Lou Dobbs, Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Kristol and a ton of other conservatives out there are tools. In fact, put them all together and you’ll get the biggest toolbox I’ve ever seen. The partisan reaction to Chicago not getting the Olympics last week was repugnant and grotesque. Don’t get me wrong, I had issues with Chicago hosting the Olympics for many reasons and was evenly split down the middle on this. But the reaction by most conservatives said more about the state of the GOP than anything else in recent years.

Many of the jumped on Obama for going to Coopenhagen to show his support and address the IOC. He was gone for a day and also met with Gen. McChrystal on the plane (it’s called multi-tasking). Obama joined the other heads of state in lobbying for their countries, yet somehow his was all about “ego.” It’s ridiculous. President Bush was on vacation for 1/3 of his presidency and we’re screaming about Obama taking a trip to lobby for something that might be beneficial to the country?

If it might be bad for the President, they’re against it…even if it’s good for America. This goes for a ton of other things as well (healthcare). I’m so sick of these hacks.

June 17, 2009

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

Today you issued a memorandum showing your intention to extend federal benefits to the partners and families of LGBT federal employees; a move that was long overdue and appreciated. You did so in a week where you have been under scrutiny from the LGBT community because of a perceived slow pace towards equality and a disastrous DOJ brief. As someone who campaigned for you and donated quite a few dollars I didn’t really have, I wanted to share my feelings with you on some of these issues.

Last June, I walked with hundreds of supporters in the Chicago Gay Pride Parade in support of your candidacy. This, as you know, was merely weeks after you finally claimed the Democratic nomination after a long and drawn out process. Naturally, there were many in the LGBT community who were not ready to throw their support from Hillary to you because of bitter feelings that often arrive in defeat. I spoke with many Hillary supporters that day and explained to them why you would be just as remarkable on gay rights as Hillary claimed to be. Your supporters fought for you that day, under the assumption that you truly were a “fierce advocate” for equality.

As someone who understands the political process, I recognize the need for pragmatism and slow change. I understand there is, indeed, a process that needs to be followed and ways to effectively win political battles. I’m not someone who is willing to throw away my support for you because of a few blunders; I do feel it is my obligation as a citizen of the United States of America to tell you when I’m disappointed in your leadership. The DOJ brief was deplorable and disastrous, as you now know. I can only hope that you didn’t actually see the language in the brief and that this entire mess was a sloppy oversight. The handling of it makes it appear that these issues are not important enough to you, or at least not important enough to oversee language on it. Regardless, I’m asking you to make clear your support for the repeal of DOMA. Whether you were obligated to defend the constitutionality of DOMA or not, please realize that the brief fueled the opposition’s fire and will most definitely be used against individual state’s fights for marriage equality. It is, in fact, more than words.

Further, your White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs really needs to echo your message on LGBT issues. If you truly are with us in this fight, then Gibbs deflecting every question on DADT, DOMA, Gay Marriage et al. can not be the standard of communication coming from your office. When one sits back and looks at the entire picture from Rick Warren to the DOJ brief and everything in between, it shouldn’t be surprising why people are frustrated. I certainly understand that federal marriage equality is down the road a bit. My question is this: How do we get there without the small changes?

DADT is one thing that you do have an opportunity to make headway on. You have stated your support for its repeal but where is the progress. The last statistic I read said that 250 service men and women have been discharged under DADT during your administration. At what point do you step in and at least temporarily halt the firings until Congress proceeds with legislation. Further, there has been little pressure put on Congress to proceed with this, as indicated by Harry Reid’s hot potato game he’s played with the issue. I’m sick of the buck being passed and it should stop with you.

In conclusion, please know that I am still cheering you on and applauding your efforts daily. I do trust your handling of domestic issues, the economy and foreign policy. I just want you to realize the position you’re in right now. You have the ability to help LGBT community change the hearts and minds of many. I understand the risk you take with all of this but I think keeping promises should come first.

Respectfully,

Theodore Jay

In commermeration of the 1969 Stonewall riots, the month of June is known to many as “Gay Pride Month.” In fact, the Whitehouse has honored the month of June with a special proclamation commemorating the 40th anniversary of that day. You can read the proclamation here. This press release comes at a time when many LGBT Americans are questioning the authenticity of President Obama’s support for our issues and growing increasingly impatient at the lack of progress that has been made. Ironically, it also comes a week after Vice President Dick Cheney declared his support for same-sex marriage; a position he probably held for a long time but never made public because of the political ramifications. The proclamation is, of course, a very nice gesture from a seemingly supportive leader. However, it begs the questions: Ok, now what? 

For months I’ve watched the blogosphere erupt at the silence Obama has exhibited regarding DOMA, DADT, Proposition 8 and more. I haven’t been quick to throw in the towel of support for the President because of these issues. I campaigned for him and donated quite a bit of money to make sure he was elected. I still do believe he was the best choice for American. He has only been in office for 6 months and I’m sure is testing the political waters before drastic changes are made. I understand he’s pragmatic and a master politician, so I’m not that surprised certain things haven’t happened. Yet I find myself growing increasingly frustrating for the lack of leadership on LGBT issues. After-all, Obama promised us a “fierce advocate” in the White House during and after his campaign season. He even was once in support of same sex marriage before he hit the national stage of politics. Expecting him to push for federal marriage rights isn’t what I’m looking for. I do understand that he has to start small; but the key would be starting. 

The Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy and the Defense of Marriage Act need to go. Obama cannot continue to talk about his want for LGBT equality while the government continues to legally discriminate against those people. Recent headlines have been made by Lt. Dan Choi’s, an openly gay Army National Guard member who also happens to be fluent in Arabic, dismissal from serving on the basis of his sexuality. Obama, who could issue an executive order stopping these dismissals (not repealing the policy, but temporarily halting the firings), has done nothing to protect Lt. Choi and others. An executive order would be a temporary fix but more importantly it would be symbolic. It would demonstrate his bravery and his seriousness with regards to this issue. But nothing. 

He has stated that DADT needs to be repealed through a congressional process. Has he called on Pelosi to being said process? If it truly is “out of his hands” then I need to see a bit of delegation to make me feel better. Instead, we’re getting silence and a bit of cheek from Press Secretary Robert Gibbs (whom might be the biggest boob I’ve ever seen). The above video shows a portion of a recent interview in which (in my opinion) Obama has never looked more uncomfortable answering a question about gay rights. 

This past week we’ve heard that the HRC has been lobying for Obama to delay acting on DADT because of the need to push other items through instead. I’m not at all surprised as I stopped supporting the HRC a long time ago. This is the problem when political action groups go to bed with one specific party. So it’s possible, Obama thinks he is listening to the authority on this issue in Joel Solmonese. Someone needs to tell him to wake up and show that fierce advocacy he promised. DADT is a disastrous policy that continues to discharge capable men and women from armed services on the basis of their sexual orientation. It’s a policy that says, “sure you can serve your country but only if you lie about who you are.” I don’t know about you, but I’m done with the closet. 

President Clinton gave us the gifts of DADT and DOMA because of buckling under political pressure. He was not brave. President Obama has shown true leadership recently with spearheading a reformation of health care. He’s also made a very tricky and impassioned speech to the Muslim world while continuing to fix our economy. He is a brave individual in a lot of respects but he’s taking the easy way on this one. In this month of pride, lets not forget that many people are still being fired from their jobs, denied housing and physically beaten because of their sexuality. Those things will not stop without a brave leader stepping up to the plate. Is it you Mr. President?

Rev. Gene Robinson gave an exclusive interview on Rachel Maddow’s show last night were he talked bout the Rick Warren controversy and the role of the LGBT community in the Obama Administration. I don’t have much more to say about this issue, but thought it was post worthy.

The Inauguration Committee announced that Rev. Gene Robinson would deliver the invocation on Sunday as a part of the kickoff of inaugural events. Rev. Robinson is an Episcopalian Bishop who has proven to be quite controversial over the years on account of his open sexuality. So much so that it’s caused a division within the Episcopalian community. While many will assume this is a response to the ongoing Warren debate, sources close to Obama have stated that he has always been in the plans for this.

Whether or not this announcement is a response to the criticism of the Warren pick and an attempt to make nice with the gay community, I’m certainly a big supporter of Rev. Robinson and glad to hear this news. If it was planned, I commend President-Elect Obama for including Rev. Robinson. If it was a calculated response, then it’s certainly nice to know that he takes the criticism of the LGBT community to heart.

I purposely have sat on this story all week without posting a word because I wasn’t sure exactly what to say. For those who haven’t been following Obama’s road to the White House, it was announced this week that Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church will be giving the invocation at the Inauguration. Warren is a conservative evangelical who, as you might remember, hosted the Civil Forum on the Presidency in August that featured both Barack Obama and John McCain. This has outraged many supporters of the President-elect because of the extreme viewpoints Warren has towards homosexuality and his unwavering support of the passage of Proposition 8 in California. Included in that outrage is me. 

Let me start by talking about the facts about Rick Warren. If you venture on to Rick Warren’s church website, you’ll find the following tidbit of information regarding the inclusion of gay and lesbians within his church: “Because membership in a church is an outgrowth of accepting the Lordship and leadership of Jesus in one’s life, someone unwilling to repent of their homosexual lifestyle would not be accepted at a member at Saddleback Church. That does not mean they cannot attend church – we hope they do! God’s Word has the power to change our lives.” But don’t call him homophobic, he has gay friends. Whatever Rick. Additionally, Warren seems to find absolute equivalency of gay marriage to pedophilia. And while it is true that he has done outreach with regards to the HIV/AIDS crisis, this type of speech is hate speech. You will not convince me otherwise. Comparing the relationship of two consenting adults who wish to commit their lives to each other to the sexual abuse of a child is irresponsible, repugnant and senseless. There is nothing “Christ like” about a statement such as that. Finally, Rick Warren was a figurehead with regards to the Yes on 8 campaign in California, which coincidentally is now attempting to invalidate the marriages of the 18,000 couples who were allowed to marry under the brief same-sex marriage law. 

Naturally, when President-elect Obama announced that Rick Warren would be giving the invocation at the inauguration, many were upset. As upset as I am, I will not suggest that Obama is showing his true colors with regards to LGBT issues. I do believe he is sincere in his support. I will also not suggest that he is no longer worthy of my support, as I stand by my vote and will continue to do so. But I will say this. Obama’s selection was a mistake of immense proportions. In selecting Warren, Obama has suggested that hate speech does not disqualify someone from being a moral figurehead. While the nod doesn’t necessarily condone the words of Warren, it certainly gives him a national platform. There were, and still are, hundreds of recognizable, strong Christian leaders who would have appealed to conservatives and evangelicals and at the same time refuse to lead a crusade of intolerance. His choice absolutely boggles my mind. 

I was opposed to the Saddleback forum from the beginning, as I value the separation of the church and state and get uncomfortable when a religious leader had his hand too far in the pot. But if we are to continue allow religious leaders a part in this political process, we have to be strong enough to stand up against the dangerous discourse of people like Warren. Obama had a number of people he could have selected, and he blew this one big time. It was a slap in the face to the LGBT community, and we are rightfully angry. 

This choice suggests to me that the gay community is still the proverbial kicking dog. If Warren was an anti-Semite, a racist or a misogynist he would not be on that stage. Obama would not have “reached across the aisle” to shake hands with a person like that. Obama would not have been able to pass their differences off on a gentlemen’s disagreement. Warren can be strong on climate change and helping the poor until he’s blue in the face but he’s still a bigot. 

Barack Obama is still my President-elect. He is still the one I supported for two years and I do not wish to take that back. I still feel like he will bring economic change, and end to Iraq, a cleaner record on the environment and a resurgence of the American spirit. Part of involvement in the political process is standing up to your leaders and letting them know when you think they’re wrong. The last 8 years have reinforced the idea that it is wrong to do this, that it’s somehow unpatriotic to question your leadership. Well it isn’t and it’s for that reason that I say the following: President-elect Obama, you have disappointed me beyond belief. I am sad and outraged at your choice of Rick Warren and feel it was completely irresponsible of you and your transition team. Going forward, the LGBT community expects better decisions and more honesty regarding your intentions. That’s change I can believe in.

“This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time…”

-Barack Obama, President-elect, 11.4.08, Grant Park, Chicago, IL

To put into words how I feel at the moment is entirely impossible, but I suppose I can try. Tuesday night, in the middle of scenic downtown Chicago, I watched as our country began to heal from years of frustration, pain and despair. Surrounded by elated supporters of Barack Obama, I celebrated in jubilation as CNN projected that Barack Obama would be our next president. I can’t even begin to describe what it means to be a participant of change and a witness of history.

During Barack Obama’s speech, I saw Jesse Jackson crying in the crowd. If you followed the election, you’ll remember that Rev. Jackson at one point made some disparaging comments toward Barack Obama. I was never a huge fan of those comments, and won’t defend them. However, to see him crying tears of joy as Obama took the stage Tuesday night, does say something.

Barack Obama’s victory meant a lot of things, to a lot of different people. If you’re an American who has lived through the civil rights movement and watched the struggles of Dr. King and Medgar Evers, this victory is historic. If you’ve been disenfranchised by traditional politics, the difference of this campaign is monumental. If you’re a younger American who has felt left out of the process, this is your victory as well. Most notably, if you’re an citizen of the United States, regardless of political affiliations, you have to be hopeful about the new direction this country has taken.

Long before I was a blogger, a voter, a gay, a pseudo politico or news junkie, I was an 8 year old in my mother’s arms cheering for Michael Dukakis. Of course I didn’t understand what political positions Dukakis had or why I was really cheering for him, but I did understand why I was there. I knew, at a very young age how important it was to be involved in the system. That is something I owe solely to my parents. So when I see youth and new voters participating in record numbers, it makes me incredibly proud.

As I stood in the middle of Grant Park, I felt a sense of accomplishment. My donations and my efforts finally paid off. It was a very different feeling in 2000 and 2004, obviously. The feeling of your candidate (and he was the one I supported from the beginning) giving his speech of victory is something that is hard to describe. But more remarkable was the fact that I was sharing that feeling with 80,000 people and millions of Americans watching history on television. It’s the first time, in my adult life, I have felt this level of pride in my country (I understood Michelle). We are finally getting it right.

Barack Obama is just a step towards a brighter time for the United States of America. Hopefully he’ll be able to make some great strides towards changing the direction of the country. I’m feeling good about our chances. But remember that change can often be slow and it requires the participation of those who wish to see that change as well. If there was ever a time to continue to participate in the political process, that time is now. Please be a part of it.

Congratulations Senator Obama! I’m with you in this fight.

“Don’t believe for a second that this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes.”

Tomorrow people across this country will be voting in record numbers. Please be prepared for long lines. Get there early, bring a cooler to sit on, talk to your fellow Americans and vote. If you’re in a swing state, expect your vote to be challenged. Bring Identification, proof of where you live, and anything else that will prove your identity should you be challenged. Stand up against voter intimidation…these things will happen.

Electing Barack Obama is the most important step towards repairing the damage that has been done the last 8 years. Keep believing and better days will come.

Let’s do this America!

I posted this a while back. I thought it was fitting to post it this week. I love Levi Kreis and love this awesome tribute to our next president! Hopefully that is.

Don’t be complacent. Vote.