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News & ArtsMonday, June 15, 2009
Politics / Homo / News Breaking Through
Posted by Dan Savage on Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 5:01 PM
The mainstream media—thanks in part to a scathing letter sent to the White House today by HRC—is starting to pay attention to the anger of gay rights activists, gay organizations, and the gay rank-and-file. Check out the AP photo that CBS used to illustrate this piece. But a note to CBS...
Many of the staffers in the Obama White House also served under President Bill Clinton, and they remember well how much political capital taking on gay rights cost Clinton early in his administration. But while gay rights advocates signaled sympathy to those concerns early in the Obama administration, their patience appears to be running out.
...it's not 1993 anymore. Look at the polling on gay issues in 1993 and compare those polls to current polls. Sorry, but "1993" is not a good enough excuse. When Obama promised "leadership" and "fierce advocacy" on issues like DOMA and DADT he knew damn well what went down in 1993. If he meant, "I'll be your fierce advocate... kinda late in my second term," he should've said that. And if a Clinton-era shitstorm on a particular issue precludes action on that issue today, why touch healthcare? The Clinton healthcare debacle left more Democrats stumbling around with political PTSD than gays-in-the-military did.
2
No effing kidding! This administration's attitude toward gays is offensive, backwards, and completely opposite of Obama's posturing before the election. Bastards.
3
Healthcare is probably exactly why they're stalling. Healthcare and Wednesday's expected announcements of proposed changes in regulating financial institutions. They're trying to win over moderates to some close votes. Their calculus goes: Take on the difficult battles for reform now while their popularity is high, secure re-election if any economic progress is shown, avoid divisive "culture war" battles until later, possibly second term.
4
So are you wishing you'd had the sense to back a candidate with an actual pair, Dan?
If you grovel on your belly maybe Hillary will forgive you...
If you grovel on your belly maybe Hillary will forgive you...
5
I'm sure that Reichsfuhrer McCain would have given gays the ability to serve, provided you sewed rainbow triangles on your uniforms before he sent you off to the concentration camps.
6
There's a discussion underway at Pam's House Blend on how to put to the screws to Obama and the Democratic leadership: http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/1147…
First step is closing the checkbooks and organizing protests at every public event attended by the Obamas and Bidens.
First step is closing the checkbooks and organizing protests at every public event attended by the Obamas and Bidens.
7
I want an Obama Fail poster. It's just funny, regardless. It'd be even better with an Aretha Franklin inauguration hat.
8
I think Dan Savage basically wants to hand the Republicans a wedge issue so they can tear into Democrat numbers during the mid-terms because the I can think of no better explanation for the impatience he expresses. Has it ever occurred to you Dan that maybe Obama is trying to avoid the culture war until after he's secured his presidency for a second term and retained a Congressional majority. Personally, the last thing I want to hear right now is a lot of distracting noise about family values and Christian morality. What I would like to see is a fucking economic recovery so I can have a job again. Until then, I don't have a lot of patience for hang wringing over DOMA and DADT. And I'm fairly confident most Americans probably agree.
You may just have to accept the fact that any kind of federal mandate regarding gay rights isn't going to happen until it's politically expedient and concentrate on the states.
You may just have to accept the fact that any kind of federal mandate regarding gay rights isn't going to happen until it's politically expedient and concentrate on the states.
9
#4 Hillary has no proven track record regarding gay rights other than being some kind of quasi-camp figure. Maybe you should remember back to the time with DADT came to be before opening your mouth.
11
#4,
Hillary? Are you kidding me? You think she'd be more of an advocate? What makes you think that? I'm not normally a HIllary basher, and would have been happy with her as president, but she has given little indication that she'd have been any better. She was a tepid supporter during the campaign. She's never voted on any significant gay-related legislation. And don't forget that Bill Clinton was president when both DADT and DOMA were passed.
Hillary? Are you kidding me? You think she'd be more of an advocate? What makes you think that? I'm not normally a HIllary basher, and would have been happy with her as president, but she has given little indication that she'd have been any better. She was a tepid supporter during the campaign. She's never voted on any significant gay-related legislation. And don't forget that Bill Clinton was president when both DADT and DOMA were passed.
12
@ 8, "Until then, I don't have a lot of patience for hang wringing over DOMA and DADT. And I'm fairly confident most Americans probably agree."
And you'd be wrong. In the most recent polling, nearly 70% of Americans want DADT overturned, including 58% of self-described conservatives.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/120764/0764/C…
I would agree that DOMA will be harder to overturn, but repealing DADT is a no-brainer, and has no political risk.
And you'd be wrong. In the most recent polling, nearly 70% of Americans want DADT overturned, including 58% of self-described conservatives.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/120764/0764/C…
I would agree that DOMA will be harder to overturn, but repealing DADT is a no-brainer, and has no political risk.
13
8
11
"The mainstream media—thanks in part to a scathing letter sent to the White House today by HRC—is starting to pay attention to the anger of gay rights activists, gay organizations, and the gay rank-and-file."
11
"The mainstream media—thanks in part to a scathing letter sent to the White House today by HRC—is starting to pay attention to the anger of gay rights activists, gay organizations, and the gay rank-and-file."
14
Well, here's hoping this helps the HRC get their T-less ENDA through. Progress!!
In other news, DOMA still Clinton's legacy.
In other news, DOMA still Clinton's legacy.
15
#12: If there was no perceived political risk, Obama would have done it already. I don't believe for a second that he's a foaming-at-the-mouth homophobe.
And you know as well as I do that Obama will have to fight the military itself over the issue. They may be silent right now, but the institution won't be quiet when the issue actually arrives at their door. There are a lot of hidden political risks that are barely even visible right now. Do you sincerely believe Obama is holding back for the sheer hell of it?
And you know as well as I do that Obama will have to fight the military itself over the issue. They may be silent right now, but the institution won't be quiet when the issue actually arrives at their door. There are a lot of hidden political risks that are barely even visible right now. Do you sincerely believe Obama is holding back for the sheer hell of it?
16
13: Yeah, so? Where was she when her husband was president? Her actions now don't somehow affect her rhetoric or actions in the past.
17
That is heartbreaking. That is fucking heartbreaking that he felt the need--the necessity--to write that, and what's worse, he feels it, and knows it's true.
Goddamn it.
"I realized that although I and other LGBT leaders have introduced ourselves to you as policy makers, we clearly have not been heard, and seen, as what we also are: human beings whose lives, loves, and families are equal to yours," Solmonese wrote. "I know this because this brief would not have seen the light of day if someone in your administration who truly recognized our humanity and equality had weighed in with you."
That is heartbreaking. That is fucking heartbreaking that he felt the need--the necessity--to write that, and what's worse, he feels it, and knows it's true.
Goddamn it.
19
I'll never understand why so many of my queer peers are in the tank for HRC. 9 and 11 have it right, her Senate campaign trail conversion (from her husband's repellent record) has never been tested.
I want marriage equality (really, I want government out of the business of "marrying" people entirely; civil partnerships for all), I want DADT consigned to the dustbin of history, I want adoption equality and the comeuppance of all bigots.
You'll pardon me, however, if I'm not marching against Obama in the streets as I think things need to continue to progress at the state level before squandering political capital at the federal level that might be better used on fixing health care (imagine that, even though I'm gay and I have health insurance, I'm capable of discerning that there are problems bigger than my own!)
You'll also pardon me if I don't feel just the tiniest bit of schadenfreude at the tantrums of the indomitable Hillary booster Mr. Savage. Sorry your candidate lost, see you in the log cabin. Don't mind your neighbors, they're just here to set the cabin ablaze in Jesus' name.
I want marriage equality (really, I want government out of the business of "marrying" people entirely; civil partnerships for all), I want DADT consigned to the dustbin of history, I want adoption equality and the comeuppance of all bigots.
You'll pardon me, however, if I'm not marching against Obama in the streets as I think things need to continue to progress at the state level before squandering political capital at the federal level that might be better used on fixing health care (imagine that, even though I'm gay and I have health insurance, I'm capable of discerning that there are problems bigger than my own!)
You'll also pardon me if I don't feel just the tiniest bit of schadenfreude at the tantrums of the indomitable Hillary booster Mr. Savage. Sorry your candidate lost, see you in the log cabin. Don't mind your neighbors, they're just here to set the cabin ablaze in Jesus' name.
20
#8, 15 are spot on. Think bigger picture, people. I'm curious to know how all of you are going to act when he eventually *does* go to bat for you; when it's more politically safe to do so. Will you all suddenly "re"- friend him? Stop calling him a "bigot"?
You all are so narrowly focused on your own particular issue that you can't see the forest for the trees. Have a little respect for what this man has to deal with at the moment. Obama is no doubt well aware that gay issues are a powder keg for Americans -- a virtual culture war waiting to happen. He's gotta be very careful about when, where and how to address them. Now's not the time and he knows it.
And maybe the polls say that a majority of Americans support repealing DADT, but as to the more media glitzy gay issues like gay marriage, as you know, Americans are deeply and passionately divided over it. Obama, no surprise, doesn't want to touch gay issues at all right now. He smartly wants to hang back for awhile, upholding current laws - DOMA, before he makes a move. Hang tight, people, and stop getting your panties all up in a wad over it.
And give my man a little bit of slack rather than immediately slandering him, will ya? If any of you were in his shoes, you'd also be having a hell of a time trying to manage all the shit you had on your plate.
You all are so narrowly focused on your own particular issue that you can't see the forest for the trees. Have a little respect for what this man has to deal with at the moment. Obama is no doubt well aware that gay issues are a powder keg for Americans -- a virtual culture war waiting to happen. He's gotta be very careful about when, where and how to address them. Now's not the time and he knows it.
And maybe the polls say that a majority of Americans support repealing DADT, but as to the more media glitzy gay issues like gay marriage, as you know, Americans are deeply and passionately divided over it. Obama, no surprise, doesn't want to touch gay issues at all right now. He smartly wants to hang back for awhile, upholding current laws - DOMA, before he makes a move. Hang tight, people, and stop getting your panties all up in a wad over it.
And give my man a little bit of slack rather than immediately slandering him, will ya? If any of you were in his shoes, you'd also be having a hell of a time trying to manage all the shit you had on your plate.
22
By asking the question "And if a Clinton-era shitstorm on a particular issue precludes action on that issue today, why touch healthcare?", conflating repeal of DADT and DOMA to univeral health care - Dan - you've answered any question about balance in your perspective on issues predominantly affecting Gays (see Sam Adams). Keep up the pressure - it is your role to ensure promises are kept - but do keep in mind there are a few bigger issues out there, and this too shall be done. I'd bet in the first term.
23
Oh, HRC = Human Rights Campaign, not Hillary Rodham Clinton. The story now makes more sense. And I'm more disappointed by it.
24
And it's not even early in the Obama administration any more. It's over four months in, and he has tremendous political capital. Compare that to Bill Clinton when he was addressing the gays-in-the-military issue just scant weeks into office--very bad idea. I hate Obama, and will now abstain from voting in the 2012 presidential election.
25
Obama moves slowly, deliberately, with a plan for victory.
His administration seems remarkably like his campaign. There were plenty who doubted he could be elected, who wanted him to be more strident in any number of ways during his campaign. He chose another method and won.
He'll move the country forward on DADT and DOMA in the same way. As for healthcare, didn't Dan post a rant by Bill Maher about the "failure" of his approach to the healthcare issue?
Uber-passionate people (blindly passionate) do not like reasoned, deliberate action. They want a pit bull (if you will). He never claimed to be that sort of leader and never even hinted he was that sort of leader.
Everyone quit whining about what he should do and do something of your own (other than bitch and moan online). Grassroots is the focus, your local politicians should be your concern as well as your state congresspeople and senators.
Abstaining from voting doesn't help. It amazes me that inaction becomes the battle cry of some. People are dying in the streets in Iran for freedom. Here in the US, Pat is gonna show us all by taking his vote and going home. Abstain, Pat, yeah, great idea.
His administration seems remarkably like his campaign. There were plenty who doubted he could be elected, who wanted him to be more strident in any number of ways during his campaign. He chose another method and won.
He'll move the country forward on DADT and DOMA in the same way. As for healthcare, didn't Dan post a rant by Bill Maher about the "failure" of his approach to the healthcare issue?
Uber-passionate people (blindly passionate) do not like reasoned, deliberate action. They want a pit bull (if you will). He never claimed to be that sort of leader and never even hinted he was that sort of leader.
Everyone quit whining about what he should do and do something of your own (other than bitch and moan online). Grassroots is the focus, your local politicians should be your concern as well as your state congresspeople and senators.
Abstaining from voting doesn't help. It amazes me that inaction becomes the battle cry of some. People are dying in the streets in Iran for freedom. Here in the US, Pat is gonna show us all by taking his vote and going home. Abstain, Pat, yeah, great idea.
26
Hillary seems to be gaying up her State Department quite well to the point that her Department may be the gayest one in Obama's Administration. She's giving equality to her employees, regardless of orientation. Our President could learn a thing or two from her.
27
Give it a minute. He has an agenda, which he has prioritized. He will get to it. Healthcare is literally an issue of life and death, gay marriage is not (unless of course you count people who are uninsured because they are not covered under their partners insurance...)
28
I have a theory. It goes like this; there are millions of gay people throughout society. Few people know who's gay and when they have discussions with someone who's gay and angry about an administration, they hear only the anger and it starts to permeate their discussions with others. This doesn't just happen here but everywhere, even Iran. Mistreat gay people and it starts to work against you on a deeper level.
29
First of all, while it takes an act of congress to ammend to military code, I have no doubt that congress would do just that if asked to by the president. Furthermore, as commander-in-chief President Obama is more than empowered to get rid of DADT all on his own (as Eisenhower did when he desegregated the military). None of that is the point though, President Obama won the Democratic nomination (if not the presidency) by making promises to the GLBT community. By and large he won gay voters from then-senator Clinton by going to her left and appealing to voters who are so often left behind by the Democratic party and whose votes are taken for granted. Mr. Savage and every other American, gay or not, has the right to expect the President to make good on his promises. Policial manuvering aside, President Obama took our money and took our votes, made us promises and then, when convenient, turned his back on us- knowing that next election cycle, we'll give him our money and our votes again. Until the GLBT stop seeing ourselves as a political liability, we will continue to be one.
30
If you call this touching healthcare. I recall him getting attention in the primaries by throwing around buzzwords like universal healthcare, then unveiling his plan to show it nothing whatsoever to do with universal care. Obama looks to me like he's gonna leave us in the same severely broken system we're stuck in, and for the same reasons, because who wants to actually try to change things like the Clintons, what thanks do you ever give them.
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