It's worth noting, in this Rick Warren fiasco, that there isn't actually that much daylight between Warren and Obama on marriage equality. There is some, of course, since Obama was against Proposition 8 and Warren was for it. And I'm sure Obama is a whole lot more gay-friendly in general than Warren, and that will have important policy implications on things like hate crimes and discrimination in the workplace. However, on the basic principle of marriage, Obama and Warren agree that marriage is for a man and a woman, which the Yes on Prop 8 side did not hesitate to point out through a multi-million dollar campaign.
"Let me start by talking about my own views. It is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something that I have been consistent on and something that I intend to continue to be consistent on during my Presidency. What I have also said is that it is important for Americans to come together even though we may disagree on certain social issues."
This just isn't truthful, or rather, it's exactly how Bush would justify a policy on pollution, by talking about how strongly he believes in the public's right to clean air. Obama might push for equal rights for gays in some instances, yet think that it is politically unwise to push for it in others. Or he may simply not believe that gay people should be able to get married. But he's not 'consistent' on fierce advocacy for equality, he's consistent in being a politician that won't support marriage equality but will support other advances in equal rights initiatives.
Chris and I were pretty consistent in pointing out that you should believe what Obama says, and not try to pretend that he's lying to the public so that he can get progressive policies passed. Obama's pretty upfront about what he believes. He tends to do politician-y things like use liberal rhetoric to justify limiting rights for gay people and disembodying the left so he can punch us in the face every once in awhile. But that doesn't actually mean that he's going to go our way on policy. He never was in favor of marriage equality, he's been consistent on that point. If you were surprised that he picked Warren or think he's playing three dimensional chess, you might consider opening your mind up to the possibility that he's just doing what he believes is the right thing to do. And that might just mean leaving gays out of his big tent (though I'd point out that Warren has a record that goes far beyond attacking homosexuals, and that marriage equality is not a 'gay' issue but a human rights issue).
As an anti-spam measure, there is a 24-hour waiting period after registering before new users can comment. blog advertising is good for you
blog advertising is good for you
