The voice of this National Equality March co-organizer is probably hoarse after yesterday’s roaring speech. But from Cleve Jones’ standpoint, losing the ability to speak for a day or two was well worth it, as he took direct aim at two of his enemies: the White House, and the Human Rights Campaign.
Though he mentioned neither by name (okay, he said “president” but not “Obama”), it was hard not to read between Cleve’s lines. His talk about “prioritizing” rights? That one’s for you, HRC, which stands accused of advising the White House on which gay legislation should receive its attention in favor of other bills. And that message for “leaders and those who represent us”? Well duh, that’s Obama and Congress.
Crhris
I am sort of tired of Cleve already. I attended the 1993 and 2000 MOW’s and they were fantastic. I did not attend this year due to work issues. I watched the speaches on CSPAN end to end.
I felt that they were unimpressive. The crowd/numbers seemed unimpressive, and Cleve Jones in particular was unimpressive.
Bash HRC all you want Cleve but they got the President there, and THEY will be the ones who we can credit for the coming positive actions we are going to see before he leaves office. I know that, I am comfortable with that.
In the next month or so the Matthew Shepard Act will pass! Finally. It has taken a long time thanks to hateful Christians in America and their influence in Congress. I am an indepedent. I am unimpressed with the Democratic leadership in Congress and especially with Democrats who are sitting on their hands as usual.
As much as it pains young activists, HRC and Barney Frank are generally correct and know the way things work, the frustrating time table, etc. WE WILL GET THERE –
I am thankful for HRC and for our President for being at the National Dinner. Good job.
CPP/ TEXAS
YCKTR
As much as it pains young activists, HRC and Barney Frank are generally correct
—–snip—–
Ummm…exactly WHAT has HRC given us? $500 chicken dinners? And…?
!
Landon Bryce
HRC and Barney Frank have been in charge of gay rights in Washington, DC for thirty years. Until the people Frank is disparaging started screaming again, HRC and Barney accomplished nothing. Nothing. The claim that they are generally correct is true if you are Maggie Gallagher or anyone else who hates gay people. Anyone who thinks gay people should have achieved any federal legal ground in the time Barney and HRC have been in charge, should recognize that both are hateful, evil failures.
Does anyone think Obama would have been at the HRC dinner without the threat of the march? Would the recent work that’s happened on DADT have happened without the march?
Of course not.
Despite the proof that the march has already had tangible results, some gays are following Barney’s lead and labeling it a failure. THEY are the failures.
hephaestion
Cleve Jones gave a great speech. Now everyone must regularly contact their elected officials, as Cleve said, or this march meant nothing.
Anti-gay people are mostly retirees with nothing to do all day but call Rush Limbaugh and their congressmen. If we are to succeed we MUST match those hatemongering retirees with lots of calls to our Congressmen. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
The squeaky wheel gets the congressman’s vote, too.
David
70% of the Congress is against the repeal of DADT and DOMA. So, what does Cleve expect the President to do? Wave his magic-wand?
The March didn’t change anyones mind or even persuade anyone. It was a waste of time and money. Thankfully, the media didn’t cover it.
Greg Theron
Cleve Jones always gives a great speech. He is a great leader.
Andrew
Cleve screamed a little. Nothing inspiring or even interesting. Plus, somebody should have dressed him like an adult.
leanleft
For someone who is supposedly progressive, Cleve’s march was no where near representative of our community as a whole. There were two groups of people there- students, many whose colleges paid for them to attend, and middle and upper class white guys, the beautiful class. It was nice to look at – but rather sad that so many other people were not there.
I hope for the people that attended they become engaged and get involved. It is just sad to think what could have been if the organizers had really tried to put a march like this together, with say, an inclusive outreach plan, and at least a years planning. Maybe they would have had 500,000 people instead of 25,000.
Old Timer
The Equality party was a pose. That’s all, a pose. It accomplished nothing, and Cleve Jones is a poser.
Jim Bolton
The gay-internet consensus is the March was very poorly executed. 4 hours of speeches? Most reports half most people “leaving” in the first hour. My friend said when Cleve finally spoke (yelled) there were about 5,000 people left.
The whole thing was just a big waste.
Bill Perdue
Cleve did just fine. His comments and those of others defined the NEM as an anti-Obama rally. It couldn’t have been otherwise.
The time when the debate was framed by differences between Democrats and Republicans or liberals and conservatives, who are really the same animal with different stripes is over.
From now on the debate will be increasingly be a fight between Democrats and Republicans on one side and socialists, trade unionists and radicals on the other side.
Old Timer/Andrew/Josh is shilling for the DNC. Nobody’s buying.
Anthony
Never trust a gay over 30!
Anthony
He was right about Clinton. I could never understand why gays love him. Again, never trust a gay over 30.
Old Timer
From now on the debate will be increasingly be a fight between Democrats and Republicans on one side and socialists, trade unionists and radicals on the other side.
Hey Bill, where can I score some of that weed you’ve been smokin’? I want to see in colors too.
Bill Perdue
Sorry, Old Timer, but from the sound of it more drugs are definitely not what you need.
Try some history books instead.
And while you’re sitting on her lap wagging you tail and taking dictation tell Leah Daughtry that we’re having a very good, very gay day, willya.
Attaboy.
alan brickman
Cleve Jones is an Al Bore“….
Brian
Cleve didn’t give a “speech.” It was a few loud sentences uttered without any emotion or passion. We can all yell demands. Julian Bond gave a good “speech.”
Brian
He is right about the lavish parties for Obama, and the Clintons, too. All you get when you pour bottles of wine and herb-roasted potatoes down a democratic president’s throat is crap coming out of the other end.