As one might expect him to be. President Obama, who supported same-sex marriage back when he was running for the Illinois State Senate, now only supports civil unions. But even more so, he wants the states to decide. So what happens when a state does decide — and decides to legalize same-sex marriage — like Maine just did?
He has no comment.
ABC News’ Jake Tapper asked White House press secretary Robert Gibbs:
JAKE TAPPER: Does the President or the White House have a reaction to the Governor of Maine signing a same-sex marriage bill?
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.
ROBERT GIBBS: No, I think the President’s position on same-sex marriages has been talked about and discussed.
JAKE TAPPER: He opposes same-sex marriage.
ROBERT GIBBS: He supports civil unions.
JAKE TAPPER: Does that mean that he’s going to say or do anything against what the citizens of Maine–
ROBERT GIBBS: Not that I’m aware of. I think the President believes this is an issue that’s best addressed by the states.
Mark
Okay, I’m getting a bit irritated with our president. This is a seriously important domestic issue and he HAS NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT?
Impossible.
ToddieToes
This just pisses me off to no end. I guess it doesn’t matter that millions of LGBT voters supported him, does it? How many more times are we going to get thrown under the bus? I supported this man like there was no tomorrow.
Lee
Tapper got off easy.
Gibbs, famous in gay circles not so long ago for declaring that Obama was definitely going to repeal DADT, though he didn’t indicate in what century, is a pig.
During the primaries, a writer for a gay paper in Ohio recalled:
“In my 12 years as a reporter, I have never experienced anything quite like Obama’s national communication director Robert Gibbs. I wasn’t biting on the crap he tried to feed me, and he got offended. When I stood there not writing any of it down, Gibbs said to me, ‘Let me tell you how this works. I talk and you write down what I say’. ‘I’ll write down what you say when you answer the question’, I responded, adding that ‘I’m no campaign’s stenographer’. Gibbs actually took the pen and pad out of my hands and wrote his own answer! Would Gibbs treat a New York Times reporter this way? How about a Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter?”
Even “Daily Kos” creator and huge Obama supporter Markos Moulitsas Zuniga once described Gibbs as: “a smear-meister best known for his work trashing other Democrats. Obama clearly dipped into the slimiest corners of DC to pluck out Gibbs.”
Tony
This is no shock. Obama is a typical gay hater. He really helped the YES ON 8 Campaign with his “God is in the mix” statement days before the election.
WAKE. UP. LGBT PEOPLE. This guy hates us!
Remember:
1) McClurkin
2) Warren
3) God is in the mix.
Obama = Gay hating douchebag.
Jake
I’m NOT an Obama fan by any means, but his silence is the best thing right now. The religious right is just waiting for him to say something so they can pounce and make an issue of it. As long as the president keeps his mouth shut on the issue, we can keep the momentum going with limited attention from the media which seems to be working.
afrolito
Millions of LGBT voters supported him? Really?
In any case, what is he supposed to do with this news? Issue a day of gay and raise a rainbow flag at half mast from the White House? His position on same sex marriage was the same as every other candidate running for the presidency….Hillary included.
Why this site, and certain gays are trying to make him into the poster child for homophobia is becoming tiresome, and more than a bit telling.
The man is not actively trying to hold gay right down, or threatening to veto bills that uphold gay rights, so what exactly is the problem again?
Kid A
“God is in the mix.”
What the hell does that even mean?
If Obama wants to be seen as a civil rights leader 100 years from now, he’s missing his chance.
Jesus christ.
Roy Pyatt
Obama has turned into such douchebag.
Mark M
@Tony:
I 100% agree. And I am sick and tired of gay people trying to convince me that he isn’t a phobe.
It looks like a duck, and it sounds like a duck.
geoff
He only cared about gay people until the campaign contribution checks cleared.
getreal
@Tony: We are all disappointed in Obama’s stance on gay marriage and sad that he is waiting to pass federal gay marriage legislation. It would be politically ill advised to do so right now sadly. As Jake mentioned the religious right is waiting to make this a wedge issue. The national polls show movement on this issue 9 points in the last month. This is going to happen President Obama will be the one to do it. As someone who worked on the No on Prop 8 campaign and is now working on the repeal Prop 8 campaign I am very informed on the Presidents gay rights voting record he has consistently supported gay rights his entire career. I am getting very sick of people name checking the Prop 8 campaign then passing on specious facts. People from his own administration have leaked that this is going to happen but on his time not ours. There seems to be a movement among some immature posters to brand any politician who has been a career long supporter of gays but is slow to this issue a gay hater. It is stupid and short sighted.
BrianZ
@afrolito: I understand your annoyance with the Obama-baiting as you might perceive it. However, don’t you think, honestly, that someone who self-professed to be a fierce advocate for gays civil rights would have _something_ to say on the occasion? Anything at all? Throwing out the names of others who feel similarly is irrelevant: We have just one President, correct?
I think that it is sad that so many people are feeling let down and excluded by a man who had such a gift for making people feel included. (I’ve said all along he is naught but a politician: I expected nothing better.) I think it is even more sad that some people refuse to acknowledge the facts in front of them as they are.
Dennis
@Tony:
Obama spoke out AGAINST Prop 8 you moron, (and in writing also, I believe)…The incompetents who mismanaged the No on 8 campaign chose not to use his letter refuting Prop 8.
Get your facts straight, reality-hating douchbag.
OhYeah
Okay…I’m gay, white, voted for Obama, but never expected gay issues to be his priority (although it’s still too early to really conclude that about him). Here’s what will probably happen : a few more states (probably Midwestern) will legalize gay marriage, everyone will see the world didn’t end, and making it Federal will be for another President, one or two after Obama, to decide on.
Ryan
Queerty points out that Obama hasn’t said anything about any of the recent gay marriage victories. Why should he? He thinks it’s best left-up to the states and the states are deciding. Gibbs said that as plainly as he could today at the White House, “I think the President believes this is an issue that’s best addressed by the states.” Obama continues to support Civil Unions.
Obama is focused on major issues like the economy, the environment, and reforming health care. Just because he hasn’t addressed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell or DOMA doesn’t mean he hasn’t done anything for the gay community. Gay people live in the environment and are part of the economy. Some don’t even have health insurance! Don’t be dismayed Mr. President, some of us understand that you have to prioritize. You’ve already started helping the gay community, even if some of us don’t get it.
From my blog @:
http://ryanjdavis.blogspot.com/2009/05/its-fine-for-obama-to-remain-silent-on.html
afrolito
Obama will never pass a federal law granting same sex marriage, and he’s never promised that. If he was to even attempt that, it would be late in his second term.
I don’t care what polls say, when it comes down to it, most people in this country are not pro-gay marriage. The culture itself has to change on much deeper level first.
afrolito
@BrianZ:
“However, don’t you think, honestly, that someone who self-professed to be a fierce advocate for gays civil rights would have _something_ to say on the occasion? Anything at all?”
But what is he supposed to say? He clearly said the states should decide gay marriage, and that’s what they’re doing, so i’m not sure what more he is supposed to be doing. I have ZERO interest in marriage gay or straight, so I could have cared less about what happened in Maine. I feel that there are way more important issues facing all americans, than whether gays can legally imitate some bullshit heterosexual nonsense.
The Gay Numbers
He should say something in support of the progress being made. It would require very little for him to say I am a believer in equality. He’s showing cowardice here. Your post is also dishonest Afrolito because you know it’s not about that for Obama. Stop trying to project your queer theory bullshit onto what Obama does. That’s not his motivation,a nd you fucking know it. Punk bitch. I hate folks who do shit like that. It’s so lazy. “Well, I am going to use my issues for something, and pretend it was this other fellows issue to rationalize why they acted the way they did.”
Lee
@ GetReal. Oh, Mary! Where to begin, where to begin?
“he is waiting to pass federal gay marriage legislation”? Say the fuck WHAT? As this contradicts the first part of your sentence, we’ll assume this was a typo.
“the religious right is waiting to make this a wedge issue”? Princess, WHERE have you been? In a coma? They’ve been making it a wedge issue for decades; that has escalated in the past three months. National Organization for Marriage Gathering Storm video? Miss Not Miss California? Ring any bells? Would smelling salts help?
“People from his own administration have leaked that this is
going to happen but on his time not ours.”?????
Well, aren’t you special. In other words, you’re simply being smile fucked and liking it! Try not to come on the sofa. It’s a rental.
PS: If you’re such an expert on his “gay rights history,” you know he lied to “The Advocate” about having been “a chief cosponsor and passed” the gay rights bill in Illinois. He was not a sponsor of that bill of any kind and had left for the US Senate by the time it was voted on.
@ DENNIS:
“Obama spoke out AGAINST Prop 8 you moron, (and in writing also, I believe”???? Uh, no, Denise, he did NOT “speak” on it; his comment was delivered only in writing. True, it was poorly used by the NO peeps, but the millions of YES robo calls that played a recording of him SAYING “God is in the mix” would have washed the paper airplane away anyway.
This just in:
“[The Obama Administration’s] resistance to anything pro-gay – delaying repeal of DADT indefinitely, freezing with fear on anything to do with civil unions or marriage – is beginning to make the Clintonites in the primaries seem prescient; and those of us in the gay movement who backed Obama seem like fools. Someone needs to get things moving in the right direction. Soon.”
– Former Screeching Obama Is The Messiah/Hillary Is the AntiChrist Cheerleader Andrew Sullivan, May 5, 2009.
BrianZ
@afrolito: Hmm, how about “Congratulations” ? Seems simple enough to me.
Your lack of interest in the subject is noted. However, as someone who is in a same-sex, stable, long-term relationship I have a lot of interest in it. My taxes, estate, personal wealth, the ability of my partner to act as my representative in medical issues, shared healthcare without the queer penalty of additional taxes, adoption and parenting rights … the list goes on. So, while I respect your choice to be completely disinterested in the subject, I submit to you that the _right_ to marry is of great significance in mine.
getreal
@Lee: First of all I’m a woman so your attempt to degrade me by calling me Mary won’t work. The fact that you are using “mary” a gender insult means I won’t even read your comment. Toodles!
mark
If the White House doesn’t want to get all touchey feely about same sex marriage issue, they could at MINIMUM congratulate Equality Maine for a victorious campaign. It’s only scraps from the f*ckin banquet table we helped set for Democrats.
afrolito
@BrianZ:
“However, as someone who is in a same-sex, stable, long-term relationship I have a lot of interest in it. My taxes, estate, personal wealth, the ability of my partner to act as my representative in medical issues, shared healthcare without the queer penalty of additional taxes, adoption and parenting rights … the list goes on. So, while I respect your choice to be completely disinterested in the subject, I submit to you that the _right_ to marry is of great significance in mine.”
All of that can be achieved with civil unions.
The Lesbian Mafia
He was silent on IOWA too.
The Lesbian Mafia
@Ryan: There will ALWAYS be “more pressing issues and crisis” …
afrolito
@The Gay Numbers:
“Your post is also dishonest Afrolito because you know it’s not about that for Obama. Stop trying to project your queer theory bullshit onto what Obama does. That’s not his motivation,a nd you fucking know it. Punk bitch. I hate folks who do shit like that. It’s so lazy. “Well, I am going to use my issues for something, and pretend it was this other fellows issue to rationalize why they acted the way they did.”
Who are you to tell me, i’m dishonest and projecting my own bullshit, just because I disagree with your hysterical stance?
If I don’t know his motivations, then how is it that you do?
Get over yourself and lose the anger dude….not an attractive trait when searching for a husband.
BrianZ
@afrolito: Most of it can be achieved through good lawyering and a spare $15k as well, which is as irrelevant as your reply.
If you wish to issue a ‘pass’ to the Obama administration on the fact (and it is a fact) that they are largely absent from even mentioning “gay” since winning the election then please just come out and say so: It saves time.
Michael W.
You guys realize Obama is opposed to same sex marriage, right? At least that’s his political stance.
So if anything, his politically expected response would be a voice of disappointment that Maine is allowing same-sex marriage.
Is that what you wanted from Gibbs? “Well the president is against same-sex marriage so he’s obviously disappointed in the governor’s decision.”
However, he couldn’t say that because he believes the state has every right to make that decision on its own without federal interference. That also allows him to oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment which bans gay marriage in every state.
If he voices support for it in any way, though, then the story becomes “Barack Obama Waffling on Gay Marriage.” He then likely becomes mired in a little scandal, with the media digging up that old questionnaire that said he supported gay marriage and things of that nature. Suddenly Gibbs is being asked further questions in the next briefing about gay marriage and Obama’s stance on it.
So, what exactly are you guys asking for? Unless you want Obama providing the rightwing with another anti-gay soundbite then we got the best answer we could hope for. It’s either that or you were expecting a reversal of his stance on gay marriage.
TANK
Yeah. there’s really no excuse for this, and if this is any indication of how the rest his presidency is going to go on lgbt issues, I won’t be voting for him again. But let’s be realistic– it’s more than just him; it’s the party, too. And I’ll take him over bush any day of the week, but the bar has been raised.
Dan
A reporter had already asked Gibbs about Obama’s reaction on Maine legalizing marriage, and he had provided it. He didn’t see a need to keep repeating it. I think that’s perfectly reasonable.
The article is misleading at best. It’s written as if Obama or the White House were silent on the issue, but the truth is that they had already commented.
JohnV
@Mark:
BECAUSE WE DON’T DEMAND IT. . .
The democrats control the executive and legislative branches of government and they have been leading us along with carrots for a very long time now. We gave them our votes and we are getting “fluff” in return (accept maybe the Matthew Shephard Act after a whole freaking decade).
It’s time we use our collective power and send a strong message to Obama and the Dems in Congress that they cannot count on our votes in 2010 or 2012 unless we get something first. We, with are most adamant supporters, represent at least 5% of the nation’s voting block. That’s a big chunk in terms of elections – so let’s use that as our carrot to lead them down the road. If they don’t follow, we won’t vote.
“Power is not given over freely, it must be taken”
Dennis
@Lee:
Lee, put the cap back on the poppers bottle, you’re getting all worked up again sweetie…
So who’s our savior then? Who’s our 24/7/365 all-gay, all-the-time, circuit party hosting under the Capitol Dome champion? Name this magic person, please.
Not that this will satisfy you, but there was meeting this past Monday, with top WH staff and GLBT organization leaders, (including Joe Solmonese from HRC) and the take away from the meeting is that the administration is formulating a DADT repeal plan, and working on other issues as well.
Sorry that this is happening on his time, and not yours (I know how hard it is for you to give up control), but HE IS the President…maybe he might know how to work the D.C. system better than a bunch of hysterical screetching haters on this site. Just a thought…
afrolito
@BrianZ:
My reply was irrelevant, yet you felt the need to reply?
Obama has never been pro-gay marriage, and never claimed to be a gay civil rights crusader, so I see no reason for everyone to be going apeshit because he does’nt mention GAY in his daily briefings. You people do realize that we are in an ECONOMIC CRISIS right?? Not to mention two wars, a pandemic, high unemployment,terrorism, and the possibility of a nuclear Iran and Taliban.
Sorry fags, but all of that trumps your little marriage fantasies.
BrianZ
@afrolito: As I said, if you just simply wish to issue the man and his administration a pass, please just say so: It saves time.
As to why I felt the need to reply: I like pushing buttons, and yours are big, red and labeled “Easy”.
getreal
This man has always voted in favor of lgbt rights and it is SMART to wait for the poll numbers to mature so the legislation can get passed. Right now the polls are too close and it could get held up in the Senate. We don’t just want want it introduced we want it passed. If you want to vote for the conservatives who think that you are a sick pervert then so be it.
edgyguy1426
@afrolito: I don’t think EVERYTHING can be solved with civil unions…this is an argument used now by those trying to back away from the realities of marriage. My rights, for example to extend citizenship to my Brazilian boyfriend would not be covered by a civil union. There are certain other, but small yet important things not covered by civil unions.
afrolito
@BrianZ:
You didn’t push MY buttons, since you were the one who replied to ME, based on my statements….which clearly irritated you.
Checked.
edgyguy1426
@afrolito: @afrolito: I tried not to be rude in my above comment, but, seriously, dude.. There were many things on Johnson’s plate..remember the Viet Nam War?…so the same argument could be extended for the Civil Rights Act.. i.e. we’ll get around to getting you civil rights when there’s nuthin much else goin on…..
The Gay Numbers
Afrolito
I am calling you what you are acting like here- a punk bitch. You know good and damn well that there is no excuse for Obama’s cowardice. Therefore you manufacture one from your issues with marriage. Obama does not give a shit about the queer theory bullshit you are spouting. He’s trying to step around the issue for his own political reasons. If you don’t realize that, you are a punk bitch.
afrolito
@edgyguy1426:
“I don’t think EVERYTHING can be solved with civil unions…this is an argument used now by those trying to back away from the realities of marriage. My rights, for example to extend citizenship to my Brazilian boyfriend would not be covered by a civil union. There are certain other, but small yet important things not covered by civil unions.”
Look, civil unions are what gays should be realistically fighting for. The federal government is NEVER going to pass a gay marriage law in this age. As far as your brazillian boyfriend goes, he should become a citizen, and then he can fight for his rights as an american. Why should he get a free citizenship pass just for gettimg married to you? For the record I feel the same way about hetero couples who run the same scam as well.
TEd
Barack Obama is opposed to gay marriage.
If some gays want to live in a fantasy world where they think they can see into his soul and he really loves them, that is their choice, just don’t expect me to believe in your Santa Claus and definitely don’t expect me not to voice my disappointment.
BO says it straight to our face. There’s nothing hidden about his bigotry. He is open about his bigotry. He is a proud bigot. That’s why he had Pastor Warren give the invocation right after Prop 8 passed. He is an in your face bigot.
It also happens to be totally hypocritical for him to be such a bigot because a few short decades ago, he himself would not have been able to legally marry anyone because he is half black and half white. That is what you call a hypocrite.
He seems to have time to do many things like switching the war over to Afghanistan when he promised to the war but instead he’s sent tens of thousands more troops over, he’s also been giving trillions of dollars bail outs … maybe he could squeeze a little time in there for tax paying American’s citizens civil rights.
getreal
@edgyguy1426: I think civil unions are an insult they are unacceptable because separate but equal is not going to cut it in this country. Brown vs Board of education made it unconstitutional. When all Americans have the same rights we can go back to being a beacon of freedom to the world right now we seem like hypocrites.
edgyguy1426
As do I, GETREAL, as do I. I just wanted to make the distinction to those who would say it’s the same but are uninformed about all the facts.
afrolito
@edgyguy1426:
“There were many things on Johnson’s plate..remember the Viet Nam War?…so the same argument could be extended for the Civil Rights Act.. i.e. we’ll get around to getting you civil rights when there’s nuthin much else goin on…..”
Vietnam is one word btw..
The civil rights bill was floating around for years. All he had to do was sign it, and he did that knowing full well the country was ready for it, and needed it. Johnson was a POLITICIAN, and so is Obama. I truly believe he would be all over gay marriage if he felt he could get away with passing it. Just because the dems control both houses doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want…..and who says they even want gay marriage? I for one think they stand a lot closer to the right than a lot of fags are willing to admit.
afrolito
@edgyguy1426:
Civil unions seem to be working in the UK, and I for one don’nt find it insulting at all. Then again, I find the idea and practice of MARRIAGE to be completely vile and ridiculous.
The Gay Numbers
LBJ’s accomplishments. If Obama can do half of this, then he will deserve the praise that others want to give a politician. Until then, he needs to be pressured.
LBJ, and his Great Society legislation:
Civil rights
* Civil Rights Act of 1964
* Voting Rights Act of 1965
* Immigration and Nationality Services Act of 1965
* Civil Rights Act of 1968
War on Poverty
* Food Stamp Act of 1964
* Upward Bound
* Head Start
* Model Cities Program
* Economic Opportunity Act of 1964-and the programs it spawned, including:
=> Jobs Corp
=> Community Action Program
=> VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America)
=> Community Legal Services
Paul Rosenberg :: Lie of the Day: “Presidents Can Only Do A Few Big Things”
Education
* Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
* Higher Education Act of 1965
* Bilingual Education Act of 1968
Health
* Medicare
* Medicaid
Arts and Culture
* National Endowment for the Arts
* National Endowment for the Humanities
* Public Broadcasting Act of 1967:
* Chartered the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which in turn created:
=> PBS
=> NPR
* John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Transportation:
* Created Department of Transportation.
* Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964
* National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966
* Highway Safety Act of 1966
Consumer protection
* Cigarette Labeling Act of 1965
* Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966
* Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1966
* Child Safety Act of 1966
* Flammable Fabrics Act of 1967
* Wholesome Meat Act of 1967
* Truth-in-Lending Act of 1968
* Wholesome Poultry Products Act of 1968
* Land Sales Disclosure Act of 1968
* Radiation Safety Act of 1968
Environment
* Wilderness Act of 1964,
* Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966,
* National Trails System Act of 1968,
* Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968,
* Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965,
* Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965,
* Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act of 1965,
* National Historic Preservation Act of 1966,
* Aircraft Noise Abatement Act of 1968,
* National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
Josh
Obama is not a gay hater.
He use to be for gay marriage but he had to change so that he could get elected.
But he is for all the other gay rights: hate crime laws, non-discrimination laws, repealing DADT, adoption, and civil unions.
He was a constitutional and civil rights lawyer for crying out loud. He knows about Stonewall and the history of gay rights.
He is just playing it safe for now. He is very smart.
The Gay Numbers
The US is not the UK either structurally or legally. And even in the UK the jury is out.
The Gay Numbers
Yeah- it’s not hate so long as you do it, but don’t mean it. I mean if someone comes over to your house, and shots you- so long as there goal is to only rob you rather than kill you, then they aren’t guilty of murder of you die.
afrolito
@The Gay Numbers:
” And even in the UK the jury is out.”
According to who?
edgyguy1426
@afrolito: Then, with gay marriage you are perfectly free NOT to marry..but why trample on someone elses rights , because you don’t want to exercise them yourself. That’s like a woman saying “I never vote, so voting rights for women? No big deal”
The Gay Numbers
According to some of the british who actually speak on the issue. More importantly, you ignored the part where I said the US is not the UK. That’s what makes you a punk bitch. Take the parts you think you can argue through your narrow bullshit agenda rather than take it as it is. I had two arguments there. Address both or don’t waste my time.
The Gay Numbers
Because Afrolito’s point is that he’s worried about Afrolito.
Michael M
I have to say I regret supporting him to the degree I did. I made a complete ass out of myself, bullying anyone and everyone who would say even one thing about him that wasn’t “Obama is God”. I’ve lost a few friends and alienated some people I really admire. I’m pretty ashamed of myself right now to be perfectly honest, because he has turned out to be exactly like Clinton. I feel duped. There is no difference I feel from Bush to Obama because I don’t see any changes in my life and I find myself deeply insulted by his actions towards my community. It started with Rick Warren. After he did that, I started paying closer attention because I just couldn’t believe he would do that.
I’m guilty of ignoring it too, but he did help Proposition 8 pass because he spoke at many forums and was very vocal about the fact that he is against gay marriage and that is what he was telling his constituency for 2 years. No matter how you slice it, that is bigotry and I am very disappointed in Barack Obama.
afrolito
@The Gay Numbers:
“According to some of the british who actually speak on the issue. More importantly, you ignored the part where I said the US is not the UK. That’s what makes you a punk bitch. Take the parts you think you can argue through your narrow bullshit agenda rather than take it as it is. I had two arguments there. Address both or don’t waste my time.”
According to your flawed logic, only brits are qualified to speak on british civil unions? I didn’t ignore the part about the UK is not the U.S, since that’s pretty obvious to all but a dolt. However, we have more in common with their legal system and culture, than say…..Afghanistan. That makes you a dumb bitch without a platform.
afrolito
@Michael M:
“I have to say I regret supporting him to the degree I did. I made a complete ass out of myself, bullying anyone and everyone who would say even one thing about him that wasn’t “Obama is God”. I’ve lost a few friends and alienated some people I really admire. I’m pretty ashamed of myself right now to be perfectly honest, because he has turned out to be exactly like Clinton. I feel duped. There is no difference I feel from Bush to Obama because I don’t see any changes in my life and I find myself deeply insulted by his actions towards my community. It started with Rick Warren. After he did that, I started paying closer attention because I just couldn’t believe he would do that.
I’m guilty of ignoring it too, but he did help Proposition 8 pass because he spoke at many forums and was very vocal about the fact that he is against gay marriage and that is what he was telling his constituency for 2 years. No matter how you slice it, that is bigotry and I am very disappointed in Barack Obama.”
You are so full of shit on like every level. The man has been in office for like 110 days, and you feel duped and saddened because you feel like nothing has changed in your life?? You never supported him, and I doubt you even voted for him.
Lee
“there was meeting this past Monday, with top WH staff and GLBT organization leaders, (including Joe Solmonese from HRC) and the take away from the meeting is that the administration is formulating a DADT repeal plan, and working on other issues as well.”
Wow! Group smilefucking going on from sea to shining sea! Well, at least that’s safe sex. $300,000+ a year Joe Solmonese, and NGLTF’s Rea What’s Her Name, is so desperate to stay on the White House cocktail party invitation list that they are fighting each other to for the title Gay White House Pissboy. They will be among the last to utter a discouraging word about His Holiness …. who promised he would begin to work on DADT repeal, task the Pentagon, put the “full weight” of his administration behind repeal virtually the moment he took office.
Blah Blah Blah meetings with “top WH staff” are meaningless BEFORE he has done that.
The Gay Numbers
And yet your punk bitch ass brought up the UK in comparison to the US. If you know they aren’t the same, it’s not mean who fails logic, it’s you. Punk bitch. this whole conversation is about trying to make excuses for Obama. Look, I think he’s okay. I am not one of these extremist expecting a lot of shit from him. But the least he can do is put in a good word of congrats. that’s all anyone would expect here. yet your dumb ass comes on here with this punk bitch shit about Afrolito wanting not to marry or how important Afrolito thanks marriage. Fuck you. I don’t give a shit about you. It’s about equality. Not you.
afrolito
@The Gay Numbers:
You seem awfully obsessed with “punk bitch”. Was that what the boys called you as a kid? That was decades ago…let it go hon.
If you want to get married, find one of those corner rainbow churches, and get a nice dyke to perform the ceremony, because it’s not happening at St. Patrick’s anytime soon.
Michael M
@afrolito: I acted just like you. I swear I was exactly like you. Angry and bitter. Even when he won I still wasn’t really happy. I wanted to find people and rub it in their face and just be belligerent, and I wanted to find people who were saying things about him just to start an argument. I think I’ve learned my lesson. I will continue to wait and see if he will one day explain why he had to have Rick Warren bless his presidency. I should have known better than to act like an imature bitter and angry kid like that with my friends and people I respect for a president who is turning out to be what is looking like a callous bigot, when I thought he really cared about my community. I don’t feel the same about him anymore. If you want to believe I didn’t support him I don’t care. I’m so embarrassed of how I behaved, so out of control, I made a real fool out of myself supporting of all things a politician. I really believed he cared. I only wish what you were saying was true.
getreal
@Michael W.: So you supported him and are mad he didn’t give you everything you want in the first 110 days. Look at President Johnson and Kennedy they took their time to enact major civil rights legislation. It is going to happen whether you make yourself sick with anger and frustration or not. I also saw you call all rappers animals (except the white guy you pointed out) so maybe there is more to your hate for the President than the fact that he has not yet introduced marriage equality legislation.
getreal
From The New York Times
Mr. Obama has chosen a number of openly gay people for prominent jobs, including Fred P. Hochberg as chairman of the Export-Import Bank and John Berry to run the Office of Personnel Management. And he is the first president to set aside tickets for gay families to attend the White House Easter Egg Roll.
But on legislation, allies of Mr. Obama’s are not surprised that he is charting a careful course. In addition to calling for the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in the military, Mr. Obama supports a legislative repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that said states need not recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Opponents of same-sex marriage say that is an inconsistency.
Tobias Wolff, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania who was Mr. Obama’s top campaign adviser on gay rights, said the president needed time to build political consensus.
“I think he has a genuine sense,” Mr. Wolff said, “that in order to move these issues forward you need broader buy-in than you are going to get if you poke a stick in too many people’s eyes.”
Michael W.
@getreal: I didn’t say that. It was Michael M., the Clintonista posing as an Obama supporter.
You just can’t stop thinking about me. It’s a gift and a curse.
vernonvanderbilt
@getreal: So a couple of nothing appointments and some coloured eggs are all we should expect from a president who swore he’d be “a fierce advocate” for our community? You know, I voted for the man, campaigned my ass off for him up to election day, talked to all sorts of folks to explain why he was the only rational choice…and while I’m not at all regretting my vote, I am definitely disappointed that the man has not lived up to expectations.
I’m not saying I expected all of my civil rights in one fell swoop on day one, or even day 100, but I did expect him to at least acknowledge us now and then, maybe give us a little bit of meat instead of just tossing bones our way. He fucked up on day one with that Rick Warren bullshit, and though I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt at the time, I’m starting to think that’s probably more indicative of the reality of the situation than I anticipated.
I can’t speak for what goes on in the man’s head; I don’t know him personally. what I can comment on is appearances, and right now it’s looking like Barack got what he wanted from us (our votes) and now he owes us nothing. It wouldn’t take much…some encouragement, maybe a couple of congratulations on the progress we’ve made, and a genuine apology for the Rick Warren shit. All it looks like to me is that he’s been trying to distance himself from us now that he’s in office.
I’m willing to give the man a chance, of course. He can have a full four years to get some things done for us. But if we don’t get our backs scratched before the next election, I’m not giving him my vote or my money. I have no problem going third party (no matter how bad things got, I’d never vote Republican). I’ll vote for a candidate who isn’t a political pussy, even if s/he has no chance of winning, rather than vote for someone who smiles and shakes my hand when he needs me then clams up and looks away when I need him/her.
Chitown Kev
Damn, afrolito and The Gay Numbers had a FiGHT and I missed it!
Chitown Kev
Anywho, Obama himself said that he may be on the wrong side of history as far as the marriage equality question is concerned.
Why doesn’t he get on the right side of history then and support us?
Dawgson
I don’t really understand how marriage as a “state’s rights issue” makes any sense. I understand we exist in a semi-federalist society, but when being married confers certain rights and obligations on a national level, it doesn’t really work.
I could stand on the border between Iowa and Illinois and hop back and forth and be married and then single. It’s completely mind boggling.
Dawgson
@afrolito:
I think the posts here are reflecting a desire to be legally married according to the law — not a desire to force churches to perform gay ceremonies.
Jeffrey
Afrolito- For millions of us who either are or would like to be married: STFU. You sound just like the wing-nuts. If you don’t like same-sex marriage then don’t get one. Let the rest of us have equal rights if we want, ok? I’m guessing that your lack of enthusiasm for marriage has something to do with the fact that there aren’t too many people waiting in line to spend the rest of their lives with you?
The potential money loss to each one of us is well over $200,000 as long as we don’t have federal marriage rights. (I’m adding up the money that we DON’T get from Social Security if our partner dies or is injured and the extra taxes that we DO pay if we add a spouse onto our health insurance plan.) That’s unacceptable.
And the impact of creating a second class definition for our relationships by calling them “civil unions” is to keep us ‘in our place’ and make us feel inferior. Just like the separate drinking fountains in the ‘good old days’. If you are ok with that, I feel sorry for you.
The Gay Numbers
Sorry you were not around for the brawl Chi 🙂
I just dislike intensely self centered arguments about how we don’t need marriage because someone personally does not want to get married. But to add to that, well i can understand why the President does not talk about marriage because it’s not important me is bullshit.
The law should reflect equality for all of us not because we want to get married or joing the army or have been attacked by some thugs or have been fired from our jobs or thrown out of house. The law should protect all of us because its the morally right things to do. It was not easy for those who fought for black civil rights to do so. LBJ said he would lose the south for a generation for the Democratic party by supporting African Americans, and he did it for us anyhow. We are not even rising to that level here. W eare just askin gfor a damn congrats, and yet we still got some punk ass bitches who can’t even see a reason for us asking for that much.
It’s like we are supposed to want for nothing, and be happy with that. Fuck tha tshit. I am not foolish enough to believe any a politician says. I do believe however that we need to keep up the pressure on him to get what we want. To the extent there are queens in the community who are used to being their own personal bigots against their own kind, I am not interested in codicling them about what they are doing.
The Gay Numbers
Afrolito
Everytime you open your mouth, you prove that you really are a punch bitch. I have no idea whethere I want to get married or not. That’s not a moral issue. that’s a personal decision. What I do know is that I want to live in a society that treats everyone as equal. Even stupid punch bitches like you. So, you just keep on acting the way you do. That’s your problem. Not mine. At the end of this conversation, I am going to go back to live my life and trying to live it the best I can. You are still going to be some bitter queen shitting on the rest of the world because its not something you want.
JohnTravers
@getreal: @getreal: You do realize the NYT can’t even police their own journalists and that is why no one buys it anymore, right? They will be raising their prices which is another genius move. Not only that … why don’t you post the rest of that article? Huh? Why don’t you only post the main point of that article which is Obama is turning out to be a disappointment and everyone has pretty much got his number now.
JohnTravers
@getreal: Here we go, the Obots start right in calling you a RAAACIST any time they don’t kneel and kiss 0’s shoes. Please, go the 0bot worshiping sites and masturbate to how dreamy 0 is. Get a grip on your racism while you’re at, it’s vile.
Viktor
No offense, but some you guys have no frakking idea about politics. You are jumping the gun and being so myopic about these issues.
It’s not always about us and please realize…HE TRYING TO GET THE COUNTRY ON TRACK
afrolito
@The Gay Numbers:
“Everytime you open your mouth, you prove that you really are a punch bitch. I have no idea whethere I want to get married or not. That’s not a moral issue. that’s a personal decision. What I do know is that I want to live in a society that treats everyone as equal. Even stupid punch bitches like you. So, you just keep on acting the way you do. That’s your problem. Not mine. At the end of this conversation, I am going to go back to live my life and trying to live it the best I can. You are still going to be some bitter queen shitting on the rest of the world because its not something you want.”
A “punch bitch”? What exactly is a “punch bitch”? LMFAO!
afrolito
@Jeffrey:
“Afrolito- For millions of us who either are or would like to be married: STFU. You sound just like the wing-nuts. If you don’t like same-sex marriage then don’t get one. Let the rest of us have equal rights if we want, ok? I’m guessing that your lack of enthusiasm for marriage has something to do with the fact that there aren’t too many people waiting in line to spend the rest of their lives with you?”
Really Jeffrey? Millions want to get married? I see no evidence of that. My lack of enthusiasm comes from the knowledge, that it’s a bullshit and outdated institution. If you think you’ll find another pathetic queen to spend the rest of your life with, then good luck with that.
Mika
In good time marriage equality will happen deliberately, slowly, sometimes it will be annoying how slow it is. But it is going to happen and we need not waste our energies on rage at Obama and his ilk although one would hope he had something to say he is not the one standing in our way. We have far to many to educate, far to many people to convert from there moderate civil union stance to making full equality seem like it was their idea all the time. Breathe. It wont come tomorrow but it will come soon. The cogs are moving and they are moving for justice.
Lee
Hells Bells, the pixie at the NY Times spreading fairy dust about Orson Welles er Obama’s “no wine” er “law before it’s time” hasn’t even heard that “repeal” of DOMA is, according to the still Wet Paint on WhiteHouse.gove, is off the list.
And she closes with Tobias Wolfe? His head isn’t just still up Obama’s ass, he’s pulled his whole body inside, brought a blanky to keep his Tater Tots warm, some Chablis, a few gay porn DVDs, a toothbrush. The bitch has moved in for the duration. Barack’s personal Ben Wa balls.
Everytime you see Obama smile now, just think. It might be the little tingle he’s getting from old Toby humming “Nearer My God to Thee.”
Lee
Earth to MIKA: “In good time marriage equality will happen deliberately, slowly, . …we need not waste our energies on rage … he is not the one standing in our way. We have far to many to educate, …. Breathe.”??????
Get your fat ass out of the Lotus position, Confucius, and on the phone to Barackobamadingdong. Jump, Grasshopper, jump!
Lee
And enough with queens and quacks wetting their panties everytime the Obamatolla hires another Gay, AS IF he were the first to do it. AS IF that were a major achievement. AS IF it improved the lives of the other millions of gays in America one fucking iota.
Not only was the AntiChrist, er , Bill Clinton the first to hire several out gays for his administration but the top names Barack’s getting bouquets for are mostly the same people Clinton hired for different jobs 16 YEARS AGO.
Snap out of it! Even Shit for Brains Bush hired a few gays.
OhYeah
I’ll still give Obama a chance on the gay thing (it’s early), but on another note- don’t trust anything in the NY Times! They make things up. (And at least McCain had a gay Chief of Staff).
OhYeah
Mika : That’s true. Obama might not be a help, but at least he’s not a hindrance.
Mika
@Lee: Why are you violent?
Mika
You know what Lee never mind I see you like your rage and if thats what gets you through the day good for you. No need to attack me and assume I’ve not done my part. The world is not a fair place and there are atrocities around each bend and there is virtually nothing we can do about some of those, thats what gets me pounding my fists President Obama’s silence on these issues will not stop civil rights from coming to us. He is a politician they are generally dissatisfying to all at at least one time or another he will come around to make you happy I am sure and then make you angry at the next breath. Serenity is not a joke, it is an ideal that I struggle to hold to, peace within and peace without.
Chitown Kev
@Lee:
LOL. The one, the only…only one person would say this like THAT.
Wayne
Now where is that Fierce Advocate? Anybody seen him? Seems like as soon as the campaign checks cleared and the election was over Obama decided some “CHANGE” was in order.
Chitown Kev
@Wayne:
LOL.
I always get a laugh out of Barack Obama throwing the adjective “fierce” in that phrase. Why not a “passionate advocate?” Or something like that.
Where did he learn that from?
Bud E.
Obama: Not an Agent of Hope and Change — Just Another Lying Politican.
If the USA is ever to be united as one country, we must end any modern equivalent of the odious “Jim Crow” laws in America.
Separate is Never Equal.
Unfortunately, both Republicans and Democrats exploit and enable varying degrees of mob-driven bigotry; capitulating too often to this hate in the guise of religion. They have allowed to exist this false premise that exclusions from one’s birthright of full equality is somehow justifiable in America — that is, if one does not belong to an “approved” group.
But bigotry is never acceptable — in whatever ugly form it finds personification. And it will never be justifiable as long as the American Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution continues to stand for anything at all.
So what does Obama do? He throws raw meat to the very same wolves who would have our bones (and his) for breakfast. And there are still so-called “Liberals” who would support this hypocrite because Obama doesn’t have a problem with members of the GLBT community sitting at the back of the bus — as long as the GLBT community knows their place. Jeeez!
From a White House statement:
“The President respects the decision of the Iowa Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage. Although President Obama supports civil unions rather than same-sex marriage, he believes that committed gay and lesbian couples should receive equal rights under the law.”
I never thought I’d live to see the day that a formerly oppressed minority would get all “Jim Crow” on another minority, and then be so proud about it. “Separate but (un) Equal” indeed — how shameful.
Some “liberals” call us selfish for wanting the same rights they take so easily for granted. Selfish like Martin Luther King who fought for the civil rights of his people when there was an even bigger war going on in the 60s. Remember Vietnam anyone?
And then there was President Johnson who sacrificed the Southern vote in order to ensure equality for Blacks by pushing for the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Johnson confided to his intimates, at the time of the signing, that because of his support for racial equality, the Democrats would lose their political domination of the South, but he sincerely believed it was the right thing to do. What would Obama sacrifice for us?
While I am concerned about the federal courts — the arena where our Constitutional rights will ultimately be re-discovered — I am convinced that Obama will do nothing for us while in office; neither will a Democratic-controlled congress — which almost immediately after election goes into a re-election mode.
© Bud Evans, 2009
Aaron
@afrolito:
Everyone, please ignore this “Afrolito” character. He needs lots of therapy before he’ll ever understand that he is just as worthy as his straight conterparts. We have enough opposition amongst the religious right, telling us we should be thankful for our current status, so hearing it from a self hating homosexual is a waste of time. Since he is fine with his current “less than” status, let’s let him sit there in his apathy…in the mean time, we can continue to fight for equality, respect and protection. And we’ll do it proudly!
Zakakaka
Afrolito is sooooooooooo stupid…
Sandushinka
If we want it on our timetable, I think we need to make it so hot for our representatives and senators that they have to move on DOMA and DADT. Flex muscle in mid-terms and make it show up on his desk.
timncguy
@afrolito: Boy are you WRONG on your history. When Johnson signed the civil rights legislation into law, the country was NOT ready for it at all. The MAJORITY disagreed with it. But, it was the right thing to do. And, it was the “forcing” of it onto the population which caused the population to begin accepting that balcks are equal. It was the forcing of integration in schools and oublic life that caused people to begin interacting outside of their own race circles. It was the forcing that caused the acceptance to begin and accelerate.
Jason Moreland
Hey leave Afrolito alone he’s just the resident Obama house negro.
omghi2u
“Hey leave Afrolito alone he’s just the resident Obama house negro.”
why not be direct an say “nigger”.
I know about 75% of you want to say it.
Jason Moreland
Ah no. Just throwing back what was thrown repeatedly during the primary. Obama is the MAN now. I think it fits. Afrolito is just plain stupid.
Robert, NYC
Why does he need to make any comment about it? It would only be fodder for the GOP. During his campaign, he echoed George Bush’s statement on the issue. Both stated that they do not believe in same-sex marriage but civil unions are ok though Obama went a step further by saying “at the federal level”. Bush even said that in spite of his opposition to same-sex marriage, its up to the state legislatures to decide the issue, not the federal government or “activist” state supreme court judges.
Now that Maine has passed legislation, why should anti same-sex marriage haters push for amendments, propositions, referenda to decide who can marry and who cannot based on religious beliefs which is what this is all about? Aren’t the newly “legislated” rights of the minority already protected by the constitution that the tyranny of the majority (mob rule) over the minority shall be prohibited? I just dont’ get it.
If these haters pursue it, we should counter their push for an amendment or whatever to remove tax-exempt status of all religious cults that influence and lobby for passage of discriminatory legislation come September 2009 when the new law for gay couples takes effect.
Dawgson
@94: Huh? Having issues with Obama IS NOT the same as racism.
afrolito
@Jason Moreland:
“Ah no. Just throwing back what was thrown repeatedly during the primary. Obama is the MAN now. I think it fits. Afrolito is just plain stupid.”
That statement alone reveals your own racism and stupidity. Project much?
afrolito
@Zakakaka:
High praise coming from a queen named zakakaka. LMFAO!
Bertie
Obama is of the Clinton school of Cock-sucker Cowardice.
afrolito
@Aaron:
“Everyone, please ignore this “Afrolito” character. He needs lots of therapy before he’ll ever understand that he is just as worthy as his straight conterparts. We have enough opposition amongst the religious right, telling us we should be thankful for our current status, so hearing it from a self hating homosexual is a waste of time. Since he is fine with his current “less than” status, let’s let him sit there in his apathy…in the mean time, we can continue to fight for equality, respect and protection. And we’ll do it proudly!”
Oh puhleeze! I need therapy because I don’t believe in marriage? Yoy sound like a fucking fool. If anyone is self loathing, it’s you and other pathetic queens who are so fucking desperate to get “married”, so you can be just like heteros. You will never have their approval, and respect through legislation, no matter how much you desire it.
sparkle obama
@The Gay Numbers:
gay numbers, i don’t appreciate your attitude.
i have zero interest in marriage rights either.
much more excited about hate crimes legislation & workplace rights protection.
families should be promoted & enabled & gay unions need to have equal rights!
the president agrees with me!
i acknowledge that the tide has turned and “gay marriage” is a reality.
if that’s what people want to call it, fine.
get your rights thru the proper channels because we now have a president who will not stand in our way.
don’t expect him to rile or “disrespect” his vast constitency by “commenting” at this point.
that’s your chaotic, egocentric inner child crying out for acknowlegement/”approval” but it’s not going to work.
fun fact, fa*gs:
obama necessarily represents the outgoing “white” male conservative POV as well as the entrenched Black christian bloc.
he’s not going to “endorse” right now.
the tide is strong enuf for a little “benign neglect”, all right?
Our president is slick.
it’s like jujitsu (?), where you use your enemies’ strength against them.
don’t hate the player, hate the game
(if you must hate!)