
Rob Mule
· 11 months ago
The man the nooz clowns call "the most famous preacher in America" might just only have the best PR connections through the echo-y mediaplex. I think Warren has to square his self-indulgent, multiple meal gluttony with his poorly researched and badly translated old school fundie mindset on human sexuality. It's a shame Robert Frost is dead.
larry
· 11 months ago
Ahhh but we have forgotten Barack Obama in his own words informed us yesterday of his "fierce" support of LGBT rights....I was convinced, how bout you? I am tremendously disappointed in Barack Obama. I simply do not believe him anymore. Why should I(we), ..he has chosen an individual who has compared my relationship of 25 years to a pedophile...incest.....Rick Warren cast a great shadow over Obama and hopefully in the coming years he will get his reverends sorted out because to date he has made some lousy choices. Wright now Warren..
Bush Bites
· 11 months ago
Between this and Barney Frank's criticism of Obama for not taking charge before the inauguration, it's not too difficult to see that Frank is going to be a constant thorn in Obama's side.
Should be interesting.
wearing out my F key
· 11 months ago
i'm all for change and sacrifice... as long as i don't have to change or sacrifice anything personally.
I just subscribed from Obama's email list. I told him to ask Rick Warren and his supporters for money and that I'm not sure I'm going to watch his inauguration because he has ruined the moment for me. A lot of LGBT people donated money and worked hard to get this man elected. January 20th was supposed to be a day that we celebrated our accomplishment. He took that away from us with this horrible decision. I
tigergrrldc
· 11 months ago
I meant unsubscribed!
BHBuck
· 11 months ago
Exactly.
John
· 11 months ago
You talk as if LGBT was the only one to give money, I guess you also going to blame the Aferican American community for this also, just like you blamed the African American community for prop 8, the gay people of color are told to stay in the background until we need you, let the white Gay people stand up front and be seem, that why the Gay republicans get a pass.
tigergrrldc
· 11 months ago
No, I know other people donated money, you ass. No, I didn't blame African Americans for Prop 8 especially since I'm black myself. When Obama asks the Jews for Jesus guy and a rabbi to participate, then I'll believe his claim of "inclusiveness."
John
· 11 months ago
You are a fucking ass, are you say some in the Gay community didn't blame the African Americans for what happen with prop 8, well so am I Black, what has that got to do with anything.
Michael
· 11 months ago
Of one million people at the inaguration, a percent will boo Warren which will become a very embarassing moment or pres.
houstonray
· 11 months ago
And maybe a shoe or two in Warren's direction....ooops, did I say that? Sorry, my bad...
Robert
· 11 months ago
Well, I for one, in a way, I am glad your God Obama has started to show his real ugly face to gay people. Everyone is this blog were on their knees, shoving more and more of Obama's brown dick into their mouths; and shoving him down on all of our throats. Well, here he is now, stabbing that hand that got him elected.
He is not president and already he has turned against gays.
Suckers!
Indigo
· 11 months ago
Do you ever hear your friends saying what a loving and reassuring friend you are?
fredndallas
· 11 months ago
Barney is absolutely right to help expose Obama. Those of us who supported Obama need to face reality.
This is a "roll-out" of the Donnie McClurkin "test run" back in the campaign. Obama's embracing theocrazy Warren at the very event inaugurating America's new "change era", is nothing less than a highly calculated slime strategy. Obama knows exactly what he is doing. He's tested it before and seen the results.
Exploitation of McClurkin apparently didn't hurt Obama, despite the gay community's outrage. No doubt featuring hate and fear-filled McClurkin solidified Obama's support among the many homophobic black church goers who voted to make gay people second class citizens.
Obama has clearly calculated that embracing Warren will provide a similar political benefit for himself -- not to mention another ego boost at being seen as such a remarkably inclusive leader.
Reality is showing us that our new President Barack Obama is either an amoral disingenuous cynical political manipulator par excellence. Or a fearful, insecure homophobe himself who cannot resist the temptation to spiritually assault gay people at critical opportune moments.
Or both.
woodnthrifty
· 11 months ago
One can not get elected unless one plays politics. Get a grip. You have no idea how ignorant people are. You might think I am ignorant......but you should meet some of my friends and customers in Georgia.
Mimikatz
· 11 months ago
Gay is the new black.
Obama seems to have a teeny gap in his diversity resume, or else he is really stuck on this one in a rather ugly way.
Mark
· 11 months ago
How can Obama salvage this mess? In his innaugural address he can say that with the stroke of his pen the first act he will take is to end DADT be executive order.
YankeeClipper
· 11 months ago
Wrong. Only Congress can repeal DADT. Obama can use his Presidency as a bully pulpit for Congress to act but, he cannot just issue an XO and say, "DADT is repealed." If it were that easy, Clinton would have done so in '92.
perl_jammer
· 11 months ago
Great outpouring of anger and outrage, folks. You and other single-issue groups (like "Pro Choice" fanatics that picket family planning clinics) are marginalizing yourselves with your demands for ideological purity in exchange for the support of your statistically insignificant community.
Let's see now -- are you kept from voting? Are you denied access to education? Do you have to ride in the back of the bus? Legally discriminated against with regard to employment? Confined to a ghetto? Prevented from buying property in "straight-only" areas?
Oh, you can't get married. Now I get it. That keeps your children from being considered legitimate, right? Oh, wait, I guess that can't be it. Dang, maybe one of you can tell me exactly what rights you're missing out on by not being able to be married.
devlzadvocate
· 11 months ago
EXCUSE ME! but the answer to several of your questions are YES! Walk in my shoes you cretin. How dare you come in here and preach to me that you know my life better than I do. maybe ask a few questions to get educated about our lives instead of acting like you know what our lives are like. If you want to understand, ask. Otherwise, take a hike.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
and does the commenter believe that blacks (kept from voting -- where? ride at the back of the bus -- where?) are a single-issue group?
perl_jammer
· 11 months ago
Oh, take your own hike. In your own shoes. I don't know your life any more than you know mine. Which questions did you respond to with a "Yes"? Somehow I missed that detail in your reply. Hint: you have legal recourse to any of the affronts I listed, which means your rights are protected by law.
So, what rights are you missing out on again?
davidinchelseama
· 11 months ago
I work and pay the same taxes as straight Americans. Yet, my social security deductions WILL NOT GO TO PROTECT MY PARTNER when I someday die. Neither will his social security deductions go to protect me.
Straight couples have FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF THEIR MARRIAGES, and therefore get SOCIAL SECURITY SURVIVOR BENEFITS. That's just one, right there.
You want to know the other 1,000 benefits you get that I don't, even though you and I both pay taxes?
perl_jammer
· 11 months ago
<beep> Assuming facts not in evidence. Who said I was married? Regardless, the question remains whether your best chance of correcting these or other inequities lies with (1) Engaging in displays of hate and inflicting damage (e.g., boycotting businesses or turning your back during the inauguration) on anyone of insufficient ideological purity, or (2) Working within the system to change the status quo (e.g., overturning California's Prop 8 through the initiative process). Note that while (2) isn't as much fun and doesn't yield much in the way of immediate gratification as (1), (1) greatly decreases the chances of ever achieving (2).
devlzadvocate
· 11 months ago
gay people are NOT protected in employment in most jurisdictions and can be fired simply for being gay. jammit, perl. live in your own little ideological world.
Mark in Florida
· 11 months ago
It's what people say to make themselves feel better about therir stance.
RitornaVincitor
· 11 months ago
I'm so glad African Americans stood up to their oppressors and raised their voices when people stepped all over their rights. If they had ignored major slaps in the face and simply worked within the system to achieve changes in the status quo instead of taking to the streets, the whole 1960's civil rights movement would have never made the evening news even once. And of course in the South we would now probably have separate Internets for blacks and whites.
Mark in Florida
· 11 months ago
Coming from someone who takes all of the rights for granted, I would expect this response from you.
I am a happy guy, I have a great job, wonderful beach front home and great friends. However, it is our duety as Americans to confront bigotry and in equality where human rights are concerned. We can multi task. This does not mean we are one issue voters. How insulting.
What are you so angry about?
davidinchelseama
· 11 months ago
Rather disingenuous of you. Obviously, the point I was making was that IF AND WHEN YOU EVER MARRY, YOU CAN - AND YOU WILL - GET ALL THE RIGHTS I DO NOT GET.
And it's hardly an issue of "insufficient ideological purity," oh glib one. It's about my CIVIL RIGHTS, period.
woodnthrifty
· 11 months ago
Yes, the survivor benefits thing discriminates against single non sexual old women like me. I have no sex drive.....hence no partner. I should be able to pick a friend to get my benefits and have another friend give her benefits to me. After 4 failed marriages I don't consider men my friends (lol).
Maybe we could fix it so that NO one could get married since it fails at least half of the time. The bible is against divorce and the religious people are lining up to get those. What God has joined together, let no man ........ We need to throw out the whole Marriage thing and start over on Civil Unions. Could be everyone picks one dedicated civil partner and let the rights begin.
davidinchelseama
· 11 months ago
When someone makes an intended lifelong monogamous, romantic, loving commitment to another person, they should have the right to have their social security go to that person after they themselves die.
Mark in Florida
· 11 months ago
NO they are NOT. What planet are you on? It is illegal for us to adopt kids, we are denied 1000 federal rights that are granted to hetero people in the form of marriage. If I am fired from a job, I HAVE NO RECOURSE UNDER THE LAW. NONE.
You are whoefully uninformed my friend.
What
· 11 months ago
>>>(like "Pro Choice" fanatics that picket family planning clinics)
Um. I don't think you're making sense here. You mean the "pro life" fanatics who picket? People who are pro choice do not picket family planning clinics.
RitornaVincitor
· 11 months ago
I hope you don't live in California, because I can tell you would have joined those who voted down my marriage.
I know! Let's play "Who Has Suffered The Most?"! First you ask, "Are you kept from voting"? And then I ask, "Have you ever had your marriage nullified by popular vote?". Then you ask, "Are you denied access to education?". And I ask, "Were you ever taught that being black is a psychiatric disorder?". Then you ask, "Do you have to ride in the back of the bus?". And I ask, "Did the bible say that God destroyed two cities and killed everyone in them because they were black?" And then you ask, "Were you ever legally discriminated against with regard to employment?" And I ask, "Were you unable to turn to your church, your parents or your friends when you realized you were black?" Then you ask, "Were you ever confined in a ghetto?". And I ask, "Were you ever gassed in a concentration camp?". Then you ask, "Were you ever prevented from buying property in '"straight-only" areas?" And I ask, "Were you ever beaten up by a gang of gay people?". Isn't it FUN?! Then if we get tired of that game, we can always play, "Let's Walk Around With A Cross On Our Shoulder".
Mark in Florida
· 11 months ago
Perfectly said.
kujhawker
· 11 months ago
Well Barney if you can throw Transgenders under the bus for the sake of political expendiency, why can't Barak throw the gays under the bus? If is hard to stand in position of moral superiority , Barney, when you have done the same thing.
osage
· 11 months ago
Barney Frank is 100% correct in his facts and sentiment. Obama is pandering to the religious right in the same manner that Bush and McCain pandered to them. I believe that hateful and divisive rhetoric is an abomination to politics, Christianity and caring human beings. It should ridiculed and rejected. It should not be rewarded and validated. Obama is WRONG in every sense of the word to grant this honor to Rick Warren! If Obama thinks this is a "teaching" opportunity, I hope he learns from this doozie of a mistake.
Mark in Florida
· 11 months ago
Well said. I took down my photo I have with him at a fundraiser....bumper sticker off the car. I feel really betrayed. I don't know if I can even watch the inaguration.....
To go from elation, happy tears on the night of the returns to this.....it's heartbreaking.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 11 months ago
I noticed that! Don't delete, though; he may redeem himself. Emphasis on "may."
woodnthrifty
· 11 months ago
Please forgive Obama.....I don't think he knew what he was doing. Just remember we could have had McCain/Palin.
Me a monosexual who has been married and divorced four times can't really understand what you are going through. I am enlightened by the blogs here.
I was unhappy with Obama during the campaign for saying McCain is a hero and a good man.......but Obama is taking the high road......which I am emotionally not able to do. I think Obama will get the job done for equal rights for gays. Social change is difficult to achieve.
Mark in Florida
· 11 months ago
I agree with what you are saying. I believe that Obama does not believe practically anything this clown has to say. However, imagine if you will including a white supremist to speak. He may be a 'nice guy' that goes to church on Sunday, however in the spirit of 'inclusiveness' would you have this person speak at a historic inaguration built on Change?
It's exactly the same. Imagine if he said these crazy things about people with blue eyes, and everyone with blue eyes helped get him in office. It's apauling.
If given a platform as important as this-, fear, ignorance, and bigotry only becomes justified and validated....and the gay bashing, assaults, and discrimination flourish.
Not the change I anticipated.
Mark in Florida
· 11 months ago
I am pissed too. Betrayed and really angry. I forgave the McCluken thing....but twice. Sorry. It's like being asked to sit at the back of the bus, just one more time because you don't want to upset the upstanding god fearing Christains.
osage
· 11 months ago
This is what the sportscasters call an "unforced error". Rachel Maddow referred to it as a "lose/lose proposition". If Obama sees this as a "teaching opportunity", I trust he will learn from this mistake that haters, baiters and hypocrites will always be condemned by liberals, moderates, Libertarians, gays, blacks, Jews and pragmatists; and that the religious right will never, never, never be anything but haters, baiters and hypocrites.
DougStamate
· 11 months ago
While I share the disgust held by the posters here at Mr. Warren's beliefs, I fail to understand how this is an example of "being thrown under the bus" by Mr. Obama? At present (and I wish to emphasize that there is a time limit), I am presuming that Mr. Obama is doing what he has been doing since he began his (successful) campaign for the Presidency - reaching out to people that he may not agree with 100% on all subjects. I greatly doubt whether Mr. Warren will change any of his views on homosexuals because of Mr. Obama's invitation; at the same time I don't think Mr. Obama will change any of his beliefs, either. As President, Mr. Obama will need to listen to the views of many who disagree with him; if only to make certain to himself that he is responding properly to whatever problem he is facing. The present incumbent of the Oval Office surrounded himself with "yes-men" and look what we got for that! He will also need to enlist support from a varied lot of people in order to clean up many of the problems he will inherit. As Mr. Warren has done some decent work regarding AIDS and the environment, this invitation might possibly fit into that category; I don't that yet, but then neither does anyone else. I do know that Mr. Warren has already had his right wing bone fides questioned by several well-known religous nut jobs simply for accepting Mr. Obama's invitation. A bit of "divide and conquer", perhaps?
RitornaVincitor
· 11 months ago
It's so very simple, and it has been said again and again. Barack Obama has just honored a man who equates gay people to pedophiles, and who had a prominent role in the hateful Prop 8. Obama can listen to this man's views all he wants. Obama can reach out to such people and perhaps even create a meaningful dialogue which will even possibly change the views of perhaps a few of them. That's fine. But honoring such a person at his inauguration is a whole different thing. It implies respect and approval. Your arguments could just as easily be applied to a racist minister or an anti-Semite. If Obama had chosen to give the invocation to a white supremacist or a Jeremiah Wright or a neo Nazi, I doubt anyone would be anything but shocked and outraged. No one would be saying that Mr. Obama should honor such a person because he needs to listen to their views. The only reason so many liberals and progressives are jumping to Obama's defense in this matter is 1) because they don't want to see any controversy on inauguration day regardless of how it came about, and 2) because we are so accustomed to hearing vile slander from ministers about gay people that many are desensitized to it and see it as just the expression of a valid viewpoint.
Fred
· 11 months ago
Hey, Barney!!!!! STFU!!!!
davidinchelseama
· 11 months ago
Let's see OBama's Supreme Court picks before we fully flip out. Granted, though, this was a complete slap in the face. HARD.
All Comments
that's defines exclusion, not inclusion.
Didn't Obama pick Warren before Obama knew of those comments and before the Curry interview? Obama is busy and probably exhaused after two years of campaigning. Don't despair just cause of that one mistake.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
Evidently the transition team just doesn't get it.. Bigotry veiled in biblical interpretation is still bigotry.. These bigots used the same arguments to support slavery, prevent the mixing of the races and a host of other racist activities. Now its on to the gays.. What happened to the separation of church and state? I don't care if every religion in america puts a big sign on the front door.. NO FAGS ALLOWED... i do mind when my government, who's salary i pay, supports this kind of crap. Evidently obama doesn't want the seat at the back of the bus to stay empty for too long.
His line that people know his stance on gay rigths is just a load of crap.. What would happen if people showed up to the innauguration wearing white pointed hoods and just said.. well people know we're not racist, we just like the design...
Come on...It's almost as if Obama 'owes' something to this guy. The 'inclusive' argument is wearing thin.
This is an inauguration that will be read about and studied and written about for decades, if not centuries, from now. And Rev Warren will be right up there in the middle of all of it.
Jan 20th was supposted to be all about change, the change all of us wanted and the change all of us helped make happen.
The day for being inclusive would be Jan 21st or later....
Why is Britney Spears a "recording star"/musician?
Because most people aren't very moral or awakened. The general public has bad taste, do not want to reflect too much, and believe religion is a "top down" pyramid (as if priests and shamans had an inside track to god and morals)...
It's wrong, but it is the way it is. But on the other hand, inclusion seems to me to be the only way to awaken people. You won't get ALL but what about the few that you do? Lecturing people, and telling them they can't feel what they feel is a road to nowhere, but showing tolerance and firm resolve as well as acceptance can actually open up things.
It's like the more you want to shut them out, the more you strengthen their resolve. I don't suggest here that one "accepts" intolerance, but that one sees it for the sham it is, and treats it accordingly. How many cases have we seen where someone is bigoted (ignorant) and because of circumstances learn that the people they were against "are all right folks".
It happens time and again, the only thing to help is "get to know me!"...
Hippies did it in the 60's. They actually "charmed" the people most directly in opposition by confronting them with love and flowers. It worked to a degree. It happened in a LOT of places, and in those times, they actually DID convert a number of folks over to even become hippies too. Sure, now it all seems trivial, childish, etc. but it took guts to put a flower into the barrel of a gun.
Majel Roddenberry, age 76, R.I.P.
But straight people (aside from 5 or 6 of them) are STUPID. We have to yell at them now and then.
And now is the time to yell at Obama. Just as black people have needed to yell at us clueless white people now and then. If you don''t walk in the Shoes, you don't know a lot of things you need to know to avoid making stupid mistakes. No matter how good your intentions are. So we need to scream and yell at Obama now. He needs to hear our outrage.
Would it kill him to replace Rick Warren with Bishop Gene Robinson?
Give the new guy a fuckin Break.........He's got a whole lot of shit to handle with two wars, a crumbling economy. Here in Georgia a lot of redneck types think he is a muslim terrorist, communist, socialist. People here are writing the paper saying they are quitting their job and go get their check from Obama.
And you guys are worried about getting married. That's because you have never been married. I have 4 times.......IT IS NO PICNIC. Look around you! How many happy marriages do you see. Were your parents happily married? You want to put all your eggs in a basket that have a 50% chance of failure. You want to lose your house, pay alimony. I vote for outlawing all marriages. Divorce is so easy that marriage is nothing much.
Love each other muchly and quit hating Obama for picking that fat prick, insensitive asshole. I am sure Obama didn't hear those horrible interviews that fat prick gave when he picked him.
"I am still excited about the tremendous changes in policy that I expect under an Obama administration. But it's the job of progressive advocates to hold public officials accountable, and to speak up even when our friends drop the ball. This decision, which will leave a bad taste in the mouths of many passionate supporters of Barack Obama, is one of those times."
-Kathryn Kolbert, president, People for the American Way (CNN)
For shame, Mr. Obama. This isn't change.
He needs to just shut up and go away.
I think Warren has to square his self-indulgent, multiple meal gluttony with his poorly researched and badly translated old school fundie mindset on human sexuality.
It's a shame Robert Frost is dead.
Should be interesting.
http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/wp-content/uploa...
He is not president and already he has turned against gays.
Suckers!
This is a "roll-out" of the Donnie McClurkin "test run" back in the campaign. Obama's embracing theocrazy Warren at the very event inaugurating America's new "change era", is nothing less than a highly calculated slime strategy. Obama knows exactly what he is doing. He's tested it before and seen the results.
Exploitation of McClurkin apparently didn't hurt Obama, despite the gay community's outrage. No doubt featuring hate and fear-filled McClurkin solidified Obama's support among the many homophobic black church goers who voted to make gay people second class citizens.
Obama has clearly calculated that embracing Warren will provide a similar political benefit for himself -- not to mention another ego boost at being seen as such a remarkably inclusive leader.
Reality is showing us that our new President Barack Obama is either an amoral disingenuous cynical political manipulator par excellence. Or a fearful, insecure homophobe himself who cannot resist the temptation to spiritually assault gay people at critical opportune moments.
Or both.
Obama seems to have a teeny gap in his diversity resume, or else he is really stuck on this one in a rather ugly way.
Let's see now -- are you kept from voting? Are you denied access to education? Do you have to ride in the back of the bus? Legally discriminated against with regard to employment? Confined to a ghetto? Prevented from buying property in "straight-only" areas?
Oh, you can't get married. Now I get it. That keeps your children from being considered legitimate, right? Oh, wait, I guess that can't be it. Dang, maybe one of you can tell me exactly what rights you're missing out on by not being able to be married.
So, what rights are you missing out on again?
Straight couples have FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF THEIR MARRIAGES, and therefore get SOCIAL SECURITY SURVIVOR BENEFITS. That's just one, right there.
You want to know the other 1,000 benefits you get that I don't, even though you and I both pay taxes?
I am a happy guy, I have a great job, wonderful beach front home and great friends. However, it is our duety as Americans to confront bigotry and in equality where human rights are concerned. We can multi task. This does not mean we are one issue voters. How insulting.
What are you so angry about?
And it's hardly an issue of "insufficient ideological purity," oh glib one. It's about my CIVIL RIGHTS, period.
Maybe we could fix it so that NO one could get married since it fails at least half of the time. The bible is against divorce and the religious people are lining up to get those. What God has joined together, let no man ........ We need to throw out the whole Marriage thing and start over on Civil Unions. Could be everyone picks one dedicated civil partner and let the rights begin.
You are whoefully uninformed my friend.
Um. I don't think you're making sense here. You mean the "pro life" fanatics who picket? People who are pro choice do not picket family planning clinics.
I know! Let's play "Who Has Suffered The Most?"! First you ask, "Are you kept from voting"? And then I ask, "Have you ever had your marriage nullified by popular vote?". Then you ask, "Are you denied access to education?". And I ask, "Were you ever taught that being black is a psychiatric disorder?". Then you ask, "Do you have to ride in the back of the bus?". And I ask, "Did the bible say that God destroyed two cities and killed everyone in them because they were black?" And then you ask, "Were you ever legally discriminated against with regard to employment?" And I ask, "Were you unable to turn to your church, your parents or your friends when you realized you were black?" Then you ask, "Were you ever confined in a ghetto?". And I ask, "Were you ever gassed in a concentration camp?". Then you ask, "Were you ever prevented from buying property in '"straight-only" areas?" And I ask, "Were you ever beaten up by a gang of gay people?". Isn't it FUN?! Then if we get tired of that game, we can always play, "Let's Walk Around With A Cross On Our Shoulder".
To go from elation, happy tears on the night of the returns to this.....it's heartbreaking.
Me a monosexual who has been married and divorced four times can't really understand what you are going through. I am enlightened by the blogs here.
I was unhappy with Obama during the campaign for saying McCain is a hero and a good man.......but Obama is taking the high road......which I am emotionally not able to do. I think Obama will get the job done for equal rights for gays. Social change is difficult to achieve.
It's exactly the same. Imagine if he said these crazy things about people with blue eyes, and everyone with blue eyes helped get him in office. It's apauling.
If given a platform as important as this-, fear, ignorance, and bigotry only becomes justified and validated....and the gay bashing, assaults, and discrimination flourish.
Not the change I anticipated.
At present (and I wish to emphasize that there is a time limit), I am presuming that Mr. Obama is doing what he has been doing since he began his (successful) campaign for the Presidency - reaching out to people that he may not agree with 100% on all subjects. I greatly doubt whether Mr. Warren will change any of his views on homosexuals because of Mr. Obama's invitation; at the same time I don't think Mr. Obama will change any of his beliefs, either.
As President, Mr. Obama will need to listen to the views of many who disagree with him; if only to make certain to himself that he is responding properly to whatever problem he is facing. The present incumbent of the Oval Office surrounded himself with "yes-men" and look what we got for that!
He will also need to enlist support from a varied lot of people in order to clean up many of the problems he will inherit. As Mr. Warren has done some decent work regarding AIDS and the environment, this invitation might possibly fit into that category; I don't that yet, but then neither does anyone else.
I do know that Mr. Warren has already had his right wing bone fides questioned by several well-known religous nut jobs simply for accepting Mr. Obama's invitation. A bit of "divide and conquer", perhaps?