Monday, January 19, 2009
Inauguration HBO Blames Obama, Obama Blames HBO
Posted by Dan Savage on Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Last night HBO said that it didn't broadcast Gene Robinson's invocation because the Obama team scheduled it before the broadcast was set to begin. Today the Obama team says...
“We had always intended and planned for Rt. Rev. Robinson’s invocation to be included in the televised portion of yesterday’s program. We regret the error in executing this plan—but are gratified that hundreds of thousands of people who gathered on the mall heard his eloquent prayer for our nation that was a fitting start to our event.”—PIC communications director Josh Earnest
Yeah, that would be nice—if those hundreds of thousands had actually heard Robinson. But sound and video were cut as Robinson approached the microphone yesterday. Only folks at the very front, right up against the Lincoln Memorial, heard Robinson speak.
And I could give a shit about prayers, or Robinson frankly. What matters here is that the Obama crowd really stepped in it with the Warren invite, shitting all over a part of the Dem base, then held up the Robinson invite to make amends, and insisted that Robinson would have as prominent a platform as Warren... so why don't you all stop bitching about Warren, okay? But that's not what happened. The Obama transition has been seamless—it's hardly hit a bump. Except with the gays, where it's hit bump after bump after bump. It starts to look intentional after a while. Says Queerty...
There's no easy way to say this: We were hoodwinked. Cynics will say, "Well, what did you expect?", but the answer is, "We expected more." The concert itself was inspiring, hopeful and a media event, but the exclusion of Robinson once again highlights the reality that gays and lesbians sit at the back of the American political bus.
Gays and lesbians were promised a great deal by the last Dem to win the White House—Bill Clinton—and then screwed royally when he got into office. Clinton promised to end the military's ban on gays and lesbians; he wound up signing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which was worse than the old ban. (The old ban was policy, and could've been undone by executive order; DADT is law, and it has to be rescinded by Congress.) DADT lead to more witch hunts, to more gays and lesbians being tossed out of the military. So this is why gays and lesbians—burned the last time—are scrutinizing the incoming Obama team's actions. Like I said yesterday in comments: We will ultimately have to judge Obama based on what he does after he's actually the president. We have to give him two years to make good on some of his promises to us, not two months, and we can't expect him to realize all of his promises. But a lot of gays and lesbians lost found our hope-ons going a bit limp after the Warren pick, and the slighting of Robinson isn't playing too well.
But we'll see. I'm anxious to have all the great things Obama does to advance gay rights rubbed in my nose a year or two from now by folks who remember my Warren-induced doubts.
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1
"The Obama transition has been seamless—it's hardly hit a bump. Except with the gays, where it's hit bump after bump after bump. It starts to look intentional after a while."
The reality is that activist queers are self absorbed immature whining pricks that no one can or will please.
Obama will soon learn there is no point to trying.
The reality is that activist queers are self absorbed immature whining pricks that no one can or will please.
Obama will soon learn there is no point to trying.
2
We've run out of things to be livid about. Quick, manufacture the next existential bullshit to feel affected by!
3
It's clearly a conspiracy.
But sound and video were cut as Robinson approached the microphone yesterday.
It's clearly a conspiracy.
4
Dan, you've invented a new politico-sexual dysfunction:
premature ejacuimpotence
(feel free to use that in your column, btw...)
you can't even wait for Obama to get sworn into office before accusing him of failing to meet your expectations,
like some over eager 15 year old blowing his wad of resentment and whining before his girl gets her panties past her hips.
premature ejacuimpotence
(feel free to use that in your column, btw...)
you can't even wait for Obama to get sworn into office before accusing him of failing to meet your expectations,
like some over eager 15 year old blowing his wad of resentment and whining before his girl gets her panties past her hips.
6
I haven't seen this much homophobia on Slog in a long time. It's like Ecce Homo is posting under multipule names...
7
If you let this sort of trivial bullshit be the "make-up" for inviting stupid Rick Warren--as opposed to, you know, shit that WILL MATTER being the "make-up"--then we don't really deserve to get anything substantive out of this administration.
I agree with Queerty in this regard: I still do expect more. Some jackoff pastor giving a prayer that he published in GQ at a concert just isn't the kind of "more" that I'm expecting.
I agree with Queerty in this regard: I still do expect more. Some jackoff pastor giving a prayer that he published in GQ at a concert just isn't the kind of "more" that I'm expecting.
8
(A truncated version of Robinson's VERY SUPER IMPORTANT MUST BE SEEN prayer appeared in the February issue of GQ.)
9
Yeah, both 1 and 2 . . . The fact that you claim Dan and the greater Gay community have "run out of things to be livid about" is about the most idiotic thing I've seen written here. It takes an ignorance of epic, world class magnitude to think gays and lesbians have nothing left to fight or complain about, and even more stupidity to think that these recent events are not worth mentioning.
10
All you guys do is whine and bitch. The gays have it so rough these days. Between this, dogs, yoga, and hybrid cars how do you manage?
11
I came here to add some snark, but alas, I couldn't do it better than #1
#1 ftw!
@6 it is not homophobic to point out the obvious. It implies no hatred or discrimination or phobia to make the point that for many gays their ego makes their hysteria look foolish.
Teh point might be made that just as blacks no longer have any bullshit excuse about how the man is holding them back in society now that Barack is President, the gay rights movement has come a long ways in the past few years.
Teh problem is that the gay movement is trying to do too much too fast. If you are given an inch you bitch for a mile. With the understanding of how much of a minority we represent, we need to be careful not to completely piss off those who have helped us get this far.
I'm of the mindset that all this whining won't get anyone anywhere.
#1 ftw!
@6 it is not homophobic to point out the obvious. It implies no hatred or discrimination or phobia to make the point that for many gays their ego makes their hysteria look foolish.
Teh point might be made that just as blacks no longer have any bullshit excuse about how the man is holding them back in society now that Barack is President, the gay rights movement has come a long ways in the past few years.
Teh problem is that the gay movement is trying to do too much too fast. If you are given an inch you bitch for a mile. With the understanding of how much of a minority we represent, we need to be careful not to completely piss off those who have helped us get this far.
I'm of the mindset that all this whining won't get anyone anywhere.
12
But if they didn't bitch and whine, they wouldn't be good for anything at all! No wonder Obama's already had enough of them.
13
So let's see, we've got an incoming administration whom has proven during the campaign that they're gay-friendly and willing to work with both sides of this political divide vs. a global entertainment giant whom couldn't give a damn about who it pleases so long as the money keeps rolling in via ad and dvd sales. Whom do you think really pulled the plug here? If there's an actual conspiracy, blame the HBO, not the B.H.O. (hell, their intentions are clearly spelled out by the inclusion of 'Box Office' in the name).
Also, as we've become highly aware, there were thousands upon thousands of folks gathered at the memorial when this occured - didn't someone notice that the sound was faulty at the time? Do cell phones not work in DC right now? Why wasn't there any outrage during the actual event?
I'm certainly ticked that no one got to hear Robinson speak - but it sounds like a lot of Monday-morning Saddlebacking.
For those interested, there's a transcript of the Reverend's prayer located here:
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/01/bishop_g…
Also, as we've become highly aware, there were thousands upon thousands of folks gathered at the memorial when this occured - didn't someone notice that the sound was faulty at the time? Do cell phones not work in DC right now? Why wasn't there any outrage during the actual event?
I'm certainly ticked that no one got to hear Robinson speak - but it sounds like a lot of Monday-morning Saddlebacking.
For those interested, there's a transcript of the Reverend's prayer located here:
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/01/bishop_g…
14
@6,9, etc.
When did the Slog become a home for homophobic trolls.
To all y'all talking about how gays and lesbians have nothing to complain about, or that the movement for equality is moving "too fast" (WTF?!?) you really should see the movie Milk. Maybe you'll start to understand what's at stake and why people shouldn't feel the need to take it slow when pushing to be protected by their own constitution.
When did the Slog become a home for homophobic trolls.
To all y'all talking about how gays and lesbians have nothing to complain about, or that the movement for equality is moving "too fast" (WTF?!?) you really should see the movie Milk. Maybe you'll start to understand what's at stake and why people shouldn't feel the need to take it slow when pushing to be protected by their own constitution.
15
I don't understand how these threads get all the trollers out in force.
Dan, you're hitting all the right notes, especially to those with a long enough memory to remember Clinton's broken promises and fuck-ups.
Something you mentioned that I'd like to focus on is this: "The Obama transition has been seamless—it's hardly hit a bump." Here's my problem with that. Shouldn't a transition from one of the worst-run Presidential administrations in history NOT be seamless? I mean even a little? To me this says that for the most part things are running BAU in Washington; I don't see any major shake-ups on the horizon, except perhaps with regard to the EPA. And that's just to get it to the point where it can meet its mandate. The Robinson debacle just highlights the fact that gays are probably gonna get as overlooked and marginalized as before. You're stuck and you know it, because what's your alternative? Go Republican?
19
The symbology of such choices and events is important, and it's perfectly valid to point out that, as far as indicating recognizance and support of GLBT issues and concerns, so far the Obama team has been, uncharacteristically, stumbling, in situation after situation.
That being said, I totally call "The Hope-Ons" for a band name!!!
That being said, I totally call "The Hope-Ons" for a band name!!!
20
I am afraid that Mr. Obama, in his zeal to bring everyone to the table is setting himself up for failure. It is axiomatic that you cannot please all of the people all of the time. Mr Obama seems to be bent on attempting to do so. I think he would be better off looking to his supporters than to conciliating his opponents on the far right, who will not be lulled into giving up their defining prejudices for sops.
21
Dan, this is simply not accurate:
"But sound and video were cut as Robinson approached the microphone yesterday. Only folks at the very front, right up against the Lincoln Memorial, heard Robinson speak."
I watched the concert from well back in the crowd, behind the Reflecting Pool over halfway to the base of the Washington Monument, and both the sound and Jumbotron were working perfectly while Robinson spoke. Maybe there was a local outage wherever you were, but there's no need to fan the flames of this mini-kerfuffle by implying that Robinson was intentionally silenced for the audience on the Mall.
"But sound and video were cut as Robinson approached the microphone yesterday. Only folks at the very front, right up against the Lincoln Memorial, heard Robinson speak."
I watched the concert from well back in the crowd, behind the Reflecting Pool over halfway to the base of the Washington Monument, and both the sound and Jumbotron were working perfectly while Robinson spoke. Maybe there was a local outage wherever you were, but there's no need to fan the flames of this mini-kerfuffle by implying that Robinson was intentionally silenced for the audience on the Mall.
22
16 FTW
This is like if Rosa Parks' chief complaint had been that the bus seat was uncomfortable.
This is like if Rosa Parks' chief complaint had been that the bus seat was uncomfortable.
This is like if Rosa Parks' chief complaint had been that the bus seat was uncomfortable.
This is like if Rosa Parks' chief complaint had been that the bus seat was uncomfortable.
This is like if Rosa Parks' chief complaint had been that the bus seat was uncomfortable.
This is like if Rosa Parks' chief complaint had been that the bus seat was uncomfortable.
This is like if Rosa Parks' chief complaint had been that the bus seat was uncomfortable.
This is like if Rosa Parks' chief complaint had been that the bus seat was uncomfortable.
23
Not to get off topic, but did anyone watch the season premier of HBO's show about renegade Mormons that directly followed the broadcast?
25
Dan, did the thought ever cross your mind that perhaps this was an innocent mistake? A rather tragic one, but a mistake nonetheless?
It kind of drives me crazy that you don't care WHAT Robinson said, just that he should be seen by as many people as possible, in order to one-up the Christianists.
For the record, heres a transcript of his invocation: http://www.boston.com/news/local/article…
The Warren pick drove me nuts too, but honestly, at least Obama is TRYING to mend the culture war. You're just deepening the divide with the petty finger-pointing.
It kind of drives me crazy that you don't care WHAT Robinson said, just that he should be seen by as many people as possible, in order to one-up the Christianists.
For the record, heres a transcript of his invocation: http://www.boston.com/news/local/article…
The Warren pick drove me nuts too, but honestly, at least Obama is TRYING to mend the culture war. You're just deepening the divide with the petty finger-pointing.
26
"And I could give a shit about prayers, or Robinson frankly." Really, Dan?
If only we could go back in time and repeat over and over that shortly after the Warren announcement.
How about we focus all this hair-on-fire ire and energy toward the real enemies of LGBT rights (and, yes, Warren's one of them--but fire at him when he's on his home turf, not doing some "couldn't give a shit" prayer at the Obama party), and focus our organizations, demonstrations, and political capital on issues that actually affect Queer lives?
Like keeping our jobs?
Serving our country?
Getting those 1138 federal rights?
Getting equal access to health care and AIDS education funding (without squeamish avoidance of queer sex issues)?
Ending the absurd "abstinence only" education?
You know, thing that matter a hell of a lot more than who gets to pray.
If only we could go back in time and repeat over and over that shortly after the Warren announcement.
How about we focus all this hair-on-fire ire and energy toward the real enemies of LGBT rights (and, yes, Warren's one of them--but fire at him when he's on his home turf, not doing some "couldn't give a shit" prayer at the Obama party), and focus our organizations, demonstrations, and political capital on issues that actually affect Queer lives?
Like keeping our jobs?
Serving our country?
Getting those 1138 federal rights?
Getting equal access to health care and AIDS education funding (without squeamish avoidance of queer sex issues)?
Ending the absurd "abstinence only" education?
You know, thing that matter a hell of a lot more than who gets to pray.
27
This whole Obama vs. us homos thingy has more gratuitous foreshadowing than a Flannery O'Connor story.
28
Dan, you are such an ignorant prick. Progress doesn't happen overnight, and Obama picking speakers has nothing to do with change. You know what matters? The law. Focus your energy on changing that. You are such an embarrassment.
30
@26. Of course. My fear is based in watching the Michigan Democratic Party (and the national party for that matter) abandon gays and lesbians during the Michigan anti-gay constitutional amendment from 2004. Oh, but the governor appointed a gay judge! Whoopee! And then we also dealt with most Michigan Democrats (elected, involved in the Party, or just plain old voters) for the most part being really pathetic about gay rights issues. The Democrats really don't have our backs.
So this sort of tone deafness and apparent ignorance on the part of Obama brings up the fear, for me at least, that there'll be a few appointments here and there while nothing really moves forward for TLGB folks.
Of course, this is probably just my paranoia from living in a pretty anti-gay state for 8 years that also coincided with the anti-gay Bush administration. But I want to see honest-to-goodness progress. I'm hopeful I'll see it.
Cheers.
So this sort of tone deafness and apparent ignorance on the part of Obama brings up the fear, for me at least, that there'll be a few appointments here and there while nothing really moves forward for TLGB folks.
Of course, this is probably just my paranoia from living in a pretty anti-gay state for 8 years that also coincided with the anti-gay Bush administration. But I want to see honest-to-goodness progress. I'm hopeful I'll see it.
Cheers.
31
"So this is why gays and lesbians—burned the last time—are scrutinizing the incoming Obama team's actions."
I severely disagree with this statement. Many Gays and Lesbians love the Clintons to death, and completely ignore the fact that they gave us DADT and DOMA. How many queens talked lovingly about Hillary during the primary as being the ultimate gay loving Politician, even as she promised exactly what Obama promised on the Marriage front (Civil Unions only), and said she would only repeal part of, not all of DOMA. Yet she's a fucking hero to many. It's amazing how that ability to rearrange reality only applies to Hillary, but Obama is a sinister master planner who, by virtue of being the perfect black man of your wildest dreams, can't make any mistakes at all.
This is equality folks. Before he even takes the oath of office he has failed to deliver his promises. What a relief after the past eight years of Republican bullshit. Right.
I severely disagree with this statement. Many Gays and Lesbians love the Clintons to death, and completely ignore the fact that they gave us DADT and DOMA. How many queens talked lovingly about Hillary during the primary as being the ultimate gay loving Politician, even as she promised exactly what Obama promised on the Marriage front (Civil Unions only), and said she would only repeal part of, not all of DOMA. Yet she's a fucking hero to many. It's amazing how that ability to rearrange reality only applies to Hillary, but Obama is a sinister master planner who, by virtue of being the perfect black man of your wildest dreams, can't make any mistakes at all.
This is equality folks. Before he even takes the oath of office he has failed to deliver his promises. What a relief after the past eight years of Republican bullshit. Right.
33
Ah yes, gays are spoiled and don't deserve equal rights until they can convince a majority of the population that its the right thing to do, and they should learn to wait till that happens. I think today is an appropriate day to re-read MLK's letter from a birmingham jail on that front.
34
Dan Savage has nothing to lose and everything to gain by being a derisive wedge between progress and shrillness in order to get our comments and hits on his website. Making money off of a niche market while continuing to fragment it and manifest Otherness has never felt so good, RIGHT DAN?
35
Again, If Gay-Americans want to be treated the same as other Americans, the fight is NOT up to them, it's up to Gay-Americans. Bitch and moan about being snubbed, it feels good to get it off the chest. But then what? Bitching and moaning only goes so far.
Take a lesson from the Civil Rights fight that African-Americans had. Stop relying on White Presidents to do your fighting, and YOU get out there and March.
BTW Dan, have you been at any of the Seattle Marches? I don't recall seeing the Paparazzi around taking your picture. I'd like you to do a little less whining and a little more 'Doing'. Just an invitation not a demand.
Take a lesson from the Civil Rights fight that African-Americans had. Stop relying on White Presidents to do your fighting, and YOU get out there and March.
BTW Dan, have you been at any of the Seattle Marches? I don't recall seeing the Paparazzi around taking your picture. I'd like you to do a little less whining and a little more 'Doing'. Just an invitation not a demand.
37
Has anyone actually seen a clip of Robinson's prayer? I watched it on YouTube. Frankly, maybe it was best that it got cut. Symbolism aside, that was the most boring goddamned prayer I've ever heard. Robinson is a terrible public speaker.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWWAnitUC…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWWAnitUC…
39
Are the anti-gay trolls on this post really trolls? Or straight liberal Slog posters, emboldened to engage in some otherwise verboten homophobia by Obama's repeated fuck you to the gays. It's like someone put out a memo to straight liberals - hey, did you hear, Obama said it's ok to hate the queers again.
Personally, I'm already nostalgic for Dubya, who could be called out on his gay bashing without brainwashed Obamabots turning up to engage in some gay hating under a facetious "stop whining" message.
Personally, I'm already nostalgic for Dubya, who could be called out on his gay bashing without brainwashed Obamabots turning up to engage in some gay hating under a facetious "stop whining" message.
41
nicole, i don't see a lot of anti-gay comments. more like anti-whining. i'm gay and i think all the complaining about this is totally overblown.
it's entirely possible to fully support gay rights and still think all this is a really tiresome, unnecessary diversion.
it's entirely possible to fully support gay rights and still think all this is a really tiresome, unnecessary diversion.
44
I don't give a shit what religionists, gay or straight think or say. They can stuff it. I've heard it all a million times and religion is bullshit whether it's spouted by Warren or Robinson. But I do think the Democratic Party is dedicated to equality, even if it is slow to get it, it does get it. And I do think it will bring us good things. I know it's hard to be patient but look how long African American's have waited. Change really has come.
45
@21 You got to hear it? I was between that Jumbotron and the speakers that were closer to the Lincoln Memorial. None of us could hear it. We spent 3/4 of the invocation chanting for them to turn on the sound. I hadn't heard from anyone else who said they could hear it.
46
The GOP is the party for the rich and the jesus freaks. The Democrats? Well, they are just useless.
People, do not expect ANYTHING from Obama, you will be less frustrated in the future.
As a progressive, liberal, atheist, gay scientist I don't see how Obama and the dems are going to get us out of the whole we are in.
People, do not expect ANYTHING from Obama, you will be less frustrated in the future.
As a progressive, liberal, atheist, gay scientist I don't see how Obama and the dems are going to get us out of the whole we are in.
47
@46: Agreed.
Kerry failed in 2004 because the Democrats have become redefined as a totally centrist "At Least We're Not the Republicans" party. They don't really strongly stand for anything. The recent Democratic wins have come because Bush was so awful, not because the party has finally found a platform and become great.
I want more. Asking for a promise of change to be honored isn't whining. It's demanding what we deserve.
Kerry failed in 2004 because the Democrats have become redefined as a totally centrist "At Least We're Not the Republicans" party. They don't really strongly stand for anything. The recent Democratic wins have come because Bush was so awful, not because the party has finally found a platform and become great.
I want more. Asking for a promise of change to be honored isn't whining. It's demanding what we deserve.
48
I was in the back, way back with the masses by the monument, and we heard him just fine, even if it was at a low level for the first third of his invocation. People were listening attentively around me and there were a lot of heads nodding in agreement when he spoke of Obama being a "man, not a messiah." It sucks that HBO didn't get it out, but the people on the mall heard it...and that's quite an audience.
49
Sure, you talk about gays and lesbians, but what about bisexuals, transexuals, self-actualized queers and Radical faeries?
You're so white, Savage. As long as your shiny little Vashon lifestyle is there, with your trophy husband, your perfect child and your Ethan Allen furniture, you could care less about the struggles of the "others" who are down in the dirt that you deign to kick at us.
You're so white, Savage. As long as your shiny little Vashon lifestyle is there, with your trophy husband, your perfect child and your Ethan Allen furniture, you could care less about the struggles of the "others" who are down in the dirt that you deign to kick at us.
53
No shit Savage. Anyway you pays attention to any ACTUAL ISSUE has doubts about Obama. My Muslim friends cheer Obama, but are pissed about Palestine. My gay friends don't want to hear any criticism of Obamanomics, but were shocked when they heard about Warren. The list goes on and on... I had to vote for the guy, cause America could use a smart (half) black president, and because I just like him, but I have no illusions. The time to organize AGAINST Obama is already upon us.
54
No shit Savage. Anyone who pays attention to any ACTUAL ISSUE has doubts about Obama. My Muslim friends cheer Obama, but are pissed about Palestine. My gay friends don't want to hear any criticism of Obamanomics, but were shocked when they heard about Warren. The list goes on and on... I had to vote for the guy (and not Nader or McKinney), 'cause America could use a smart (half) black president, and because I just like him, but I have no illusions. The time to organize AGAINST Obama is already upon us.
55
And hell yes, Sexual Separatist. But I would ask you, as presumably a non-white, do you have the working class's back, regardless of color? I'm fed up with gays for imperialism, blacks for capitalism, workers for homophobia. Let's UNITE people.
And f- Savage for supporting the Iraq war. His column is brilliant, but other than gay activism, the guy's needs to stay away from politics.
And f- Savage for supporting the Iraq war. His column is brilliant, but other than gay activism, the guy's needs to stay away from politics.
56
Savage's support the wars is such bullshit! It's based on exactly the kind of attitude that homophobia is based on. For Savage, Muslims are homophobic and alien to him; therefore, we should go after them with the utmost violence. He wants to assert his own group identity by going after another group. This is the basis of almost any oppression in the world! While Savage cheers for his "gay team", other people want to cheer for their "white team" or whatever else. He has no sense of solidarity.
A religious conservative thinks the exact same of gays: gays dislike his spirituality and do things that he finds strange, so he wants to persecute them as strongly as possible.
A religious conservative thinks the exact same of gays: gays dislike his spirituality and do things that he finds strange, so he wants to persecute them as strongly as possible.
58
Dan and @45, @21 and @48 are right--I was on the mall just east of the WWII memorial and I could hear Robinson's invocation perfectly fine--but the jumbotron technology was failing left and right (literally). At one point in the pre-show we were treated to the MS-Win-XP logo floating around for 5 min or so.
Technology fail.
Technology fail.
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