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News & ArtsFriday, December 18, 2009
Homo / News Fierce Advocacy Watch: Obama Administration Spares No Effort To Deny Health Care to Same-Sex Partner of Lesbian Federal Employee
Posted by Dan Savage on Fri, Dec 18, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Wow. If the Obama administration fought this hard for health insurance it might've gotten the public option out of the Senate. But they only work this hard when there's a homo to fuck over. They wouldn't want to err on the side of fairness and equality and justice and equal benefits, huh? Go read the indispensable Kerry Eleveld's report at The Advocate. John goes off at Americablog...
[The] administration is now claiming that DOMA precludes them from following the judge's order. Uh, would that be the same DOMA that candidate Obama called "abhorrent" during the campaign. The same DOMA that Obama promised to repeal. Yeah, not so much anymore. There's no plan to touch DOMA at all now. At least until Obama is re-elected, if he's re-elected. So now, yet again, we're told that because the President is refusing to follow through on his promise on DOMA, he can't do anything else for us because of DOMA.Of course, it's interesting to note that DOMA came up during the review of this case, and the judge said DOMA wasn't even relevant. So now we have the Obama administration doing over the head of a judge to say that DOMA precludes them from doing something when the judge say it most certainly does not.
They're working on a fix—the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act—that would cover the domestic partners of federal employees. Congress has to pass it, the president has to sign it. But don't hold your breath. Newsweek:
What the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community has learned this year is that the president is ultimately a pragmatist. Although his very presence in the White House is the stuff of culture wars, Obama himself is reluctant to wade into one. Moreover, if socially divisive policies have the potential to compromise his legislative agenda, Obama has proven that he simply won’t pursue them. Expect this tension to become more acute as the 2010 elections loom—and for gay rights to be shunted aside again. The last thing this pragmatist president will do is hand election-year ammunition to an already energized conservative base that’s venomously opposed to gay marriage.
Fierce!
1
Exactly remind me how Obama was better than McCain again? I really forgot. At least with Grandpa and Caribou Barbie we'd be entertained while being fucked over.
5
Dan Savage needs to go back to third grade civics. You become dumber, and more predictable by the second. Do you have to staple your address to your chest in order to get home safely, Dan?
6
Obama is way better than McCain would have been. Do remember that McCain thought the fundamentals of the economy were sound. Do remember that the assault on the environment through executive order is over.
7
@3, but we lost both arms. Really, the only difference is that Biden is less embarrassing and scary than Palin.
8
The one thing I think McCain got right was that we should build about 50 Nuke plants as part of the stimulus. F*** coal.
10
I'm starting to wonder if this isn't some ham-handed way to "underscore the importance" of Obama's legislation. I wouldn't put it past Obama to pull some wacky bullshit.
11
Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but based on the antepenultimate paragraph of the first page it sounds like this was done to show that DOMA sucks and needs to be repealed.
Granted, I'm sure the woman and her spouse aren't happy about being made an example of, but it sounds like this decision was made (ostensibly) to further gay rights in the long run.
Granted, I'm sure the woman and her spouse aren't happy about being made an example of, but it sounds like this decision was made (ostensibly) to further gay rights in the long run.
12
Living in DC opens up a world of knowledgeable people to you. I have talked to several EEO and Civil Rights attorneys in various gov't agencies, and they all expect health and other spousal benefits to be extended to same-sex partners within a year. On this front, I do think you'll get what you want (and what is right), and pretty soon.
13
So much hyperbole, so little time to squeeze it all in. Reading the source docs has a calming effect.
14
Any possibility this is being handled this way to force a lawsuit that can solve the matter without Obama being "responsible"?
15
Wow. I think Hillary referred to this feeling as "buyer's remorse" during the campaign-- except I never expected it to feel like a knife slowly being inserted into one's back.
16
Dude.
Obama just announced a global warming deal (like right now, it's on CNN) .. maybe, just maybe, he has way more important things to worry about ...
Obama just announced a global warming deal (like right now, it's on CNN) .. maybe, just maybe, he has way more important things to worry about ...
17
Jesus WIS you just get dumber. This isn't an isolated incident occurring simultaneously to the climate meetings. This is just another in a long list of insults to gay rights. And don't call people 'dude'. What are you? 16?
18
@16, DUDE!!
That deal amounts to nothing; AND any deal he makes has to be approved by the US Senate anyway.
So DUDE, this trip of his was a photo op; much like the past year has been.
That deal amounts to nothing; AND any deal he makes has to be approved by the US Senate anyway.
So DUDE, this trip of his was a photo op; much like the past year has been.
19
He's worried about a right wing that hates him no matter what he does? At the same time he's alienating the people the Democrats need most. Great strategy.
20
All you sugarplums do know that the Senate Homeland Security Committee voted 8-1 on 12/1609 to approve a bill that would provide the same family benefits to domestic partners of federal civilian employees that are provided to married heterosexual employees.
The measure, S. 1102, is sponsored by Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd… A similar bill passed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in November.
Because the conservatives are aware of it, I have an inbox full of concern emails from AFA, IFA, ATAH. If they are getting their knickers in a twist, then perhaps Ms.D @ 12 has friends in the know.
The measure, S. 1102, is sponsored by Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd… A similar bill passed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in November.
Because the conservatives are aware of it, I have an inbox full of concern emails from AFA, IFA, ATAH. If they are getting their knickers in a twist, then perhaps Ms.D @ 12 has friends in the know.
22
Is Dan seriously trying to say that the Obama administration hasn't been working hard at HCR? Seriously? An issue whose success or failure might possible define his presidency?
Jesus Christ, not all politics involve ranting on a blog, or throwing hissy fits in your little weekly rag about how awful someone is.
Jesus Christ, not all politics involve ranting on a blog, or throwing hissy fits in your little weekly rag about how awful someone is.
23
@7 not by much. Biden's actually more dangerous because he's corrupt and knows how to get things done in Washington.
Caribou Barbie, while holding repulsive opinions, is a moron with no leadership skills. She would have said plenty of hateful things, but likely would have been completely sidelined. She probably would have quit a year or two in.
@16 He had a judge hand him a gold-plated opportunity to deflect criticism on the issue on to the "unelected judiciary" and to claim that he was being made to do it. It was the perfect opportunity for cover.
Instead he chose to expend more effort fighting the decision in order to protect and preserve DOMA. He's obviously never too busy to kick gay people in the face. He's been bending over backwards to do it for his entire Presidency.
Voting and working for Obama is looking like a worse decision than that time I tried meth back in the '90s. It's a mistake I won't make twice.
Caribou Barbie, while holding repulsive opinions, is a moron with no leadership skills. She would have said plenty of hateful things, but likely would have been completely sidelined. She probably would have quit a year or two in.
@16 He had a judge hand him a gold-plated opportunity to deflect criticism on the issue on to the "unelected judiciary" and to claim that he was being made to do it. It was the perfect opportunity for cover.
Instead he chose to expend more effort fighting the decision in order to protect and preserve DOMA. He's obviously never too busy to kick gay people in the face. He's been bending over backwards to do it for his entire Presidency.
Voting and working for Obama is looking like a worse decision than that time I tried meth back in the '90s. It's a mistake I won't make twice.
24
@22
Yes it does, when it's all you do. This is how Dan pays his mortgage. FIERCE political journalism.
Yes it does, when it's all you do. This is how Dan pays his mortgage. FIERCE political journalism.
25
Like I said, it's not all about you.
Oh, did I mention the Global Thermonuclear Death Clock got set back another 5 minutes today cause Obama made a deal with Russia to destroy more nuclear weapons.
On a national and international scale, gay rights is way down on the list of stuff. It's at best 9th or 12th, but no way it's higher than that. Heck, hundreds of millions of kids get infected with worse diseases in most of the world just to support your Western lifestyle and your cell phones that use materials from the Congo.
They'll never get to find out if they are/were gay or straight. Cause they're DEAD.
Oh, did I mention the Global Thermonuclear Death Clock got set back another 5 minutes today cause Obama made a deal with Russia to destroy more nuclear weapons.
On a national and international scale, gay rights is way down on the list of stuff. It's at best 9th or 12th, but no way it's higher than that. Heck, hundreds of millions of kids get infected with worse diseases in most of the world just to support your Western lifestyle and your cell phones that use materials from the Congo.
They'll never get to find out if they are/were gay or straight. Cause they're DEAD.
26
Has Dan ever apologized for shilling for Obama?
Has Dan ever admitted what a credulous clueless stupid fuck he was?
McCain would have never been this aggressive at smothering gay rights.
He would have been embarrassed to have.
This Conservative Republican has been shocked at how totally Obama has stiffed the Gays.
Has Dan ever admitted what a credulous clueless stupid fuck he was?
McCain would have never been this aggressive at smothering gay rights.
He would have been embarrassed to have.
This Conservative Republican has been shocked at how totally Obama has stiffed the Gays.
27
#26, Yeah, I'm sure you actually speak for real people and aren't just trolling on behalf of the RNC.
28
Dan feels a little naive right now for being a true believer last year. Although it is an improvement not to have to worry about congress pushing a constitutional ammendment against gay marriage. We've got that going for us. Which is nice.
29
"...if socially divisive policies have the potential to compromise his legislative agenda..."
The Democrats and Obama are doing a fine job of compromising his legislative issue.
The Democrats and Obama are doing a fine job of compromising his legislative issue.
30
@27
Has Dan ever apologized for shilling for Obama?
Has Dan ever admitted what a credulous clueless stupid fuck he was?
Has Dan ever apologized for shilling for Obama?
Has Dan ever admitted what a credulous clueless stupid fuck he was?
32
31
Thank you for your reply.
If I may remove the troll hat for a moment and be serious, I really wonder if that is true where Gay issues are concerned.
McCain was always eager to prove his moderate maverick cred and loved to stick it to the religious conservative Republicans.
Obama, on the other hand, does seem perversely intent on not cutting the gays an ounce of slack. Not to get all paranoid and conspiracy theory here but one wonders how much Muslim and Black Male is deep down in Obama's philosophical DNA and what demons he may be listening to.
I really wonder
Thank you for your reply.
If I may remove the troll hat for a moment and be serious, I really wonder if that is true where Gay issues are concerned.
McCain was always eager to prove his moderate maverick cred and loved to stick it to the religious conservative Republicans.
Obama, on the other hand, does seem perversely intent on not cutting the gays an ounce of slack. Not to get all paranoid and conspiracy theory here but one wonders how much Muslim and Black Male is deep down in Obama's philosophical DNA and what demons he may be listening to.
I really wonder
33
@20: He can extend the federal equality all he wants, but until he allows the same-sex partner of a serviceman to receive equal military-grade care, each small step down the line just makes me grit my teeth.
Slow, so very slow.
Slow, so very slow.
34
22, 24, etc: "Working hard" on health care and "caving in to the republicans and pharmaceutical companies left and right" on health care are not the same thing. They are, in fact, complete opposites. Please try again.
Also, when is Obama going to learn that the right wing is ALREADY energized against him no matter what he does? No matter how conservative he acts, they will ALWAYS venomously oppose him, because he is a Black Democrat in the white house, and the very idea of this just offends the delicate sensibilities of today's right wingers so much that they will oppose him even if he brings Reagan himself back to life and lovingly deepthroats his dick on national television. He needs to quit trying to appease them and start taking advantage of the fact that he has pretty much nothing to lose with them.
Also, when is Obama going to learn that the right wing is ALREADY energized against him no matter what he does? No matter how conservative he acts, they will ALWAYS venomously oppose him, because he is a Black Democrat in the white house, and the very idea of this just offends the delicate sensibilities of today's right wingers so much that they will oppose him even if he brings Reagan himself back to life and lovingly deepthroats his dick on national television. He needs to quit trying to appease them and start taking advantage of the fact that he has pretty much nothing to lose with them.
36
It's called "following the law, even stupid ones" and it's what the executive branch of government is supposed to do. Has everyone forgotten how irate we all were when W would simply ignore laws he didn't like? I don't want any president doing that, even when I like the results.
Dan, you're a smart man, I'm not sure why you're so partial to Americablog's hysterical, uninformed rants.
Dan, you're a smart man, I'm not sure why you're so partial to Americablog's hysterical, uninformed rants.
37
#32 McCain threw in the 'maverick moderate' towel when he got the Republican nomination. It is possible he'd have picked it back up once inside the White House but it doesn't seem all that likely, especially considering who his VP would have been. As for why Obama's being an ass, I'd lay my money on his stupid obsession with being seen as bipartisan. A good way to kiss up to conservatives is to keep the gays at a distance and not expend any political capital on them.
38
I'm starting to wonder if Obama just really doesn't like gay people. It would explain a lot of otherwise weird stuff like the Rick Warren invitation. Maybe he's the opposite of Bush in that while Bush didn't have a personal problem with homosexuals, he had to endorse the FMA and all this crap to appease his base; Obama actually is really homophobic but had to pay lip-service to repealing DODT since he wanted the Democratic nomination. Just a thought.
39
It's sad that Dan isn't getting his information on the law from a better source than AmericaBlog. AmericaBlog is spouting as much misinformation as possible in order to increase its pageviews and paypal donations.
For example, it was one of the biggest promoters of the myth that the DOJ compared homosexual sex to pedophilia and incest. In fact, the cases that the DOJ cited (about first cousin marriages and marriage of a 16-year-old) were the EXACT SAME cases that Lambda Legal cited in a brief to argue that providing legal recognition to same-sex relationships in one state was totally within the judgment of that state because it would have no effect on other states (just as some states' allowing first cousin or 16-year-old marriage has never forced other states to allow or recognize such marriages).
Unfortunately, AmericaBlog has figured out that most people find the law incredibly boring and would rather jump on a backlash bandwagon than think (or read a 50 page brief) for themselves. It's sad that Dan, who is usually pretty skeptical, on this issue is one of those people.
For those interested in a gay lawyer's serious analysis of the OPM-9th Cir case, I recommend http://lawdork.net/2009/12/07/the-opm-ni…
For example, it was one of the biggest promoters of the myth that the DOJ compared homosexual sex to pedophilia and incest. In fact, the cases that the DOJ cited (about first cousin marriages and marriage of a 16-year-old) were the EXACT SAME cases that Lambda Legal cited in a brief to argue that providing legal recognition to same-sex relationships in one state was totally within the judgment of that state because it would have no effect on other states (just as some states' allowing first cousin or 16-year-old marriage has never forced other states to allow or recognize such marriages).
Unfortunately, AmericaBlog has figured out that most people find the law incredibly boring and would rather jump on a backlash bandwagon than think (or read a 50 page brief) for themselves. It's sad that Dan, who is usually pretty skeptical, on this issue is one of those people.
For those interested in a gay lawyer's serious analysis of the OPM-9th Cir case, I recommend http://lawdork.net/2009/12/07/the-opm-ni…
40
@32
Obama opposed Prop. 8. McCain supported Arizona's amending its state constitution to forbid any recognition of same sex relationships back in 2005, before he was even running…. Why do you think McCain was better on this issue?
Obama opposed Prop. 8. McCain supported Arizona's amending its state constitution to forbid any recognition of same sex relationships back in 2005, before he was even running…. Why do you think McCain was better on this issue?
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