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News & ArtsTuesday, June 16, 2009
Politics / Homo Obama Reaches For Low-Hanging Fruit
Posted by Dan Savage on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 6:07 PM
UPDATE: Please see this post.
Politico reports that some sort of vague civil-rights-something-or-other suddenly appeared on Obama's schedule for tomorrow night.
As liberal criticism of the president's inaction on gay rights escalates, a cryptic event appears on the president's Wednesday schedule... "In the evening, the President will deliver brief remarks and sign a Presidential Memorandum regarding federal benefits and non-discrimination in the Oval Office. This event is pooled press."
Obama may be about to extend domestic-partnership benefits to gay and lesbian federal employees. Obamapologists will point to this as proof that he is so moving on his gay rights agenda. Don't fall for it. These benefits are by no means trivial... if you're part of the 2% of the population that works for the federal government and part of the 3% of that 2% who are gay or lesbian. [The benefits are trivial indeed. Please see this post.] But this does not amount to action on any of the eight promises Obama's made to the gay and lesbian community. Politico reported yesterday that the administration was looking around for something it could do, anything, to stem the rising tide of anger that was/is threatening to derail the DNC's big gay fundraiser next week. This may be that something.
It's not good enough. It's not action on any of Obama's eight promises to the gay community. You want to mollify the angry homos, Obama? Suspend enforcement of DADT.
And remember yesterday's attempt to mollify angry queers? The hate-crimes legislation? Harry Reid held a big press conference... promised immediate action... it got a lot of attention... going to move on the bill this week... and they're already stalling.
UPDATE: It's official:
President Obama will announce tomorrow that he is extending federal benefits to include unmarried domestic partners of federal workers, including same-sex partners, White House officials said tonight. Obama will sign an executive order implementing the change in the Oval Office, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid upstaging the president's announcement....The action will come as welcome news to gay-rights activists, who have voiced loud disappointment with Obama's handling of several issues important to their community.... Most recently, the Justice Department argued in court that the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies federal benefits to same-sex married couples, should be upheld. Gay-rights groups were infuriated by the administration's linkage of same-sex marriages to marriages between cousins or of an underage girl.
1
Did Obama ever say during the campaign that he would suspend enforcement of DADT by executive order? Or did he say he would advocate a legislative solution?
2
This is not mollification. This is REAL, TANGIBLE progress. Its historic, it matters.
Impatience is not only understandable, its necessary. But lets not let that stop us from celebrating legitimate progress, no matter how incremental.
Impatience is not only understandable, its necessary. But lets not let that stop us from celebrating legitimate progress, no matter how incremental.
3
Someone recently asked what all of us would say when Obama eventually comes around and starts doing something substantial for civil rights.
By the time he does, it's most likely not going to mean a damn thing, because by the time he does, he'll be so behind the game, and will have been on the wrong side of history for so long, it won't mean shit. Just like this "vague civil-rights-something-or-other" he might be signing tomorrow.
By the time he does, it's most likely not going to mean a damn thing, because by the time he does, he'll be so behind the game, and will have been on the wrong side of history for so long, it won't mean shit. Just like this "vague civil-rights-something-or-other" he might be signing tomorrow.
5
The fact is that the federal government is woefully behind the national trends when it comes to providing benefits to the partners of LGBT employees. I mean, my alma mater started providing benefits over a decade ago. Alaska and Montana provide benefits to the partners of LGBT state employees, for goodness' sakes.
6
And can I just say? Why have I not been reading John Aravosis until now?? That guy kicks some serious butt!
And yeah, Obama is tossing us crumbs because we've been relentless for days now. Don't take the crumbs.
And yeah, Obama is tossing us crumbs because we've been relentless for days now. Don't take the crumbs.
7
Clearly he is feeling some pressure and clearly he needs to feel a lot more. Nonetheless, this is a step in the right direction.
8
@1: Obama says Congress has to do it. Congress says Obama can do it. Obama says, no, Congress. Congress say, no, you.
Fierce advocacy? Or farce advocacy?
Obama has the authority right now—see, "now, fierce urgency of"—to stop expulsions under DADT. Stop-loss order, an executive order, as commander in chief, to end investigations and trials. It's been documented again and again, and discussed widely. The military right now is issuing wavers to rapists and arsonists and white power nuts. But the president, our "fierce advocate," is powerless before DADT. Please.
Fierce advocacy? Or farce advocacy?
Obama has the authority right now—see, "now, fierce urgency of"—to stop expulsions under DADT. Stop-loss order, an executive order, as commander in chief, to end investigations and trials. It's been documented again and again, and discussed widely. The military right now is issuing wavers to rapists and arsonists and white power nuts. But the president, our "fierce advocate," is powerless before DADT. Please.
9
The gummit didn't already offer domestic partnership benefits? Fuck me, what kind of a third world theocracy is this?
10
It's a HUGE step in the right direction, but it won't matter: the gay lobby has decided that Obama is BAD because he doesn't devote the entirety of his presidency to the advancement of rights to 3% of the population. Sure, doing so would poison him with half of America and endanger a second term and Democratic control, but WHO CARES? They're HERE, They're QUEER, and they don't have any sense of political consequences.
Note to Dan Savage and other angry fags: The country is in kind of a mess, and I'm sorry, but your right to marry is not the most important item on the to-do list. I want equal marriage rights for everyone too, but squealing like stuck pigs every minute of every day until you get everything you want is not going to swing public opinion in your favor.
Note to Dan Savage and other angry fags: The country is in kind of a mess, and I'm sorry, but your right to marry is not the most important item on the to-do list. I want equal marriage rights for everyone too, but squealing like stuck pigs every minute of every day until you get everything you want is not going to swing public opinion in your favor.
12
@ Dan Savage,
Nancy and Harry are having a helluva time coming up with fresh lies about why they can't move forward on any GLBT issues (ex. no DADT repeal bill Senate sponsors, they now need 60 Senate votes for all legislation, etc etc etc).
Nancy and Harry are having a helluva time coming up with fresh lies about why they can't move forward on any GLBT issues (ex. no DADT repeal bill Senate sponsors, they now need 60 Senate votes for all legislation, etc etc etc).
13
What we've been doing has mattered, and he's doing what he can do immediately. Which means being activists works, and we should keep going. Bigger things ahead!
14
@10: The loud squealing didn't start until Friday. We were willing to be relatively patient until the Obama administration filed an aggressive and unnecessary defense of DOMA. You could argue before Friday that the Obama administration was too busy tending to the economy, wars, etc., to do much to help. But that argument fell apart when they found time to do harm.
And if we're so hated—see polling on DADT, civil unions, etc.—then Obama is to be faulted for making promises he couldn't even act on, much less be expected deliver.
And fuck you.
And if we're so hated—see polling on DADT, civil unions, etc.—then Obama is to be faulted for making promises he couldn't even act on, much less be expected deliver.
And fuck you.
15
@ 10,
Guess that falls under the "repent and shuddup, faggot" line of Obamessiah apologism.
You may also want to try: "he's too busy;" "he didn't know;" "he does know but he doesn't care;" and "He has a plan for your life if you believe in Him!"
Guess that falls under the "repent and shuddup, faggot" line of Obamessiah apologism.
You may also want to try: "he's too busy;" "he didn't know;" "he does know but he doesn't care;" and "He has a plan for your life if you believe in Him!"
16
I glad to hear that he is finaly going to make sure that federal government provides benefits to the partners of LGBT employees, it's about time. We can celebrate it as one small area where inequality is being struck down. It's good, were grateful, but more, much more, needs to be done.
17
#10.
When it comes to DADT, ENDA, and, hell, even civil unions, public opinion is already in our favor.
And who's "squealing every minute of every day"? Is this how you mis-characterize those with whom you disagree? It kind of makes your entire argument worthless.
squealing like stuck pigs every minute of every day until you get everything you want is not going to swing public opinion in your favor.
When it comes to DADT, ENDA, and, hell, even civil unions, public opinion is already in our favor.
And who's "squealing every minute of every day"? Is this how you mis-characterize those with whom you disagree? It kind of makes your entire argument worthless.
19
With nearly 2 million employees the federal government is far and away the single largest employer in the United States. This rule change will affect people in domestic partenerships in every corner of this country, and some parts in the middle. IT FUCKING MATTERS.
Obama has been in office less than six months and he has already put into place the highest ranking gay official in US history, and now this. That is exactly a fuckload more than ANY OTHER PRESIDENT has EVER done for the LGBT community. EVER.
Like I said before, keep the pressure on. Stay mad. Stay impatient. But take half a second, take a breath and be thankful that this man is in office. Because he may be imperfect and things may not be changing to the degree or at the speed that you'd like but the fact remains that they ARE CHANGING.
Obama has been in office less than six months and he has already put into place the highest ranking gay official in US history, and now this. That is exactly a fuckload more than ANY OTHER PRESIDENT has EVER done for the LGBT community. EVER.
Like I said before, keep the pressure on. Stay mad. Stay impatient. But take half a second, take a breath and be thankful that this man is in office. Because he may be imperfect and things may not be changing to the degree or at the speed that you'd like but the fact remains that they ARE CHANGING.
20
I think acting on those promises would be looked upon favorably by much of his base and many of the people who were voting for change, sure it's gonna piss off some right-leaning moderates and republicans, he shouldn't court them, they lost and they're gonna whine either way, fuck em.
21
@8 Dan, yeah, that's how it's playing out. But that's not what I asked. You can't claim he broke a promise when his position has not changed since before the election. You just don't like his original position. Which is fine; make a bunch of noise about it. But it doesn't make sense to say he "lied" or whatever. You just never agreed with his judgment about tactics.
22
@ 20,
Well it's all in Chapter 27 of How America Works.
Republicans are praised for checking off every insane item on their voters' wish lists, while Democrats are praised for stabbing their constituents in the back.
I despise the Republicans, but I have to respect their ability to shove their agenda through gummit when they're in power. I just wish they weren't so psychopathic, hateful and destructive.
Well it's all in Chapter 27 of How America Works.
Republicans are praised for checking off every insane item on their voters' wish lists, while Democrats are praised for stabbing their constituents in the back.
I despise the Republicans, but I have to respect their ability to shove their agenda through gummit when they're in power. I just wish they weren't so psychopathic, hateful and destructive.
23
Well, we're getting somewhere at least. I have no intention of letting up one iota though until that coward starts something tangible on DADT, ENDA and DOMA. I'd have been more lenient until that fucking brief. And no bucks for dems until Reid takes his head outta his ass and does something too.
24
Stop fucking lying.
@17,
I remember you. You've opposed Obama since the very beginning. How is it that your arguments aren't worthless?
Yes, Obama's been in office for five months. He's so behind the game.
That, by the way, is squealing.
We were willing to be relatively patient until the Obama administration filed an aggressive and unnecessary defense of DOMA.
Stop fucking lying.
@17,
I remember you. You've opposed Obama since the very beginning. How is it that your arguments aren't worthless?
he'll be so behind the game, and will have been on the wrong side of history for so long, it won't mean shit.
Yes, Obama's been in office for five months. He's so behind the game.
That, by the way, is squealing.
25
I propose a game of Obamapologist Bingo. We can all mark off on our cards the various excuses as they're used in this comments section: the "he's too busy" excuse, the "shouldn't waste time catering to such a small segment of the population" excuse, the "he's powerless before Congress" excuse, etc. What should the prize be?
And a question for eric (the other one) at #10, if three percent of the population is too insignificant to be of concern, what exactly is the threshold for when a group deserves rights? Five, six percent? Ten, twenty? What other minority groups, besides LGBTs, do you think should have lesser rights because they're such an insignificant percentage of the population? I'm really curious how this logic works.
And a question for eric (the other one) at #10, if three percent of the population is too insignificant to be of concern, what exactly is the threshold for when a group deserves rights? Five, six percent? Ten, twenty? What other minority groups, besides LGBTs, do you think should have lesser rights because they're such an insignificant percentage of the population? I'm really curious how this logic works.
26
As an unmarried, domestic partnered (13 years), (hetero) federal employee, let me say that this is GREAT for both me and my gay and lesbian co-workers. I gave this up when I moved from the private sector and it felt very regressive.
That said, I completely agree that the administration's foot dragging on other issues of GLBT concern is unacceptable, and that that DOMA brief was contemptible.
That said, I completely agree that the administration's foot dragging on other issues of GLBT concern is unacceptable, and that that DOMA brief was contemptible.
27
Kevin @ 21
I'm not saying Obama lied, but I am starting to question his integrity. I view these as a commitment he made to those of us who supported him financially and who voted for him. The following is from http//:www.barackobama.com/pdf/lgbt.pdf
Expand Hate Crimes Statutes
In 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third-highest category of hate crime reported.
Obama co-sponsored legislation to expand federal hate crimes law to include crimes perpetrated
because of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Fight Workplace Discrimination and Promote Rights
Obama believes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act should be expanded to include sexual orientation
and gender identity. Obama sponsored legislation in the Illinois State Senate that would ban employment
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples
Barack Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as
married couples, including the right to assist their loved ones in times of emergency as well as equal
health insurance, employment benefits, and property and adoption rights. Obama also believes we need
to fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal
legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex
couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions.
Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have defined marriage as between
a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or other unmarried
couples.
Repeal Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell
Obama believes we need to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The key test for military service
should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Obama will work with military leaders
to repeal the current policy and ensure we accomplish our national defense goals.
Fight AIDS Worldwide
Obama has been a global leader in the fight against AIDS. He traveled to Kenya and took a public HIV
test to encourage testing and reduce the stigma of the disease. Obama worked to reauthorize the Ryan
White CARE Act, one of the largest sources of federal funds for primary health care and support services
for HIV/AIDS patients.
More...
I'm not saying Obama lied, but I am starting to question his integrity. I view these as a commitment he made to those of us who supported him financially and who voted for him. The following is from http//:www.barackobama.com/pdf/lgbt.pdf
Expand Hate Crimes Statutes
In 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third-highest category of hate crime reported.
Obama co-sponsored legislation to expand federal hate crimes law to include crimes perpetrated
because of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Fight Workplace Discrimination and Promote Rights
Obama believes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act should be expanded to include sexual orientation
and gender identity. Obama sponsored legislation in the Illinois State Senate that would ban employment
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples
Barack Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as
married couples, including the right to assist their loved ones in times of emergency as well as equal
health insurance, employment benefits, and property and adoption rights. Obama also believes we need
to fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal
legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex
couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions.
Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have defined marriage as between
a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or other unmarried
couples.
Repeal Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell
Obama believes we need to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The key test for military service
should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Obama will work with military leaders
to repeal the current policy and ensure we accomplish our national defense goals.
Fight AIDS Worldwide
Obama has been a global leader in the fight against AIDS. He traveled to Kenya and took a public HIV
test to encourage testing and reduce the stigma of the disease. Obama worked to reauthorize the Ryan
White CARE Act, one of the largest sources of federal funds for primary health care and support services
for HIV/AIDS patients.
28
It's not so much about he lied, or who supported him moresies. This Admin, and the Congressional Dems need to show some indication that they realize they won an election and the people that put them there want some shit done.
29
Kevin @ 21,
And because of this which is from his open letter: http://obama.3cdn.net/36ddd2f5daac41cb21…
"As your President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same‐sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws. I personally believe that civil unions represent the best way to secure that equal treatment. But I also believe that the federal government should not stand in the way of states that want to decide on their own how best to pursue equality for gay and lesbian couples ‐whether that means a domestic partnership, a civil union, or a civil marriage. 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. I have also called for us to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and I have worked to improve the Uniting American Families Act so we can afford same‐sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system."
You're correct he never said how or what time line he would accomplish his committments. I'm heterosexual and I was permitted to marry the man I love. I can never understand the grief or pain members of LGBT community feel, but even I who can't fully understand feel like he is faltering at honoring his word. I want Obama to be the man of his word, that I voted for.
And because of this which is from his open letter: http://obama.3cdn.net/36ddd2f5daac41cb21…
"As your President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same‐sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws. I personally believe that civil unions represent the best way to secure that equal treatment. But I also believe that the federal government should not stand in the way of states that want to decide on their own how best to pursue equality for gay and lesbian couples ‐whether that means a domestic partnership, a civil union, or a civil marriage. 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. I have also called for us to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and I have worked to improve the Uniting American Families Act so we can afford same‐sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system."
You're correct he never said how or what time line he would accomplish his committments. I'm heterosexual and I was permitted to marry the man I love. I can never understand the grief or pain members of LGBT community feel, but even I who can't fully understand feel like he is faltering at honoring his word. I want Obama to be the man of his word, that I voted for.
30
I disagree with your accusation of it just being another stalling tactic. For one it actually is a big deal, Disney got boycotted for less.
Also it shows Obama is devoting some media-cycle time to this issue. Which is what he has been doing very hard to avoid these last few months and why people are rightly so disappointed. I mean, if Obama had given a speech or two urging congress to action, even if congress hadn't taken action, I doubt you would be so upset with Obama. Which makes sense, these things do take time but the deafening silence from the administration was disturbing.
If Obama takes this opportunity to not just sign benefits to domestic partners but also urge congress to action that would be a big deal. Reid said he was waiting for action from the White House and I really don't doubt thats the case.
Another issue: I wonder if its only gay & lesbians getting domestic benefits. My domestic partner's (in a straight relationship) university doesn't extend rec center discounts to straight domestic partners, but does for gay partners. We qualify in every other way outside of being opposite genders. And now our state has gay marriage. So its rather unfair. :)
Also it shows Obama is devoting some media-cycle time to this issue. Which is what he has been doing very hard to avoid these last few months and why people are rightly so disappointed. I mean, if Obama had given a speech or two urging congress to action, even if congress hadn't taken action, I doubt you would be so upset with Obama. Which makes sense, these things do take time but the deafening silence from the administration was disturbing.
If Obama takes this opportunity to not just sign benefits to domestic partners but also urge congress to action that would be a big deal. Reid said he was waiting for action from the White House and I really don't doubt thats the case.
Another issue: I wonder if its only gay & lesbians getting domestic benefits. My domestic partner's (in a straight relationship) university doesn't extend rec center discounts to straight domestic partners, but does for gay partners. We qualify in every other way outside of being opposite genders. And now our state has gay marriage. So its rather unfair. :)
31
#10, The country is in a mess? Oh what sort of mess? There's plenty of money for bail outs and endless war. What's the problem? It's not money, plenty of that being spent. It's not gas, plenty of cars on the road.
The mess is when American law treats one set of citizens to civil rights while it denies other citizens those same civil rights. That's a Mess at the top of the list.
Stuck pigs squeal because some BASTARD is sticking them in the side. Obama is using a sharp object to do harm and you're right, you're hearing squealing.
The mess is when American law treats one set of citizens to civil rights while it denies other citizens those same civil rights. That's a Mess at the top of the list.
Stuck pigs squeal because some BASTARD is sticking them in the side. Obama is using a sharp object to do harm and you're right, you're hearing squealing.
32
@10 and 19 -- There's no point in saying this is huge when it isn't. The government won't give benefits to people who are not in registered domestic partnerships, first of all, and we know that those are not available in all fifty states. We also know that not all those in registered domestic partnerships, not by a long shot, are gays or lesbians or otherwise not in heterosexual households. Finally, he is going to sign a Presidential Memorandum, which means that the instant he is out of office the benefits stop, unlike an Executive Order which has to be legislated to be overturned. He's tossing a bone when he should be serving steak.
33
@17, Dan is squealing, and the use of terms like "Obamessiah" and "Obamapologists" makes him seem even sillier. If he's trying to become the lefty Glenn Beck, he's made a good start. You want to change public policy? STOP WRITING CHECKS. If Gay America wants to be noticed, stop the flow of cash to Dem coffers.
Dan @14, I didn't say anyone hates gay folks in general or you in specific, and I don't care to have that comment attributed to me. However, gay marriage is a hot-button issue, period. Yes, a recent poll or two says a majority of Americans think everyone deserves equal marriage rights. Great if true. But there are polls every day proving all kinds of nonsense, and I have a hard time putting too much faith in them.
Does anyone genuinely believe that Obama is anti-gay rights? I think the federal workers thing is an excellent step forward: a step small enough that the bigoted America can't argue it, but significant enough that it sets precedent. You can't seriously have forgotten that just a few years ago, Kerry's presidential bid got torpedoed by Gavin Newshound. You think the Republicans are so far gone they can't come back? If so, good for you, but I don't have that much faith in the American populace.
By all means, be heard, march on Washington. But send a memo to all marchers that the one guy who shows up wearing nothing but a rainbow jockstrap and roller blades will be the only one they show on the news. :/
Dan @14, I didn't say anyone hates gay folks in general or you in specific, and I don't care to have that comment attributed to me. However, gay marriage is a hot-button issue, period. Yes, a recent poll or two says a majority of Americans think everyone deserves equal marriage rights. Great if true. But there are polls every day proving all kinds of nonsense, and I have a hard time putting too much faith in them.
Does anyone genuinely believe that Obama is anti-gay rights? I think the federal workers thing is an excellent step forward: a step small enough that the bigoted America can't argue it, but significant enough that it sets precedent. You can't seriously have forgotten that just a few years ago, Kerry's presidential bid got torpedoed by Gavin Newshound. You think the Republicans are so far gone they can't come back? If so, good for you, but I don't have that much faith in the American populace.
By all means, be heard, march on Washington. But send a memo to all marchers that the one guy who shows up wearing nothing but a rainbow jockstrap and roller blades will be the only one they show on the news. :/
34
@33:
"If he's trying to become the lefty Glenn Beck, he's made a good start"
holy crap!!! you're right, if he wants to be the "lefty Glenn Beck" he would totally be...
"the one guy who shows up wearing nothing but a rainbow jockstrap and roller blades"
go Dan!
"If he's trying to become the lefty Glenn Beck, he's made a good start"
holy crap!!! you're right, if he wants to be the "lefty Glenn Beck" he would totally be...
"the one guy who shows up wearing nothing but a rainbow jockstrap and roller blades"
go Dan!
36
Dan Savage is the very definition of a one-issue voter. I don't think there's a problem being outraged at the president over this, but this is a classic case of putting all of one's eggs into one basket. This issue is clearly the one and only thing that matters to Dan, and enough of a reason to despise someone over.
37
Ah, but it's not an executive order. It's merely a memorandum that will expire at the end of his term.
And this is good how?
And this is good how?
38
@29, Well, he did say "repeal", in reference to both DOMA and DADT. Not the same as "overturn judically", or "issue executive order nullifying".
There are good reasons to focus on legislative tactics instead of invoking over-expansive executive authority that we hated so much when Bush did it.
There are good reasons to focus on legislative tactics instead of invoking over-expansive executive authority that we hated so much when Bush did it.
39
38: This is exactly it. It seems to me that a lot of liberals basically want Obama to play the role of a progressive Bush.
40
Oh, and it WON'T include health benefits. It'll just offer things like helping with moving costs for your partner when you move for a federal job.
Thanks, Obama! We owe you so much!!!
Thanks, Obama! We owe you so much!!!
41
40: Maybe you should read how extending benefits further will probably require legislative action. That might require reading news stories in their entirety instead of just bits and pieces bloggers decide to dish out.
"While he will announce a list of benefits, officials said, they are not expected to include broad health insurance coverage, which could require legislation to achieve" (NYTimes).
"While he will announce a list of benefits, officials said, they are not expected to include broad health insurance coverage, which could require legislation to achieve" (NYTimes).
42
Thanks, Jizz. I actually DID read that. I'm merely pointing out that what Obama is doing is actually close to nothing at all.
Blessings.
Blessings.
44
@38:
"There are good reasons to focus on legislative tactics instead of invoking over-expansive executive authority that we hated so much when Bush did it."
yes some focus on that would be nice, but so far all there has been is this and the going to Iowa to make it official line....
thats what fierce advocacy must mean.
i guess.
"There are good reasons to focus on legislative tactics instead of invoking over-expansive executive authority that we hated so much when Bush did it."
yes some focus on that would be nice, but so far all there has been is this and the going to Iowa to make it official line....
thats what fierce advocacy must mean.
i guess.
46
We've gone from Obama advocating for us being "separate but equal" to Obama signing a memo declaring us "separate and unequal". This wasn't the change I signed up for, and it sure as hell wasn't what I donated money for. I got an e-mail today from "Barack Obama" asking for money for the upcoming health care battle. I wrote back with, "Until I get my gay rights, you don't get my gay money."
47
My most recent letter to the White House:
About the extension of benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees: Great. I might now consider working for the federal government in the future.
But it's not good enough to earn back my vote and my contributions to your campaign. Repudiate your hate-filled brief and fire the lawyer who wrote it. Make a real effort to repeal DOMA. Reinstate the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that you have fired under DADT. Administratively end the terminations and make a real effort to repeal the law.
Once you've actually acted on a few of the promises you've made, then I'll look at you for 2012. Until then, nothing. You've thrown away my respect and my support. You'll have to earn it back.
49
Hey Dan, you take all that rage to Washington yet? To Obama's doorstep? Or is that something you were only willing to talk about? As I remember, a whole lot of sloggers were willing to follow you - willing to go to jail even.
Maybe its time to stop bitching and actually fucking act. LEAD even.
Maybe its time to stop bitching and actually fucking act. LEAD even.
51
Now gays and lesbians are just 3% of the population? I love how when you want to trivialize actions on behalf of the LGBT community, it's 3%, and when we're advocating for more action, we're 10%, and Obama got elected because of US, that traitor!
Dan, put your ass where your mouth is - please go to DC and go to jail. Don't wait another minute.
Dan, put your ass where your mouth is - please go to DC and go to jail. Don't wait another minute.
53
@1, re your question on what Obama promised on DADT.
He promised to begin the process of getting rid of DADT on his FIRST day in office. The pentagon has reported that he has made no substantive efforts on it to date.
He promised to begin the process of getting rid of DADT on his FIRST day in office. The pentagon has reported that he has made no substantive efforts on it to date.
54
@53 Do you want to source that? "The Pentagon" is a building, it doesn't generally make statements.
55
Apparently, Majority Leader Reid has issued a clarification of his comment Monday about DADT. Presently there is no bill, but a number of senators working on one.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ekti…
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ekti…
56
Oh, well that's good news.
@52 That link is unsettling but not surprising. Aravoisis has proven himself at best unreliable; at worst, blatantly dishonest.
@52 That link is unsettling but not surprising. Aravoisis has proven himself at best unreliable; at worst, blatantly dishonest.
57
Also, one time he threatened to ban me from his comments for making fun of his use of Comic Sans on a t-shirt he was selling!
58
#24.
I voted for Obama. I did it with no illusions, true. But I very much wanted him to win and was proud to vote for him. Perhaps there was another "jade" before registration began?
I knew that Obama was further right to center than I am, but this? I didn't see this coming.
My "won't be worth shit" comment is simply in reference to this. They're reacting to negative feedback rather than actively trying to do some good. It's literally the least they can do.
I remember you. You've opposed Obama since the very beginning.
I voted for Obama. I did it with no illusions, true. But I very much wanted him to win and was proud to vote for him. Perhaps there was another "jade" before registration began?
I knew that Obama was further right to center than I am, but this? I didn't see this coming.
My "won't be worth shit" comment is simply in reference to this. They're reacting to negative feedback rather than actively trying to do some good. It's literally the least they can do.
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