The Obama transition team has released a statement whose contents you’ll undoubtedly hear repeated by surrogates on cable news throughout the day. Since you’re busy and there aren’t enough hours in the day, here’s a quick summary of the statement: “Blah. Blah. Blah. And oh, yeah, did you know there’s a gay band playing at my inauguration?” We know. We hope they’ll be playing Chopin’s Sonata No. 2.
Read the full statement after the jump:
“Pastor Rick Warren has a long history of activism on behalf of the disadvantaged and the downtrodden. He’s devoted his life to performing good works for the poor and leads the evangelical movement in addressing the global HIV/AIDS crisis. In fact, the President-elect recently addressed Rick Warren’s Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health to salute Warren’s leadership in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and pledge his support to the effort in the years ahead.
The President-elect disagrees with Pastor Warren on issues that affect the LGBT community. They disagree on other issues as well. But what’s important is that they agree on many issues vital to the pursuit of social justice, including poverty relief and moving toward a sustainable planet; and they share a commitment to renewing America’s promise by expanding opportunity at home and restoring our moral leadership abroad.
As he’s said again and again, the President-elect is committed to bringing together all sides of the faith discussion in search of common ground. That’s the only way we’ll be able to unite this country with the resolve and common purpose necessary to solve the challenges we face.
The Inauguration will also involve Reverend Joseph Lowery, who will be delivering the official benediction at the Inauguration. Reverend Lowery is a giant of the civil rights movement who boasts a proudly progressive record on LGBT issues. He has been a leader in the struggle for civil rights for all Americans, gay or straight.
And for the very first time, there will be a group representing the interests of LGBT Americans participating in the Inaugural Parade.”
Correct us if we’re wrong, but nowhere in there do we see the phrase, “We totally fucked up and we’re correcting the situation.” Call it triangulation, call it real politik, call it whatever you like, there is no reason gays and lesbians shouldn’t demand more of the President-Elect. In selecting Rev. Warren, Obama’s given anti-marriage equality advocates a huge gift. It’s not enough that Obama’s muddled stance on marriage equality already confuses voters, he’s now gone and invited one of America’s most powerful anti-marriage-equality voices to his Inauguration. Still unconvinced? Watch this ad Rev. Warren made during the election.
Kid A
“A court of four guys voted to change the definition of Chris-, of marriage that has been going for 5,000 years.”
A little Freudian slip? What do these people not understand about the establishment clause? The factual and historical errors he makes are appalling.
I understand that Obama (or any other “progressive” candidate) would never get elected by completely supporting marriage equality. I don’t think that Obama in his heart of hearts opposes gay marriage. But he has to get elected, so he plays the sheep in wolf’s clothing. The rest is all pandering bullshit. But even if he planned on working positively for LGBT once in office, he had to know that his stances would give ammo for these guys. Just like Hillary’s primary attacks were later used by McCain against Obama.
Keith
Really?…Really Obama?. This is the best you could do. If you really wanted to be controversial and send people up you should have just had Rev White do it. Obama is pissing off the wrong base on this. So what if he has LBGT staff members. So did Jerry Fawell. This is a big F U to LGBT people who supported him. Get ready for at least another 4 years of LGBT oppression.
Or is it possible he is actually turning the other cheek as any “good Christian” (an oxymoron BTW) would do? If he is the second coming of Christ shouldn’t Rick Warren and the rest of his ilk been Raptured up already?
I really hope it works for him and our community as well. I just don’t see him Obama changing any right wing christian fundamentalists minds with this action.
Just my rambling thoughts
Sean
This is something Obama needs to put his ear to the ground on. Already coworkers ahve come to me and asked how I feel about this. People get the symbolism straight or gay, Barack. We are willing wait on some things because of the need to fix the economy which affects all of us, but don’t insult us with platitudes and a velvet lecture. If would have never selected Gene Robinson for this honor because of the criticism you would have gotten on the right, there is no difference with Rick Warren. It’s not that many of us our devowing the place religion plays in our culture, I for one attend church regularly and believe in a higher power. However, the symbolism of a man who was a large player in the defeat of Prop 8 is not the way to celebrate your own symbolic accomplishment. It only serves as a stereotypical reminder of how many in the GLBT community few how the African American and black community voted against us in 4 states while voting for you.
Kid A
@Keith: Or he could be controversial and send people up while putting out a truly HOPEful message: Why not Gene Robinson?
Kid A
@Sean: Haha, sorry I missed that you mentioned Robinson in your post as well. That’s what I get for being irate and drowsy.
Cody
Mmmmhmmm…and here we go… America is fucked up – I’m starting to hate this stupid country.
emb
Wonderful. Let’s all dump hate all over the shiny new President-elect. The unfortunate fact is that a whole lot, probably a majority, of Americans think this Warren asshole is just fine. Do we think Obama should put his head in the sand like bush and surround himself only with people who agree with him, who agree with his base, and ignore everyone else? I thought we didn’t care of that.
Of course, it feel a lot better to say “take that!” to the folks who’ve fucked us over for the last eight years, to say “we’ve got a Dem elected and the rest of you can fuck yourselves”, but I thought we didn’t like that when the bad guys did it.
I was hopping mad about Warren too, but I listened to Obama this morning in his press conference, and while I’ll just tune out during the invocation (I always do anyway, cuzza I’m a godless atheist), and, OK, I’ll buy. For once I think we’ve got a President who’s smart, and thoughtful, and possibly bigger-spirited even than I am, so yeah: let the little rightwing nutjob talk to his invisible friend, because a lot of Americans have a rightwing conservative invisible friend and Obama’s saying he’s their President too.
Platitudes? Maybe. But I just spent 8 years squirming under the thumb of a guy who thought he had a mandate because the Supreme Court put him in office. Enough with the death of a thousand cuts for Obama, folks.
Cam
I’ll be expecting Obama to invite David Duke to the innauguration. I mean after all, although they disagree on Racial issues perhaps they have common ground in other areas, and Obama likes working with people he disagrees with doesn’t he?
Miss Understood
He’s a liar. Id you look closely toward the bottom of the screen you will see that his pants are on fire.
horus
i’m hurling my breakfast, pardon me.
michael
On the day Obama is elected 2 states bar gay marriage from ever happening, 1 state
strips the right away from its gay citizens and another ban gay adoption.
On the day of Obama’s inauguration a minister who is not only against gay marriage but even far worst, equates homosexuals with pedophiles and those who practice incest.
I have heard it said that there are no accidents in God’s universe and that the universe itself is but a hologram of what is really happening. The tea leaves are being read to us
and the universe is showing us what is behind the mask of goodness and righteousness that the American people have elected to hide behind. Look at the signposts that we are being shown and they are not leading to the place we want to go.
A very wise professor of mine once told me that people present themselves as opposite of what they truly are and if you look behind the facade they create the truth is there. But just as Bush led his followers to slaughter it appears that Obama is leading us. Think about it.
sam
With apologies to Stevie Nicks, Obama never promised us a rose garden. He SAID he doesn’t support gay marriage. Joe Biden said he didn’t support gay marriage either. How about everybody calm down, and continue our amazingly successful tactic of Generally Being Awesome People, and we’ll have marriage equality within 15 years. It sure ain’t coming any sooner than that, and it sure ain’t coming as an edict from Washington.
Ben
@emb:
I agree completely. There are huge social divisions in our country. Personally, I voted for this man because I felt like he would try and confront those issues. To do that, you can’t just keep casting sides against eachother. He’s bringing a lot of people that disagree together to talk. How dare you command the man to bring hope and then expect him to only cater to you and to your desires; your definition of hope. You’ve got to address the issues that you so ignorantly pretend like you’re better than. You don’t like them and they don’t like us. Where does that put us? Bitching about it, hopefully loud enough so they can hear you on the otherside of the wall? Waste of time. Grow up and quit being so divisive.
John in CA
Of course it is triangulation. The Clintons are back. Those of you who voted for Obama because you don’t want the Clintonistas in charge? Surprise (it wasn’t much of a surprise to the rest of us).
Wayne
Bigots of a feather flock together. I’m just surprised Obama doesn’t have Donnie McClurkin singing a hymn. PATHETIC.
Ben
Also, it’s funny and kind of sad if you really think he’s going to retract the invitation or express any regret? You don’t think they didn’t think this decision over a ton? I know we’re still in a Bush era where we’ve had to adopt a firm whistle blower job for ourselves, but it’s as though everyone is so tired of that, they’ve become so eager to assume the same position here. It’s like a messed up reality TV show. Give him a second to explain! This announcement has confused and upset me as well, but I also want to stay positive and at least give him a chance. Realistically, otherwise you’re just being cynical and divisve. That helps no one, including yourself.
Sir Winston Thriller
I say the hell with Pastor Warren. Why not just invite the folks from Westboro Baptist Church to the inauguration and piss off everyone?
Jenna's Bush
Where are the racists? What racists are speaking at his inauguration? Who among those he honors have said that God views blacks as inferior? Which persons are he including that use the bible to condone slavery? Doesn’t he need to reach out to them as well? Shouldn’t they be up there with him at his inauguration? Can’t we just all agree to disagree, but still honor those individuals?
And how about the Jews? Shouldn’t he include people who view Jews as Christ killers? How about anti-Catholics? What about people who despise immigrants and consider Hispanics to be vermin? Why is it that he keeps reaching out and including people who spew vile lies about gay people, but doesn’t include these others?
Robert
Is anyone surprised? The election is over, he has been elected and now he can start to do what he wants.
Most candidates will say whatever they need to to make it into whatever office that they want then once in office do exactly what they want.
I think the one difference that Hillary and Obama had was that Hillary would have done what she said she would do. Because she doesn’t care if she pisses of the parties.
Bottom line is we knew that he (Obama) is against gay ‘marriage’, but being the lesser of two evils we (or at least I voted) for him.
Just my .02
Chris
I don’t think the queer community’s outrage is dumping hate on the president-elect. He could have found prayer-givers who opposed gay rights without having to invite one who compares our relationships to incest, pedophilia and polygamy.
It’s a hugely symbolic moment, the inauguration. And this choice is a profound negation of the inclusivity on which Obama ran. Lots of people oppose gay marriage without resorting to hate-mongering, so to invite a hate-monger to represent God at this important event is very serious indeed.
Leland Frances
This is NOT about differing on “issues” fucking President Elect Moron!
This is about OUR LIVES! Often LITERALLY!
Warren equated gay marriages with incest and pedophilia.
Asking us to accept Obama elevating him to a GIGANTIC starring role in his “big tent” is like asking women to accept being at the same party with their invited rapists!
And I don’t give a flying fuck if Obama once again does the easiest fuckign thing in the world and drops the G-word in his inaugural speech. Having Warren there in that annointed position which will be watched by probably over a billion people around the world is to say, “Teaching and preaching homohatred is OK. It’s not like it’s a SERIOUS issue like teaching that blacks are inferior or preaching that they are cursed by God because they descended from Cain.” For those unfamiliar with the history of religious-themed racism, that’s exactly what was taught. In fact, ye dear old Mormons used to teach that the same blacks that voted with them to pass Prop H8TE were cursed by God. Then when racism became publicly unacceptable their leader had a “revelation” just as an earlier one did about polygamy.
I call upon EVERY LGBT organization to drop ANY plans they had for inaugural celebratory events. I call upon the LGBT band to refuse to march in the inaugural parade. I call upon every LGBT person in America to send a message to him in every way they can that his ennobling intolerance and elevating a member of the board of directors of the Antigay Industry WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
FUCK THIS talking out of both sides of his mouth!!!!!
ALL the signs were there in McClurkingate and the gay Obama Trolls ultimately forgave him and bent over and spread their cheeks WIDE! THE MAN DOES NOT GET IT!!!
FUCK BARACK OBAMA!!!
Tony Smith
I VOTED FOR HILLARY
dgz
surprise, surprise.
guess what? he’s not going to pull 2 brigades per month out of Iraq, either. he’s a politician; he’s never been any different than of the rest of them. and his inspiring speeches are written by a 27 y.o. kid from suburbia.
Leland Frances
Here’s another idea. I know that many of you, as I did, donated money to the Obama campaign.
Don’t just ask them to unsubscribe you from their continuing pitches for money, their premature pats on their own backs for whatever.
Write them now and DEMAND A REFUND. Seriously! And I seriously understand that we won’t get one. BUT it will tell them how many of us are PISSED, feel BETRAYED, and will NOT be donating to support his run for reelection in 2012.
Then perhaps Obama will FINALLY “get” that asking us to share a tent with Rick “gay marriage is just as bad as incest and pedophila” Warren is like asking women to share one with their rapists.
Or you can call their toll free number: 877-336-7200.
Trust me! Money talks louder in politics than anywhere else.
merlin
warren is suggesting……… that constitutional america must not give the lower percentages of the citizen population minority peoples rights in america because of his religion? we are all really going to go back to the 1950’s civil rights in america? where churches in america ruled over a segregated america with a iron fist? where you could get hurt or murdered for not sitting at the back of the bus?
there is a whole lotta anti gay violence coming down pike after this inaugeration.
Trig Palin
his inspiring speeches are written by a 27 y.o. kid from suburbia.
Let’s elect him.
chuck
Rick said that this is a “humanitarian” issue?
Really, now?
According to that reasoning, we would be expected to believe that Hitler was trying to make the world a better place to live in too.
Yep yep, everyone knows what you’re about, Mr. Fuckface.
mark
Had Rick Warren actively worked to remove ANY other minority’s Constitutionl Rights from being covered by the equal protection clause.
We wouldn’t be having this conversation.
There also wouldn’t be ANYONE telling that minority to just get over the insult.
mark
we don’t go where we aren’t WANTED
No amount of LGBT’s anger will alter the invitation given to Rick Warren, the campaign should have known before the invitation was extended to Warren, what the reaction would be. The inaugeral Committee didn’t do their job, or this fiasco wouldn’t be playing itself out Nation wide. Pelosi, Reid, Feinstein will also be held in contempt by LGBTs, and they can watch our support EVAPORATE for them too. I hope LGBTs plan an event on Inaugeral day outside of DC, we don’t go where we aren’t wanted, and it’s not like we have any shortage of TALENT, who know how to throw a party.
boytroy
Fuck all you self loathing queens that will continue to sell your soul despite all the evidence you are given that Obama is just as bad as George Bush when it comes to pandering to the Christian Reich. Have none of you any self esteem? When will all of you stop making excuses for him? Maybe when your sent off to the camps? This is not saying that gay marriage is not okay, this is a statement that we are on the same level as a pedophile or someone who rapes their daughter. We are living in a society where it is okay to say such things and it even might get you to a place of power! Obama is not going to do anything, read my lips, anything and all of you HRC fags can keep having your dinners and keep giving money in vain. But what do we expect? When you have gay people who will make excuses for the kind of actions that Obama exercises then why would should we expect any different? We are not victims of anything but our own selves. Just look at the amount of posts that have been written about the look of this web site versus the amount of posts here on this subject.
This is why, as gay people we are no better off than we are. Those who do have any belief in your self worth get the fuck out of that hell hole of a nation, because the worst has not yet begun.
Shanicknog
Knicker Please!!!
Downlowbama has been homophoblack since day one!!! Remember his anti-gay ex-gay faith tour co-host. Yeah, shocked huh?!?!
Who knew a black would hate the queers???
mark
ANYONE with LGBT friends would have KNOWN the firestorm Rick Warren being at the Inaugeral would precipitate.
So assuming this was KNOWN by Reid, Pelosi, Feinstein, and Obama, then we can only conclude they don’t give a F*CK.
That not giving a F*CK is a 2 way Street, got that Pelosi, Reid, Feinstein, and Obama…………GOOD!
The Gay Numbers
I agree with the anger over this. What’s the next move to fight for real change?
Bruno
It’s time the Democratic Party knows they need to put up or shut up. Why are we all acting so indignant, when to date the Dem Party won’t include gay marriage in their platform? I’ve voted for my last Democratic candidate until gay marriage is added.
sue
People who are attending the inauguration should turn their backs in protest while Mr. Warren speaks. maybe hum a few bars of “jesus loves me”.
Herbert Wassinger
Just Imagine For A Minute:
McCain is elected President. Yesterday, he invites to do the invocation at his inauguration on Jan. 20, a minister who recently campaigned on the statement that Justice Clarence Thomas’ marriage to a white woman is like “bestiality” (again, leave it to your imagination as to whether Thomas is the more human or animal member of that marriage). BUT the minister has more progressive views on issues like health care and global warming.
Damn! Obama and his people would be squealing like stuck pigs! (animal reference intended here). So…. Why do you say they can invite a minister who compares gay sex/marriage to bestiality???
Because, this is the same I GOT MINE, YOU AIN’T GONNA GET YOURS, mentality. WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE, JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS (OBAMA). SHAME ON YOU!
Jim
and a week after the festivities are over, who’s even going to remember the guy was a part of it? look at it in context of the bigger whole…i really don’t give a damn. can anyone name the religious participants of any recent past inaugurals?
Mark In Indiana
As I said several times during the election:
have any of you read the platform of the Green Party? It might shock you.
Don’t worry if they can win–vote for them to create their CHANCE to win. Cuz, frankly, that O savior is looking a bit, you know, Republicrat.
sg
As for the Pastor Rick, he is a bigot–he is against civil rights for women (hostile to our reproductive rights) and gays. The fact that much of the country may agree with him does not mean it’s okay to deny an unpopular segment of the population their basic constitutional and civil rights. By choosing Warren, Obama legitimizes discrimination against gays.
I understand this attempt to bridge the “divide,” but it also legitimizes hateful policies. There’s a difference. People like Warren should be shunned and shoved aside. He should not be given a place center-stage for the supposedly most progressive president elected since Roosevelt. If Obama wanted to extend the same courtesy paid to him by Warren, he should have invited him to speak at an event, or to a fun sleepover in the Lincoln bedroom or something equivalent. This is not the appropriate venue.
Symbolism matters. Warren is a symbol of fear, hate and division. All the people who are telling our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters that, “this is no big deal and to stop acting all bratty,” knock me out.
This is a great big collective dismissal from the progressive-community. It’s an outrage to me and the millions who worked and volunteered to help elect Obama. I hope it’s not too late to organize massive protests for Inauguration Day which O has ruined for me and other gay Americans.
We must demand President-elect Obama immediately rescind Warren’s invitation.
greybat
@emb: Nevertheless, EMB, we have to stay on his case, because Presidents have to be raised and looked after, just like impressionable children. TELL them when their good, and TELL them when they’re making bad choices.
Rick may have done some good things in the past, but he did a wrongful thing to us and lied about it while doing it.
MCnNYC
Email Parag Mehta, Obama’s LGBT liaison on the transition team at [email protected] to express your concern.
Also there is a good post on Daily Kos on this issue:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/18/22722/652/922/674376
Kevin
“CHANGE”….ACCORDING TO BARACK OBAMA
Warren: You know, President Obama, I believe 2% homosexual Americans are the same as pedophiles and people engaged in incest.
Obama: Well, hah!, Mr. Warren I guess I might disagree with you on that!
Warren: And you know, I consider abortion to be a holocaust against unborn children and the women who have abortions to be worse than Hitler.
Obama: Um hm. Yeah, that’s a tough one. I guess that’s just above my paygrade.
Warren: Oh, and that “cone of silence” thing – totally not real.
Obama: Oh, that’s okay Rick. Say, how about giving the invocation at my inauguration and you and me putting aside our differences?
MCnNYC
Also Rick Warren believes that a person of the Jewish Faith is going straight to HELL if he does not accept Christ.
Kevin
We just got Rick-Rolled!
Maplewoody
The NE Leather community is in DC the weekend before Jan 20. All those bears & cubs should go to Obama’s residence and leave a HUGE pile of SHIT outside his go home! He’s dumping a load of excrement on us all!
Scudder
I hope Obama can count on the christians to get him re-elected…cuz he’s not getting any more of MY money…and he has three years to earn my vote in the next election. PS—he’s off to a bad start!
TikiHead
Off topic, but Rev. Warren’s Van Dyke looks like a cheap merkin hastily applied to a well-fed hog’s quivering rump.
Ruben Weisbaum
One of the many inherent inconsistencies within liberalism in general and theological revisionism in particular is the self-ascribed vanity, embraced universally amongst the “anointed ones”, that liberals “speak truth to power,” stand up for the poor and impoverished, befriend the outcasts, and work tirelessly on their behalf.
This self-image is zealously guarded and maintained…it seems a psychological necessity–in the face of cold hard facts that belie it–namely that the “poor” are generally quite conservative…especially when it comes to religion. Few things irk the liberal soul more than this glaring truth. They deal with it in a variety of ways. The emphasis on “awareness” and “sensitivity training” among liberals is, I think, one outgrowth of this concern. The problem, they persuade themselves, is not that liberalism/revisionism is bankrupt and unworkable (and therefore unpopular), it is just that people are “uneducated”…they have yet to be enlightened…they still are too ignorant to “get it” but once they do we can take our proper roles as the people’s vanguard.
The thrust of this particular vanity tends to run headlong into just the sort of paternalism, racial and otherwise, that they claim to despise and oppose…bearing in many ways a quite distinct similarity with the infamous “white man’s burden”…
But what happens when those who “stoop low” to help the “uneducated” find that the “ignorant” masses reject the lessons of their betters? What happens when, say, the minority vote makes up a large percentage of the voting electorate that defeated Proposition 8 in California?
Rage. Blinding, ugly, disgusting rage.
Thomas Mc
F Obama. Would he invite a raving antisemite, and then say it was ok because he also invited a Jew?
I don’t see him inviting someone from the KKK “in the spirit of dialogue”.
Mark my words, if he can find a way to make political points with the rabid right by throwing gays to the dogs, he will do it.
So much for “bringing the country together.”
I certainly won’t be celebrating on January 20!
Hader ibn Fateh
Homosexuality is traditionally deemed forbidden by Islamic law. The Qur’an, the central text of Islam believed by Muslims to be the revelation of God,[5] is explicit in its condemnation of homosexuality.[6][7] The Qur’an proclaims Islam as the “religion of nature,” and sanctifies and encourages sexual intercourse within marriages only. Specific verses condemning homosexuality include:
“We also (sent) Lut: He said to his people: “Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.” And his people gave no answer but this: they said, “Drive them out of your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!” But we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who legged behind. And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime!â€[7:80–84 (Translated by Yusuf Ali)]
“The people of Lut (those who dwelt in the towns of Sodom in Jordan) rejected the messengers. Behold, their brother Lut said to them: “Will ye not fear (Allah)? I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust. So fear Allah and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the lord of the Worlds. Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!” They said: “If thou desist not, O Lut! thou wilt assuredly be cast out!” He said: “I do detest your doings.” “O my Lord! deliver me and my family from such things as they do!” So We delivered him and his family,- all. Except an old woman who lingered behind. But the rest We destroyed utterly. We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might Most Merciful.â€[26:160–175 (Translated by Yusuf Ali)]
“(We also sent) Lut (as a messenger): behold, He said to his people, “Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant!” But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, “Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!” And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)!â€[27:54–58 (Translated by Yusuf Ali)]
“And (remember) Lut: behold, he said to his people: “Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Do ye indeed approach men, and cut off the highway?- and practise lewdness (even) in your councils?” But his people gave no answer but this: they said: “Bring us the Wrath of Allah if thou tellest the truth.” He said: “O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!”â€[
mark
You don’t know FIERCE……barack
Instead of making any sound as those disapproving of Warren turning our back…. turn it into a KISS IN. Who ever you are with, which ever gender just kiss them the entire length of the invocation.
NOTHING ticks off the Christian Reich like joyous loving gays and lesbians. It also not so subtly tells the Inaugeral Committee KISS OFF
Ed
blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Bruno
@Hader ibn Fateh:
California, being the heavily Islamic state that it is, is glad to hear this important information. It will be duly noted for our next jihad.
mark
IMAGE for Warren invocation KISS IN
Love Conquers H8
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-8/1210139/kissINVOCATION.jpg
Mark
Obama has rewarded the poster boy of disagreeable. Warren’s ugly persecution of Gay and Lesbian citizens (in the most degrading terms) in the name of his God and religion speaks volumes about Obama redefining EQUALITY. A “fierce advocate” – Please!
Troy
Tolerance works both ways. It is amazing the hateful speech here for a man whom holds a religious conviction. Sad really that some want their views to be accepted by all but can’t accept the opinion of others who base their decision on a topic that came from the very thing they believe in.
Now all of sudden some of you are not supporting Obama when he already stated before the election he agreed with Warren on gay marriage.
Bruno
@Troy:
If hypothetically my opinion is that all Asians should be exiled from this country, and Obama chooses me to give an invocation at his inauguration, that’s a problem isn’t it? Your only problem is you see gays & lesbians as 2nd class citizens, and think nothing of it. That’s what you’re missing here.
Nick
@emb:
Great comment. Funny I understand it rationally but I’m still not feeling it. I guess I”m not very evolved. Don’t you think just one day he could have celebrated the people who elected him?
Nick
href=”#comment-106450″>Ben:
Is it divisive to stand up for your rights?
For what you believe in? I understand the need for dialogue
but on this day such a repugnant divisive man? It’s just not necessary and it really says fuck you lgbt’s, just like every one else has and I guess some of us and different hopes. Silly humans for having hopes, especially in politics. Besides they have to hate someone, you can’t really hate the Jews or African Americans out loud anymore, right? But the fags are still fair game.
It’s just disappointing.
Nassif Carfou
The Quran forbids any sexual relationship other than in a marriage between a man and a woman. Many homosexual men and women claim that they are born with their sexual preferences and that they have no choice. Although this point is very much in dispute in the medical world, it has no support in the Quran. Even then, irrespective of the nature of homosexuality, this matter would not affect the laws spelled out clearly in the Quran .
We know that this life is a test. Everyone of us has his/her own test. For example someone may be born blind, but that person is expected to live his/her life according to God’s law. Others are born poor, short, tall, weak, missing fingers, having big nose…etc but all of them are expected to follow God’s law. Some men or women may never marry in their life, or spend part of their life without a spouse. As per the Quran they still have to live a chaste life and avoid any sexual contacts outside a marriage. They have to suppress their sexual feelings to follow God’s law. It is a major test and not an easy one for many. Only those who submit to God will do everything they can to follow His law. They know that their salvation and eternal happiness rests in doing so.
Since God condemns homosexuality, then we have to believe that a man or a woman with homosexual feelings is expected to behave like any other human being and follows God’s laws if he/she truely believes in them. He/she shall resist his/her feelings , maintains abstinence , use all available resources of help including medical, social and behavioral therapies to overcome their behavior and feelings. They should pray to God to help them getting over it and submit to God’s law that sees homosexuality as gross sin. Only those who steadfastly persevere in obeying God’s law will they pass their test and confirm their submission to God.
For a person who asks, “why me?” We know God is the Most Merciful and Just (16:90) and He will give each one of us a fair test and a fair chance. He assigns the tests to suite each one of us and we believe that He will never burden any soul beyond its means (23:2).
And We have explained to man in this Qur’an every kind of similitude: yet the grater part of men refuse (to receive it) except with ingratitude!- Holy Quran 17:89
We have explained in detail in this Qur’an for the benefit of mankind every kind of similitude: but man is in most things contentious. – Holy Quran 18:54
We have put forth for men in this Qur’an every kind of Parable in order that they may receive admonition. – Holy Quran 39:27
The spouses that God have made from among ourselves are those that aid in producing children. Since the spouses in homosexual relationship would not produce children they are not the spouses God made from among ourselves.
And Allah has made for you mates (and companions) of your own nature. And made for you out of them sons and daughters and grandchildren and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things and be ungrateful for Allah’s favors? – Holy Quran 16:72
With regard to dealing with homosexuals, the basic rule governing this would be 60:8 & 9.
Allah forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just. Allah only forbids you with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith and drive you out of your homes and support (others) in driving you out from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances) that do wrong. – Holy Quran 60:8-9
However, to be a winner we have to advocate righteousness and forbid evil.
Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity. – Holy Quran 3:104
Ye are the best of peoples evolved for mankind enjoining what is right forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith it were best for them; among them are some who have faith but most of them are perverted transgressors. – Holy Quran 3:110
The believers men and women are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers practice regular charity and obey Allah and His apostle. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power Wise. – Holy Quran 9:71
Also, if God so wills, a reminder may benefit the person.
On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous but (their duty) is to remind them that they may (learn to) fear Allah. – Holy Quran 6:69
Therefore give admonition in case the admonition profits (the hearer). – Holy Quran 87:9
Kerry McCabe
As a gay woman who gave time, money and energy to the Obama campaign, I am deeply saddened by the choice of Rick Warren for the opening inauguration convocation. I won’t go into what has already been said on this matter, such as Warren’s equating abortion to the holocaust or gays to child molesters. I will say however, that this recent move by the Obama campaign is more than just a slap in the face to gays, but it is a time honored practice of gay baiting.
In his newly released book, Crazy for God, author and former right wing evangelist, Rick Schaeffer, explains in detail how bashing gays has always been a sure fire way to win funding and votes. This has been especially lucrative for churches and political campaigns. Warren has been doing just that for years, and now Obama is also guilty by association.
The mainstream press, when bringing up this controversy, basically says that “the gays are mad because Rick Warren is against gay marriage.†In reality, Obama and many other politicians are against gay marriage, but we still worked hard to get them elected. Many of us care deeply about issues besides gay marriage and we wonder why gay marriage has taken such a front (and perhaps only?) seat in gay causes. It eclipses many other crucial issues such as hate crimes, work discrimination and the bullying of gay children in schools. Because gay marriage has taken such a center stage, any opposition to Warren can simply be brushed off as his opinion on gay marriage, which is far from the case.
Anti-gay violence is still extremely common, and it has a direct connection with the rhetoric of bigoted right wing clerics. These preachers have blood on their hands and now Obama has also been tainted. He cries “inclusion†in his defense of this decision, but obviously gay people are not included in what one would hope to be such a joyous and symbolic historical event.
There are so many extraordinary religious leaders in this country who could have spoken at the inauguration. Many of them could have represented conservative views without being such blatant homophobes. As relieved as I am to see Bush finally out of office, I have completely lost any respect for Obama due to this hurtful and I’m sure carefully calculated decision.
sickofthewhining
You people need to grow up. I don’t blame Obama for not listening to you. You are divisive and nasty!!!
Troy Arnold
Obama is also having a pro gay pastor to attend as well. So using the logic of some on this board I should be furious because he is against gay marriage. NO I am not angry because I believe all views should be represented. Isn’t that what Obama ran on?
I am very disappointed with the reaction of the gay community. I know you are looking for a fight because of Prop 8 but this makes your position seem intolerant.
Both pastors with opposing views will share the spotlight so why are you moving the spotlight to Warren only. Think!
Mark
@Troy: Talk about not getting it. This is about a pastor who has spent decades promoting the persecution of Gay and Lesbian citizens and has been successful via legislation. In 30 states you can be fired and denied housing because you are Gay. Gay folks can not participate in over 1000 Federal and state benefits from our Government. That’s real harm on a daily basis. Despite Pastor Warren’s hate speech towards homosexuals it’s truly offensive that you label our outrage and criticism against the enormous power this man has been able to execute to harm and stigmatize us as hate. NOT ONE GAY person has said he and Obama don’t have a right to voice their opinions- even if it is based on lies and hate. Our beef is that his very organized and financially flush majority is oppressing our very small minority community and our children. It’s wrong. That fact that you don’t see this speaks VOLUMES. Exactly what harm or rights have the Gay community taken away from anyone?
Mark In Indiana
Why are asshats quoting the Quran here?
It’s bad enough I have to hear about Jesus every frackin’ day of my life, now I get hate served a la multiculturalism?
If bitches want to stone queers for Mohammad, then I have a place for you to go and it’s called the 12th freakin’ century. They love that shit there.
horus
@Mark In Indiana
LOL… right on brother
i think we’re all sick of these idiots who use God as a shield, because they haven’t got the guzungas to say ‘i hate gays because i’m a bigot and screw you’. plain and simple. i think god is not happy with people who feel gays are something to be ashamed of or inferior. i think god made us this way and loves us because we are unique and special from the ordinary.
my views on how the creator feels about me are as valid as yours if not more. just because you have a book that tells you something doesn’t make it the truth, or omnipotent if you will. it is NOT i can assure you.
NORMAN LEBOON SR
Barack Obama NO different than BUSH! ALL Gays BEWARE
Barack Obama where’s my White House Dinner-Oh Rick Warren has it! Gays and Lesbians the knife is already embedded by President Barack Obama! Gays and Lesbians, the churches, don’t want YOU! Allah (GOD) swt is aware of your many efforts for speaking for the voiceless, oppressed & suppressed ppl, InshaAllah He’ll help. Gays and Lesbians, humility in a person can help move mountains, so do not feel disheartened, trust in Allah (GOD) swt, but to the power & status hungry person gives a feel of superiority, because as long as the Satan continues pumping his ego he’ll remain happy- feels hes in control of everything yet nothing is under his control, since Allah (GOD) swt has power over everything & nothing happens without his permission not even a leaf falls off a tree!. Take care Gays and Lesbians- look after your families Allah (GOD) swt bless you all.
Merry Christmas to ALL!
Norman LeBoon SR
Philadelphia, Pa USA
RLS
Maybe it’s just me, but I find the offense taken to this particular move heavily racialized, hence the “homophoblack” comment above, as if people cannot be both gay and black (like me!). This is eerily reminiscent of all the racial hatred that was spewed after prop 8 passed, and since nobody cared about prop 8 until after it passed, the gay community is now using its new found “voice” to protest and complain about something that is actually pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Looks to me like this is just another way for the gay community to ignore its race problem and deflect attention for more pointless bitching. I’m not saying what this is or what it isn’t. Does it suck now? Yeah, a bit. Is wasting time, energy, print, and everything else on this while we’ve still got homeless teenagers and men still being BEAT TO DEATH for being gay worth it? I don’t think so. Gay marriage is to me the token cause of a group of privileged, older white gays who see it as their last barrier to “equality” (reaping the full benefits of white privilege). Conversations like the ones we’re having do nothing but reinforce that stereotype to both heterosexuals and queers of color. I’m pretty sure I’ll be called a racist or self-loather or every name in the book reserved for “dissenters”, but that’s how I feel. And more people agree than you think.
Lynn
“The court threw out the will of the people” in 1967 (Loving v. Virginia) when they ruled against a traditional definition of marriage as marriage between whites and said that inter-racial marriage was unconstitutional. If Warren opposed THAT decision 1) he has not said so, and 2) Obama wouldn’t invite him to the inaugural invocation.
will
The purpose of a the bill of rights in a “republican democracy” was to safeguard the rights of the 2% or 49%, what have you against the will of the 51%. We do not have pure democracy because pure democracy is wrong. Two wolves and 1 lamb deciding what to have for dinner. What happened was a perversion of the system of a republic with a flawed system of democratic bullying. Those “4 guys” have done much to change this country against the “will of the people”. Brown vs. the Board of Education. They are far more educated and effective at promoting change than the uneducated masses.
Bruce Namerow
This website (http://www.equalitymatters.org) is planning an online, virtual protest on Inauguration Week using Facebook and other social media sitse. Could be a powerful new way to protest in the Internet age.
[img]http://www.equalitymatters.org/themes/site_themes/equality_matters/images/badges/rick-warren.gif[/img]