AMERICAblog: BREAKING: HRC and former top Clinton aide both pull out of DNC gay fundraiser; Blade announces plans to photograph and video gay donors who attend
Patrick
· 5 months ago
I called the offices of Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis telling them I will not give another dime to the Democratic Party or any Democratic candidate unless and until something big is done to overturn DADT and DOMA by the president and Congress. I told them that the brief submitted by the Justice Department was outrageous. I urged the congresspersons to pull out of the fundraising event and asked if they were going to issue statements. All three are apparently preparing statements. The woman in Tammy's office told me that they were very upset about the brief as well, and she seemed to be genuinely upset with the brief. She took my email address so they could email me. I then called Senator Durbin's office (he is one of my senators) and told his aide that I had seen an item about Harry Reid saying there was no one in the Senate who was sponsoring the repeal of DADT. I told him that I have long admired the outspokenness of Senator Durbin in defense of GLBT rights. I asked if he is sponsoring a repeal and was told he is not. I told the man that I voted for Obama when he ran for Senator and had a sign for him in my yard, and donated money to him and the party when he was running for president and talked relatives and friends into voting for him, but was very upset that almost 300 servicemen and women had been fired since he took office as president and he has done nothing to stop it. And then the outrageous brief comparing our relationships to incest and pedophilia was submitted and he has been silent. I told him that Dick Durbin should talk with him about this, because he needs to do something soon to call a halt to the firings and to rescind a brief that has given fodder to our enemies. I told him that I was tired of people saying that they support civil unions but not marriage for gay people because of their religious beliefs. I told him that marriage is a civil thing, not a religious thing. People go to the city hall or county courthouse to get marriage licenses they don't go to a church for them. I told him that in the tradition in which I grew up (Roman Catholic) Matrimony was the sacrament.
I have been outraged by this whole situation. I have written three emails to Obama at the White House. When I wrote Bush, I got automatic responses. I haven't heard a thing from Obama. But I have sent letters to Governor Kaine and to Nancy Pelosi in response to begging letters telling them I would give nothing and why. I don't know if they will ever get the letters or if they have ended up in the circular file. But I am glad so many people are outraged and doing something about the situation and the appalling behavior of a president I thought might really mean what he said. Obviously he did not. I now feel embarrassed about my support for him and regret spending the money and the time on a trip to his Inauguration.
I actually was prepared to give him time to attend to some of our concerns due to other very urgent needs. And I held my anger in when Rick Warren got up to deliver his little religious thing at the Inauguration. Though I still carried anger from the way Gene Robinson was treated two days before. But with his willingness to allow a man he called heroic be fired from the military, his willingness to allow white supremacists to be inducted into the army while patriotic gay people are being purged, and finally the outrageous brief that his Justice Department presented in defense of DOMA have left me with no patience whatsoever. He needs to act and the Congress needs to act now. And I am glad that so many on this blog and so many in our community are outraged as well and are pushing and forcing him and the leaders of the Democratic Party who have so often taken our money and work and support for granted to face our demands for action to address our issues and do something, or to face the consequence of loss of our support and the consequence of our active opposition.
scottinsf
· 5 months ago
Wow. Thank you for getting involved and making those calls.
mamazboy
· 5 months ago
Patrick, you are great! I'm inspired to more action by your post. Thank you.
DAVID
· 5 months ago
I LOVE READING ALL THESE COMMENTS, AT LAST US FAGS AREN'T TURNING OVER AGAIN, AS USUAL. NOW IS THE TIME FOR CHANGE FOR US. THIS NEEDS A NATIONAL RESPONSE FROM GAYS. WE NEED ALL THE LGBT GROUPS TO GET TOGETHER AND LOBBY ALL GAYS TO STOP SUPPORT FOR DEMS AND OBAMA IMMEDIATELY. I SUPPORTED HILARY FOR PREZ AND CONTINUALLY DONATED TO HER CAMPAIGN UNTIL I SENT HER OFFICE A LETTER ABOUT THE ECONOMY, WHICH THEY E MAIL BACK THEY COULDN"T RESPOND TO BECAUSE I LIVE IN FLORIDA. THEY COULD E MAIL ME EVERY DAY FOR CONTRIBUTIONS EVEN THOUGH I LIVE IN FLORIDA. I WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR REPUBLICANS OR GIVE THEM A DIME, BUT UNTIL DEMS STOP ACTING LIKE GOP, AND ARE ONLY FOR US WHEN THEY NEED DONATIONS, WE MUST STOP SUPPORTING THEM. KENDRICK MEEK E MAILS NOW FOR HIS CAMPAIGN IN FLORIDA, I DON,T EVEN OPEN THEM, I JUST DELETE THEM. IT WILL BE TOUGH TO SEE ANOTHE GOP SENATOR IN FLORIDA BUT WE CANNOT LET DEMS USE US JUST WHEN IT SUIT THEM. I SUPPORT DEMOCRATIC IDEALS OF EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL, BUT WILL NOT SUPPORT ONE PARTY WHO DOES NOTHING FOR GAYS JUST TO STOP GOP WHO DO NOTHING. IF WE DO THIS DEMS WILL SOON GET THE IDEA, THE GLBT COMMUNITY IS A POWERFUL CONTRIBUTOR, WE MAY LOSE A FEW BATTLES WITHDRAWING OUR DONATIONS BUT IN THE END WE WILL WIN THE WAR WHEN DEMS REALISE WE ARE SERIOUS.
threadmonitor
· 5 months ago
Please, no ALL CAPS.
David in Arizona
· 5 months ago
If the DNC fund raiser collapes, and it appears to be doing so as we cyber, then maybe this is the perfect time to have a "Come To Jesus" moment with Team Obama. I seriously doubt any of them expected that the DOMA controversy was going to cause such a seismic shift in LGBT loyalty to the Democratic machine or to Obama personally. Well...they were horribly wrong. It is seismic and it is profound. At all levels. If the DNC wishes to avoid a total collapse of LGBT support, somebody better start whispering in Obama's ear. And I don't mean Rahm Emanuel. There's a lot riding on this. Speak to us directly Mr. President!
mamazboy
· 5 months ago
David, could the Obama Team really be so clueless? That doesn't speak well for their ability to successfully deal with other issues either. Oh wait, they're NOT dealing successfully with other issues, are they?
You'd think they would be more on spot than Republicans but if the clueless shoe fits... and I couldn't agree with you more on all those other issues. Team Obama needs a major tune-up. Or purge - whichever comes first.
facebook-1652227218
· 5 months ago
Excellent. The Gay Mafia.... when is the last time you saw a black man attending and donating at a Klan rally? A Jew At Nazi party? A smart female in the Republican party?
Paul
· 5 months ago
Bravo! As emails come in from various Democratic national figures, I am unsubscribing, and telling them that this brief was the last straw. Comparing my marriage to incest and pedophilia is over the line. If and when any concrete action is taken to improve our lives, I'll become involved again. Not until.
And if no progress is made by the end of the year, I will be leaving the party, registering as an independent, and encouraging all my friends to do the same.
mamazboy
· 5 months ago
I'm with you, Paul. Here's what I replied to the latest money-plea from barackobama.com:
"Based on the Department of Justice's recent filing of the absolutely disgusting DOMA brief, I wil not be contributing any more money to Barack Obama or to the Democrats until I see strong, unequivocal positive action on gay rights. Instead, I will be putting my dollars into the fight for gay marriage, which has been denied to me and my partner of 32 years. Obama and the Democrats have done nothing to reassure me that they have the slightest interest in this issue, and in fact appear to be trying to destroy gay rights both proactively and by being unwilling even to address them. I'm joining many others I know in fighting this critical human rights struggle that the Dems and Obama have clearly put on their IGNORE list.
Bob Roehr
· 5 months ago
The smart thing to do is NOT unsubscribe, but each time you get a mailing from them, respond by pasting in the explanation of why you are not supporting them.
Progress does not come from running off in a huff but in constantly reinforcing the message of why they do not have your support
cowboyneok
· 5 months ago
This is where the local LGBT community in Washington, DC could make a difference. Organize NOW to personally protest outside the fundraiser. Make a pariah out of every LGBT person who attends!
Butch1
· 5 months ago
Yes, all they would be are enablers to this type of behavior. Even wanting to pay for it.
FunMe
· 5 months ago
Is there a gay & lesbian center in DC that can organize the protest?
Maureen Garelick
· 5 months ago
What I wrote on Jared Polis' wall: Hi Jared. I hope you will not only speak up against the disgusting DOMA brief but also back out of hosting the "gay" fundraiser, which really means "take gay money but don't give anything in return, like, you know, equal rights."
Indigo
· 5 months ago
Unlikely as it is for all the comfortable A-gays and bloggers to take to the streets, I'm not sure what's wrong with this picture. The offense against the gay community is real but somehow . . . esoteric, legalistic, hillbilly lawyer, Liberty University trash talking. That's an outrage comparable to any one of many outrages from the Bush administration.
So the question is, who's in charge at the White House? I don't think it's Obama. If it is, he's a real live rat-fink. If it isn't, he's weak. Where do we go from here? I think we should take to the streets but I realize that bloggers don't do that. So here we sit on a pile of abstractions. Not very useful, imho.
What's wrong with this picture, then, is obvious: the outrage is heartfelt but abstract, the tresspass is obscure and ignorant. The real danger is in the deep semiotics: Obama appears not to be in charge. Well then, who is?
nicho
· 5 months ago
I'm beginning to wonder if Obama is really in charge. Maybe he made a deal with the devil to get all that corporate cash he raked in. He may be taking orders from someone else.
marblex
· 5 months ago
Maybe?
Indigo
· 5 months ago
I share your suspicion. It probably isn't the Chinese but it's likely to be the big money. Now to figure out who the "big money" is.
Seansmith
· 5 months ago
To everyone rejoicing in the bravery of the HRC, please don't renew your monthly donations yet. While this is great, the main function of it is still a political move to keep the gays off their collective asses. They know that if they show their faces at that fundraiser gay hell would break loose, and engulf them in pink flames.
Until they show us they have a spine by acting in our best interest unprovoked, we absolutely cannot give them our undying support.
-Team HRC still has a long way to go.
donald
· 5 months ago
I agree with you. Being from Texas, I will never contribute to HRC again. period. Black Tie in Dallas is one of HRC's biggest fundraiser for the year, yet each time something happened in Texas politics (marriage, adoption, benefits), we were told by HRC "Texas is a lost cause. It does not make sense for us to be there." Thanks! Appreciate the support.
mamazboy
· 5 months ago
I love the idea of pink flames! :)
ucsbclassics53
· 5 months ago
With all due respect, Dee, civil rights is something that you HAVE to have a "me first" attitude, although I am loathe to label it that way. There will always be crises at hand which could be used as a justification to put this issue on the backburner. This is not an issue we could go back to the end of the line for. It's always been about "Now's not the time" for these people. So when will it be a good time? 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 when the community's votes are needed?
I mean during the Civil Rights movement, they could have said, we're in a war in Vietnam and in a Cold War literally for our nation's survival. During the Women's Suffrage Movement, they tried to say that we're in a World War. We need people to raise hell no matter what crises the country may face in order to achieve equal rights. This is for everyone, not just the LGBT community. Who will be the next marginalized group to come under oppression?
K in VA
· 5 months ago
Good! The powers that be in the administration and the party have to be pushed to understand that we're not in the 90's anymore. We're here, we're pushy, and we're not going back to the back of the bus.
BryanR
· 5 months ago
So no repeal of "Don't Ask" until 2010 - an election year, btw, don't hold your breath, and now a DOJ brief equating gay marriage with incest.
It seems the best anti-gay propaganda on the federal level seems to come from the mouths of Democratic presidents. That Obama is wildly popular and his party enjoys large majorities in both houses of Congress makes this sting even more.
Until gay people can contest power at the national level, we'll be played like Teddy Roosevelt played Booker T. Washington and black people. It wasn't until after WWII when A. Philip Randolph threatened to march on DC that Truman integrated the military.
Likewise, the LGBT community needs to figure out a way to force concessions from powerful Democrats. One way would be to threaten to get a pro-gay candidate on the 2012 presidential ballot in states like Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia. If we want federal civil rights we need to take on federal power structures.
FuzzyandBlue
· 5 months ago
My husband and I haven't given a dime to the DNC since so many Dem senators handily voted for Roberts and Alito (although we have given money to individual candidates such as Obama, Sherrod Brown and Al Franken.) Simply put: WEAK DEMOCRATS MAKE STRONGER REPUBLICANS and Hubby and I absolutely refuse to pay for the oppression of myself, our daughter, my BFF, our mothers, our aunts, my 2 sisters, my 3 nieces, ... etc. Any and all LGBT Dems who refuse to give a red cent to the DNC after this DOMA brief was spewed forth should be applauded! Respectfully, Prez O., get off your ass and admit this DOMA brief is a despicable insult and get down to the business of keeping your campaign promises or else be prepared to feel the wrath of people you have lied to and screwed over.
Francis DuCharme
· 5 months ago
Fuzzy - your'e last paragraph was spot on.
cowboyneok
· 5 months ago
Senator John Ensign proves again why we should HONOR those heterosexual marriages with special rights because they are so "stable" compared to same sex marriages:
One of the several good things to come out of this (besides providing yet another example, if we can stand another, of right-wing hetero hypocrites) is that it should remove him from consideration for the Presidency, an office he apparently aspires to. Not that I'm exactly thrilled with our present "good" President.
Edith
· 5 months ago
We need action. I unsubscribed from the Obama campaign email to me today, and articulated the reason as another poster had suggested. I also called the three gay Congress persons. I am also going to call my Senators and Congressman. Everyone needs to sign up for the March on Washington in October and attend. I am heartsick that my partner spent hundreds of dollars and about a hundred hours of volunteer time working on Obama's campaign phone banking, selling merchandise and making signs. I am trying to move from anger to action.
razingfools
· 5 months ago
Sweet! I also unsubscribed from the obama site after I received an e-mail requesting $$$ to push the health care reform issue. The subject line contained the words, "This is why". The obama site had a textbox for me to enter the reason why I wished to unsubscribe. I typed in, "This is why" and pasted the link to the original article from this site on DOMA and the DOJ breifing!
Jason
· 5 months ago
Great idea. I did the same thing and left the facebook group also.
SusieQ
· 5 months ago
John, you are my new BFF. Keep it up.
ScottLanter
· 5 months ago
YES! I fully support this. For once the glbt community needs to grow a spine. Any other community, whether African-Americans, Jews, or Christians, would have tolerated such defamatory language and not demanded an IMMEDIATE apology. Fuck Obama until he personally apologizes for calling us pedophiles.
dan coppinger
· 5 months ago
This is an opportunity for the HRC to put their money where their mouth is, and fund full page ads in newspapers and visible ones on the net. We need to demand an apology. The majority of Amercicans would be outraged to hear the justice department compare being gay to being INCESTUOUS. I had not heard of this until reading this article and I feel I am more informed than most of my neighbors. Obama should be ashamed of this report and should say so!
caphillprof
· 5 months ago
Polis Statement on DOMA
Washington, Jun 16 - U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s decision to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in a recent court filing.
“I was shocked and disappointed to learn that President Obama chose to defend DOMA in federal court, especially given his campaign promise to call for a full repeal of DOMA. My sadness turned to outrage when I read the Justice Department’s brief that not only defended this hurtful law but seemed to embrace it. Comparing my loving relationship with my partner, Marlon, to incest was unconscionable coming from a president who has called for change.
Since this filing, I have called on the President to issue a statement or give any sign that would clarify his position and am disappointed in his lack of reply.
I am a proud Democrat, as are many in the GLBT community, and I believe we must hold our leaders accountable. The Obama Administration made a HUGE mistake in the DOMA brief. If they keep making mistakes like this, they risk losing the support of the GLBT community forever, although I do not believe we are at that point yet.
President Obama needs to honor his promise to repeal this law and end its needlessly divisive and harmful impact on our nation. I again call on him to work with us in Congress to help pass legislation, ending this hateful and divisive law.
As the New York Times editorialized yesterday, “busy calendars and political expediency are no excuse for making one group of Americans wait any longer for equal rights.”
So is he going to remove his name as a sponsor of the fundraising event and will he refuse to attend?
His statement is strong but leaves these two things unanswered. I also think he's wrong in surmising that Obama hasn't lost our support yet. I'm my case, this DOMA brief and the deafening silence WAS the last straw.
woodroad34
· 5 months ago
That's a pretty strong statement. Wonder where Barney is; he's the one with the quips and barbs. I was starting to like him, but he's become bombastic ever since the Fannie Mae thing. And where's Tammy?
aggieric
· 5 months ago
Tammy's office (she's my rep) said that she'd post a statement to her website this afternoon. Nearly 6:30 EST and no statement yet.
Bob Roehr
· 5 months ago
Nice statement, but where is his action such as introduction of a simple one line repeal of DOMA, and for that matter a second repealing DADT. The community can't put pressure on Pelosi and Reid to move a bill that hasn't been introduced.
woodroad34
· 5 months ago
I remember watching a Phil Donohue show (or was it Oprah) where the theme of the show was spousal abuse and co-dependency. What stuck in my mind was one of the guests they had on; she was a young woman who had lost both her arms. As the story went, her husband had beat her and threatened to leave her and then got in his truck to go. She went out to the truck crying and jumped on the running board. The husband was so angry that he swerved his truck to a tree and in doing so had caused the woman's arms to be ripped off. On the show, the woman thought it was all her fault that the accident happened and that she deserved what she got.
This is how I feel how Obama/the DNC is treating us--spousal abuse. We're supposed to take it and take it lying down--just give us your money and shut up. We're not supposed to fight back, 'cause we're sick and little sissies. That DOJ brief (whether or not it actually says we're the same as pederasts) stills lumps us together with the worst of elements of society. I'm totally surprised it didn't go one step further and say we're as bad as Republicans.
HereinDC
· 5 months ago
"and will have a reporter with a camera and video at the hotel entrance..."
There is a back entrance.
John Aravosis
· 5 months ago
I'll let them know :-)
nicho
· 5 months ago
I would love nothing more than a photo of them sneaking in the back door.
Butch1
· 5 months ago
Ah, I remember those days leaving out the back door and they weren't that much fun having to hide.
Francis DuCharme
· 5 months ago
Why does Obama drop to his knees to please the far right religio-fruitcakes and toss the LBGT community, who helped him win his election, under the bus?
I think we all know the answer to that.
Incubus
· 5 months ago
B/c he's a chickenshit mf!
jondavwal
· 5 months ago
No, because he's way more homophobic than he lets on. And he's a religious kook who hides it well. Even Jeremiah Wright is more progressive on gay issues than Obama. But really the issue seems to be that he is incapable of doing anything at all on any issue. His meager legislative history in the Senate is starting to make sense.
bryan b
· 5 months ago
hi
besame_tocame_001
· 5 months ago
We need another Stonewall. I know that sounds extreme but it's only once every 40 years.
Incubus
· 5 months ago
No, that's putting it mildly!
nicho
· 5 months ago
It's going to be tough for the members of Congress to pull out because Rahm is every bit as vindictive and petty as Karl Rove and Tom Delay. He would make sure they suffer if they crossed him on this. I'm not saying they won't do it, but it's a tough call for them.
This is why the best thing we could do is get some union to throw up some kind of a picket line around the hotel. Then, they could reasonably refuse to cross it.
mamazboy
· 5 months ago
I don't know enough about Rahm to say, but perhaps others do - is he a homophobe? or just a clueless opportunist who doesn't realize that society is shifting fast on gay issues, i.e., they're become much more educated about them and APPROVING. This is NOT the 1990s.
nicho
· 5 months ago
I think Rahm is just a power-hungry opportunist. He'll go where the votes and the money are -- it's not a matter of principle with him. If there were more votes and money in the gay community than in the homophobe communities, he'd be walking in the Gay Pride march in drag.
mamazboy
· 5 months ago
NOT a pretty picture, nicho!
Francis DuCharme
· 5 months ago
nicho - I suppose you are correct. Its all about $ and I agree, Rahm is a man without principles.
aggieric
· 5 months ago
Frank has the stature and power to do it and not seriously fear payback from Rham, but neither Baldwin nor Polis could.
Marshall Y.
· 5 months ago
Barney Frank et al. won't pull out because they don't want Rahm riding their collective asses. I'm sure he's using every means of behind the scenes political extortion and threats possible to get them to hold the line. Rahm is more effective at whipping the House than the actual whip is.
nicho
· 5 months ago
Which is why I keep saying we need to get some union -- even a little pissant local -- to support us and throw up a picket line around the hotel. That will give them a reason to avoid going that even Rahm can't retaliate for.
Marshall Y.
· 5 months ago
I agree. Rahm and Co. are trying to keep this as quiet as possible, and so far they've done a very good job. If we make as much noise as possible, the fundraisers will start dropping like flies and the administration will have to address this issue head on. Getting a union to picket in solidarity might be a tall order, but i'd love to see it.
Butch1
· 5 months ago
Still <crickets> coming from the White House.
tick-tock, tick-tock.
mirth
· 5 months ago
Butch1,
It's astounding that O hasn't spoken against the brief and addressed the firestorm it has caused.
I'm trying to be fair, but to me his silence says he just doesn't give a damn.
Butch1
· 5 months ago
I agree with you, totally. I think if Obama really had a spine, he would have stepped up and owned the debacle and try and do something to make up for it. We would probably listen to him to see if he really was sincere. But when all one gets is silence, it definitely substantiates what everyone has been thinking and saying. The longer he is silent, the more it confirms our feelings and suspicions and without an apology for the very hurtful comparisons to incest and pedophilia, it will be time to "cut bait" and look at our options.
mirth
· 5 months ago
Well he better start giving a damn because it isn't only his gay base that will not forget or forgive his silence.
The majority of this country supports equal rights for all citizens and I suspect most of them are, like me, fired up and ready to go somewhere else the next time he wants our money and our votes.
Butch1
· 5 months ago
I agree. I think it is past the time that we would have taken his apology and believe he actually meant it. He is now, weighing his responses and looking at the political fall out. I think he will wait and see if this fizzes out and when he sees that it isn't going to go away any time soon, he will finally say something "luke-warm" but he won't rescind what has been said in the brief. I think one of his Achilles' Heels is that he is too stuborn to admit this was an huge mistake and a larger miscalculation of what our response would be. Someone commented that they still think we are back in the 90s and will kow-tow in a few days. Not only will gays and lesbians quit supporting them and mean ALL of them, Congress and the White House, but our straight supporters and families and others who believe in equal rights for all will take a second look at the "great deceiver" and decide that if we can't trust him to honour his word on this subject, then how can we trust him on other issues?!
lileasy
· 5 months ago
He just doesn't give a damn.
FunMe
· 5 months ago
And we should not give a dime!
Jersey
· 5 months ago
This gives me an idea for signage at the fundraiser protest.
"Dems don't give a damn-I won't give a dime"
I'm gonna try to make it down there after work to protest.
nicho
· 5 months ago
Our big mistake was in supporting him in the election. If we hadn't and had attacked him, he'd be reaching out to us and making speeches to us now.
tlsintx
· 5 months ago
dear HRC, i suddenly feel like renewing my lapsed membership!
nicho
· 5 months ago
Just hang on a bit and see how things develop over time. They have a long history of being too insider. I wouldn't let this one move erase that.
tlsintx
· 5 months ago
good point. i'll contribute to A-blog instead.
joey
· 5 months ago
Andy Towle is a top? Whoda thunk it... :-)
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 5 months ago
A POCKET top. Adorable!
KurtzL
· 5 months ago
It's refreshing to see HRC join us (the LGBTQ community). When Obama and the DNC support us too then we may support them.
J H Robbins
· 5 months ago
Why don't the ones that have dropped out have an alternative fundraiser and pledge the money to HRC or something else.
rickwla
· 5 months ago
Congratulations John. Americablog is to be commended for breaking and pushing this story. I hope the MSM give you plenty of credit.
FunMe
· 5 months ago
Isn't it great? We get the news here first. Sometime it does take 4-5 days to reach the MSM, but we get it here first.
GREAT job John and Americablog staff!
Steve_in_CNJ
· 5 months ago
i've been browsing the comment boards on the liberal blogs. the high-minded apologists' view is that 1) obama doesn't have time to read DOJ briefs and 2) even if he did, he shouldn't "politicize" the justice department by controlling the tone. that's why this fundraiser is important. we have a lot of work to do to sensitize our wayward "allies".
HereinDC
· 5 months ago
Ummmmm, I thought giving $$ to Obama's campaign was "the" fundraiser.
?
Steve_in_CNJ
· 5 months ago
personally, i don't regret giving to Obama/Biden2008, do you? it was essential to defeat McCain/Palin.
lileasy
· 5 months ago
Hell, yeah. I want my money back.
vkobaya
· 5 months ago
As I recall, Obama/Biden pulled in $162 million in donations for his campaign, that is vast, vast hords more money more than any other campaign in history and vastly more than McCain/Pain received. And following Bush/Cheney, was hardly a chance he could lose as 8 years of Bush/Cheney probably was the most effective election strategy for any Democrat, far more than the money. I panicked myself and thought I had to be a part of the historic Obama campaign, sent him $20 though I've been unemployed since 1996. Bush/Cheney and McCain/Palin never lied to us about where they stood on gay issues. Obama is a liar and a traitor. I deeply resent that I was tricked and lied to by this despicable, lowlife traitor. Democrats could have nominated a cockroach and only reason it wouldn't win is the lifespan of a cockroach is probably only a few months. McCain/Palin could not possibly have won and the reality is that margin of victory was vastly greater, but Obama betrayed other downticket Democratic candidates by not fighting for the real margin of victory not only for his historic victory, but for all those downticket Democrats that did not win because of his treachery. I wish I could have my $20 back as it was extremely painful donation for me.
timncguy
· 5 months ago
when they talk like this we just need to ask two questions
1. If Obama doesn't agree with the DOJ Brief, why did he send his gay office of personnel mgmt man out over the weekend to DC Pride to defend the DOJ Brief?
2. If Obama doesn't agree with the brief, why doesn'y he come out and say so in public? Is he ashamed of his own position supposedly in support of gays?
FunMe
· 5 months ago
Maybe Obama is afraid of the gays. Or perhaps he is a typical straight guy afraid of being associated with "the gays" in case someone accuses him of being gay himself.
Whatever the reason, Obama is looking like a coward and showing a lack of leadership for ALL Americans.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 5 months ago
The HRC is starting to justify the existence of its big marble and glass palace on 17th Street.
psp
· 5 months ago
Agreed. I haven't given to HRC since they always endorsed my Republican Congresswoman Mary Bono. HRS says they try to be non-partisan which I believe is wrong. In 2006 they endorsed Lincoln Chafee over Whitehouse in Rhode Island's Senate race. If they had gotten their way, Chafee would have won and the Senate, with Dick Cheney as VP and tiebreaker, would have remained in Republican hands. How would that have been good for LGBT community ? For a group based in Washington , I don't think HRC has very smart political people . It's sad though that HRC has to win respect by standing up to a Democratic administration.
Mike_H
· 5 months ago
Actually, I kind of disagree with your point -- the Dems think we have nowhere else to go, and that's why they take our money and give us almost nothing.
If they know we might support glbt-friendly republicans or independents, we might get more action from them.
nicho
· 5 months ago
The GOP lets Bono vote on some very safe issues and that endears her to a lot of the gay community in PSP. She is fucking useless. But you're not going to get her out of there. There are too many well-heeled Republicans and rednecks in the district. Maybe Steve Pougnet can do it, but it's a tough haul. You know all the Christians and the Mormons are going to be pumping for Mary and using gay panic to trash Steve.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 5 months ago
Hey DNC (and Obama): ya betta surrender to the Pink Dollar!
(homage to Carrie Fisher).
DavidinPS
· 5 months ago
Now we're gettin' somewhere.
jINmd
· 5 months ago
So this fundraiser gets shut down (which it should) but what do we do next?
cowboyneok
· 5 months ago
Keep boycotting the DNC and not one more gay dollar or gay resources for the Democratic Party. LGBT gives them lots of $$$s and they know it.
Michell Gold still plans on attending, "while advocating our rights." And promoting his book.
Let him know how you feel. We have to put pressure on the visible faces of our community to do the right thing.
SusieQ
· 5 months ago
Tell him you'll buy his book if he DOESN'T attend.
Leo Cuevas
· 5 months ago
good, quiet no more! no gay rights = no gay dollars!
We need a people powered movement, no lobbyist, no negotiating as our Gay org in New Mexico is doing with the Catholic Church.
We need a movement, a website, we need to organize, become vocal and keep up the pressure on the party as long as it takes. We can do this if we really want to ... how bad do we want our equal rights?
JGH
· 5 months ago
Any word yet on a plan for a DC protest? In DC here and really would like to get involved.
HereinDC
· 5 months ago
Just show up. You know the time and place.
caphillprof
· 5 months ago
5pm, Thursday, June 25, 2009 Mandarin Continental Hotel 1330 Maryland Ave SW, in Washington DC
closest METRO stop is Smithsonian Metro Station on blue/orange lines, Exit to USDA/Independence Ave (not to Mall), cross Independence and proceed south 2.5 blocks on 12th St SW to Maryland
Blueflash
· 5 months ago
Great. I'm a monthly donor to HRC and I'll be sending them an e-mail to thank them for doing what's obviously the right thing. Recently I've been thinking of calling them to thank them for nothing and cancel my donations.
fuzzzy
· 5 months ago
Why not do both? thank them for what you think is the right thing, but let them know you are watching what they do and that you're support can be withdrawn at anytime?
scottinsf
· 5 months ago
If this is true I just might have to cut HRC some slack and encourage everybody to donate to these folks.
They get shit done.
chrisnyc
· 5 months ago
this is what i've been wanting. stop just complaining about it and help put pressure on him.
the religious right isn't going to abandon the republicans, but they bitch and moan and get some red meat.
take that lesson here. if anything, we've learned Obama, while good on many many issues, hates a controversy. Make this a HUGE and prolonged one and we will get what we finally deserve as equal human beings.
It took me a few seconds to figure out what I was looking at.
Cool.
scottinsf
· 5 months ago
Is that a "Pam roll"?
cowboyneok
· 5 months ago
"Pam roll" - don't understand what you mean?
woodroad34
· 5 months ago
like a Rick Roll. Where you think you're going to a specific site and, instead, you get that guy from the 80's singing his one-hit wonder--"Never gonna give you up".
pam spaulding is reporting that philanthopist and author mitchell gold will be attending because he believes that he can communicate "our disappointment" to the administration. gold's quick to point out that he'll be "quiet and polite, as always." this "quiet/polite" crap has gotten us where we are - in the back of the bus.
(it's noteworthy that gold will be shilling his book as well. as though the administration would have no idea how hurtful their rhetoric is, absent reading "Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing The Personal, Social, And Religious Pain And Trauma Of Growing Up Gay In America")
i think a better communication method would be gold refusing to attend. that message would come through loud and clear. right now they're banking on a bunch of orgs and individuals showing up and padding their coffers in the hopes that the administration will "listen and get it."
FunMe
· 5 months ago
Agree.
Showing up shows the Democrats that it's business as usual: will give your $$$ money and you can continue to ignore and equate our marriage to incest.
The right thing to do is to NOT show up. That definitely would be a STRONG statement.
HereinDC
· 5 months ago
Agree with you FunME.
Showing up means business as usual.
example:
If you had previous reservations at a restaurant and a reviewer just gave that restaurant a 1 star rating....would you keep you reservation and make nice and just sit there and accept what they feed you?
Hell No...you wouldn't go to the restaurant.
k-rod
· 5 months ago
While I agree with most of what is being said by John and Joe, I question the need to out gay attendees at the event. It is one thing to protest and voice your displeasure and urge people not to attend but to target people that do attend seems dangerous to me.
Everyone with a $1000 to waste has a right to attend without being attacked by their community. I understand the outrage and have written a letter to the President but it seems that targeting gay activist that chose to be in the same room as the DNC is wrong and sets a bad precedent. How is this different than reporting on the names of abortion doctors and others whose policies and practices "you" don't like. Every group has their fringes and perhaps someone may take the attendance as too high a betrayal that would be justified in a violent response.
Protest and urge people not to go while boycotting the DNC, but targeting people that attends seems a bit extreme.
judybrowni
· 5 months ago
Public event, at least outside, in you know --in the public area.
Ya gonna go out in public, hey, to a specific event, the public might get to know it.
I'm not gay, but I have a gay brother and sister -- don't see why I shouldn't know which gays are funding their oppression.
Butch1
· 5 months ago
Stockholm Syndrome.
SusieQ
· 5 months ago
"How is this different than reporting on the names of abortion doctors and others whose policies and practices "you" don't like."
I don't really think a camera and video equates to a high powered rifle. It's a public event for godsakes.
Butch1
· 5 months ago
No one in our community is going to go out and murder anyone from attending the dinner. Hopefully, it would embarrass them giving money to an organization that apparently, doesn't give a fig about them but won't refuse their money.
k-rod
· 5 months ago
There are no guns on Fox or shock radio, does that mean they are immune from being held responsible for the actions of extremist? Many would argue yes, but many have argued here that they bear some responsibility.
I saw Nancy Pelosi last Friday(free ticket), do I want some extremist anti-Obama nut job here in Houston targeting me because I went and perhaps they posted my picture upon entering the venue? No, I don't. Are there a lot of people in my hometown who believe I am a traitor to my country for attending the event? Probably.
I am sure Mike H has the right response and probably I am just being paranoid. Anger has a way of making rational people do irrational things.
SusieQ
· 5 months ago
I understand and empathize. One of the reasons I left Texas years ago.
dula
· 5 months ago
Because self-serving people usually need to be shamed into doing the right thing.
HereinDC
· 5 months ago
"Protest and urge people not to go while boycotting the DNC, but targeting people that attends seems a bit extreme."
k-rod......Extreme? WTF?
then what do you call the protesting in Iran right now?....
Chopped Liver?
mikeyDe
· 5 months ago
How can you out someone who is already out?
I applaud those who have registered their disapproval of the DOMA brief and hope against hope that it forces Obama to come out against the brief and reiterate his election positions against the law. Perhaps he should be watching his old speeches from 2008.
k-rod
· 5 months ago
By outing I mean attending the event, not being an out gay. I really don't understand the comment about Iran. Are you suggesting the same type of protests here. All I am trying to say that when you target people and publish their names then perhaps you need to be prepared to take some responsibility if someone with mental issues decides to go postal on one of them.
I agree with the protests and the need to show the DNC they are messing with the wrong group, but I do not agree with posting names and pictures of those attending a fund raiser. What is to be done with that information? Personal protests, boycotting their businesses or what? Perhaps it would work but it seems to be opening Pandora's box.
judybrowni
· 5 months ago
Again, I'd like to know who is funding my brother and sisters' oppression.
And, if they're presenting themselves in public, well, they can expect to have made themselves public.
If they'd rather not, they can send a check from their respective closets.
Mike_H
· 5 months ago
I think the idea is to boycott business or put other pressure on them. The attendees are almost all "leaders" of the movement in one way or another, people with money, power, influence, in varying combinations.
Since they are in a privileged position regarding political access and power, I think it's less risky than you suppose. And, frankly, isn't it supposed to be public record anyway, when someone makes that large a donation to a political party?
Gridlock
· 5 months ago
Abortion doctors have absolutely no impact on the fundies that go and kill them.
They don't affect the fundies at all. The fundies INSINUATE themselves in the private business of others, where they don't belong, and then take it personally even though it has nothing to do with them.
WE are being personally affected. They are keeping us from OUR rights. This is not being ofended by proxy. THis is being the target PERSONALLY.
This is great news! I was beginning to wonder if I was going to have to cancel my membership in HRC. I am very happy to hear they pulled out. We do need to stop giving money to those that promise to help us and then stab us in the back. I no longer give any money to the DNC or senatorial committee, or Obama. From now on, it's to individuals only and ONLY if they support LGBT equallity. Bravo to HRC and others that said ENOUGH!
Jersey
· 5 months ago
This really is the first thing they've done in decades. I quit giving to them a long time ago. I give to Lamda Legal instead because they do, in fact, get things done.
Matt Algren
· 5 months ago
They must know that they screwed up bad when even HRC is playing for reals.
Indigo
· 5 months ago
I was thinking along the same lines. If HRC took offense, it must be pretty bad.
Stephen
· 5 months ago
Except they didn't equate gay marriage to incest (or child rape) and any lawyer who has ever written a brief knows it. Furthermore, incest, as it's being defined in this blog, is allowed in over 50% of the states in the US and child rape, as it's being defined in this blog, is allowed in about 100% of the states in the US.
rdm24
· 5 months ago
They didn't equate gay marriage to incest, and a picture of the Whitehouse with watermellons in front isn't racist.
Stephen
· 5 months ago
You didn't read the brief did you.
rdm24
· 5 months ago
Read it all.
Stephen
· 5 months ago
Of course you didn't. If you did then you would know that incest wasn't mentioned at all.
tlsintx
· 5 months ago
in arguing for DOMA, the DOJ cited a case that dealt with an uncle marrying his niece. that's incest.
Gridlock
· 5 months ago
Yes I'm sure the uncle marrying his niece had absolutely nothing to do with sex with a minor. I'm sure it was like a Disney movie where everyone sleeps in separate beds and is coated in fairy dust.
*smacks Stephen*
timncguy
· 5 months ago
i notice you chose not to respond to my post above. THere are VALID reasons for restricting marriage by age of consent and close family relationship. What did DOJ cite as the valid reason for restricting same-sex marriage since they cited the cased for age of consent and close family relationship?
Or, do you think that DOJ could have cited those two cases and then said, therefore a state can ban marriage for people with red hair?
Do you believe citing those cases means that states can just ban whatever they want with good reason or not?
timncguy
· 5 months ago
define it anyway you want to. The brief stated that states had a valid reason for denying the marriage of an uncle and his niece. And, that reason is because any children produced from such a close family relationship could be damaged from the closeness of the gene pool. By citing this case they then say the states also have a good reson to deny same-sex marriage. But, they fail to say what the "reason" is. We all know the reason in the case of close family relations. And, we all know the reason in underage relations, because an underage person cannot fully understand and be responsible enough to know what they are entering into.
Now, please explain what the VALID reason is for denying same-sex marriages. They cited two cases with valid reasoning. How do these two cases relate to same-sex couples? If you cite cases, they need to be relevant. They seem to be citing those cases because they are reasonable for denying the marriage.
So, how do you relate these to same-sex marriage? What is the valid reason for the states to deny the marriage?
It comes down to this:
Incest (close family relationship) = medically BAD underage = BAD because they can't consent to contract same-sex = BAD??? for what logical reason?
And, remember God in not legally allowed to be "in the mix" even if Obama says otherwise.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 5 months ago
you are so tiresome.
Stephen
· 5 months ago
Facts suck. How GOP of you.
KingCranky
· 5 months ago
So, if the brief was not comparing gay marriage to incest & pedophilia, then those two issues were mentioned because.....?
Stephen
· 5 months ago
Where did the brief say incest or pedophilia?
Please quote it.
Gridlock
· 5 months ago
Wtf is a man marrying his niece then.
Please elaborate.
Is the implication that they are of consenting age?
No.
The implication is INCEST, you mental incompetent.
Francis DuCharme
· 5 months ago
..you mental incompetent.
Nicely hammered.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 5 months ago
tiresome and oblivious.
TimF
· 5 months ago
Let me start by saying that I fully support the HRC and the LGBT community in pulling out of this fundraiser. That's how you do things in DC. That's how things get done.
That being said, yes, you are right. Citing instances in which states have regulated marriage is not equating the two and I find the argument to be disengenuous. It's the same type of argument that Sarah Palin was using against Letterman. It didn't take long before many people actually believed that Letterman really made a rape joke about a 14 year old girl.
I have no problem with people who fight for what they believe is right. The people I take exception to are the people who supported President Obama's agenda until Friday and now they are suddenly against every decision that he's made since Jan 20th.
Dee
· 5 months ago
I didn't even vote for Obama and I am very supportive of the gay marriage issue, but I must say that I am extremely tired of this constant selfish "me first" attitude. This man has been in office less than SIX months and, forgive the rest of us, but he is quite busy trying to keep our country from imploding.
Right now, we're in the middle of not 1 but 2 wars, our economy is in the toilet, North Korea is threatening nukes, Iran is in chaos, Afghanistan is a mess, unemployment numbers are off the charts and major US corporations (not to mention California) are going bankrupt...and that's just the A side of the list.
With all the hurt and pain that is going on in this country and around the world, I'm sorry but gay marriage is not priority number one right now.
How about trying a little less "me first" and a little more "country first"!
Gridlock
· 5 months ago
How about this:
How about the country does something for me. We've been putting "country first", ESPECIALLY the gay service men and women for DECADES.
We've been told to wait, to put country first, and to put the needs of everybody else before our own because, when the issues of other people are all solved (never) someone might finally look at ours.
THEN, when we do wait, ol Barry here decides that even though he has a ton on his plate right now, he'll go out of his way to attack us with that hideous brief he filed. So he has SO MUCH on his plate, but has the time to further battle us on our rights. How is it he can make the time for that, and to film cute little segments for the Colbert Report in Iraq, but is SOOOO BUSY with all those emergencies?
He's obviously not THAT busy, then.. is he? And here you are, telling us to sit down and wait and be quiet like the good little straight cattle you are.
You know what?
Why don't YOU and people like YOU do something for US. We've protected your selfish entitled asses with our lives, we've waited, we've been patient, we've integrated, we do your hair, design your clothes, we work in every facet of your lives and what the FUCK have you selfish asses ever done for us?
Bashed us. Spit on us. Used your "religion" as a weapon against us. Used us, and then tossed us to the curb.
You have done this for decades. All we've asked for, is EQUALITY and then, quite honestly, TO BE LEFT THE FUCK ALONE.
You can't even manage that!
So you know what? Fuck your selfish entitlement whore attitude.
WE DESERVE OUR RIGHTS.
THIS IS OUR TIME.
YOu have 90% of the rest of the planet and everything in it, and now you begrudge us our equal 10%?
Would you like some blood? Do you want us to open a vein for you? What the fuck more do you people want from us? We've given you everything and we've gotten NOTHING in return!
I will say this one last time:
YOU sit in the back of the bus. YOU give up all the rights you inherited at birth. YOU be a second class citizen in your own country. YOU try to muddle through with your relationship ignored by the government and all the benefits you currently enjoy stripped from you.
No? Not going to do that? Then listen to me, you cultural barnacle:
The sooner we get what we want the sooner we shut up. If you think all Americans should have equality, THEN HELP US DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
Paul
· 5 months ago
oh holy shit! That was freaking awesome!!!!! Hands down, the best response on the board. cyber high-five to you.
Francis DuCharme
· 5 months ago
Hear ye, hear ye!
Anyone who stands in the way is nothing more then a selfish rat-bastard. Run 'em over, run 'em all over.
There is no time for injustice.
rduke
· 5 months ago
Bravo!!! That was so accurate and....amazing.
Kole
· 5 months ago
Seriously, study up on something before you respond. It's not a "me first" attitude. It's the disgusting comparisons made by the DOJ in their brief that has people so up in arms.
An_American_Karol
· 5 months ago
How selfish of the LGBT to want to be included in the "country" for which you think should be put first. They should pay their taxes and be happy when the heterosexuals get health care reform./snark Think about what you just wrote.
mamazboy
· 5 months ago
Dee, your post seems off the wall for a lot of reasons. First, Obama is expanding the war in Afghanistan, so he's adding to the plate not subtracting from it. He's also endorsing many of Bush's worst policies, including warrantless wiretapping, refusing to prosecute Bush officials for torture, keeping the visitor logs to the WH secret, fighting FOIA requests (so much for "transparency"). The DOJ won't even take on the Siegelman case, for god's sake. And don't get me started on the endless showering of gifts to a banking industry that has just about brought the country to its knees, including billions of untrackable bucks and appointing Wall Street insiders to manage this fake "reform" show. Obama's being portrayed in some quarters as "cautious" and "nuanced," but there's nothing nuanced about his policymaking to date. And the language in the DOMA brief, the vigor and enthusiasm with which Obama's DOJ defended the policy, is appalling, more reminiscent of a radical right-wing minset than a progressive or even centrist one. Obama seems to have forgotten he got a MANDATE for change. His election was a landslide and he needs to act like it and show some strength and leadership on questions like this.
And the idea that it's "selfish" for me and my partner of 32 years to want the same rights that you and other heterosexuals have I find infuriating. Educate yourself!
Rob
· 5 months ago
Believing that the President should insure equal rights for all Americans IS putting country first.
timncguy
· 5 months ago
there is NOTHING me first about this.
There is a big difference between doign nothing to advance LGBT equality, whcih is what Obama has been doing up until now
AND
Actively working AGAINST LGBT equality with the DOJ brief that was filed last wekk.
If you can't see this, you not looking.
mikeyDe
· 5 months ago
Right! There's a lot on his plate now. So why was it so important to file a homophobic brief? He could have done nothing which would have been fine with me.
PeteWa
· 5 months ago
Nice job cutting and pasting from another thread yesterday.
Go Cheney yourself, "Dee".
lileasy
· 5 months ago
It's 42 years for my partner and I, and you think wanting to see equal rights before we die is selfish? You are a total self-centered, ignorant asshole. Oh yeah, and as far as "country first" goes, we are both Vietnam vets.
Francis DuCharme
· 5 months ago
Give 'em hell lileasy - once the entire LGBT community stands up and takes this crap personally then maybe we'll see some hell raising and some changes.
I'm not a member of the LGBT community but you better believe I'll be with you every step of the way my friend.
Indigo
· 5 months ago
You're pretty, but not when you trash gay folks.
vkobaya
· 5 months ago
No, you've got it all wrong. We gays didn't put ourselves first on his agenda. He went out of his way, when he could have said nothing and wrote that legal brief that made us the top issue by betraying us, by attacking our community and by lying about his reasons for doing so. He need not have addressed the issue at all, but it was Obama, not the gay community that put the issue at the top of his agenda, top for his attack. It was not gays saying "Me first," rather Obama saying attack gays first.
terrya
· 5 months ago
This is excellent news! John, you and Joe, Pam Spaulding and Andy Towle have been absolutely superb on this story. As all of the good people here who have called and written the White House and the people involved in this event.
Opal
· 5 months ago
I'm not sure we really want this to happen. There will be unintended consequences, and I don't mean hostility from the Obama administration. Conservatives are just delighted to watch this as it plays into their preconceived notions of how the community will respond.
ucsbclassics53
· 5 months ago
We should just focus on the issues at hand instead of what conservatives might think. That's the problem of the Democrats in that they always seem to fear what the evangelicals, the Republicans, or their political opponents will think of them.
JustAGuy
· 5 months ago
I'm not sure we really want this to happen. There will be unintended consequences, and I don't mean hostility from the Obama administration. Conservatives are just delighted to watch this as it plays into their preconceived notions of how the community will respond.
That's an argument for never standing up against anything and its exactly how we got into this mess in the first place.
We already know how conservatives will react: they will cheer, troll, lie and distort. Don't worry about what conservatives think - they are not the point here.
Congressional Democrats have rendered themselves impotent and pathetic by obsessing over Republican reactions to everything. Lets not empower our enemies by doing the same thing.
If you feel angry or betrayed over Obama's anti-gay policies, then be honest and Say So.
-S
Gridlock
· 5 months ago
Maybe Obama should have thought of that and done the right thing instead of fucking us over.
Then there wouldn't be a problem, would there?
Francis DuCharme
· 5 months ago
Gridlock - exactly. But that would take courage.
mamazboy
· 5 months ago
Honestly, this seems like a weak argument, Opal. The conservatives fight against us no matter WHAT tactic we take, and the Dems' (including Obama's) quantifiable interest in gay rights seems to range from lukewarm to downright hostile. Now that it's abundantly clear that the Dems and Obama must be pushed into action, not pleaded with, why we should not start acting vigorously in our own interests? (Also, the Repubs and evangelicals etc. are a shrinking minority - to hell with them.)
Wow. The HRC actually found their stones. I too feel like renewing my lapsed membership
revphat
· 5 months ago
Based on John's previous postings, when I got my renewal notice from HRC today I tossed it in the trash. Maybe I'll fish it out...maybe not. Hopefully they've remembered what their fighting for.
bluprntguy
· 5 months ago
To all the president's "plate is full" people: The President signed a tobacco bill last week after it had been debated and passed by both house of the legislature. I'm pretty sure that correcting 'abhorrent' civil rights abuses of a minority should go in front of tobacco reform. Protecting people that use tobacco from - uh - themselves?
nicho
· 5 months ago
To all the "plate is full" people, all he has to do is say "Rahm, what's happening to the gay community sucks. Find some way to do something for them. Find some way to counteract that horrible brief you dropped the ball on. Let me know by tomorrow what you plan to do."
There -- less than 30 seconds out of his busy busy day. Less time than it takes to put mustard on your hamburger.
jayjay1977
· 5 months ago
Since 1996, I have always voted for the DNC Party. As of today, I will never vote for another DNC candidate again! I will only support candidates who fully support LGBT issues!
JJ
· 5 months ago
Hmm...so which is it. Earlier you stated that the HRC is pulling out. Now it's been switched (without note) to Marty Rouse.
Is the HRC pulling out or not? Did someone jump the gun?
pixie69
· 5 months ago
40 years ago i marched in the streets at stonewall. its time to march again. we don't have to beg for equality,we have to demand it. i am not sorry i voted for obama instead if mccain but if things don't change quickly i will be looking for a third party for a protest vote in 2012.
offspring
· 5 months ago
it cracks me up that we gay people especially in our own communities can be so mean bitter and vengful when we dont like another gay person for stupid reasons but when you have people attacking us from outside, or taking away rights we deserve or comparing us to insest we say things like, boycott march and so on but we put up our claws fuck that, out ever damn closet case track spy and find out where ever married canidate is going to sleep around take pictures publish it, investigate all donors of committees, and investigate all go ole boy connections in construction pork spending deals, seriously be the people i know we can but this time use it for a greater purpose. I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THOSE THAT TAKE AWAY ANY GAY PERSONS RIGHTS, I have no respect for any politican that takes smack about gays then whores around, or is accepting corrupt money, I am tired of the fact we roll over and are expected just because its the lesser of the two evils argument fuck that evil is evil there is no such thing as lesser anymore, we gave our time effort money sweat and blood to get here in life, and some lives, and all in one way or another freedom, how dare we be treated like this after we did so much for them, NO GAY RIGHTS NO GAY$$, and for the roll overs go hide because your not wanted people with spines only.
offspring
· 5 months ago
just thought of some new ballot initatives for california since they get to decide such important items and take in things such as federal laws and public safety and economy,
1. A ban or the further reconginition of marriages, by Illegal's, and the imediate cut off of federal and state benifits.
2. The imediate ban on non tax paying welfare peoples ability to vote on any economical item or any item dealing with the distribution of monies from state and federal resources.
oh gee these are so waaaaay out there and crazy, but voting on my right to have the same rights as these people is ok, lets see one group hell can cross the border and get more rights than me the, other sits in judgement while standing on the corner selling drugs going back to the section 8 tax money paid house or apartment, eating tax money paid food, and taking advantage of tax paid programs, while getting to vote on tax payers how stupid
nicho
· 5 months ago
Yeah -- we can't get even with the people who did this to us, so we'll bash someone who can't fight back. That's clever. You should have read your own post, realized that even you knew it was crazy, and stopped yourself from posting it.
lileasy
· 5 months ago
Come on. Be fair. Offspring was merely using hyperbole to compare our lack of rights to the many rights afforded to other individuals in our society who contribute less than most of us do and may even engage in criminal activity as well as the weirdness that many of these individuals get to vote on what rights our group is going to be afforded. I don't think he meant to bash anyone.
offspring
· 5 months ago
they cant fight back ? bs
rix
· 5 months ago
A "gay fundraiser" with few LGBT attending would be the best possible protest, the assembled party luminaries addressing a half-empty room, trying not to address the reasons it is half-empty. Money talks.
offspring
· 5 months ago
agree but none should go to it, they compared us to incest, it is like the black guy going to the klan rally, or the jewish guy joining the arrain nation.
LarryMcD
· 5 months ago
I'm assuming you mean "Aryan" nation???
offspring
· 5 months ago
oh one momre thing this is obamas mess as he promised and said he would make it a top priority, but dont anyone dare let off frank or any other period
offspring
· 5 months ago
oh f'n news flash to the "i dont believe in gay marriage idiots", hey dumbass's it isn't santa clause, or the freaking easter bunny or for that matter the stories in the bible, it is real it is here in several states so take your hands from you eyes, it is real you have to believe in it duh.
offspring
· 5 months ago
no more being door mat and being brought out in election cycle to stir up for votes money and time, no gay rights no gay$$
Chad
· 5 months ago
Don't blame me. I voted HILLARY!
Incubus
· 5 months ago
Oh...puulleeease! Like there's a difference.
Elizabeth Fowler
· 5 months ago
I completely support this and will not give another cent (of which I've given thousands and thousands) until Obama gets his comeuppance on LYING to the Gay Community.
cole3244
· 5 months ago
good, hit them where it hurts, in the wallet.
paulied
· 5 months ago
I read Mitchell Gold's letter at Pam's House Blend stating that he would be attending the DNC benefit and using the oppurtunity to bring our stories, our lives, and our pain to those DNC luminaries. While I certainly respect Mr. Gold's decision, I asked myself "What can he possibly say to these people that we haven't been saying over and over again for decades now?" I can only come up with one possible answer to the question, however. What Mr. Gold can tell the DNC new that might finally get some action on our behalf is "NO!" "No, we will not continue to subsidize our own mistreatment." "No, we are no longer satisfied to be the abused spouse - pardon me, the abused domestic partner - of the DNC, all hearts and flowers when we are needed only to be kicked and beaten at the first oppurtunity and come running back meekly for more mistreatment." "No, our patience is finally gone." Please, Mr. Gold and the rest of the potential guest list, join us in just saying "no."
Mitchell Gold
· 5 months ago
I think you've missed the point in my letter. WE...the various advocacy groups have NOT been saying the simple messaging of my organization FaithInAmerica.com. A-The plight of LGBT teens is virtually never spoken about and needs to. B-"Religion based bigotry" is the root cause of people discriminating against us. Those first 3 words are almost never spoken, but I will and do.
For this dinner, I respect those that don't want to go. Some might even fear ridicule like yours and from others. I know that to go and speak directly to these folks is not easy but I am willing to do it. I want Vice President Biden to hear it from my lips. Mitchell Gold
paulied
· 5 months ago
There was no ridicule intended. As I said, I respect your decision; I just wish you'd made a different one.
MadProfessah
· 5 months ago
Surely Rea Carey of the Task Force would not go to a DNC fundraiser for an organization that can not put pressure on Democratic Senators (some not up for re-election until 2014!!) to cosponsor a bill to repeal DADT when 60-70 percent of the public wants the policy gone??
And will Richard Socarides really attend an event which is intended to honor the "fierce advocacy" of the Obama administration on LGBT rights??
threadmonitor
· 5 months ago
From the post:
"I've also just been told by former top Clinton aide Richard Socarides that he today informed the DNC that he will no longer be attending either."
David
· 5 months ago
Maybe Cheney can waterboard some of these anti-gay people. After all, he has said more about our rights then Team Obama since the President has taken office. He has shown more action with words then Obama has shown. "I think that freedom means freedom for everyone." - Dick Cheney. We should adopt The Dallas Principles....look it up!
skylights
· 5 months ago
This is good, but recording guests who enter the fundraiser... that's creepy like McCarthy.
rich
· 5 months ago
So what, gays did not vote for obama like they lead on. Gays are just pushing themselves back another many years. I'm gone take my ball and I'm going home, so what join the repub party. I believe everybody should be able to marry who they want, i'm not homophobic, I just hate all this pouting. Stand up and keep fighting, true, but this not the way.
Leigh
· 5 months ago
Tired of being a second class citizen. We helped put Obama in office, and now, just like usual, the Dems are selling us down the river. I didn't vote for Clinton in his second term cuz he put into place "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", and DOMA, and in good conscious I couldn't do it, so voted Green-for Ralph Nader. I knew Clinton was popular enough to win, so I did it as a protest vote.
I did vote for Gore, cuz I didn't want Bush in. I would have preferred Hillary Clinton to Obama, cuz she was more straightforward, has a clear longtime record, and I knew where she stood, and as a Lesbian, I really wanted a woman to represent my interests, as a woman, and as a Dyke!
I'm sick of being sold down the river, and I WON'T TOLERATE BEING A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN ONE MOMENT LONGER! -Leigh
Tim
· 5 months ago
I'm glad to hear some of the Gay Bigwigs are pulling out. Who knows they might just be able to save their already compromised credibility. Let Obama and the Dems go without our money and support for a while, then we will see them come around. We should have pulled the plug on them years ago.
LittleBearNYC
· 5 months ago
KEEP THE PRESSURE UP!
R_obert
· 5 months ago
It should also be noted that any gay officials who do attend will be identified and donations to that group will dry up. This is serious s..t.
Dan W.
· 5 months ago
The President has just spoken and it is absolutely outrageous.
Not only did he not repudiate or distance himself from the legal brief that invoked arguments of pedophilia and incest, which means he tacitly endorses them, but he made no mention of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". The "benefits" extended to White House employees basically include moving expenses and use of the White House tennis courts -- nothing involving health or pension benefits.
How is this anything not just a disappointment, but a betrayal?
In case anybody else forgot what this "fierce advocate" promised to our community, read it here:
Congress is just as bad. They are either ignoring us hoping we go away or hiding under their desks hoping we don't ask them to keep our promises to us either.
We have no recourse but to withdraw our money. The health care debate is showing us that money is the only thing that matters anyway.
How can we encourage this boycott? It's the only language they understand.
I will still support those individual candidates who have shown through their actions, not just their words, that they meant what they committed to us, such as Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsome, and the campaign to repeal Proposition 8.
Boycott this fundraiser!!!
bryan b
· 5 months ago
hello
bryan b
· 5 months ago
he
alinnyc
· 5 months ago
Has everyone forgotten Rick Warren? The LGBT community went into an uproar, then Obama threw us a bone by asking the gay bishop to convene the concert. His convocation was conveniently OMITTED from the televised portion of the concert. THEN, they made certain that there was no coverage of the gay band in the inaugural parade.
AND NOW WE'RE SURPRISED BY THIS LATEST BETRAYAL????
Obama and his crew have shown their homophobia and pandering to the hateful religious right from the beginning. I guess nobody wanted to believe it.
Since Congressional DEMS won't come to the fore on these issues either, the LGBT community needs to refocus our finances, efforts and votes on a third party effort. We may not get elected, but we sure as hell can upset BOTH major parties as they plan their future electoral "strategies".
I don't consider it throwing my vote away to vote 3rd party. My vote is thrown away by voting for lying, homophobic hypocrites like Obama, the Clintons, the Bushes, The Cheneys, etc.
Time to establish and build a strong and credible third party. There are going to be many more disowned and disaffected liberals as the ruling party(ies) continue to pander to the rich and religious. We can get ahead of the curve and organize. We can no longer ask to be given our rights, we have to work now to claim them.
ravenm
· 4 months ago
After eight years of Bush, I just don't have any more patience for blatantly deceptive, politically convenient, CYA rhetoric. I believe Obama has a long way to sink before he reaches Bush and Cheney's repugnant status. That said, he IS sinking, and he needs to start swimming before he reaches bottom. I'd just as soon this recent breaking of promises not become the standard for the next three and a half years.
"I support the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples, which is precisely what DOMA does." Fantastic. Now support it while you have the power of the presidency behind you, not just while you're a candidate.
"I have also called for us to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." Really? Great. Do it again. You're now the commander-in-chief; you don't have to ask anyone's approval about this one. You don't have to call for anyone to do anything. You might not be able to singlehandedly repeal it, but you have the indisputable power to render it unenforceable, and you could do it in six words: "Don't enforce 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'" This is a power resting completely in your hands, and no amount of talking around the issue changes the fact that you could literally make this vital step happen while you're stirring your morning coffee. I'm paying for that military, and I expect you to use my tax money to pay for the best troops possible, not to dismiss loyal, vital servicepeople. If this must be presented in such a way as to pander to opponents, a reminder is in order that every dismissed LGBT service member means a very expensive, utterly wasted investment, particularly in the case of those who provided expert skills that must now be sought in or taught to replacements.
"If we want to repeal DOMA, repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and implement fully inclusive laws outlawing hate crimes and discrimination in the workplace, we need to bring the message of LGBT equality to skeptical audiences as well as friendly ones." You need to reread your own advice, since so far you've made a habit of bringing the message to the folks who already have it, while shielding the delicate sensibilities of that "skeptical audience" which most needs that message. Frankly, those people dislike and don't support you anyway, so pandering to their bigotry gains you nothing (they'll hate you for something else) and loses you everything (the support of those who are now watching you throw your campaign promises in their faces).
"I will never compromise on my commitment to equal rights for all LGBT Americans." Sadly, this statement has been proven laughable. At this moment, your own words make you a liar. I don't expect you to never be wrong, to never err; you are human. I DO expect you to be honest and to be free of political cowardice; you are president.
"I believe that we can achieve the goal of full equality for the millions of LGBT people in this country." So do I -- it's just seeming more and more likely that it won't be on your watch. "To do that, we need leadership that can appeal to the best parts of the human spirit. Join with me, and I will provide that leadership." We joined with you; now you hold up your end of the deal.
"First of all, it is fitting that the very first bill that I sign (the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act) that it is upholding one of this nation's founding principles: that we are all created equal, and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness." As a woman, I thank you for the Lilly Ledbetter Act. If I ever manage to secure a decent job again, I'll be sure to insist I get equal pay. That said, your own words here -- in one of your very first statements after taking office -- make a mockery of your recent actions (or inactions) concerning equal rights for LGBT people. You get to pursue your own version of happiness, your marriage obviously being part of that pursuit. If I decide tomorrow to pursue happiness with the guy who works the counter at 7-11, I can haul him down to the county clerk and get us a marriage license. If I decide to ignore my little problem with authority and go join the military tomorrow while being open and honest about my sexuality, I can. (I can't be a Special Forces operator or work a sub or drive a tank or get career/promotional credit for being in combat even when I am, of course, but apparently that doesn't count in the whole equality/pursuit-of-my-own-version-of-happiness thing.) So, thanks, I have the freedom already to pursue happiness. Your behavior implies that you feel that since you have that freedom too, our fellow citizens who don't have that freedom should just suck it up, ignore that you're beginning to make a habit of contradicting your own professed principles, and continue to believe your placations while forking over the financial and political support that helped secure for you the office you now use to continue the trampling of their rights.
Live up to your word, or take a look at yourself and reconcile yourself to being a lesser man than you think you are.
All Comments
I have been outraged by this whole situation. I have written three emails to Obama at the White House. When I wrote Bush, I got automatic responses. I haven't heard a thing from Obama. But I have sent letters to Governor Kaine and to Nancy Pelosi in response to begging letters telling them I would give nothing and why. I don't know if they will ever get the letters or if they have ended up in the circular file. But I am glad so many people are outraged and doing something about the situation and the appalling behavior of a president I thought might really mean what he said. Obviously he did not. I now feel embarrassed about my support for him and regret spending the money and the time on a trip to his Inauguration.
I actually was prepared to give him time to attend to some of our concerns due to other very urgent needs. And I held my anger in when Rick Warren got up to deliver his little religious thing at the Inauguration. Though I still carried anger from the way Gene Robinson was treated two days before. But with his willingness to allow a man he called heroic be fired from the military, his willingness to allow white supremacists to be inducted into the army while patriotic gay people are being purged, and finally the outrageous brief that his Justice Department presented in defense of DOMA have left me with no patience whatsoever. He needs to act and the Congress needs to act now. And I am glad that so many on this blog and so many in our community are outraged as well and are pushing and forcing him and the leaders of the Democratic Party who have so often taken our money and work and support for granted to face our demands for action to address our issues and do something, or to face the consequence of loss of our support and the consequence of our active opposition.
Bank Bailouts
FOIA
Telcom Immunity
WH Visitor Logs
Torture Prosecutions
Blah blah blah
And if no progress is made by the end of the year, I will be leaving the party, registering as an independent, and encouraging all my friends to do the same.
"Based on the Department of Justice's recent filing of the absolutely disgusting DOMA brief, I wil not be contributing any more money to Barack Obama or to the Democrats until I see strong, unequivocal positive action on gay rights. Instead, I will be putting my dollars into the fight for gay marriage, which has been denied to me and my partner of 32 years. Obama and the Democrats have done nothing to reassure me that they have the slightest interest in this issue, and in fact appear to be trying to destroy gay rights both proactively and by being unwilling even to address them. I'm joining many others I know in fighting this critical human rights struggle that the Dems and Obama have clearly put on their IGNORE list.
Progress does not come from running off in a huff but in constantly reinforcing the message of why they do not have your support
So the question is, who's in charge at the White House? I don't think it's Obama. If it is, he's a real live rat-fink. If it isn't, he's weak. Where do we go from here? I think we should take to the streets but I realize that bloggers don't do that. So here we sit on a pile of abstractions. Not very useful, imho.
What's wrong with this picture, then, is obvious: the outrage is heartfelt but abstract, the tresspass is obscure and ignorant. The real danger is in the deep semiotics: Obama appears not to be in charge. Well then, who is?
Until they show us they have a spine by acting in our best interest unprovoked, we absolutely cannot give them our undying support.
-Team HRC still has a long way to go.
I mean during the Civil Rights movement, they could have said, we're in a war in Vietnam and in a Cold War literally for our nation's survival. During the Women's Suffrage Movement, they tried to say that we're in a World War. We need people to raise hell no matter what crises the country may face in order to achieve equal rights. This is for everyone, not just the LGBT community. Who will be the next marginalized group to come under oppression?
It seems the best anti-gay propaganda on the federal level seems to come from the mouths of Democratic presidents. That Obama is wildly popular and his party enjoys large majorities in both houses of Congress makes this sting even more.
Until gay people can contest power at the national level, we'll be played like Teddy Roosevelt played Booker T. Washington and black people. It wasn't until after WWII when A. Philip Randolph threatened to march on DC that Truman integrated the military.
Likewise, the LGBT community needs to figure out a way to force concessions from powerful Democrats. One way would be to threaten to get a pro-gay candidate on the 2012 presidential ballot in states like Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia. If we want federal civil rights we need to take on federal power structures.
Simply put: WEAK DEMOCRATS MAKE STRONGER REPUBLICANS and Hubby and I absolutely refuse to pay for the oppression of myself, our daughter, my BFF, our mothers, our aunts, my 2 sisters, my 3 nieces, ... etc.
Any and all LGBT Dems who refuse to give a red cent to the DNC after this DOMA brief was spewed forth should be applauded!
Respectfully, Prez O., get off your ass and admit this DOMA brief is a despicable insult and get down to the business of keeping your campaign promises or else be prepared to feel the wrath of people you have lied to and screwed over.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/16/john-e...
Washington, Jun 16 - U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s decision to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in a recent court filing.
“I was shocked and disappointed to learn that President Obama chose to defend DOMA in federal court, especially given his campaign promise to call for a full repeal of DOMA. My sadness turned to outrage when I read the Justice Department’s brief that not only defended this hurtful law but seemed to embrace it. Comparing my loving relationship with my partner, Marlon, to incest was unconscionable coming from a president who has called for change.
Since this filing, I have called on the President to issue a statement or give any sign that would clarify his position and am disappointed in his lack of reply.
I am a proud Democrat, as are many in the GLBT community, and I believe we must hold our leaders accountable. The Obama Administration made a HUGE mistake in the DOMA brief. If they keep making mistakes like this, they risk losing the support of the GLBT community forever, although I do not believe we are at that point yet.
President Obama needs to honor his promise to repeal this law and end its needlessly divisive and harmful impact on our nation. I again call on him to work with us in Congress to help pass legislation, ending this hateful and divisive law.
As the New York Times editorialized yesterday, “busy calendars and political expediency are no excuse for making one group of Americans wait any longer for equal rights.”
http://polis.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx...
His statement is strong but leaves these two things unanswered. I also think he's wrong in surmising that Obama hasn't lost our support yet. I'm my case, this DOMA brief and the deafening silence WAS the last straw.
This is how I feel how Obama/the DNC is treating us--spousal abuse. We're supposed to take it and take it lying down--just give us your money and shut up. We're not supposed to fight back, 'cause we're sick and little sissies. That DOJ brief (whether or not it actually says we're the same as pederasts) stills lumps us together with the worst of elements of society. I'm totally surprised it didn't go one step further and say we're as bad as Republicans.
There is a back entrance.
I think we all know the answer to that.
This is why the best thing we could do is get some union to throw up some kind of a picket line around the hotel. Then, they could reasonably refuse to cross it.
tick-tock, tick-tock.
It's astounding that O hasn't spoken against the brief and addressed the firestorm it has caused.
I'm trying to be fair, but to me his silence says he just doesn't give a damn.
The majority of this country supports equal rights for all citizens and I suspect most of them are, like me, fired up and ready to go somewhere else the next time he wants our money and our votes.
"Dems don't give a damn-I won't give a dime"
I'm gonna try to make it down there after work to protest.
GREAT job John and Americablog staff!
I thought giving $$ to Obama's campaign was "the" fundraiser.
?
1. If Obama doesn't agree with the DOJ Brief, why did he send his gay office of personnel mgmt man out over the weekend to DC Pride to defend the DOJ Brief?
2. If Obama doesn't agree with the brief, why doesn'y he come out and say so in public? Is he ashamed of his own position supposedly in support of gays?
Whatever the reason, Obama is looking like a coward and showing a lack of leadership for ALL Americans.
If they know we might support glbt-friendly republicans or independents, we might get more action from them.
(homage to Carrie Fisher).
Michell Gold still plans on attending, "while advocating our rights." And promoting his book.
Let him know how you feel. We have to put pressure on the visible faces of our community to do the right thing.
We need a people powered movement, no lobbyist, no negotiating as our Gay org in New Mexico is doing with the Catholic Church.
We need a movement, a website, we need to organize, become vocal and keep up the pressure on the party as long as it takes. We can do this if we really want to ... how bad do we want our equal rights?
Mandarin Continental Hotel
1330 Maryland Ave SW, in Washington DC
closest METRO stop is Smithsonian Metro Station on blue/orange lines, Exit to USDA/Independence Ave (not to Mall), cross Independence and proceed south 2.5 blocks on 12th St SW to Maryland
They get shit done.
the religious right isn't going to abandon the republicans, but they bitch and moan and get some red meat.
take that lesson here. if anything, we've learned Obama, while good on many many issues, hates a controversy. Make this a HUGE and prolonged one and we will get what we finally deserve as equal human beings.
Obama's Plan for LGBT community:
http://www.obamasplanforgayrights.com/#?
Cool.
;)
pam spaulding is reporting that philanthopist and author mitchell gold will be attending because he believes that he can communicate "our disappointment" to the administration. gold's quick to point out that he'll be "quiet and polite, as always." this "quiet/polite" crap has gotten us where we are - in the back of the bus.
(it's noteworthy that gold will be shilling his book as well. as though the administration would have no idea how hurtful their rhetoric is, absent reading "Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing The Personal, Social, And Religious Pain And Trauma Of Growing Up Gay In America")
i think a better communication method would be gold refusing to attend. that message would come through loud and clear. right now they're banking on a bunch of orgs and individuals showing up and padding their coffers in the hopes that the administration will "listen and get it."
Showing up shows the Democrats that it's business as usual: will give your $$$ money and you can continue to ignore and equate our marriage to incest.
The right thing to do is to NOT show up. That definitely would be a STRONG statement.
Showing up means business as usual.
example:
If you had previous reservations at a restaurant and a reviewer just gave that restaurant a 1 star rating....would you keep you reservation and make nice and just sit there and accept what they feed you?
Hell No...you wouldn't go to the restaurant.
Everyone with a $1000 to waste has a right to attend without being attacked by their community. I understand the outrage and have written a letter to the President but it seems that targeting gay activist that chose to be in the same room as the DNC is wrong and sets a bad precedent. How is this different than reporting on the names of abortion doctors and others whose policies and practices "you" don't like. Every group has their fringes and perhaps someone may take the attendance as too high a betrayal that would be justified in a violent response.
Protest and urge people not to go while boycotting the DNC, but targeting people that attends seems a bit extreme.
Ya gonna go out in public, hey, to a specific event, the public might get to know it.
I'm not gay, but I have a gay brother and sister -- don't see why I shouldn't know which gays are funding their oppression.
I don't really think a camera and video equates to a high powered rifle. It's a public event for godsakes.
I saw Nancy Pelosi last Friday(free ticket), do I want some extremist anti-Obama nut job here in Houston targeting me because I went and perhaps they posted my picture upon entering the venue? No, I don't. Are there a lot of people in my hometown who believe I am a traitor to my country for attending the event? Probably.
I am sure Mike H has the right response and probably I am just being paranoid. Anger has a way of making rational people do irrational things.
k-rod......Extreme? WTF?
then what do you call the protesting in Iran right now?....
Chopped Liver?
I applaud those who have registered their disapproval of the DOMA brief and hope against hope that it forces Obama to come out against the brief and reiterate his election positions against the law. Perhaps he should be watching his old speeches from 2008.
I agree with the protests and the need to show the DNC they are messing with the wrong group, but I do not agree with posting names and pictures of those attending a fund raiser. What is to be done with that information? Personal protests, boycotting their businesses or what? Perhaps it would work but it seems to be opening Pandora's box.
And, if they're presenting themselves in public, well, they can expect to have made themselves public.
If they'd rather not, they can send a check from their respective closets.
Since they are in a privileged position regarding political access and power, I think it's less risky than you suppose. And, frankly, isn't it supposed to be public record anyway, when someone makes that large a donation to a political party?
They don't affect the fundies at all. The fundies INSINUATE themselves in the private business of others, where they don't belong, and then take it personally even though it has nothing to do with them.
WE are being personally affected. They are keeping us from OUR rights. This is not being ofended by proxy. THis is being the target PERSONALLY.
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/06/16/reid-dadt-s...
that's incest.
*smacks Stephen*
Or, do you think that DOJ could have cited those two cases and then said, therefore a state can ban marriage for people with red hair?
Do you believe citing those cases means that states can just ban whatever they want with good reason or not?
Now, please explain what the VALID reason is for denying same-sex marriages. They cited two cases with valid reasoning. How do these two cases relate to same-sex couples? If you cite cases, they need to be relevant. They seem to be citing those cases because they are reasonable for denying the marriage.
So, how do you relate these to same-sex marriage? What is the valid reason for the states to deny the marriage?
It comes down to this:
Incest (close family relationship) = medically BAD
underage = BAD because they can't consent to contract
same-sex = BAD??? for what logical reason?
And, remember God in not legally allowed to be "in the mix" even if Obama says otherwise.
Please quote it.
Please elaborate.
Is the implication that they are of consenting age?
No.
The implication is INCEST, you mental incompetent.
Nicely hammered.
That being said, yes, you are right. Citing instances in which states have regulated marriage is not equating the two and I find the argument to be disengenuous. It's the same type of argument that Sarah Palin was using against Letterman. It didn't take long before many people actually believed that Letterman really made a rape joke about a 14 year old girl.
I have no problem with people who fight for what they believe is right. The people I take exception to are the people who supported President Obama's agenda until Friday and now they are suddenly against every decision that he's made since Jan 20th.
Right now, we're in the middle of not 1 but 2 wars, our economy is in the toilet, North Korea is threatening nukes, Iran is in chaos, Afghanistan is a mess, unemployment numbers are off the charts and major US corporations (not to mention California) are going bankrupt...and that's just the A side of the list.
With all the hurt and pain that is going on in this country and around the world, I'm sorry but gay marriage is not priority number one right now.
How about trying a little less "me first" and a little more "country first"!
How about the country does something for me. We've been putting "country first", ESPECIALLY the gay service men and women for DECADES.
We've been told to wait, to put country first, and to put the needs of everybody else before our own because, when the issues of other people are all solved (never) someone might finally look at ours.
THEN, when we do wait, ol Barry here decides that even though he has a ton on his plate right now, he'll go out of his way to attack us with that hideous brief he filed. So he has SO MUCH on his plate, but has the time to further battle us on our rights. How is it he can make the time for that, and to film cute little segments for the Colbert Report in Iraq, but is SOOOO BUSY with all those emergencies?
He's obviously not THAT busy, then.. is he? And here you are, telling us to sit down and wait and be quiet like the good little straight cattle you are.
You know what?
Why don't YOU and people like YOU do something for US. We've protected your selfish entitled asses with our lives, we've waited, we've been patient, we've integrated, we do your hair, design your clothes, we work in every facet of your lives and what the FUCK have you selfish asses ever done for us?
Bashed us. Spit on us. Used your "religion" as a weapon against us. Used us, and then tossed us to the curb.
You have done this for decades. All we've asked for, is EQUALITY and then, quite honestly, TO BE LEFT THE FUCK ALONE.
You can't even manage that!
So you know what? Fuck your selfish entitlement whore attitude.
WE DESERVE OUR RIGHTS.
THIS IS OUR TIME.
YOu have 90% of the rest of the planet and everything in it, and now you begrudge us our equal 10%?
Would you like some blood? Do you want us to open a vein for you? What the fuck more do you people want from us? We've given you everything and we've gotten NOTHING in return!
I will say this one last time:
YOU sit in the back of the bus. YOU give up all the rights you inherited at birth. YOU be a second class citizen in your own country. YOU try to muddle through with your relationship ignored by the government and all the benefits you currently enjoy stripped from you.
No? Not going to do that? Then listen to me, you cultural barnacle:
The sooner we get what we want the sooner we shut up. If you think all Americans should have equality, THEN HELP US DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
Anyone who stands in the way is nothing more then a selfish rat-bastard. Run 'em over, run 'em all over.
There is no time for injustice.
Think about what you just wrote.
And the idea that it's "selfish" for me and my partner of 32 years to want the same rights that you and other heterosexuals have I find infuriating. Educate yourself!
There is a big difference between doign nothing to advance LGBT equality, whcih is what Obama has been doing up until now
AND
Actively working AGAINST LGBT equality with the DOJ brief that was filed last wekk.
If you can't see this, you not looking.
Go Cheney yourself, "Dee".
I'm not a member of the LGBT community but you better believe I'll be with you every step of the way my friend.
That's an argument for never standing up against anything and its exactly how we got into this mess in the first place.
We already know how conservatives will react: they will cheer, troll, lie and distort. Don't worry about what conservatives think - they are not the point here.
Congressional Democrats have rendered themselves impotent and pathetic by obsessing over Republican reactions to everything. Lets not empower our enemies by doing the same thing.
If you feel angry or betrayed over Obama's anti-gay policies, then be honest and Say So.
-S
Then there wouldn't be a problem, would there?
There -- less than 30 seconds out of his busy busy day. Less time than it takes to put mustard on your hamburger.
Is the HRC pulling out or not? Did someone jump the gun?
1. A ban or the further reconginition of marriages, by Illegal's, and the imediate cut off of federal and state benifits.
2. The imediate ban on non tax paying welfare peoples ability to vote on any economical item or any item dealing with the distribution of monies from state and federal resources.
oh gee these are so waaaaay out there and crazy, but voting on my right to have the same rights as these people is ok, lets see one group hell can cross the border and get more rights than me the, other sits in judgement while standing on the corner selling drugs going back to the section 8 tax money paid house or apartment, eating tax money paid food, and taking advantage of tax paid programs, while getting to vote on tax payers how stupid
I can only come up with one possible answer to the question, however. What Mr. Gold can tell the DNC new that might finally get some action on our behalf is "NO!" "No, we will not continue to subsidize our own mistreatment." "No, we are no longer satisfied to be the abused spouse - pardon me, the abused domestic partner - of the DNC, all hearts and flowers when we are needed only to be kicked and beaten at the first oppurtunity and come running back meekly for more mistreatment." "No, our patience is finally gone." Please, Mr. Gold and the rest of the potential guest list, join us in just saying "no."
For this dinner, I respect those that don't want to go. Some might even fear ridicule like yours and from others. I know that to go and speak directly to these folks is not easy but I am willing to do it. I want Vice President Biden to hear it from my lips. Mitchell Gold
And will Richard Socarides really attend an event which is intended to honor the "fierce advocacy" of the Obama administration on LGBT rights??
"I've also just been told by former top Clinton aide Richard Socarides that he today informed the DNC that he will no longer be attending either."
I did vote for Gore, cuz I didn't want Bush in. I would have preferred Hillary Clinton to Obama, cuz she was more straightforward, has a clear longtime record, and I knew where she stood, and as a Lesbian, I really wanted a woman to represent my interests, as a woman, and as a Dyke!
I'm sick of being sold down the river, and I WON'T TOLERATE BEING A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN ONE MOMENT LONGER!
-Leigh
Not only did he not repudiate or distance himself from the legal brief that invoked arguments of pedophilia and incest, which means he tacitly endorses them, but he made no mention of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". The "benefits" extended to White House employees basically include moving expenses and use of the White House tennis courts -- nothing involving health or pension benefits.
How is this anything not just a disappointment, but a betrayal?
In case anybody else forgot what this "fierce advocate" promised to our community, read it here:
http://obama.3cdn.net/36ddd2f5daac41cb21_rym6bx...
How far we have fallen.
Congress is just as bad. They are either ignoring us hoping we go away or hiding under their desks hoping we don't ask them to keep our promises to us either.
We have no recourse but to withdraw our money. The health care debate is showing us that money is the only thing that matters anyway.
How can we encourage this boycott? It's the only language they understand.
I will still support those individual candidates who have shown through their actions, not just their words, that they meant what they committed to us, such as Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsome, and the campaign to repeal Proposition 8.
Boycott this fundraiser!!!
AND NOW WE'RE SURPRISED BY THIS LATEST BETRAYAL????
Obama and his crew have shown their homophobia and pandering to the hateful religious right from the beginning. I guess nobody wanted to believe it.
Since Congressional DEMS won't come to the fore on these issues either, the LGBT community needs to refocus our finances, efforts and votes on a third party effort. We may not get elected, but we sure as hell can upset BOTH major parties as they plan their future electoral "strategies".
I don't consider it throwing my vote away to vote 3rd party. My vote is thrown away by voting for lying, homophobic hypocrites like Obama, the Clintons, the Bushes, The Cheneys, etc.
Time to establish and build a strong and credible third party. There are going to be many more disowned and disaffected liberals as the ruling party(ies) continue to pander to the rich and religious. We can get ahead of the curve and organize. We can no longer ask to be given our rights, we have to work now to claim them.
"I support the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples, which is precisely what DOMA does." Fantastic. Now support it while you have the power of the presidency behind you, not just while you're a candidate.
"I have also called for us to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." Really? Great. Do it again. You're now the commander-in-chief; you don't have to ask anyone's approval about this one. You don't have to call for anyone to do anything. You might not be able to singlehandedly repeal it, but you have the indisputable power to render it unenforceable, and you could do it in six words: "Don't enforce 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'" This is a power resting completely in your hands, and no amount of talking around the issue changes the fact that you could literally make this vital step happen while you're stirring your morning coffee. I'm paying for that military, and I expect you to use my tax money to pay for the best troops possible, not to dismiss loyal, vital servicepeople. If this must be presented in such a way as to pander to opponents, a reminder is in order that every dismissed LGBT service member means a very expensive, utterly wasted investment, particularly in the case of those who provided expert skills that must now be sought in or taught to replacements.
"If we want to repeal DOMA, repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and implement fully inclusive laws outlawing hate crimes and discrimination in the workplace, we need to bring the message of LGBT equality to skeptical audiences as well as friendly ones." You need to reread your own advice, since so far you've made a habit of bringing the message to the folks who already have it, while shielding the delicate sensibilities of that "skeptical audience" which most needs that message. Frankly, those people dislike and don't support you anyway, so pandering to their bigotry gains you nothing (they'll hate you for something else) and loses you everything (the support of those who are now watching you throw your campaign promises in their faces).
"I will never compromise on my commitment to equal rights for all LGBT Americans." Sadly, this statement has been proven laughable. At this moment, your own words make you a liar. I don't expect you to never be wrong, to never err; you are human. I DO expect you to be honest and to be free of political cowardice; you are president.
"I believe that we can achieve the goal of full equality for the millions of LGBT people in this country." So do I -- it's just seeming more and more likely that it won't be on your watch. "To do that, we need leadership that can appeal to the best parts of the human spirit. Join with me, and I will provide that leadership." We joined with you; now you hold up your end of the deal.
"First of all, it is fitting that the very first bill that I sign (the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act) that it is upholding one of this nation's founding principles: that we are all created equal, and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness." As a woman, I thank you for the Lilly Ledbetter Act. If I ever manage to secure a decent job again, I'll be sure to insist I get equal pay. That said, your own words here -- in one of your very first statements after taking office -- make a mockery of your recent actions (or inactions) concerning equal rights for LGBT people. You get to pursue your own version of happiness, your marriage obviously being part of that pursuit. If I decide tomorrow to pursue happiness with the guy who works the counter at 7-11, I can haul him down to the county clerk and get us a marriage license. If I decide to ignore my little problem with authority and go join the military tomorrow while being open and honest about my sexuality, I can. (I can't be a Special Forces operator or work a sub or drive a tank or get career/promotional credit for being in combat even when I am, of course, but apparently that doesn't count in the whole equality/pursuit-of-my-own-version-of-happiness thing.) So, thanks, I have the freedom already to pursue happiness. Your behavior implies that you feel that since you have that freedom too, our fellow citizens who don't have that freedom should just suck it up, ignore that you're beginning to make a habit of contradicting your own professed principles, and continue to believe your placations while forking over the financial and political support that helped secure for you the office you now use to continue the trampling of their rights.
Live up to your word, or take a look at yourself and reconcile yourself to being a lesser man than you think you are.