Didn’t get an invite to the White House’s gay-inclusive Easter Egg Roll? Then here’s your chance to plop down at least $1,000 (or as much as $30,400!) for a seat at the Democratic National Committee LGBT Leadership Council dinner on June 25 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in D.C. Joe Biden will be there! And if you’re lucky, Rick Warren will serve you appetizers! But sorry, the evening’s program is already full, which means you’ll have to wait … till sometime “down the road” … for things like marriage rights and the ability to serve openly in the military. [Queers United]
UPDATE: A letter from the DNC’s openly gay treasurer Andrew Tobias half-criticizes/half-supports Obama’s record on gays thus far. And yes, he still wants your money. IT’S A DOOZY, so we’ve posted the entire letter on the next page (which talks about Rick Warren, marriage, the lack of “signals” that Obama supports us, ), but here are some relevant bits:
It’s hard to be pleased and angry at the same time. Indeed, I think there are medications for that. And yet I think it’s what a lot of us feel these days. we’re pleased to have a President we can be proud of . . . pleased to be one Al Franken away from having at least partial control of the Senate (partial, because not all 60 will always follow orders) . . . and pleased to see our issues just one click off the WhiteHouse.gov home page for all to see ( http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil_rights/ ). But . . . but . . . There are a lot of buts. I’m sorry to send such a long email, but there’s a lot to be frustrated about, and those who feel it most acutely deserve a serious response.
[…] In a perfect world, the President would have parted from Senator Clinton and run in the primary supporting marriage equality. Instead, he called for full repeal of DOMA. That was his position then, that is his position now. Once achieved, it will have the effect of giving all 1,138 Federal benefits of marriage to any couple – from any state – that takes a trip to Massachusetts or anywhere else they can get legally married. That’s a very big deal. I totally get that we wish he could just turn around now, a few months after the election, and – having won – say he now favors marriage equality. Or make a statement congratulating the people of Iowa and Maine and New Hampshire – which amounts to the same thing.
[…] At some point in time I truly believe Obama will mount the bully pulpit in favor of gay marriage. But the timing is the important factor. If you read Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals” you will see the our pre-eminent president on moral issues did not jump on them from the very beginning. He waited until the timing was exactly right. Timing is everything in making sure you bring about the result you want.
[…] But – in the words of Dixon Osburn, who co-founded SLDN and spent 13 years running it – “The notion that the President could do away with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell with ‘a stroke of the pen’ is misleading.”
From: Andrew Tobias
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009
Subject: progress and frustration – Part Deux [long – save for later if swamped]
It’s hard to be pleased and angry at the same time. Indeed, I think there are medications for that. And yet I think it’s what a lot of us feel these days.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
We’re pleased to have a President we can be proud of . . . pleased to be one Al Franken away from having at least partial control of the Senate (partial, because not all 60 will always follow orders) . . . and pleased to see our issues just one click off the WhiteHouse.gov home page for all to see ( http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil_rights/ ).
But . . . but . . .
There are a lot of buts.
I’m sorry to send such a long email, but there’s a lot to be frustrated about, and those who feel it most acutely deserve a serious response. Don George’s comments at the end are particularly noteworthy.
With the caveat that this is in no way an official email – I never clear these emails with anyone in advance, in hope that one day I will go SO far astray I will at last be fired and get my life back – let me try to address some of the frustration.
Before getting to MARRIAGE and the MILITARY, a quick preamble:
1. I believe Barack and Michelle Obama are truly committed to our equality. It is not their very first priority, but it is real. And that’s true, I think, of people like Nancy Pelosi and Howard Dean (who, now that he is no longer DNC Chair, was able to come out full-bore for Vermont marriage) and our new DNC chair Tim Kaine — and Barney Frank, for that matter, who was the subject of tremendous community ire last year, yet who, to so many of us, is an extraordinary hero.
2. I think we’re going to make a lot of progress in the relatively near future – but I agree with those who feel that, however rapidly it comes, it is – by some measures – not soon enough. How CAN it be? We deserved fully equality from the day we were born. Our Constitution guarantees it.
3. I think we need to keep the pressure on – as in Richard Socarides’s excellent Washington Post op-ed so many have read, and in David Mixner’s comments to the press, to take just two examples – and yet at the same time show our support (as Richard and David are doing with their attendance at the June 25 dinner).
I think we should even allow ourselves to enjoy the milestones, as each one is reached, even though, in a perfect world, they would have been reached earlier.
If we get Gender Identity-inclusive Hate Crimes legislation this summer or fall, and ENDA this fall or winter, let’s not spend TOO much of our energy angry that we didn’t get them this past Spring.
We need to be impatient – and we deserve to be – and yet at the same time, we need to be supportive. The more successful this President is, the better it will be for us.
From what I’ve seen of Law & Order, Bad-Cop/Good-Cop is more effective than bad-cop alone. June 25 is about “good cop.”
4. Our President has a pretty good head for politics. The goals set out on the White House web site are real. I believe we can expect him to move in a deliberate, strategic, pragmatic way to achieve them.
Now to specifics:
RICK WARREN
This sucked. But as hurtful as that was, I believe the goal was to strengthen the President’s ability to govern. The evangelicals would get the invocation; the progressives would get the legislation. The community was absolutely right to express public dismay over Warren’s positions and statements. Indeed, our well-reasoned expressions of dismay may have opened more hearts and minds in the heartland than the Invocation closed – a plus. But even if the President’s instincts should prove to have been wrong and this tactical move does not ultimately help him achieve progressive goals, I think we should at least consider the possibility that that was his intent.
SIGNALS
There have not been enough. But let’s dismiss the ones there have been – ranging from that very public White House agenda to, as silly as it may seem, the invitation of 110 openly gay families to the Easter egg roll. That story made the national TV news. Millions of people saw that our families are deemed by this administration to be as good as any others.
Signals matter. I think we will see more of them.
PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS
We deserve more than just the couple dozen of note so far. But it’s not nothing that the head of the civil service, with jurisdiction over the treatment of millions of Federal employees, is an openly gay man. Or that the chair of the White House Council of Environmental Quality is an openly gay woman. We need to keep pushing and putting ourselves forward as candidates.
THE MILITARY
This is an issue a lot of us have worked on and invested in for a long time. Aubrey Sarvis at SLDN and Aaron Belkin and Nathaniel Frank at the Michael Palm Center are doing amazing work to repeal DA/DT. They deserve our continued strong support.
And publicly (“bad cop”) it’s fine simply to demand immediate repeal. That’s one of the things that has helped bring public support heavily our way. It is NUTS to separate outstanding servicemen like Arab linguist Dan Choi. A great many Americans get that by now, which is why we may be almost there. Congress doesn’t have to be particularly brave to do this.
But – in the words of Dixon Osburn, who co-founded SLDN and spent 13 years running it – “The notion that the President could do away with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell with ‘a stroke of the pen’ is misleading.”
Here is his analysis:
>
I remember going to the Pentagon with Dixon and his SLDN co-founder Michelle Benecke for a tense meeting with the Undersecretary of Defense many years ago. The two of them were terrifically well prepared and tough as nails. We could not have had better advocates – and the same is true of Aubrey now.
As frustrating as it is to have to wait even one day more, I think we have to accept that, in not getting it done in his first four months in office, the President has not betrayed us. He is committed to the goal.
MARRIAGE
In a perfect world, the President would have parted from Senator Clinton and run in the primary supporting marriage equality.
Instead, he called for full repeal of DOMA. That was his position then, that is his position now.
Once achieved, it will have the effect of giving all 1,138 Federal benefits of marriage to any couple – from any state – that takes a trip to Massachusetts or anywhere else they can get legally married.
That’s a very big deal.
I totally get that we wish he could just turn around now, a few months after the election, and – having won – say he now favors marriage equality. Or make a statement congratulating the people of Iowa and Maine and New Hampshire – which amounts to the same thing.
But imagine the press conferences. And think back to how well this kind of early, highly controversial pro-gay advocacy served President Clinton.
I submit for your consideration a post on this topic from Don George, whose thoughtful contributions on LGBT donor listserves some of you may have seen in the past. On Friday, he posted this (in a thread about marriage):
>
So there you have it. I am not challenging your frustration – I share it. But I beg you to play Good Cop as well as Bad Cop, and to help this amazing President succeed.
Since sending “part one” a few hours ago, JOAN GARRY and MARY BONAUTO have signed on to join you for dinner in Washington June 25th. My hero Joan led GLAAD for eight years. My hero Mary – of “the other GLAD” with one ‘A’ – was lead counsel on Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts case that established the right of same-sex couples to marry.
Join us! It’s going to be a great dinner and we need you.
www.democrats.org/LGBTdinner
Thanks!
Andy
Dennis
Uh, so going to a republican fundraiser would serve our interests better? Or attending a wingnut tea party? Who are are friends in D.C.? If we have ANY, it’s still the dems.
Better yet, contact the ‘Dem Nat’l Leadership GLBT’ council and say they need to find their fucking spine and that the administration better start delivering something REAL, something TANGIBLE to us, or they aren’t getting a damn dollar!
Oaklander
The complaints against Obama and the DNC are valid. Your shouldn’t undermine yourself and your important anger so much with this constant pouting. Lets get serious about supporting a voice that can speak for us to the most likely listeners.
dgz
@Dennis: Uh, so find me where in the post it says to donate to the GOP? you advocate witholding money… guess what the post says? don’t jump down queerty’s throat unless it’s deserved, or they’ll become desensitized to criticism from people who actually read their writing.
InExile
We ALL need to make it clear to ALL the Democrats that we will not send them one cent until we have equality. Money is what these people understand since they have no character. CUT OFF THE MONEY!!!! AND PROTEST!!!!!
Michael W.
@Dennis: They’re our “friends,” alright. Those kind of “friends” who don’t want to be seen with you in public cause you’re gay.
johnvisser
HELL NO, WE WON’T GO!!!
But I bet Joe Solmonese (HRC) will be there!!
Tony
Dennis, with friends like Obama, who needs enemas???
And umm, I feel like Obama is saying “Rhianna, you know I love you, forget about those other bitches like McClurkin and Warren. Now give me my money, BITCH”.
This bitch isn’t going to take it anymore..
Support those who support full equality for LGBT people.
The Gay Numbers
I agree with regard to withholding money. And, don’t beat up on Dennis- he’s of the percentage of Obama wingnuts who circle the wagons first, and listen second.
Stitch
You’re right. Better yet, let’s give our money to the Republicans. That’ll show em (that we’d cut off our noses to spite our own self-absorbed faces.)
Stitch
Maybe if we spent more time politicking and less time masturbating, we’d get something done.
As of right now, the Dwain Leland post has had over 12,000 views. The post on New Hampshire probably becoming the 6th state to have marriage equality has had 223.
Tony
@Stitch
No Stitch, give money to the individual politicians who support us. When they do well, word will get around and others wanting our money will support full equality.
MTiffany
@Oaklander: “Lets get serious about supporting a voice that can speak for us to the most likely listeners.” How about if we start demanding results in return for our money instead of cheap talk?
Tony
@MTiffany
Exactly!
CitizenGeek
Don’t donate to Obama, donate to Paterson, Deval Patrick, Gramholm, Shumer, etc. Support those that support full equality!
Alec
@CitizenGeek: Where has Governor Granholm stated she supports marriage equality?
Alec
Also, what happened to the post on Jenny Durkan, the first openly gay US attorney nominee who will, contra queerty’s editors, be subject to senate confirmation?
Is that no longer an attractive topic for some reason?
The Gay Numbers
It’s a simple principle that brings fear to Obama’s online shills:
“We support those who support us. “
Chitown Kev
@Alec:
gosh, I hate that I put that canard out there.
I am seeing an awful lot of pro-gay statements by Granholm but not one about marriage equality…yet
Tony
@The Gay Numbers
It’s a simple principle that brings fear to Obama’s online shills:
“We support those who support us. ”
Ditto.
Alec
@The Gay Numbers: More power to those who withhold money from President Obama. My support for him has never been premised on his support for gay rights alone, but on a variety of issues (and I have many problems with his administration beyond his failed leadership on DADT, most notably the military commissions).
Not that I donated that much to him, but I do love being called a shill simply for having a rounded, realistic view of a national politician.
Alec
@Chitown Kev: I love the governor. I’ve met her three times, I’ve campaigned for her, etc. But I don’t believe she supports marriage equality, or at least she hasn’t said anything about it one way or the other, as far as I know.
Chitown Kev
@Alec:
nah, civil unions only is what she supports.
Chitown Kev
@Alec:
Let the name calling against governor granholm roll out…
although I like the governor too. And she’s not even my governor.
Alec
@Chitown Kev: Makes much more sense. Particularly in MI where civil unions poll well, but marriage, as evidenced by proposal 2, does not.
Of course, even getting civil unions will require revisions to the constitution, thanks to proposal 2.
Sam
Gay folk should NEVER donate to the DNC. The DNC spends most of their money on Democrats in “swing districts” aka those districts where the Dem is likely to be a “moderate” who is bad on gay issues.
Always give to the candidate, never the party. Unless you want your money going to elect homophobes.
Chitown Kev
@Alec:
Thankfully, it is very, very, VERY hard to do that in Illinois outside of a Constitutional convention (we voted down a constitutional convention last year).
damon459
I can’t believe people still believe politicians period. I’m 30 yrs old I stopped believing politicians 10 yes ago they all lie every last one of them. They will tell you anything at all to get elected once they’re in office a queer votes lost won’t bother them next time save your money for something worth while.
andy_d
Let’s go to this shameless self-promotion, but stay outside WITH PICKET SIGNS!
Dabq
LOL, the posters here with the big bucks the posters here have donate to “gay friendly” politicians, all that money to burn and still no results since anyone can be “gay friendly” for a price for a vote. I won’t give any national politicians a penny, since, once they have the money, it does not mean they will stand up for what they said they will.
The gay community needs, a messenger with a coherent message, and, not one of them is a poster on gay blogs since they think screeching will get the job done, when anyone with a clue knows, its organztion.. Every movement had someone people could relate to and spread the message, the glbt fight does not seem to have a single one, ugh.
The Gay Numbers
Al@Alec: then you really do not support gay rights, and should not in the future pretend like you do. The rubber hits the road at whether or not you are willing to do something more than lip service to the cause. I used to work on poverty issues. Met folks all the time who would say “I am of course against poverty. I would ask them to donate time and effort to cause.’ They didn’t. I said, well you you just put the rubber to the road of what you reallys tand for.
The Gay Numbers
@Alec: Oh, an d yes, under the circumstances, which happens to be gay rights, you are being a shill. You are not offering a substantive reason why those who support gay rights at a gay rights event should donate money other than to say that those people should support Obama because he supports non gay rights cause. IN context, you are chanign the subject, which is one of the most basic tools of shilling.
The Gay Numbers
@Dabq: Do you assume that only poor people read blogs?
Alec
@The Gay Numbers: I never said they should support Obama, if purity is their goal. My time and money generally goes to the ACLU, for example, because I’m most often in agreement with that organization on the issues. When I do support political candidates, I generally support Democrats.
And the ACLU, in general, is pretty uncompromising on gay rights, among other things. But, whatever, now that I know that *you* don’t believe I support gay rights, all is well in the world.
sal(the original)
its like takes,they have no problem taking it from us but when we want our share …blah!
sal(the original)
it’s like TAXES lol error
The Gay Numbers
@Alec: This is the context of the Queerty article:
“Here’s your chance to plop down at least $1,000 (or as much as $30,400!) for a seat at the Democratic National Committee LGBT Leadership Council dinner on June 25”
In context, for you to try to disparage others by saying, “My support for him has never been premised on his support for gay rights alone, but on a variety of issue,” is the definition of shilling because it says, “It does not matter that they are not doing shit on gay issues. You should still show up to a dinner for gay rights issues although they are doing nothing for you. And, oh, yeah, hand them up to $34,000 for it.”
If the dinner were about something else, your comment might be relevant. In context, it’s is not the ” realistic view of a national politician” that you claim. Politicians on issues respond to votes and money. It’s the height of stupidity to hand them money at a gay event until they show us some progress on gay issues.
The Gay Numbers
@Alec: PS: I do not give a shit where you spend your money. Just don’t pretend others are wrong for saying they want quid pro quo. Were you as “realistic” as you claim, you would understand this is politics 101. I can not imagine the banking industry plopping down the dough plop down without thinking they would have influence over banking reuglation debate (a la the watered down credit card bill). It’s the height of naivette to expect gays to accept less for our dollars.
Tom in Lazybrook
@johnvisser:
If you want to look rich and get absolutely nothing accomplished, work the Human Rights Campaign and have a nice dinner. Where are they on this issue? (birds chirping – except the HRC Treasurer publically called against the repeal now). Where are they on ENDA? (Announced that HRC wouldn’t support ENDA unless it has T protections included – making it VASTLY harder to pass – the net result of the HRC’s posturing will likely be that ENDA will not come up for a vote anytime this session even though it could pass without the T included.).
atdleft
@Tony: Overall, I agree. That’s why I usually do my donating at ActBlue and give directly to progressive Democrats (and my local party) who support full LGBT civil rights. Just look up your favorite Dems there and support them, and PLEASE support your local parties/Stonewall Dem clubs so they can keep organizing!
Cam
Nope, i’ll just donate to charity this year. I gave to Obama and the DNC before the election. If they won’t do anything then there is no reason to expect my support. And PLEASE don’t tell me that they’ll get to it, they’re just waiting for the right time. That is what we were told about the Clinton adminstration for 8 years and guess what…it never happened. If their feet aren’t held to the fire politicians do nothing.
Dabq
@atdleft: Excellent post, support your local Stonewall group or progressives who will stand by what they say on glbt issues.
BrianZ
@The Gay Numbers: I agree with you. We are not at a stage in the political fight for gay rights where we must contribute to the party who appears to be the most gay-friendly. The community has burnished its reputation for fundraising, and bitchiness. It’s time that hammer is used to its potential.
The only lip-service I am in favor of paying for these days is not related to politics.
InExile
NO ACTION = NO CASH
Easy enough for the characterless politicians to understand!
John
I will support my nearest vodka, because it has never let me down and is always willing to help me in math class. I love you vodka, you’re my best friend.
Alec
@The Gay Numbers: In the context, you refer to “shilling” as anyone who questions the persistent anti-Obama bias on this website. Just today they were caught with their pants down inventing an anti-Obama slant to his appointment of a lesbian for US attorney for the Western District of Washington.
I firmly believe President Obama should be criticized where he fails to move on gay issues, and by all means, withhold money. I really do not care; in fact, I do think that, for those for whom that issues trumps any others, they should withhold money. But don’t pretend this is purity of purpose we’re witnessing here. I strongly suspect one or more of the editors here is opposed to President Obama for reasons that go well beyond any failures on LGBT issues.
Moreover, your comment on my stance on gay rights was simply factually incorrect.
Dave
As a 52 yr old Gay Man I wish President Obama could have at least have said something positive About the states that Have Passed Marriage Equality but have learned long ago not to get my hopes up But I Do support the President. But when I look back at my life after having Lost my First Love in 1991 to aids after 13 yrs together and my greatest Champion my mother who Died 4 months earlier. I saw the ugly side of life I lost my home half of my income and his Life Insurance to his Hateful Homophobic Family ( his Evangelical Mother informed me he got what he deserved)so Marriage does mean something and after having lost most of my close circle of friends that are now Dead and wonder why I’m still alive so I’ll give My President time after all its only been 4 months on the Job. I’ve Been waiting and fighting for 30 yrs to see whats happening now so waiting a little longer is no problem. And I am a Lucky Man I met someone in 1993 and are still together and we just Celebrated our 16th year together we were married in D.C on the March on Washington Protest in 1993 in a Mass Wedding with the Reverand Troy Perry So Lets give him Time its close and I hope the Certificate We received from that day Will be worth more than the Paper its written on.
Dabq
@Dave: Thank you for sharing your story and wisdom, and, much happiness to you and your partner!
Dabq
@Alec: I agree Alec, this daliy Fox-Newslike Obama nonsense has not one thing to do with the inaction of Obama on glbt issues, even Stevie Wonder can see that with each and every thead.
Bill Perdue
No money at all shouold be donated to the Democrats and Republicans or to LCR, Stonewall Dems or HRC or any group that acts as a front for the twin parties.
If people want to use their money wisely they can donate it to GLBT legal activist groups or to fund LGBT marches and demonstrations, or give it to the antiwar movement or trade union strike funds.
It’s suicidal to support the bigots who run the Republican and Democratic parties. Instead those who donated to them should demand their money back because they donated based on lies like ‘fierce defender of gay rights’ when the truth was just the opposite. Obama and McCain and their parties are both are enemies.
BrianZ
@Dabq: Which begs me to ask how you rationalize the commentary from the traditional media regarding the Obama administration and their track record so far with the gays?
I would be inclined to agree that someone inside the Queerty machine has a bone to pick with Obama and his administration, justified or not, and that they go to lengths to point that out.
I would also be inclined to agree with others who suggest that those advocating patience in the face of silence are, politely, not interested in pursuing gay rights as strongly as they might be in other political issues.
Geoff
I’m an American first, so for me it depends on the situation/cause for me to give any money…however I’m rapidly feeling left out in the cold as far as President Obama’s agenda so far. I know he has a lot on his plate right now, but he could be doing or saying something to let me know GLBTs are on his radar.
Lee
@Alec:
“anti Obama bias”????
Once again you prove that your and DABQ’s, ad nauseum, REAL interest is defending a personality over your gay brothers and sisters. They are our “bias” and we have no reason to defend it.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT OBAMA NO MATTER HOW OFTEN YOU AND OTHERS TRY TO MAKE IT.
It IS about what he, as the current President, has done and not done, said and not said, since becoming President in relation both to LGBT rights generally and the explicit promises he made to advance them.
It IS about the FACT that in terms of SUBSTANCE we are no better off than we were on January 19th when Bush was still President, when Bush, like Obama now, was doing nothing to overturn DADT and DOMA, when Bush, like Obama now, was doing nothing to advance ENDA and hate crimes legislation.
YOU have supplied no FACTS to back up your defense of the indefensible. Again and again you sound like nothing more than a Claymate, an Elvis or MARdonna freak.
AT LEAST you could stop repeating the same drivel over and over and entertain us by enlisting Chris Crocker to record a “LEAVE BRITNEY er OBAMA ALONE!!!!” video.
[img]http://www.blogcdn.com/www.urlesque.com/media/2009/04/chris-crocker-leave-britney.jpg[/img]
jim
Gays have survived prior Democrat & Republican presidencies and we’ll survive future presidencies of either party. No more pink dollars and no more pink votes till both parties agree that bigotry is bigotry plain and simple, whether you wrap the bigotry in religion, nationalism or fear.
Alec
@Lee: You’re dreaming. The editors here deleted an absurdly biased post that invented an anti-gay slant to Obama’s appointment of an openly lesbian US attorney for the Western District of Washington (claiming, erroneously, that it wasn’t impressive because US attorneys weren’t subject to senate confirmation, which is false).
In fact Obama will sign the hate crimes bill, which will make him the first president to sign pro-gay legislation. It will be followed by ENDA before the year is out. And his office did release a statement supporting the hate crimes legislation before it was voted on in Congress, a fact that his critics have overlooked.
If this is about substance, his critics aren’t interested, clearly.
Blake
No money for the party or Obama until they show some movement. No renewal for HRC until Joe grows a set and starts to hold Obama to his promises. Tired of this crap…
Dabq
@Lee: Your immaturity and rage shows with every post, and, you offer nothing to any conversation, other than those lame, tacky pictures and petty insults instead of constructive debate. The editors put out a story, its to be debated, and, in the real world, adults realzie that not everyone is going to agree with them, but, are mature enough to debate it.
You really need to grow up, get a clue and take a chill pill, the hate of Obama isn’t going to change anything. Being combative day and night isn’t helping anything but, I guess for those with no life, friends and just a message board to rant all its all you have, and more power to ya boo since its apparent you have been raging for a while here but thank goodness you are still a nobody with nothing to offer anyone in the real world, now thats one you can put in your book of little girl screaming since I assume you are female as no real man would be as over the top and shrill.
And, after reading your poorly written posts, i doubt if you really and truley care about the “gay brothers and sisters,” you care about your own self inflated, boring ego.
Dabq
@Dabq: Oop’s,, fingers going to fast:And, after reading your poorly written posts, I doubt if you really and truly care about the “gay brothers and sisters,” you care about your own self inflated, boring ego and, cough, cough, cough, rights.
The Gay Numbers
Alec
Please give it a rest. I agree about this site. That has nothing to do with this particular conversation. I am fact specific. You are a shill precisely because you are not. By responding as you do to this particular opinion piece you are effectively saying you do not character whether the facts are right- you support Obama. I get it. But it is still shilling. Were they going off on something irrelevant- as you have seen in the past- i am one o the first to say they are. but when Queerty is right, then it’s right. Ia m not interested in in simple minded knee jerk responses from other camp here.
Alec
@The Gay Numbers: Nonsense. The editors here have shown that they don’t care what the facts are; President Obama will be criticized regardless of what he does. So such “tangents” are relevant, given the character of this site and the refusal to acknowledge reality.
The Gay Numbers
Alec
I see. So, your logic is that becasue they are wrong most of the time that rationalizes your behavior here for being wrong in this particular instance. You know- I was taught two wrongs don’t make a right. But apparently in your world it does. Thanks for sharing. Again, the reality is a conversation about whether gays who see gay causes as their important issue should give money or not. Hence, the reference to a gay event. I am really not interested in their shilling when they are wrong OR YOURS.
Alec
@The Gay Numbers: I don’t think I’m being wrong here. I’ve said at least twice now that I don’t have a problem with those who won’t support President Obama or the Democratic Party because of its stance on gay rights, and merely noted that I resented being called a shill and an opponent of gay rights because I continued to support him with reservations.
You’re the one who has taken this to absurd levels.
edgyguy1426
@Stitch: Well the site has never claimed to BE all about politics, BUT maybe some who come for the visuals will get in some extra-curricular reading and learn something..at some point. Here’s hoping
marcus
@Dave: thanks for a moving story. A lot of us having been waiting like you for what seems like forever.
2, long term, successful relationships and the first one only ended because of death. It angers me so that after reading your example that anyone would could keep us from marrying. We have got to believe in ourselves, not the politicians. We can do this without them. We think we cannot, but we can. Do you think any oppressor ever gave those they oppressed their freedom joyfully, no. They did it because they had no more choice and that what we have to create, no more choice, for them.
Michael W.
I’m surprised Queerty and most of the other gay blogs don’t have posts with the number to vote for Adam Lambert on American Idol.
Nevertheless, the number is 1-866-436-5705.
There’s probably millions of homophobes voting against him.
james james
@Alec: no, you’re just an Obot
james james
@Dave: well you’re only 50 … give it another 30 years …
james james
@Dabq: Obot
james james
@Alec: Obot
Paul
I cancelled my membership to HRC years ago. Then I cancelled my membership to the DNC several years later. Now, I will withhold my money for any future Obama campaign. He has just done it in for me by his deafening silence all all issues that are GLBTQ related.
My hard earned GAY dollars are only going to candidates who actually do something and more importantly to GLBTQ or allied organizations who do something to advance the cause of GLBTQ civil rights.
The Dems are in power, now they have to earn their keep. Thus far this administration is in the negative account balance.
The Gay Numbers
Alec
You are being a shill. It’s only ‘absurd’ because shills do not like hearing or are trying to deflect from what they are doing. Either way- it’s what you are doing in the context of this article. You are not adding anything other than you do not like this site talking about Obama. Get over it. My priorities, unlike yours, are not Obama. He will take care of himself, especially with apologists like you lurking. My concern is whether or not I will marry one day (if I decide I want to marry) and whether or not my friends now can marry.
marcus
If the Democrites or Obama want pay then there gonna have to play.
There are to many hungry children, people suffering from horrible diseases to flush my cash straight into their cesspool.
Dabq
@james james: Nah, not really,just a rational adult who lives in the world called reality, not the shrill online posters who live in a make believe one that you and the other ones who have no clue as to how government works and realizes that HRC didn’t win, and, its sad that her rabid, bitter fans of the parton saint of gays who think they are so smart have yet to realize that tiny detail LOL.
Civics lessons taught at a circuit party hardly makes you one to have the capacity to discuss how government works in the real world.
OhYeah
Obama and company have not kept their promises on GLB matters. At least not yet. Big surprise! They’re politicians. Politicians don’t keep promises. We’ll progress, anyway. At least with the states for now.
Ginny
we’re not ATMs, the answer is no
Lex
It’s fun to read posts by people who only care about their sexuality and forget they’re also Americans.
Some of you really need to get your priorities straight. At this point it’s too late to whine about the President. Hope for the best and support him because what he does or doesn’t do will affect us all regardless of sexuality.
It’s stupid to take a stance where all you’ll do is close your eyes and cry nonstop about everything. It’s too late. Four years under Obama. Do something about it or shut up. Help the country or stop talking.
Jake
No but seriously….can we find a way to get rid of Joe Solmonese?
HRC is the biggest gay rights group (sadly) and I have yet to meet a single person (who doesn’t work for HRC) who believes he is even a competent, let alone effective, leader.
michael
@Dabq: Oh we have Mr. Phd in government bullshit telling us to sit pretty with our hands in our laps because he is so sure that its all winding its way through the system as it should and that no progress reports or anything should be expected because, well we just have to take his word for it and Joe S. is privy to this top secret information about what Obama is doing, blah, blah, blah. I am sure all that would have been enough to have made M.L. King jr. stop making his speeches & stop his demonstrations and his speaking out. You are so full of crap. What, do you work for Obama and fear that your job might only last 4 years? Or loose your Christmas ham if you don’t get those homo’s to settle down? You’ve got some personal stake in telling us all the crap you do, your posts have that stench.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
schlukitz
@Paul:
Like you, I too canceled my membership with HRC and the DNC.
Both organizations are about as effective as tits on a bull!
CitizenGeek
@Dennis: I hate how Obama and Biden is ignoring us, but in fairness Dennis is right. If it’s a choice between Republicans and Dems, then we should definitely be supporting Dems!
Bill Perdue
@CitizenGeek: What nonsense.
Democrats and Republicans have virtually identical positions on the three main questions that GLBT folks want solved. Clinton, Bush and now Obama all drive the same bus.
They both oppose our agenda; the difference is that the Republicans don’t lie about it. Obama and the Democrats have adopted a chilling hostility towards advancing our agenda, attempting to hold it back until the next election cycle when they can dump it again to cover their asses and pander to the bigot vote they count on.
Both parties unconditionally support the genocidal oil wars in South Asia and US subsidized policies of apartheid and ethnic cleansing against Palestinians. Those policies endanger us all by creating more and more terrorists the longer they go on. They’re a recipe for disaster. The war drives politics to the right and is used as an excuse for attacks on the Bill of Rights.
Both parties participate in a massive theft of trillions to cover the losses of the looter rich. That’s been going on since Clinton deregulated banks. Bush and Obama, in equal measure, fought for congressional passage of bailouts. Like a good little lap dog Obama handed the looter rich trillions of dollars while demanding austerity measures from workers and trade unions.
Most Americans, in a huge shift of opinion unlike anything seen in 70 years, now describe themselves as independents. The radicalization of the LGBT movement is throwing up new groups like the one responsible for the Dallas Principles left and left. Reliance on the Democrats is a loser’s game.
Perico429
Thus far when it comes to LGBTQ issues in Washington DC, I have seen no change at all…. As far as I am personally concerned, no change no money.
betrue
Given the shrillness of the conversation here, it makes me think Republicans are fanning the flames of division and anxiety in our midst. I mean – really, the tone is so GOP.
At the end of the day: we are still at an unprecedented cross roads for achieving LGBT civil rights under this administration. What’s more, we are poised to do it against the backdrop of Republicans along with their medieval religious zealots cannibalizing each other in abject defeat.
A repeal of DADT does require congress and leading political analysts overwhelming agree it is on the way. Some political analysts also believe with the tide of gay marriage gaining momentum across the country, Obama may be able to use the term himself one day. Realistically, DOMA may not be achievable until later in his terme, although that time table may be moved up – if we continue to aggressively organize.
Oddly, that Obama inherited a nation spiraling out of control is left entirely out of your estimates. It’s mind boggling his administration has been able to resuscitate the American Titanic he inherited from Bush in a mere 4 months. For those willing to pay attention, it’s an act of historic statesmanship.
Also, recall that Obama’s consensus building has to be formed – not for us – but to effectively engage the rest of the country, the vast majority of which is still wildly dis-informed, and uninformed regarding LGBT issues. The chorus of anxiety on here is what he would call, group-think.
As for LGBT issues, your rushing for the doors is worthy of an evangelical’s fear baiting. Where is your recognition that unless you stay invested and involved the other side continues to determine social, policy and legal priorities? Maybe since you’re so tired and cynical, this is the time for you to finally join Limbaugh’s new RNC. He’d love to have you, and our movement needs people with vision, strength and character, not whiners.