Barack Obama is going to issue a memorandum that will have the effect of granting benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees. This is good news and overdue. It's also something that I doubt McCain - Dick Cheney's newfound support for Gay rights aside - would have done.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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It's a small crumb amid a host of indications that the Obama administration is deprioritizing gay rights. Defending DOMA in court last week is another example (admittedly, that is the AG's normal duty to defend the laws on the books, but he could still have declined to do so). At least it's something. What we need to do is outlaw all discrimination in the federal government, including the military. Then challenge DOMA. These are moral issues. Obama talks a good talk on morality. As soon as the health care bill is enacted, he's better follow through.
Or what? You'll vote Republican? Do you really think the Republicans will do more? Dick Cheney talks a good talk too but we all know what "states rights" means in this case.
It doesn't even include health insurance.
What's the point?
This is something that should have been signed on day one.
I wish this had been done earlier too. It does not seem to be a huge step, nor a controversial one, particularly. But to be fair, the Obama administration has a ton on its plate, and gay rights are (at least to me) a lesser priority than health care and the economy. Some health benefits are included, but apparently enrollment in certain programs is limited by law to spouses, and (thanks to DOMA) it would take legislation to change that. And so we wait.
I will concede that the Obama administration is not breaking any speed records on equality for homosexual citizens. I would prefer a faster, more aggressive pace.
However, half-assed progress is better than no progress at all.
If gay folks can be patient a little longer, these things will change. Obama is trying to turn a battleship in a bath tub and we need to be patient, I understand that can be difficult. Everyone seems to forget the core element of Barack Obama...he is a consensus builder...that is his very nature, his gift...this takes more time, more than 148 days...after 28 years of basic turmoil and bastardization of our government. He is also privy to much more information that we are, so I think we have to trust him...he is also trying to keep the lid on this country..if he went all out on the social issues we face, there would be violence...there are millions of Americans who truly hate the social agenda of liberals...so this has to be done with a deft hand...let's give the man a chance.
William Wallace
It's important that Obama not only get pressure from the right. If so, he will naturally respond to that pressure.
The "or what", RBR, is not spread the good word and volunteer in 2012. My vote is one thing, my passion and time is another.
I agree with W.Wallace, however, that the time for judging Obama on these issues is in a year or so, not now.
"The "or what", RBR, is not spread the good word and volunteer in 2012. My vote is one thing, my passion and time is another."
Fair enough.
I also agree with William Wallace. Now, WW, go paint your butt blue and moon some Republicans just like in the movie. :-)
RBR....I don't have to paint my butt, it is naturally black and blue from 8 years of the Bush administration.
WW :>)
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