Some black humor, but I thought it was funny. Someone posted on DU - and I think it was an unintentional pun: "You can't win at chess if you sacrifice a queen in your opening move."
Jophus
· 8 months ago
That's marvelous.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
I know. It's odd to me that the Obama administration has done this but hugely funny. They only hurt themselves and what does that say about the rest of it?
Liam
· 8 months ago
Coretta Scott King:
"Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood."
She also noted that her husband believed that all struggles for equal rights were bound together and that it was necessary to fight against bigotry in all forms, not merely the form that affected you personally:
"We are all tied together in a single garment of destiny...I can never be what I ought to be until you are allowed to be what you ought to be," she said, quoting her husband. "I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy."
"Gays and lesbians stood up for civil rights in Montgomery, Selma, in Albany, Ga. and St. Augustine, Fla., and many other campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement," she said. "Many of these courageous men and women were fighting for my freedom at a time when they could find few voices for their own, and I salute their contributions."
For too long, our nation has tolerated the insidious form of discrimination against this group of Americans, who have worked as hard as any other group, paid their taxes like everyone else, and yet have been denied equal protection under the law...I believe that freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. My husband, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." On another occasion he said, "I have worked too long and hard against segregated public accommodations to end up segregating my moral concern. Justice is indivisible." Like Martin, I don't believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.
Gridlock
· 8 months ago
someone wanna pass the megaphone to Coretta, it's a bit hard to hear her under the bus.. a lot of road noise..
Gary
· 8 months ago
the reality is that our President LIED to the GLBT community. A "fierce advocate" of homophobia.
But why are we suddenly so shocked? . .seriously we knew where this administration was going.
Gary
· 8 months ago
I cannot even begin to articulate. . .This has made me physically ill, but it's our own damned fault, we knew it was coming.
Butch1
· 8 months ago
I'm glad to see our supporters up in arms over this debacle. This case definitely, has legs and hopefully, will continue to haunt this administration. Isn't it interesting that they chose to do a news dump on a Friday thinking they could hide their mess? I'm anxious to hear how the White House is going to respond to this and try and paint over what they've done.
Jophus
· 8 months ago
I hope this is the main issue on Bill Maher tonight. I suspect it will about foreign policy (Iran, North Korea) but a night of gay issues would be great. I love it when gay issues are a priority to straight people (Cenk, Maher, Olberman).
judybrowni
· 8 months ago
Oh and let's not forget the timing: Gay Pride Month, the Friday before the weekend, after a nicey-nicey "proclamation" in favor of teh gays!
Slap in the face time, boys and girls, and didn't the trolls on the last few posts know it.
And possibly disasterous: I read one comment on Daily Kos that compares this to the "separate but equal" ruling that held black civil rights back 60 years.
Fuck you, Obama.
hartinSF
· 8 months ago
President Hillary would have been more courageous.
Jophus
· 8 months ago
Why isn't she speaking out now?
boloboffin
· 8 months ago
Because she's now a part of the Obama administration. I have no idea whether Hillary would have done this or not in her administration. But she has a full and sufficient reason for not speaking out now.
Jophus
· 8 months ago
Really? Please understand that I am being respectful. I want to know your reasoning.
She is a part of the administration so it reflects her character as well. She has the job, is she going to get fired? She could even address it as it applies to her job. For instance, a friend of mine was here for political asylum and was asked to go back even though he was in a committed relationship for years and would have married if given the chance. This creates unequal treatment among members of the same class in international relationships.
Why couldn't she speak out about that like she did on gun and drug control in regards to Mexico?
boloboffin
· 8 months ago
I understand you're being respectful.
I'm saying that for a major administration official like the SECSTATE to speak out on such a controversial issue would be a much bigger news item than even this is. It would signal a huge rift in the Obama administration six months out of the gate. She would instantly be denounced by other Democrats as a sore loser.
I understand the issue of gay rights has an impact on international issues, but it's really not Secretary Clinton's dog to hunt.
The best position to take here is to work with the Obama administration on the issues that we do agree on (healthcare, etc.) while openly shopping for a primary candidate to run against him. Until Secretary Clinton resigns, it won't be her.
Jophus
· 8 months ago
I guess that is my problem. Unlike them I don't care about the signal more than I care about doing the right thing.
eclare
· 8 months ago
To be fair to Secretary Clinton, she did take leadership on providing same sex partner benefits for employees at State.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
Yeah,and Bill Clinton didn't get oral sex from Monica. She was for civil unions too. This would be just the same.
nicho
· 8 months ago
You mean the same Clintons who gave us DOMA to begin with? And DADT?
ynow
· 8 months ago
You DO realize they're two separate people, right?
WDL
· 8 months ago
As all this is playing out, I wanted to review the recent interview with Brian Williams, in which Obama says he's a friend to the gay community.
Has anyone else noticed that the links to this interview on various websites have been scrubbed? When did that happen, I wonder, and why? Who's responsible? If anyone has information about this, I'd appreciate it, since I've alluded to it on my blog but want to have precise information if I blog further about it.
Shameful behavior by the Obama administration with DOMA--totally shameful. Totally undermines all moral claims on which its progressive platform rests.
Stephen
· 8 months ago
Using case law is a requirement.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
FIGHT,or cower in the darkness 26 minutes ago I have to say,I am a little shocked at this report. I am,however not surprised at the Obama Administration. I am,however surprised at the gay community at their naive disbelief. I remember during the whole campaign,there were three candidates,two on the Democratic side,who believed in only civil unions. As shown here.
Now,im also perplexed at everyone here who thought that voting for a black man would mean everyones rights granted after 6 mos in office. I also wonder why so many o you hate lip service,and yet,wanted President Obama to say something about rulings and California,Iowa etc. Did you all think you all voted for Gavin Newsome or something?
Did the President ever say when he would repeal DADT,DOMA etc? Did any groups representing you ask that question? No. Then why are you surprised that this is not going forward now?
Why do you think that people don't see this as an equivalent of the Civil Rights Movement? Since many died,were put in jail,marched everywhere to ensure our voices were heard. I mean,we just didn't organize marches and protests in California and New York.What about Alabama,Georgia,South Carolina,North Dakota? Why aren't any jail cells filled with proud people fighting for the right to marry.
Where are the protests in Washington? Where are they? Washington sees the gay community as lazy and selfish. Im just tellin it like it is. Where are ya'll on the healthcare issue,and how some who are uninsured have AIDS and HIV,something that effects your community? Where were ya'll on the education reforms,that could help educate people about you? Where are you?
Where will you go,to a third party? HA!!!! Ok,he garners what 25% of the vote? Ralph Nader will be a powerplayer in the halls of congress like he is now.HEHE!! Stay home,Ok,let the Republicans get in or the conservative Democrats. To you,at least their honest about hating you and know as long as there in power,they won't give a FLYING SHIT ABOUT YOU!!!! Ok,shoot yourself in the foot because your angry,although I understand your anger,I do not understand your blatant stupidity.
Listen,Im not here defending the President,hell he is wrong here as he is on his gay marriage stances. The problem is,HE IS NOT GAY. Just like whites in the 1960s who supported integration,but still didn't know the plight of the blacks,President Barack Obama doesn't understand your plight. He doesn't. He is a politician. I knew that when I voted for him. Have we ever,not counting Washington and Eisenhower,not voted for a politician? Think about that?
I have always said to the gay community that they have to fight. Why,because,it shows that you want your rights. Sitting at home,expressing outrage is not going to help your cause. Getting mad and refusing to vote won't help your cause. You have nowhere to go,you need to make a way.
Jophus
· 8 months ago
You could have just typed 'I told you so' since that is all your post says. BTW he did said he would repeal DADT.
Since you are all knowing what exactly do you propose we do? Protest? Then what? What will that change?
So we've protested, and its primary season for 2012. What should we do that we won't, that will result in you posting another lengthy post saying I told you so. What will that message say you suggested we do?
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
Im not trying to say I told you so. I voted for him too,but I knew what his stances were on gay issues as well as other issues. I knew when I voted for him that he wasn't the "most liberal member of the senate." One protest wont change,but more and more,and more outreach,and more strongarming. You can't be afraid to go to jail,you can't be afraid to die for this. Im just saying,if you wan't it,you have to push for it.
ShirleyGoodnessanMercy
· 8 months ago
Is there a reason you never put a space after commas when you type? It makes reading your posts difficult. Also, "want" has no apostrophe in it, and "I'm" does have one. Oh yeah, and it's "y'all," not "ya'll."
Signed, Your 5th grade teacher
Why aren't any jail cells filled with proud people fighting for the right to marry??? Have you ever been a gay person in a DC jail???????????
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
To you,I say this,I have have been in a Georgia jail,almost damn near raped,and im straight. They really don't mess with the ones that might enjoy it.
P.S. Im sorry,Im not an english major,but I'll try.
S_in_Tokyo
· 8 months ago
Well then, how about putting spaces after your commas for a start? You don't need to be an English major to know how to spell and punctuate.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
I always thought this was a blog. I didn't know I was writing a business letter to Capitol Hill.
S_in_Tokyo
· 8 months ago
Well, just have another read of your earlier reply to ShirleyGoodnessandMercy. After saying that you'd try you repeated two of the mistakes that had been pointed out. And who said anything about a business letter to Capitol Hill? It seems like simple courtesy to me to make your messages easy for others to read.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
Again, I apologize. I'm telling you, I suck at english.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
No, what sucks is you're here.
This bears repeating
· 8 months ago
Damn,all of this over grammatical errors.
timncguy
· 8 months ago
well, in my opinion, we might as well have repugs in charge. Then you , as a straight, can join us in the misery. You might as well get shit on too. It shouldn't just be the gays.
This bears repeating
· 8 months ago
Ok,so were all miserable under Republican rule. No chance of improving a little. Going back to January 20,2001 miserable and bitter Then what?
timncguy
· 8 months ago
then maybe the dems will have learned their lesson and actually do something for LGBT equality to EARN our votes back so they can regain power.
Jophus
· 8 months ago
I feel you and your frustration. I knew how he felt about DOMA all along too, but I took a general understanding that he wanted to change the agenda to something progressive. It isn't just gay issues that has me fuming, but I'm genuinely interested in what else you think we can do that we aren't already? I do the things you suggest already. I'm here for the fight.
BTW, I'm looking for a clip of him saying that about dadt. When I find it I will post it right here for you.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
Well,I believe the problem is with the head groups. Your groups are just like the NAACP now. You need a leader. Now,right now,the person leading the pack for you seems to be Perez Hilton. I know thats an insult,but with the Carrie Prejean episode,he became a representative of the gay community with many people. Not all,but many. There needs to be a prominent voice out front,a Martin Luther King Jr.,Harvey Milk type. Someone who looks friendly to a lot of Americans. A suit wearing person. I know this sounds shallow,but looks can go a long way in this country. Thats one way,not the only way,but one.
Jophus
· 8 months ago
Rachel Maddow.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
Ok a good one, but would she resign from that paycheck MSNBC is giving her?
Jophus
· 8 months ago
You'd have to ask her. I just nominate people. :-) I had to suggest someone other than Perez Hilton because that was kind of insulting.
Dan Savage would probably be the best bet. Even Barney Frank. I'm sure both of them would gladly accept.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
Im just saying,there needs to be a spokesman or spokeswoman pummeling the news organizations and formulating massive protests, sit-ins etc.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
Oh and he did say that he would repeal DADT.
Did he say WHEN?
Jophus
· 8 months ago
I misread this the first time. Sorry. Touche.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
I wish that people had asked the question of when and not will. Its just like picking up groceries. He can say, "Yes, I'll do it." But if you wait for 10 days when the food runs out, your gonna get hungry and really want him to move.
Gridlock
· 8 months ago
He's not repealing it anymore. He's "changing" it, and repealing DOMA has been utterly wiped from his schedule. Haven't you been keeping up?
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
But did he say,When?
Gridlock
· 8 months ago
Uh, if DADT isn't being repealed COMPLETELY and DOMA isn't either, who cares when he ISN'T doing something.
He got his dollars and has been scrubbing his profile of LGBT issues ever since. It was a con game. He's got 2 years, less 5 months, to act on them before the Rethugs get back into power in congress (which will most likely happen) and then the rest of his 2 years won't matter. I doubt he'll be a 2 termer.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
So you're saying that the Republicans will retake the House and Senate thus nothing will happen? You're really that pessimistic?
Gridlock
· 8 months ago
*gives you a look*
About as pessimistic as I am about Obama showing some leadership on LGBT issues.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
* Nods in Understanding*
Yeah, I know its hard after you feel you were kicked in the teeth. But really, a Republican House and Senate, I really, REALLY do not want to go through that again. I feel as long as we cast our vote for them, we own them basically. They succumb to our wills and desires. I believe we have to show them with pressure, and have a lot of optimism. I just don't have time to feel down now, those days were when the Republicans were in charge. They are now a shot dog that won't hunt. I say, break out the salt, while we pressure our President and Congress.
Gridlock
· 8 months ago
No offense, but those days haven't gone. Sure, the freak in charge speaks better and doesn't manage to almost off himself with a Segway scooter, but it's pretty much the same.
The rethugs are controlling the economic message, and polls show the public favor them in that regard, amazingly.
Health care is going down in flames thanks to DINOs, and environmental issues are being diluted to the point of uselessness.
The only thing he hasn't effed up yet is foreign policy because there's been a gracious 5 months of almost nothing for him to contend with.
Mark my words: the dems will lose majorities in the house and senate, but just barely. The rest of Obama's term will be a washout and there'll be no second term... not that it'll matter much because given his track record so far he's about 85% the same as Bush. Why bother voting at all.
You need to do this.
· 8 months ago
But you see, thats how we got here in the first place. The left wing were so upset with Bill Clinton and didn't see Al Gore as someone who would champion for their cause. So what happened, November 7, 2000 (or December 12, 2000 where George W. Bush became 43rd President and stayed President for eight years. As pessimistic as you are, I know you don't want this to happen again.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
Speak for yourself, jerk. I worked my ass off for Al Gore and he won.
This bears repeating
· 8 months ago
But not enough for George W. Bush to snatch it back.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
You want to snatch my what. You're breaking up.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
Great work done, skull fuck "Emanual." lol
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
Er, not you but how he's alienated the entire community. You have to ask if it wasn't purposeful...
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
lol Well, I don't know, says I...
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
he he
timncguy
· 8 months ago
yes, he did say when. He said he would start the process on his first day in office.
Chris From Maine
· 8 months ago
it seems to me that President Obama has given a huge middle finger to the gay community. I'm not a member of that community so I wouldnt tell them what to do, but it seems to me that if you are going to be treated this way, there must be consquences.
Obama seems to not care about gay people much, and isnt going to be an advocate for equal rights. (ironic coming from a black man, but thats another issue.)
Jophus
· 8 months ago
You're an honorary member of our community.
ShirleyGoodnessanMercy
· 8 months ago
I second that motion.
Chris From Maine
· 8 months ago
I appreciate that, but my point was that I dont know what its like to be discriminated against cause I was gay, so I cant relate to the anger and outrage that is felt.
But I think that the gay community neads one large organization that fights for them, and a passionate leader. Whether its GLAAD or whatever, thats what is needed to push the government.
Civil rights wouldnt have happened without MLK, and it seems gay rights wont happen without a similar vocal and passionate charismatic leader.
judybrowni
· 8 months ago
Not only a slap in the face, but potentially diasterous, according to a comment from a thread on Daily Kos:
I read that Plessy vs Ferguson was an "urgency of now" case, that ended up codifying "separate but equal" for 60 years. It's said that if that case had come up a dozen years later than it actually did, then the courts might have ruled differently, and we wouldn't have had to wait another 48 years to over turn it via Brown v Board of Education. Incidentally, Brown v Board was carefully timed as well, to maximize the chances of overturning the Plessy precedent.
It may be true that the "perfect time never comes", but some times are closer to perfect than others. Timing is everything. That's why this Boise case is scary; if the SCOTUS rules against gay marriage, it could set things back for decades, like what happened with Plessy.
Are we putting huge pressure on for them to retract this decision like the DHS report and then, god forbid, someone does actually get legally married?
boloboffin
· 8 months ago
Do we think this would have happened had Proposition 8 been defeated in the referendum or would it have just been quicker out of the gate?
This is what I mean - in California, one of the reasons (not all, but one) Proposition 8 failed is a level of complacency among the No proponents there. Did that failure to defeat Prop H8 in California mark the modern gay rights movement as weak and expendable?
That realization, if true, does nothing to temper the extreme disappointment we all rightfully feel at this turn of events. If anything, it enhances it. It's getting kicked while we're down.
Jophus
· 8 months ago
I haven't lived in LA for a long time, but I would imagine the problem came mostly from the wording of the proposition itself. Vote no on a proposition to repeal something that already exists. It is confusing. People think to themselves do I want to take away marriage, No. Then they vote no.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
So people are stoopid and we're back where we started.
boloboffin
· 8 months ago
And a more vigorous campaign to ensure that confusion didn't happen would have been helpful. However, that confusion works on the other side of the issue, too.
Polls indicating how close the race would be, and how the African-American vote was polling for passage of Prop H8, would also have helped. Then a better campaign could have been crafted and gotten out much earlier, targeting that demographic.
TheOriginalLiz
· 8 months ago
It seems like it's more important for Obama to get in good with the wingnuts than with the glbt community. Says volumes about what kind of country we live in, doesn't it?
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
And him. Hetero Tyranny.
FunMe
· 8 months ago
The 20% who will NEVER vote for him?
Meanwhile, he loses the 10% of GLBT vote. And $$$$ money. We have lots.
As someone said about giving to those who don't care for us: NOT.ONE.CENT.
ShirleyGoodnessanMercy
· 8 months ago
This is very depressing. What next? Obama comes out in favor of re-instating Carrie Prejean as Miss California?
Or Obama posing with Pat Robertson on the cover of Time magazine?
I feel like making a sign and going down to Lafayette Square.
goodog
· 8 months ago
"If only Stalin knew."
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
"[W]hether or not it was appropriate to defend DOMA, the DOJ did so with extraordinary zeal, making arguments that could only make Pat Robertson smile. (If you're looking for a bright side, at least the legal brief didn't compare same-sex marriage to bestiality.)"
Or as Sullivan wrote years ago that still cracks me up: To people who steal things.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
It's great "form" to addendum your previous posts.
I thought it was interesting how we in this country want to "classify" other human beings with a certain clinical name. "Kleptomaniac." Where did that alien outside influence come from instead of just saying something? Or, you're a "homosexual or heterosexual." You don't "classify" human beings.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
Hey, don't be jaded or cynical, just savy, and keep your sense of humor.
Õ¿Õ
· 8 months ago
There Obama operatives and others here. They wont succeed with their triffling. They're unable to understand that now and never will. In the whole scheme of the Universe, that doesn't matter. WE always endure.
mamazboy
· 8 months ago
I'm afraid our beloved Prez is getting worse by the minute:
Here's how I'm looking at it: For a variety of reasons, Obama is much more vulnerable than Bush ever was. He's trumped himself by having so many conservatives around him which I contribute to his naivete when it comes to playing with the Big Boys. He's reminding me of President Johnson and will become vulnerable in the same way. He's on the hot seat. This is good stuff because it's going to make the AA community take a look at themselves and the gay community to take a look at themselves, as well.
The hypocrisy of a black man discriminating against another egregiously dismissed minority is going to bring him down a notch or two. Wait and see. And the reason for that, I hope and believe, is because gays are not going to shut up this time.
There's beautiful irony in all this once you step outside it all and observe it objectively.
mamazboy
· 8 months ago
mooresart, i find your analysis very persuasive indeed, even encouraging. i'm going to think more about it. thanks for posting this.
Rufus
· 8 months ago
It was probably written by one of the Cheney stay-behind lawyers in DOJ. What other explanation could there be?
Gridlock
· 8 months ago
he's a dick?
TheOriginalLiz
· 8 months ago
I would like to try and be optimistic and say he's trying to distract the wingnuts with their equivalent of a shiny object so he can get something like health care reform passed while they're distracted. Then, when enough people make enough of a fuss, he can say, "see, I tried", all the time knowing it was going to cause a ruckus. I really would like to think this is just some presidential slight of hand. That's the only possible explanation that occurs to me, because this rabid turn of events just doesn't seem his usual, reasonable, well-strategized self.
Father_Time
· 8 months ago
IMO its all just political Hem-Hawing around.
Gary
· 8 months ago
and many of us have applied for Canadian Citizenship.
craig fuller
· 8 months ago
When are gay people going to wake up? The Democrats treat us the same way the Republicans treat the Christian Right. They tell us what we want to hear during an election when they need us, then treat us like shit and ignore us when we need them. Then come next election, the promises start again. It happens over, and over and over…
B.K.
· 8 months ago
Where the is Hillary? If she was was POTUS this never would have happend!
scootmandubious
· 8 months ago
Huh? As much as I am furious with Obama right now, who's to say Hillary would have done anything differently? Didn't DADT originate with Bill Clinton?
This is not just Obama, it is the large group of alleged 'centrist' Democrats that are trying to drive a wedge with the Progressive base of the party.
Obama hasn't just confounded with this case, but this is the one that has finally turned me off to him.
Look what he did on wiretapping? On refusing to make sure we hold people accountable for war crimes? And on and on and on.
But this is just so rude. So blatant. His feet better get held to the fire. I want to hear him personally disavow the content of this brief. That is the only response that will matter.
Let's see if he has the cojones to do it.
I won't be holding my breath.
ynow
· 8 months ago
Who's to say she wouldn't? DADT DID originate with Clinton - as a compromise AFER he tried to repeal the ban and paid a heavy price from many Dems in Congress (including ASC Chair Sam Nunn), the DOD, and the public, the majority of which opposed it, unlike now.
BTW - Bill and Hillary are married, but that doesn't mean they're the same person. But if it makes you feel better about having supported Obama, knock yourself out.
ScottLanter
· 8 months ago
LOL, I knew Sully would somehow tie a slam of Clinton into his remarks on Obama - too predictable.
All Comments
"Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood."
She also noted that her husband believed that all struggles for equal rights were bound together and that it was necessary to fight against bigotry in all forms, not merely the form that affected you personally:
"We are all tied together in a single garment of destiny...I can never be what I ought to be until you are allowed to be what you ought to be," she said, quoting her husband. "I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy."
"Gays and lesbians stood up for civil rights in Montgomery, Selma, in Albany, Ga. and St. Augustine, Fla., and many other campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement," she said. "Many of these courageous men and women were fighting for my freedom at a time when they could find few voices for their own, and I salute their contributions."
For too long, our nation has tolerated the insidious form of discrimination against this group of Americans, who have worked as hard as any other group, paid their taxes like everyone else, and yet have been denied equal protection under the law...I believe that freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. My husband, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." On another occasion he said, "I have worked too long and hard against segregated public accommodations to end up segregating my moral concern. Justice is indivisible." Like Martin, I don't believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.
But why are we suddenly so shocked? . .seriously we knew where this administration was going.
Slap in the face time, boys and girls, and didn't the trolls on the last few posts know it.
And possibly disasterous: I read one comment on Daily Kos that compares this to the "separate but equal" ruling that held black civil rights back 60 years.
Fuck you, Obama.
She is a part of the administration so it reflects her character as well. She has the job, is she going to get fired? She could even address it as it applies to her job. For instance, a friend of mine was here for political asylum and was asked to go back even though he was in a committed relationship for years and would have married if given the chance. This creates unequal treatment among members of the same class in international relationships.
Why couldn't she speak out about that like she did on gun and drug control in regards to Mexico?
I'm saying that for a major administration official like the SECSTATE to speak out on such a controversial issue would be a much bigger news item than even this is. It would signal a huge rift in the Obama administration six months out of the gate. She would instantly be denounced by other Democrats as a sore loser.
I understand the issue of gay rights has an impact on international issues, but it's really not Secretary Clinton's dog to hunt.
The best position to take here is to work with the Obama administration on the issues that we do agree on (healthcare, etc.) while openly shopping for a primary candidate to run against him. Until Secretary Clinton resigns, it won't be her.
Has anyone else noticed that the links to this interview on various websites have been scrubbed? When did that happen, I wonder, and why? Who's responsible? If anyone has information about this, I'd appreciate it, since I've alluded to it on my blog but want to have precise information if I blog further about it.
Shameful behavior by the Obama administration with DOMA--totally shameful. Totally undermines all moral claims on which its progressive platform rests.
I have to say,I am a little shocked at this report. I am,however not surprised at the Obama Administration. I am,however surprised at the gay community at their naive disbelief. I remember during the whole campaign,there were three candidates,two on the Democratic side,who believed in only civil unions. As shown here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3huRVrckY8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6K9dS9wl7U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU9yZcpyvW8
Now,im also perplexed at everyone here who thought that voting for a black man would mean everyones rights granted after 6 mos in office. I also wonder why so many o you hate lip service,and yet,wanted President Obama to say something about rulings and California,Iowa etc. Did you all think you all voted for Gavin Newsome or something?
Did the President ever say when he would repeal DADT,DOMA etc? Did any groups representing you ask that question? No. Then why are you surprised that this is not going forward now?
Why do you think that people don't see this as an equivalent of the Civil Rights Movement? Since many died,were put in jail,marched everywhere to ensure our voices were heard. I mean,we just didn't organize marches and protests in California and New York.What about Alabama,Georgia,South Carolina,North Dakota? Why aren't any jail cells filled with proud people fighting for the right to marry.
Where are the protests in Washington? Where are they?
Washington sees the gay community as lazy and selfish. Im just tellin it like it is. Where are ya'll on the healthcare issue,and how some who are uninsured have AIDS and HIV,something that effects your community? Where were ya'll on the education reforms,that could help educate people about you? Where are you?
Where will you go,to a third party? HA!!!! Ok,he garners what 25% of the vote? Ralph Nader will be a powerplayer in the halls of congress like he is now.HEHE!! Stay home,Ok,let the Republicans get in or the conservative Democrats. To you,at least their honest about hating you and know as long as there in power,they won't give a FLYING SHIT ABOUT YOU!!!! Ok,shoot yourself in the foot because your angry,although I understand your anger,I do not understand your blatant stupidity.
Listen,Im not here defending the President,hell he is wrong here as he is on his gay marriage stances. The problem is,HE IS NOT GAY. Just like whites in the 1960s who supported integration,but still didn't know the plight of the blacks,President Barack Obama doesn't understand your plight. He doesn't. He is a politician. I knew that when I voted for him. Have we ever,not counting Washington and Eisenhower,not voted for a politician? Think about that?
I have always said to the gay community that they have to fight. Why,because,it shows that you want your rights. Sitting at home,expressing outrage is not going to help your cause. Getting mad and refusing to vote won't help your cause. You have nowhere to go,you need to make a way.
Since you are all knowing what exactly do you propose we do? Protest? Then what? What will that change?
So we've protested, and its primary season for 2012. What should we do that we won't, that will result in you posting another lengthy post saying I told you so. What will that message say you suggested we do?
Signed,
Your 5th grade teacher
Why aren't any jail cells filled with proud people fighting for the right to marry??? Have you ever been a gay person in a DC jail???????????
P.S. Im sorry,Im not an english major,but I'll try.
BTW, I'm looking for a clip of him saying that about dadt. When I find it I will post it right here for you.
You need a leader. Now,right now,the person leading the pack for you seems to be Perez Hilton. I know thats an insult,but with the Carrie Prejean episode,he became a representative of the gay community with many people. Not all,but many. There needs to be a prominent voice out front,a Martin Luther King Jr.,Harvey Milk type. Someone who looks friendly to a lot of Americans. A suit wearing person. I know this sounds shallow,but looks can go a long way in this country.
Thats one way,not the only way,but one.
Dan Savage would probably be the best bet. Even Barney Frank. I'm sure both of them would gladly accept.
Did he say WHEN?
He got his dollars and has been scrubbing his profile of LGBT issues ever since. It was a con game. He's got 2 years, less 5 months, to act on them before the Rethugs get back into power in congress (which will most likely happen) and then the rest of his 2 years won't matter. I doubt he'll be a 2 termer.
About as pessimistic as I am about Obama showing some leadership on LGBT issues.
Yeah, I know its hard after you feel you were kicked in the teeth. But really, a Republican House and Senate, I really, REALLY do not want to go through that again. I feel as long as we cast our vote for them, we own them basically. They succumb to our wills and desires. I believe we have to show them with pressure, and have a lot of optimism. I just don't have time to feel down now, those days were when the Republicans were in charge. They are now a shot dog that won't hunt. I say, break out the salt, while we pressure our President and Congress.
The rethugs are controlling the economic message, and polls show the public favor them in that regard, amazingly.
Health care is going down in flames thanks to DINOs, and environmental issues are being diluted to the point of uselessness.
The only thing he hasn't effed up yet is foreign policy because there's been a gracious 5 months of almost nothing for him to contend with.
Mark my words: the dems will lose majorities in the house and senate, but just barely. The rest of Obama's term will be a washout and there'll be no second term... not that it'll matter much because given his track record so far he's about 85% the same as Bush. Why bother voting at all.
Obama seems to not care about gay people much, and isnt going to be an advocate for equal rights. (ironic coming from a black man, but thats another issue.)
But I think that the gay community neads one large organization that fights for them, and a passionate leader. Whether its GLAAD or whatever, thats what is needed to push the government.
Civil rights wouldnt have happened without MLK, and it seems gay rights wont happen without a similar vocal and passionate charismatic leader.
I read that Plessy vs Ferguson was an "urgency of now" case, that ended up codifying "separate but equal" for 60 years. It's said that if that case had come up a dozen years later than it actually did, then the courts might have ruled differently, and we wouldn't have had to wait another 48 years to over turn it via Brown v Board of Education. Incidentally, Brown v Board was carefully timed as well, to maximize the chances of overturning the Plessy precedent.
It may be true that the "perfect time never comes", but some times are closer to perfect than others. Timing is everything. That's why this Boise case is scary; if the SCOTUS rules against gay marriage, it could set things back for decades, like what happened with Plessy.
--by Escamillo
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/12/114726/...
This is what I mean - in California, one of the reasons (not all, but one) Proposition 8 failed is a level of complacency among the No proponents there. Did that failure to defeat Prop H8 in California mark the modern gay rights movement as weak and expendable?
That realization, if true, does nothing to temper the extreme disappointment we all rightfully feel at this turn of events. If anything, it enhances it. It's getting kicked while we're down.
Polls indicating how close the race would be, and how the African-American vote was polling for passage of Prop H8, would also have helped. Then a better campaign could have been crafted and gotten out much earlier, targeting that demographic.
Meanwhile, he loses the 10% of GLBT vote. And $$$$ money. We have lots.
As someone said about giving to those who don't care for us: NOT.ONE.CENT.
Or Obama posing with Pat Robertson on the cover of Time magazine?
I feel like making a sign and going down to Lafayette Square.
Or as Sullivan wrote years ago that still cracks me up: To people who steal things.
I thought it was interesting how we in this country want to "classify" other human beings with a certain clinical name. "Kleptomaniac." Where did that alien outside influence come from instead of just saying something? Or, you're a "homosexual or heterosexual." You don't "classify" human beings.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090612/ap_on_go_pr...
The hypocrisy of a black man discriminating against another egregiously dismissed minority is going to bring him down a notch or two. Wait and see. And the reason for that, I hope and believe, is because gays are not going to shut up this time.
There's beautiful irony in all this once you step outside it all and observe it objectively.
This is not just Obama, it is the large group of alleged 'centrist' Democrats that are trying to drive a wedge with the Progressive base of the party.
Obama hasn't just confounded with this case, but this is the one that has finally turned me off to him.
Look what he did on wiretapping? On refusing to make sure we hold people accountable for war crimes? And on and on and on.
But this is just so rude. So blatant. His feet better get held to the fire. I want to hear him personally disavow the content of this brief. That is the only response that will matter.
Let's see if he has the cojones to do it.
I won't be holding my breath.
BTW - Bill and Hillary are married, but that doesn't mean they're the same person. But if it makes you feel better about having supported Obama, knock yourself out.