DISQUS

KarenMrsLloydRichards · 11 months ago

Haiku for the Obama Administration (#15):

Bless our new leader
Let him triangulate Thee--
A new life's purpose

KarenMrsLloydRichards · 11 months ago

Haiku for the Obama Administration (#16):

Babe, come fly with me
Tokin' on a big doobie
This mutt's one cool cat

WadeMD · 11 months ago

I told myself when I filled the circle in for Obama, that he has one chance. If civil rights aren't advanced in his administration a third party candidate WILL get my vote. I don't care if it does put Huckabee and/or Palin in office.

Indigo · 11 months ago

Ditto

caphillprof · 11 months ago

God, I'm feeling old. Been there, done that. There was great exultation 16 years ago when the Clinton/Gore ticket first prevailed. But, thanks to Sam Nunn and the GOP, they arranged to shaft gay people between the election and the inauguration. This time Barack Obama is doing the same thing and it is self inflicted. I think we are all being way to nice about this. Between hairdressers, church organists, flight attendants and even pilots, Rick Warren should never make it from Saddleback to DC for his "prayer." Just once, can't a flight be conveniently stranded on a runway for hours and hours or diverted to some godforsaken place?

towercam · 11 months ago

Re. - stranded flight on a runway for hours - Amen to that!
My, how gutted our nation has become! Let the nation fear the people as it supposedly once did. Obama and company needs to wake up and honor the words said regarding change. Choosing Warren for inaugural holy man was a very bad move.

Ben Dover · 11 months ago

Barry the Pandering Politician sees us as good for only one thing; as ATM's.
By the looks of Barry's talking points on this subject posted over at PHB it seems we should be happy with being included within the PARADE.

Now, will it be the Drag Queen Harmonica Band, Dykes on Bikes or the leather boys from Folsom Street who will be included in the "most open inaugural ever"?

Street entertainment and ATM's, but only insults from that worthless POS Rick Warren and the Obama camp. Barry won't even address this issue, that's how much he really thinks about us.

Greensburg · 11 months ago

Yes caphillprof, I remember and took part of that Clinton/Gore happiness only to have hopes dashed. I prepared myself this time around, and though I feel once again left out and left behind by Obama and our current dems, it still is very tiring to keep fighting for dignity and equality. I was not as jubulent when O won, I was for Hillary, since I knew what to expect from her. Raising the hopes of the gay community and then deciding that the jesus jokes are more important for his upcoming agenda is just a little too much for me at this time. I wish everyone joy at and during the inauguration but I quite frankly will not be watching this "historic" moment. As far as I am concerned, being bi-racial is not historic enough for me, I expect courage and fairness, equality for all, and Obama has shown that this is not the core of his agenda.

bumpkis · 11 months ago

You knew the party was over when he named Rahm Emmanuel right out of the gate.

ZennButtKicker (tlhwraith) · 11 months ago

As usual, the reactionary left has already written the eulogy and the baby hasn't even been born yet.

Older_Wiser · 11 months ago

"Reactionary left?" How can anyone who fights for the rights of others ever be called "reactionary?"

We simply don't want to "lie down" with those who hate others for their differences. And I'm not even gay...but I am an anti-authoritarian atheist who would never allow someone who lived by myths and supersititions to tell me how to live, much less think.

ZennButtKicker (tlhwraith) · 11 months ago

Reactionary because NO actual policies have been implemented. Too many people are too damn knee-jerk and assume every decision has some grand significance or signal of policy. I'm not sayin an Obama administration will or will not be any more pro-human rights than anyone, but it seems more than a little premature to come to conclusions before anything is actually done.

So, in this instance, gay people are not being pushed under the bus, apparently some are collectively kneeling down in oncoming traffic, closing their eyes, and just assuming that the hit is coming. This goes back to a theme I've said time and again, Progressives need to stop acting like defeatists all the time and plan to win, not lose.

beware of the leopard · 11 months ago

The guys a fucking bigot and a homophobe. He has no respect for women's reproductive rights. Or women, period, for that matter. As others have said here and elsewhere, if he had invited an urepentant racist to make the invocation, Mr. O would have himself a new one, torn by the outcry of the usual suspects. Mr. Warren is wholly unsuited to lead the nation in prayer. He has a limited concept of the ideals of Christian generosity and compassion. Read the Sermon on the Mount, and then compare it to Mr. Warren's stated views. He's a disgusting excuse for a human being. Full disclosure, not gay and in a long-term, committed relationship with a woman I picked up in a bar in '96.

Sigh · 11 months ago

How about this haiku:


White wealthy gay men
Over react once again
Who cares 'bout Lowery?

Older_Wiser · 11 months ago

Inclusion can go too far when you invite haters into the mix.

Andrew Jackson is portrayed as someone who brought "democracy" into the WH, opening it up to the "people", unlike the elite "republicans" who saw it as the seat of their own power. But what kind of democracy embarks on genocide of native Americans and embraces slavery (Jackson owned 100 slaves)? Jackson would more accurately be described as a "white supremecist" today, not a democrat at all.

We don't need, in the 21st century, anyone in power who believes that 10% of the population don't deserve every right and responsibility of every other citizen deemed to have a lock on those simply because they obey religious books and not the Constitution.

Obama should know better.

1billinnj2 · 11 months ago

we gays are the new blacks.

BR_Parkway · 11 months ago

Dear PE Obama, I have a suggestion for a replacement for Warren to give your inaugural invocation that would go even further in your desire to make this "the most open, accessible, and inclusive Inauguration in American history."

Dr. Thomas Robb. Another pastor who I don't agree with, but certainly one who gives you the opportunity to put more people on stage with you that represent a wider America.

If you go to his website, there are plenty of quotes about his charismatic speaking and his ability to recruit people to his mission is a testament to his skill as someone like yourself - a community organizer. And after reading through his information, I think you may very well be convinced in the validity of his Biblical arguments - in fact, he claims that his message is about love, not hate - and we all know we need more love in this world.

To quote from your press release:

* As he's said again and again, the President-elect is committed to bringing together all sides of the faith discussion in search of common ground. That's the only way we'll be able to unite this country with the resolve and common purpose necessary to solve the challenges we face.

* The Inauguration will also involve Reverend Joseph Lowery, who will be delivering the official benediction at the Inauguration. Reverend Lowery is a giant of the civil rights movement who boasts a proudly progressive record on LGBT issues. He has been a leader in the struggle for civil rights for all Americans, gay or straight.


Since you have also invited Dr Lowery, Dr. Robb will be a perfect counterbalance from his stances on the civil rights movement - and how better to show how inclusive you are being by putting these two together on such an historic, national platform.

Now I'm certain you'll disagree with Dr. Robb on some of the issues, just as you state that you do with Rev Warren. But the important point here is that many would claim that Dr. Robb, just like Rev Warren, has also been an activist "on behalf of the disadvantaged and the downtrodden" for well over 30 years.

And like you, he has a lifelong "commitment to renewing America's promise by expanding opportunity at home and restoring our moral leadership abroad.". Obviously, you two have a lot of common ground to begin a dialogue from, it's just the type of thing that's needed to unite all of us.

There's even an added bonus for the TV viewership that will visually hammer home your message of setting a place for everyone at your table, no matter how great the contrast - for those who may not know who Dr. Robb is

Chief Justice Roberts will be there in his traditional black robe. Simply request that Dr. Robb wear his traditional white one.

rextrek1 · 11 months ago

As a 48yr old gay man who supported BO and gave money for the 1st time in my life to a candidate $150....YES Im dissappointed of this choice of Gluttonous Warren......Tho I will continue to Support Obama (I've liked his cabinet picks thus far) .....I woulda' preferred Joel Osteen over this Bigot Warren. Sure Osteen isn't exactly Pro-Inclusive - but he hasn't blatantly been at the forefront of keeping LGBT Americans from thier Equal status either.

Dave of the Jungle · 11 months ago

I say eliminate the invocation altogether.

Ben Dover · 11 months ago

Absolutely!

SCLiberal · 11 months ago

If the left is disappointed with Obama maybe they should have backed Kucinich. Everyone kept saying "that's the way it is" so now with Obama's picks, that's the way it is.

paulbe · 11 months ago

You all really believed that shit about change you could believe in didn't you. Its not Repub vs Democrat. Its about them vs you. Can you see it now?

Ben Dover · 11 months ago

I'm ashamed to admit that yes, I did believe/fall for it. And hindsight being 20/20, it is crystal clear now. Unfortunately, it's way too late.

Ben Dover · 11 months ago

Instead of having someone "pray" to an invisible, non-existent cloud being, how about reading and re-affirming portions of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Both of which are far more timely than some silly uttered shit from those that would do us harm.

Maybe Barry the Pandering Politician will address this today.

Indigo · 11 months ago

One of the fun-splashed facts about Andrew Jackson's administration was that in bringing democracy to the White House he let in the trash. The reception at the White House after the inauguration grew so rowdy that drapes were torn down, furniture was broken, and mayhem broke out.
Obama . . . awaken!

Dave of the Jungle · 11 months ago

Why doesn't someone say a prayer to the Oracle at Delphi, instead?

Heath · 11 months ago

I would have preferred someone like Richard Cizik, or Tony Campolo. However, according to Mike Madden at Salon.com, the decision here wasn't Obama's, but the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, run by the House and Senate, which put together the program for the swearing-in ceremony. Congress, not Obama, invited Warren.

I don't know what level of control he has over the invocation, since he technically isn't in control of anything until after he's sworn in. The invocation occurs before that.

erip · 11 months ago

When Michele Obama said, the morning her husband got nominated, that she FINALLY felt proud to be an American, I understood exactly what she meant. While the press gave her a hard time, and she backtracked from the statement, anyone with a brain knew what she meant. It was, for the first time in her life that she felt this country was finally a place where even for her family, anything is possible... for people of color, anything is possible. I hope that someday I get to feel the same way about my country.
While I am a supporter of Obama, as a gay American, his pledge of inclusion has me feeling left out in the cold. I understand why he spent so little of his political capital speaking out against Prop 8. The Prop 8 vote was the FIRST time in the history of this country that a right, granted by the courts, was removed by popular vote. Can you imagine if the right to interracial marriage, the civil rights act or the voting rights act were to have been put up for popular vote immediately after being enacted??

While President elect Obama spent no political capital during the Prop 8 debate, and has made his objectionable view on marriage equality clear, his choice of Rick Warren to pray at the inauguration is SHAMEFUL. Discrimination cloaked in religious rhetoric is bigotry none the less. The same arguments that religions have been using to inject themselves into politics ( a CLEAR constitutional violation) to sway the gay rights discussion, IS THE SAME nonsense that they used to justify slavery, prevention of the mixing of the races and a whole host of other racist policies. (Perhaps a reading of Mormon leaders’ sermons from a few years back would be educational) Obama could have selected countless other people to have participated in the invocation instead of picking a man who has clearly injected himself into the culture war. Evidently Mr. Obama and the transition team are interested in keeping the seat in the back of the bus warm. The new occupants, gay Americans, can only hope and pray that at some point during the new president's term, they get to feel what Mrs. Obama felt on that proud morning.
Until then......

Greensburg · 11 months ago

If Obama is so damn adamant about being inclusive, why no speakers or prayer invocations from the Arayan Nations?

woodnthrifty · 11 months ago

He could invite Adolph Hitler Campbell to play with his kids during the inaugural.

WLW · 11 months ago

I've been mulling this whole Rick warren thing over in my head. I personally don't care for the guy, and I was rather disappointed to hear that he was picked to give the invocation. (My preference would have been Jim Wallis.)

But as I think about it more, I wonder if this isn't a choice intended to be one of healing. If I remember correctly, Richard Nixon once had a very ugly campaign. When his defeated opponent passed away some years later, his request was that Nixon deliver the eulogy. A shocking choice it seemed, but it was also one that required Nixon to be a peacemaker--just as his opponent became a peacemaker.

Maybe this is what's going on with this selection. If so, the transition team or inaugural committee has done a poor job of explaining it.

My fear, though, is that Warren will seize the opportunity to say something divisive.

Older_Wiser · 11 months ago

Healing? I don't think so...only if you give up your life, change your "deviant" ways, and hand it over to Jaysus will they be satisfied.

Older_Wiser · 11 months ago

Interesting that the do-nothing Congress is awarding itself a $4700 pay raise (at 2.8%), while the average SS recipient is receiving around $60 (at 5.8%), most of which will go to pay for an increase in their Medicare premium. Hey, can we get Congress's health care plan instead? How about that plan for everyone out here?

At $170,000/yr, Congress has complained about "low pay" considering the cost of living in DC (when most of them have property elsewhere anyway), hardly a non-livable sum. Maybe dorm living could be instituted for the complainers, or, perhaps instead of looking for their second or third home in the area, they should rent an apt. in an area they can afford in DC, then...woops, that might mean they would actually have to live among real people, not among the elite.

Paris reader · 11 months ago

Although I'm profoundly disappointed in Obama's choice of Rick Warren, it is not a betrayal or a surprise. The Warren choice is completely consistent with how Obama campaigned. He has been flirting with bigoted homophobes since the South Carolina primary. If you didn't notice, you weren't paying attention. He also took centrist positions on domestic policies (usually to the right of Clinton), so the cabinet appointments should not be a surprise either.

Progressives who thought they had a champion in Obama projected many of their values onto him. He is not our champion and I doubt he ever will be.
I'm overjoyed we have a democrat back in the White house. But he is a centrist, not a liberal.

Paul · 11 months ago

You G B L T Q Q ETC, AD INFINITUM "movement" types are really pathetic. You sound like a pack of spoiled brats - already the honeymoon with Obama is over before he even takes office.

Let's put a Unitarian Minister preaching Buddha, peace, and love up there! Maybe an Episcopalian Gay Minister even better! But then again, all these Human Rights Warriors would have to find something else to gripe out . . . but then again that wouldn't be too hard for them to do.

Look at what the guy does in office instead of being caught up in such trivial drama! And did I really see Clinton supporters throwing their two cents in???? Clinton practically ran against the Gays after 92.

Accept the realities of this country - despicable or not, the guy has appeal to a substantial, if backward part of it . . . If you don't like it, up and move to Denmark, Netherlands or wherever.

Rab · 11 months ago

How about you and Warren hooking up and moving out of the country. This is far from a trivial matter.

dcredhead73 · 11 months ago

Obana is trying to appeal to the entire country. It's important for EVERYONE -- I mean EVERYONE -- to be behind the President. We had GWB with his, "if you're not for me, you're against" me attitude tht divided the country, and Obama is simply trying to bring people together. Whether we like it or not, he'll accomplish more change in the long run with with a velvet glove than with a poke in the eye. Do I like warren? no. not at all.

And you, Rab, sound a little GWB in your response.

dcredhead73 · 11 months ago

Joe -- A simple question. If you dislike the TODAY show so much, and loathe matt lauer, why do you watch it? Seriously. Every day I watch Good Morning America. Robin Roberts is the best.

woodnthrifty · 11 months ago

Try Morning Joe.

Asterix · 11 months ago

Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution says:

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

No "so help me God" appended. No Bible, Koran or seer stones. One bright shining day in the future, perhaps we'll have a President-elect who leaves off the phony religious trappings to this very secular event. None of this "Gott mit uns" stuff.

Asterix · 11 months ago

You know that Christmas carol, "O Come All Ye Faithful?". Apparently it's not a Christmas carol, according to a UK scholar:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wear...

"One of the most popular Christmas carols has a secret political code linked to the Jacobite rebellion, a Durham University professor claims."