So he supports it, but still wants the voters in the states to decide

[dbackjon]

You saw how that worked so well last night, President Obama.

[Ian David]

1. Your concern is duly noted. n/t

[TriMera]

3. Actually, it's a valid concern. Don't you think?

It's wonderful that he finally said that he is for marriage equality. However, if he still believes it's up to the states, we are still in the same boat we were in yesterday.

[Ian David]

6. Maybe we should wait at least 24 hours until we go into Debbie Downer mode. n/t

[dbackjon]

12. Your concern for my lack of enthusiasm is duly noted

[Ian David]

13. And so is your lack of enthusiasm for my concern about your... where were we again? n/t

[Marrah_G]

22. "debbie downer mode"

back to ignore you go with the rest of them.

[yardwork]

39. It's interesting that the president didn't wait for 24 hours after the NC vote.

Do you have any thoughts on the timing of the president's announcement?

My thought is that while the president's announcement is welcome, the deference to state's rights is still a big problem, and I find myself thinking that the timing of today's announcement may have been cynically arranged to tamp down Democrats' outrage about the vote in North Carolina. I'm being told all over DU to sit down and shut up, and as a gay person in North Carolina, I don't appreciate that. I suspect it is a script straight from DNC and Reelect Obama.

I plan to support Obama. I certainly don't want Romney. I plan to phonebank for Obama. But get this, party regulars - don't tell me how to feel. Thanks.

[Ian David]

43. I have some thoughts on it, but I'm going to wait and see what else trickles out. n/t

[Creideiki]

56. king's knight on the 27th level of the 38th dimension

to king's knight on the 26th level of the 40th dimension.

[Ian David]

58. Check-blarn! n/t

[DURHAM D]

45. I heard on my tv

that one of the reasons Obama needed to come out today and give an interview was because of the pressure to move the convention out of North Carolina.

[Vanje]

2. Because 'States Rights" works so well in issues of

civil rights.


( visualize sarcasm smiley here)

[gateley]

4. What can he do? Sincere question. He can't override States Rights. I'm not sure

what can be done?

[pscot]

5. Except in the case of MMJ

Of course, that's war (on some drugs) which trumps state's rights.

[gateley]

8. Well there's a federal law in the books on that (but it still enrages me what they're

doing). But no federal law on marriage, right?

[bonnieS]

49. What about the Supreme Court case

that allowed couples like Obama's parents to get married and overturned state laws?Olson and Boise's case is soon to reach the Supreme Court and they expect it to be a re-decision for gays of the decision on interracial marriages. Of course, they could be wrong, but Obama should be cheering on that outcome, not talking about states' rights.

[gateley]

54. I wasn't aware of the Olson/Boise case, but I sure agree with you on that.

He could easily cite the example you just did -- his parents.

Karen Finney (often on with Martin Bashir) said when her parents were married, it was illegal (one Black, one White), and she's not that old by any means.

Do you know when it is expected to reach the Supremes? I'm cautiously hopeful that if it's AFTER Obama's reelection, he'll get on board. If not, we can always call on Biden to get the ball rolling.

[bonnieS]

55. see this link:

I'm sorry that I can't remember what he said the other night as to where the case is right now, but here is a link to what was being said a few months ago. Olsen pops up on MSNBC and with so much interest now I'm sure he will again:

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/02/gay-marriage-advocates-hope-for-sweeping-supreme-court-ruling-right-wrong/

Also you can google it. But what I found that way was older than this.

[gateley]

57. Thanks!! nt

[TriMera]

7. Civil rights are not a states' rights issue. If they were,

segregation would still be in effect in many states. He could begin by acknowledging that fact.

[gateley]

9. Well that's an EXCELLENT point. nt

[Little Star]

35. +1

[Fearless]

59. +1000

[nilram]

17. He could work on the IRS to allow ALL married couples to file as 'married', for one.

I imagine there's other federal statutes that don't involve the states that could apply. Medicare benefits, social security benefits. If you're married in your state, you should be viewed as married by the feds. Yeah, there'd be complexities, but I think there's a lot that doesn't involve the reciprocity-between-the-States issue.

[shcrane71]

42. If your state is in favor of marriage equality, there's no reason

why the IRS, and other Federal agencies shouldn't also be in favor of marriage equality. When states still had laws on their books forbidding interracial marriages, the interracial married couples in progressive states didn't have to file their federal tax returns as single people.

[Marrah_G]

31. How were civil rights/equality laws passed in regards to race?

I would have to say I doubt the President would be where he today if his rights had been left up to each state.

Having him come out and say that he thinks it should be a state concern the day after a large state votes to amend their constitution to ban the equal rights of this exact group is something I really find insulting.

[gateley]

41. Good point -- but it cost Johnson the South. I'm grateful he took this step for NOW and

I'm hopeful, that as is happening w/the repeal of DADT, people will see there is nothing to fear and it will become easier to take such a large step. We need Obama in the WH in 2012 in order to keep progressing in the right direction.

[madrchsod]

10. it`s a state rights issue

there are some states that will never recognize the marriage of same sex couples.

[TriMera]

14. Really? See post #7. n/t

[WillParkinson]

24. There are also states that will never recognize interracial marriage...

Right?

[William769]

26. Slavery was once a States rights issue too.

Just saying.

[Marrah_G]

32. ~facepalm~

[madrchsod]

33. yup..the more i thought about it and the feedback i was given

this is a federal rights issue and should be given the status of any civil rights issue.

[TriMera]

34. I'm glad you reconsidered. Thank you. n/t

[Maven]

38. No, ultimately it isn't.

It's a federal equal protection and full faith and credit issue.

However, by opposing DOMA, one could argue you are effectively in support of all states recognizing marriage under the federal constitution, since that is what would happen upon repeal and a subsequent lawsuit.

[justiceischeap]

11. To me, it seems this statement would have been better made Monday

it may have influenced some of the voters in NC. Instead, it looks like he took the pulse of a swing state and decided that if he made this announcement, he could still maybe win NC.

But I tend to take a dim view of politician's motives and I'm cynical. I truly believe that had internal poll numbers come out differently, we wouldn't be hearing this statement from him today.

[Marrah_G]

15. It's a good thing each state didn't get to decide civil rights in regards to black people

or else it's a pretty sure bet he would not be where he is.

Everyone can look forward to 48 hours of being told how grateful you should be, how the man that doesn't believe in equality is your bestest friend ever and if aren't cheering for his latest twisting of words then you just hate him and will never be happy....blah, blah blah.

Sorry, I am pretty frustrated and furious with the WH and their cheerleaders today.

[HillWilliam]

29. That has already started

in GD. I haven't the stomach to go looking elsewhere.

[unapatriciated]

60. I would never tell you to be grateful for being told your civil rights should be left in the hands

of individual states. In order for real equality this has to be done on a federal level. As pointed out up thread. Many including myself would not have the rights we enjoy today if it were left up to the states. In fact in a few states my rights as a woman are being eroded. I see no reason to trust your rights to backward thinking states. My daughter lives in Oregon and has the crumb they gave the GLBT community (domestic partnership). If she were to move to Georgia,(or any other state) where I live it would not be recognized. In fact here in Georgia there is no protection against discrimination in regards to employment or housing. Atlanta is one of two maybe three cities that offer protection against discrimination.

You have every right to be furious.

[Marrah_G]

61. thanks :)

The war on women also is incredibly disturbing

[MuseRider]

16. We have got to press a federal law.

This state crap is going to get us more of last night. He has spoken, are you all in goosebumps? Words. We need deeds, we need more words followed by deeds. We need to stop this movement of allowing people to vote on other peoples civil rights. This is not right, to allow this to keep occurring. I want to believe he will do these things but past action has been slow and painful.

Start yelling, start talking and start educating those who want to jump for joy and make you feel badly for not being totally joyful over this and still wanting full equality. It is only a tiny start, one I am happy to see but we cannot allow it to stop with this. We must be his courage because he seems unwilling to push for things like this. He needs to step up with ENDA next.

I say, good for Obama. It is a tiny start and one we need but we need to hear a lot about it, education begins with him now and we have to let him know what we want.

I am so angry about last night and the things happening in my own state that even this little thing has made me feel a little better but I can't let it stop the push.

Perhaps not my place to call for what should be next or how to go about this but I don't like the posts I am seeing about how ungrateful you are. They do not understand (I hope).

[Behind the Aegis]

18. I have found my happiness is a bit softened now.

If this was his position, why not make the announcement BEFORE the Amendment One vote? I understand, and agree, this is an important pronouncement from one of the most powerful persons in the world. There are many who will rethink their positions because our President has said what he said. This is a good thing. BUT...leaving our EQUALITY up to the states just shows his evolution on this issue is not complete! It is a coconut cream pie birthday cake. Sure, I got a birthday "cake." Yes, I really wanted Red Velvet. Of course, I am allergic to coconut and lactose intolerant, but it's the thought that counts, right?

[stevenleser]

27. I have no idea why he chose to add the states rights thing. There was no reason to do that.

No bigot who would vote against someone in favor of gay marriage would say "Oh, well, because he couched it as a states rights issue, he could still get my vote".

He should have gone all in. I dont understand taking the edge off of what otherwise is an extremely powerful statement.

[Behind the Aegis]

28. It looks like his evolution on this issue is far from complete.

[dbackjon]

36. Yup

[Proud Public Servant]

19. Seriously, didn't the president just articulate

Dick Cheney's position? I'm pretty sure he did.

[Marrah_G]

21. and quite a few years afterwards......

fucking sad

[stevenleser]

23. It's Cheney's most (only) progressive position, but you might be right nt

[abelenkpe]

20. Did the states have to vote to make

Interracial marriages legal? Or any other kind of marriage legal?

[Chemisse]

25. I think having quite a few states pass it is a good first step.

We've seen how much luck Obama has had at getting bills past the divided Congress; it would be like beating your head against a brick wall to try to get marriage equality passed on a federal level at this time.

But as public sentiment shifts (less hate, more acceptance among the crazies, as the idea loses its punch for them), then treating marriage equality like a civil right could be next.

There is no stopping this. It's like a glacier, going SO slow, yet constantly moving forward and irrevocably changing things along its way.

Eep! I just found out about North Carolina. Maybe the glacier analogy wasn't quite so apt.

[msongs]

30. slavery is a state's rights issue dont ya know? will never be illegal nt

[Maven]

37. Honestly, let's please not do this.

I agree with you but what happened today is a big deal, and it is positive.

Let's count this as a victory and keep working towards equality together.

[yardwork]

40. Those of us in North Carolina have no victory. We have a devastating defeat.

The Party needs to allow people to express their feelings. This "sit down and shut up or you're helping Romney" is not helpful. People's feelings need to be expressed and affirmed before they can "move on" and get back to work reelecting Democrats.

Please understand that I do not mean this comment personally. You are well-known as a steadfast supporter of equal rights. I think that many DUers may not realize what happened in North Carolina last night.

[Maven]

44. yardwork...

Last edited Wed May 9, 2012, 06:39 PM - Edit history (1)

I didn't mean my comment to be insensitive to those in NC and I'm sorry I didn't take that into account before posting. I know you are hurting right now. I was heartbroken yesterday and I can't even imagine what you are feeling.

No - you're entitled to express those feelings without explaining why to anybody. Anybody who says "sit down and shut up" to you has an asskicking coming their way. I will get Skittles in here to regulate if need be.

Know that we are with you in spirit and solidary...hugs from a friend

[Marrah_G]

48. this is why I love DU

[Duncan Grant]

46. +1,000,000

I was beginning to think I was alone in that opinion.

This is tremendously positive. It's an exceptional victory.

I can't stop thinking of the young gay and lesbian kids (and their parents) who live in small-minded and reactionary towns all over America. Today, those kids saw the President of the United States take a very public stand for them.

If only I had been as fortunate 30 years ago. It would have changed the entire course of my life.

This is a great day.

[yardwork]

47. For those of us in North Carolina, this is so bittersweet. I don't know what to say.

I would take the long view and say that President Obama's statement will mean more, historically, than the vote in North Carolina to amend the state constitution to outlaw all forms of domestic partnerships for all people except marriage between a man and a woman, but there's that states' rights component to President Obama's statement.

I realize that progress is measured in tiny steps, one step forward, sometimes two steps back, then three steps forward, but today in North Carolina we are hurting, we know that many people will be hurt in very real ways by yesterday's vote, and it's just difficult to celebrate at all. It's just difficult.

I love you, Duncan. I mean that. I sincerely feel love for you. Please know that my feelings are coming from a very deep place.

[Prism]

50. (((yardwork)))

This week, especially for those of you in NC, was like getting slapped hard in the face and then offered a hug in the aftermath.

Yes, the hug is nice and feels good, but it doesn't negate the fact that your face still feels like it's about to explode.

You feel exactly how you want and need to feel right now. The rest of us should have your back.

[yardwork]

53. Thank you!

[Duncan Grant]

51. Do we even have words for this kind of injustice?

I thought the Prop H8 revocation of state-sanctioned civil rights was painful and infuriating. The Amendment One results look like gleeful thuggery to me. I hardly know what to say.

I'm sorry that you and so many others in North Carolina are hurting. My response to the President's remarks were in no way intended to trivialize events in NC. (There must be a better way to say that -- I'll trust that you can read between the lines.) It makes perfect sense to me that words offer cold comfort this week.

And then there are the unexpected flashes of hope and community:


Facebook HRC North Carolina

The complexity of it all stops me dead in my tracks. Thinking of you!

[yardwork]

52. That is a wonderful photo. I know that many churches were on the side of equality and love.

I phonebanked in two churches - one Methodist, the other Unitarian Universalist - who donated space, equipment, food, and the time of their clergy to help oppose the amendment. I know that many churches are on our side.

I'm feeling more hopeful today. The president's message is a good one. It will help move equality forward.