Slog
News & ArtsWednesday, December 17, 2008
Politics Re: Rick Warren to Give Inauguration Invocation
Posted by Erica C. Barnett on Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 3:49 PM
As Eli pointed out this morning, Right Wing Watch isn't happy. Neither, for that matter, is Think Progress, which had an even harsher condemnation this afternoon (all links in original):
Anti-gay, anti-choice, pro-assassination pastor to give inaugural invocation.Pastor Rick Warren will deliver the invocation at President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on Jan. 20. While he is a recognizable celebrity and best-selling author, Warren also advocates a number of deeply anti-progressive views. He supported California’s anti-gay marriage Proposition 8 and has likened gay marriage to polygamy and incest. He is strongly anti-choice, and has equated abortion to the Holocaust. Warren also supports the assassination of foreign leaders. Appearing on Fox’s Hannity and Colmes on December 3, Warren agreed with Sean Hannity’s assertion that “we need to take him [Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad] out,” saying that stopping evil “is the legitimate role of government.” He added, “The Bible says that God puts government on earth to punish evildoers.”
People for the American Way is also pissed.
2
Yes Mugabe and all that fun stuff, but Africa is Africa. Rick Warren is a way to say I want to include you but I disagree. Brilliant politics. Obama rewards those who play nice. Warren did. hence the reward. But notice Fox still doesnt get to do shit at press confrences. Obamas memory is long and he will Fuck Warren if he steps to far from the pulpit. Besides its a pastor saying a prayer, with all the bad black pastor coverage he had in the primaries he need this one.
3
Let's hope for th time being that People against the assisnation of all leaders... foreign and national... small and big.. get in the way of bigots and eavesdroppers who feed them the b.s and racial tension of insanity and the rymers of fox to fox to fox to fox to fox.....
and what does that mean PRAY tell?
how about this.... Mr. Hannity and his constituents are the bigs in the cable???
is that hot enough for generalizations?
let's ask them to step down for the betterment of others... and hope that they want to come on down to my Settlement of others with a big bag of mari-JA-juana....
we could roast one up if you catch my drift....
ha ha... the lake is only so many miles from the ocean at this point.. and speaking of points...
here's to the groups in the ballard area who may want to kick in the jams tonight thanks to some of our friends in the weekly and the slog blog intel networks of the cops and pics on the facebooks channels as welll as right here in stranger than truth land...
I sent one off today to Eric O and Peter G SO AS to get it STRRRRRAIGHT with the Congress and Parlimentary Proceedures and my most sure and soon to be new best friend ... our ever
illustrious famous Amos.
The tories in europe are gonna love this call to bedroom privacy and the gestalt of vocal poets world wide rants on the tinkelers... if you got it..
and what does that mean PRAY tell?
how about this.... Mr. Hannity and his constituents are the bigs in the cable???
is that hot enough for generalizations?
let's ask them to step down for the betterment of others... and hope that they want to come on down to my Settlement of others with a big bag of mari-JA-juana....
we could roast one up if you catch my drift....
ha ha... the lake is only so many miles from the ocean at this point.. and speaking of points...
here's to the groups in the ballard area who may want to kick in the jams tonight thanks to some of our friends in the weekly and the slog blog intel networks of the cops and pics on the facebooks channels as welll as right here in stranger than truth land...
I sent one off today to Eric O and Peter G SO AS to get it STRRRRRAIGHT with the Congress and Parlimentary Proceedures and my most sure and soon to be new best friend ... our ever
illustrious famous Amos.
The tories in europe are gonna love this call to bedroom privacy and the gestalt of vocal poets world wide rants on the tinkelers... if you got it..
5
And as the rest of us pointed out in the (ignored) comments thread, this is much ado about nothing. You're wasting your breath to get worked up over this. This has ZERO policy implications, and scores big in erasing lingering misgivings over Rev. Wright. Hate to break it to you, but if we're ever going to move this country forward, it's through engaging with hatemongers, not shouting at them.
6
Clearly, gays have to reach out to Christians and to the right in order to persuade the majority of the population that our cause is just and that we do not seek to destroy tradition when we demand our civil rights. Gays will always lose if this is seen as a battle between Christians and gays. That said, I am deeply offended and ashamed that Obama would invite this man to speak at his inauguration, of all times. That's not the time or place to showcase those who would deny equality to all Americans.
Stand up for those who supported you in your campaign? Apparently, no, you can't.
Stand up for those who supported you in your campaign? Apparently, no, you can't.
7
Frankly, I agree with Think Progress. I'm pissed and disillusioned. And why do we have an INVOCATION at the INAUGURATION anyway? I thought this was a secular nation?
8
That's the problem with a coalition...once the enemy is defeated, they all remember that they hated each other.
9
How disappointing. A huge missed opportunity that concedes Christianity to the wingnuts.
Using someone like Jim Wallis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wallis) might have gone some distance toward empowering the Christian progressives or moderates. Instead, the message is that the only politically viable form of Christianity is the far right.
Using someone like Jim Wallis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wallis) might have gone some distance toward empowering the Christian progressives or moderates. Instead, the message is that the only politically viable form of Christianity is the far right.
10
Sam @3 gets it. I personally don't understand the furor. It's a cheap way to reach out to the right on nothing that matters.
11
Whhops, that was Sam @2. Mr DBK @3, I'm so happy you're still here. I was wondering where you'd gone. Yay random stream of nonsense! I'd smoke with you anyday.
12
You know they could have used Bishop Gene Robinson, but guess what they fuckin didn't. You know why. He has liberals in his pocket. now he needs those conservatives to accomplish his agenda.
14
I think we have one over in Ballard in a same-sex marriage ... Unitarian that is.
My question is, what Mikado costume will the US Supreme Court dress up in, and will it come with Kabuki makeup?
My question is, what Mikado costume will the US Supreme Court dress up in, and will it come with Kabuki makeup?
15
What about Mel White? Who could be a better symbol for change? Instead we get this worthless shitbag.
Come to think of it, it appears that after winning the nomination, Obama has fully commited to the Demoncratic tradition of flipping the double-bird to his supporters–especially teh gaze.
Come to think of it, it appears that after winning the nomination, Obama has fully commited to the Demoncratic tradition of flipping the double-bird to his supporters–especially teh gaze.
16
"Obama has fully committed to the Democratic tradition of flipping the double-bird to his supporters–especially teh gaze."
Bingo! We have a winner!!!
Never saw that coming (NOT!)
What ever made any of you think Obama supported gays? His clear statements that was against gay marriage on religious grounds? Why would you think he was lying?
None of you are still holding your breath on DOMA or DADT are you?...
Bingo! We have a winner!!!
Never saw that coming (NOT!)
What ever made any of you think Obama supported gays? His clear statements that was against gay marriage on religious grounds? Why would you think he was lying?
None of you are still holding your breath on DOMA or DADT are you?...
17
What nobody seems to be noting here is that Obama did not make this pick. As reported by Salon, "The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, run by the House and Senate, put together the program for the swearing-in ceremony. Congress, not Obama, invited Warren." Can people stop being pissed at Obama for something he had nothing to do with?
18
PEOPLE! Look past your noses! This is brilliant. Obama hasn't sold out anybody, because THIS DOESN'T MATTER. This is not a policy position. Obama isn't asking for Warren's advice. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, folks. Watch and learn.
19
Also, what @17 said. Fact is, you're all looking for something - anything - to get pissed about, anything at all, even if IT MEANS NOTHING and has ZERO policy implications. Calm down!
20
It sucks because a bigot is getting a platform. I think it is a purely political move to 'bring people together', and I can accept that. But there is also a part of me who feels that people were too quick to forget about Matthew Shepard. I'm a straight male in full support of gay equality but still understand the reality that Obama is still, and always will be, a politician. My idealistic side says that Obama shouldn't have even entertained this idea because homophobia starts with words but will always ultimately lead to violence. Admit it, you guys. His candidacy brought out so much unrealistic hope that we were bound to be dissapointed at some point. All in all though, I'm still so proud and happy to have him as President-Elect.
21
There are so many other liberal or even apolitical religious leaders he could have asked. The religious right will never disappear--smallpox is the only pestilence that has been competely eradicated--but I thought finally the day has come when no one is listening to them or taking them seriously. I was looking forward to the day when these people were made irrelevant and marginalized from American politics. This is a disappointment.
22
So let me get this straight and see if I missed anything:
A priest was invited to do the invocation.
Most priests vocally frown upon the concepts of homosexuality and abortion.
So... this is shocking how?
The assasination thing, on the other hand, well... that's odd. I don't remember Jesus' sniper rifle.
A priest was invited to do the invocation.
Most priests vocally frown upon the concepts of homosexuality and abortion.
So... this is shocking how?
The assasination thing, on the other hand, well... that's odd. I don't remember Jesus' sniper rifle.
23
@17. And you think Obama doesn't have final say over that? Really? What if they had picked Reverend Wright? Would he just be all, sorry 'bout that folks, but it's not my choice? That's just a deflection, plain and simple.
I get why they're doing this. I really do. But I can still be angry about it. After all, this man hates the gays, regardless of how many gay people have had him over for dinner. Fuck that shit.
Lots of gays are angry, people. And to have a supporter of Prop 8 at this thing isn't the wisest move at this point. Really. What the heck were they thinking? Saddleback-man has even said his positions aren't different from Dobson's for goodness' sakes.
Whatever. It's not like I'm going to hate Obama for this. I'm just disappointed. It takes some of the glow off to see someone who encouraged your rights to be taken away given a large platform.
Cheers.
I get why they're doing this. I really do. But I can still be angry about it. After all, this man hates the gays, regardless of how many gay people have had him over for dinner. Fuck that shit.
Lots of gays are angry, people. And to have a supporter of Prop 8 at this thing isn't the wisest move at this point. Really. What the heck were they thinking? Saddleback-man has even said his positions aren't different from Dobson's for goodness' sakes.
Whatever. It's not like I'm going to hate Obama for this. I'm just disappointed. It takes some of the glow off to see someone who encouraged your rights to be taken away given a large platform.
Cheers.
24
It's very obvious that no one bothers to read the comments before they themselves make one. Maybe it would help if the post writer would note that OBAMA DIDN'T CHOOSE THIS MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christ on a cherrywood cross.
Christ on a cherrywood cross.
25
@24--Do you honestly believe that Obama didn't APPROVE this? Who cares who chose him? Obama wouldn't have let this just happen without approving it. Come on, now.
27
"The program participants were invited by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and chosen by the Chairman, the Presidential-elect (sic) and the Vice President-elect."
http://inaugural.senate.gov/media/releas…
so:
Obama
Biden
Feinstein
Bennett
Reid
Pelosi
Hoyer
Boehner
http://inaugural.senate.gov/media/releas…
so:
Obama
Biden
Feinstein
Bennett
Reid
Pelosi
Hoyer
Boehner
28
Regardless of who made the selection of Jabba the Brokeback Pastor, when you put this together with the same frauds, liars and psychopaths he's chosen for his economic team and mediocre-sucktacular cabinet choices, it's easy to see a pattern of behavior indicating we're going to get the same failed policies of the Clinton/Bush years at best, along with a whole lot of empty promises and red-herrings.
30
I agree with the cooler heads here. Watch for Obama to do something big, and soon, for the Gay community. Like maybe abolishing Don't Ask Don't Tell and permitting open participation in the military.
31
Gooood!
Give in to your annnnger!
and despair...and fear...
The Dark Side beacons---
wait a minute-
what am I thinking.
You people wallow in the Dark Side.
as you were.
Give in to your annnnger!
and despair...and fear...
The Dark Side beacons---
wait a minute-
what am I thinking.
You people wallow in the Dark Side.
as you were.
32
30
you're a real kidder!
Clinton threw the Gays a bone
early on (Don't ask, Don't tell)
and got slapped down hard.
Obama isn't sympathetic to Gays
to begin with
and isn't about to squander
political capital on them.
It will be four years before you'll get a shout out from Hobama.
you're a real kidder!
Clinton threw the Gays a bone
early on (Don't ask, Don't tell)
and got slapped down hard.
Obama isn't sympathetic to Gays
to begin with
and isn't about to squander
political capital on them.
It will be four years before you'll get a shout out from Hobama.
33
@ 5 18 19
Sure Linus, we believe that the Great Obumpkin will bring us goodies if we are good little Gays and play along and keep quiet.
Sure Linus, we believe that the Great Obumpkin will bring us goodies if we are good little Gays and play along and keep quiet.
34
Now, now, now. Us gay people need to calm down and obey the “wise, wise” words of the all-knowing straight commenters and our much “smarter” gay apologists here on Slog. Us uppity fags need to learn to lie there and take it. Because maybe one day, if we’re real, real good we might get to enjoy the same rights and privileges that the all-knowing straight commenters here on Slog enjoy now, and like them, we’ll even get to know what it feels like to not have to think about those rights and privileges--we can take them for granted too!! Woohoo!!
On second thought: the all-knowing straight commenters and gay apologists can go FUCK THEMSELVES!
I removed the Obama/Biden bumper sticker from my car today. That felt good. Now if I could only get the thousand or so dollars I donated to the Obama campaign back.
On second thought: the all-knowing straight commenters and gay apologists can go FUCK THEMSELVES!
I removed the Obama/Biden bumper sticker from my car today. That felt good. Now if I could only get the thousand or so dollars I donated to the Obama campaign back.
35
You know what? I hate Rick Warren, but pissing off the extreme left and extreme right with one move is pretty impressive. I kinda like it.
36
@35
Because you know, people wanting their equal rights is the same as those people from Kansas saying God hates fags. Nice and stupid.
Because you know, people wanting their equal rights is the same as those people from Kansas saying God hates fags. Nice and stupid.
37
Mark my words: Obama is a one term President. Get ready for either President Rommney or President Palin in four years. Just remember that.
38
@37 Haha... good one. Remember, people. Rome wasn't burnt in a day. It took a couple weeks of hard burning (helped by several previous attempts) to get the job done. Stone don't burn too easy.
39
@38
Yeah, but if you're fire is hot enough you can get the job done in a hurry. Like Sodom. And Gommorah.
Yeah, but if you're fire is hot enough you can get the job done in a hurry. Like Sodom. And Gommorah.
40
The choice for this pastor is not inconsequential, even if it has no direct bearing on any policy decisions per se. Yes Obama could have made sure someone else was chosen. You're telling me that they can't find a black pastor who supports love and dignity for all people to perform at this inauguration? I don't buy it. This choice polarizes people instead of bringing them together, and Obama won on being able to bring people together. Although symbolic this invocation choice will cost Obama political support especially because it was his ability to inspire people to go beyond and rise above. And yes, this choice will embolden the right wing nuts when a choice could have been made for someone that would embolden the moderate christian denominations whose practice of religion is a bit more about love and all.
41
My vote would be for Ted Haggard. The message it would send to evangelicals: you are irrelevant comical hypocrites whose inability to resist gay hookers and meth provides much entertainment to this land.
The message to everyone else: Bwah hah hah hah!!!!
The message to everyone else: Bwah hah hah hah!!!!
43
40 Yo Momma
You are dead on
This choice is not an accident and Obama is 1000% good with it. It is and is meant to be a loud unmistakable message to Obama's base about Prop 8. The election is over and Obama doesn't feel the need to pay even lip service to GLBT concerns.
You are dead on
This choice is not an accident and Obama is 1000% good with it. It is and is meant to be a loud unmistakable message to Obama's base about Prop 8. The election is over and Obama doesn't feel the need to pay even lip service to GLBT concerns.
44
ROFLMAO!! So you're finding out that your precious Messiah, The One, is nothign but a politician who used you. You really should have seen this coming.
46
What rights have you lost? What disservice has been done. You are 10% of the population and conservatives are 30%. What will you do when they regroup and come to put you away for being who you are. Rick Warren in no way represents my biblical beliefs, but he does for many Americans. Those biblical beliefs are what led to emancipation, they led to womens rights, and the led to the progressive societies we find in the western world. But there is baggage about homosexuality. Why not blame the Blacks for their homophobia and voting for Prop 8. There are blacks at the inaguration right. What about the peace mongerers who shout and scream about there platforms and have to look up and see those who like war. If everyone agreed with Obama and the new democratic agenda it is likely we would not even be where we are in this changing nation of ours. GETTING WORKED UP ABOUT POINTLESS SHIT MAKES YOU NO BETTER THAN LIBERAL O'REILLYS.
48
Bwa haw haw haw! You dumbass naive Seattle "progressive liberals" got duped again! Bwa haw haw! Really nothing is more entertaining than the myriad ways a Seattle "progressive liberal" tries to deny reality. Gawd you types are SO NAIVE! Keep it up! Your dumb-ass denial just makes me harder!
49
I'm frustrated and disappointed. I can see why as a politician he would do that old, "everybody's gotta work together" thing, but this is WAY overreaching. I don't know wtf he was thinking reaching this far out the spectrum and choosing such an offensive and polarizing person.
It was a mistake, and I hope that he still can correct it.
It was a mistake, and I hope that he still can correct it.
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