Sometimes accustomed to playing Barack Obama lackey and, less often, his critic, HRC president Joe Solmonese wanted to be at the president’s signing of of a federal employee benefits memo because he “wanted to be there … to hear what the president had to say … about DOMA … about the recognition that he needed to not just undertake the acts that he did, but really call on Congress to give him what I see as the other half of this equation, which is the health care benefits.”
Which is all well and good, but we keep hearing from readers who think Joe is there because he’s part of the very establishment that’s withholding our rights, and not a strong enough challengers to the boys’ club that’s barely moving on equality legislation. They see Joe’s attendance at yesterday’s signing (standing behind Obama, applauding, smiling) as a photo op for HRC; Joe standing there told viewers that gay America is pleased with Obama’s efforts. Which we are, but barely.
Joe also says he had a chance to speak privately with Obama, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, and Sen. Joe Lieberman about getting new legislation on the president’s desk. He did not speak to the president about the letter he sent him — you know, the one where he finally called out Obama on all his misdeeds?
charlie-o
You can hear what the president has to say but watching TV; you don’t need to be in the same room, smiling behind him. I think Solmonese suffers from the same syndrome that affects Frank, Baldwin, and will get to Polis quickly. You start cutting deals, making compromises, hanging out with political opponents. Then you become intoxicated with your own power and influence and the access you have with even more powerful people. Pretty soon you’re able to justify anything in your own mind, and you discount the opinions of the dopes who provide you money and votes. What do these dummies know about the real world of politics.
So on to the LGBT DNC fundraiser. Honored speaker is VP Joe Biden, who voted for DOMA in 1996. Chairman of the DNC is Tim Kaine, who as a candidate for VA governor said he opposed a state bill defining marriage as between a man and a woman, but once he got to be governor, changed his mind and signed the bill.
My point? The only “fierce advocates” we have is ourselves – we at our computers, trying to hold these dodgy characters’ feet to the fire as they weave and spin. Patience may be a virtue, but it’s only rewarded in heaven.
Bill
@Charlie-O Bravo! You are absolutely correct. We have to be our own fierce advocates. I emailed Vermont Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin and Bruce Bastian this morning thanking them for their decision not to attend the DNC’s LGBT fundraiser. I encourage all readers to do the same.
mike
LIE?
I doubt President Obama had been given a copy of the Solmonese letter
Cam
Look, he probably made an agreement with the White house something along the lines of this “Look, we are losing fundraising money, and you NEED HRC to keep “The Gays” off your back, so let us write a letter to you complaining a bit. You don’t have to respond and then it will calm “The gays” down for a while. I just can’t trust this sell-out anymore.
Wolf
Joe isn;t in Obama’s pocket. he’s on his knees in front of him.
*slurp*
InExile
Today is a good day to write you Congressman and Senator.
I wrote them each a letter similar to this today:
I wrote letters to both of my Senators and my Congressman today similar to this:
Dear Congressman,
I am writing you today because I am concerned about the current lack of action on the part of our legislative branch and our executive branch on issues that directly affect the lives of gay couples.
Our President promised to work with congress on a range of issues like repeal of DOMA, DADT, ENDA, Hate Crimes, and enacting Civil Unions with full federal benefits. I write you today because I know our President can not achieve movement on these issues alone. I am asking you as a life long democrat who has always volunteered to elect democrats and contributed to democrats to please help get these very important issues moving legislatively.
In tough times like these gay couples are also struggling to keep their heads above water but the difference is they are doing so without the same rights and benefits as heterosexual couples. My life waits in limbo until the Uniting American Families Act passes or until the Defense of Marriage Act is repealed.
I, my friends, and my family will no longer be donating money or assisting in helping democrats be elected to office until legislation is written and passed to stop discrimination against gay couples.
Respectfully,
InExile
Dabq
@InExile: Great post, but, it will go over the heads of readers here, they think that Obama and company are reading their disdain here. And nope as Olbermann said Joe’s a shrewd politician, and, quite an adept one as he knows you can’t go screeching like the posters here do and expect anyone to listen and respect you especially in DC.
Kristian Monday
The better question is was Joe ever out of his pocket?
InExile
@Dabq: I absolutely agree with holding the President accountable for his promises and I am not happy with the lack of progress on his part. That said, we need the congress and the senate to draft these repeals and laws. We also need them to move these things, not just sit on them. The President just said last night he “wanted to work with congress” to repeal DOMA so it is our job to push congress to do their job. Withholding our cash seems to get their attention. They need to know we are not OK with waiting, our patience has run out!
andy_d
@InExile: I’d gladly do so, but my Representative is that homophobe Shelley Moore Capito – who voted AGAINST the Matthew Shepard bill. I’m seriously considering talking to the Mountain Party (a local independent party) about taking her on in 2010.
InExile
@andy_d: It still does not hurt to write and say no more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ until legislation is passed on DOMA, DADT, ENDA, Hate Crimes, and Full Federal rights via Civil Unions, all Obama’s promises.
Bill Perdue
His back pocket.