Why In the Hell Should Obama Appoint Someone Just Because They're Gay?

[last1standing]

He should do it because 33% of gay youths attempt suicide.
http://gaylife.about.com/od/gayteens/a/gaysuicide.htm

He should do it because about 40% of homeless youths are gay.
http://gayteens.about.com/od/safetytips/a/homeless.htm

He should do it because two thugs thought it was perfectly acceptable to murder this young man.

http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/PageServer

And this not so young one.
http://nathanr.ca/queer-related/police-say-detroit-gay-man-not-fatally-beaten-after-all/

He should do it because we need role models in the GLBT community just as much as anyone else does.

He should do it for every kid who's questioning who he is and where his life will take him.

He should do it for all of us who know what its like to be rejected or ignored because of who we are.

He should do it because it's the right thing to do in an age where so many are beating us down.

He should do it because we need that hope he told us about.

And he should do it because just maybe along the way he'll find that we can do the job just as well as anyone else.

[Skittles]

1. and because that GLBT person may be the most qualified, too

yes INDEED

[Bicoastal]

2. Well, he should have a Native American cabinet member as well.

For all of those reasons.

[last1standing]

3. First, I didn't say cabinet.

Second, yes we should. Native Americans have been ridiculously under-represented in this country from the beginning. It's time to recognize them just as it is time to recognize the GLBT community. There are very capable members of both communities and we deserve to be heard from.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RedLetterRev]

90. I'd be thrilled to see

Native two-spirit. Best of both and all at once. If we're gonna dream, dream for It All. If we get any of it, the prayer will have been answered.

[happydreams]

112. And you forgot Hmong refugees, .....what about Cajuns?

[deadparrot]

4. As long as they're as or more qualified than other potential appointees, sure. nt

[last1standing]

6. Of course there are qualified people in the GLBT community.

The only thing that holds them back is the fact that they're out. What message do we send to our kids when we tell them that being gay is a detriment?

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[last1standing]

8. No administration has had a high level, out GLBT appointee.

Whether Janet Reno is gay or not, she isn't out so it does nothing to foster acceptance or self worth. In fact, it does the exact opposite by telling kids they need to hide who they really are in order to be successful.

[datopbanana]

11. BEING "QUALIFIED" DOES NOT MEAN THE SAME AS "MOST QUALIFIED"

[last1standing]

14. THEN WHO THE FUCK IS 'MOST QUALIFIED'?

By the way, turning off the cap locks can be your friend. :eyes:

Can you say who is the one person absolutely most qualified over every other human being in existence for each and every position? Unless you can you have no ability to claim CAP LOCK legitimacy with sophomoric internet shouting.

[happydreams]

116. You are simply full of shit here. The poster you responded to

simply clarified a point. You slammed him with bullshit to cover up your sloppy post. Seems its real important to you that yer the last1standing. :eyes:

[Yes We Did]

118. Agreed.

Don't you love when people twist words... How very republican of the OP.

[deadparrot]

12. Where did I say there weren't qualified GLBT candidates?

As long as they're the best person for the job, a genetic trait shouldn't make a difference one way or the other.

[last1standing]

15. I didn't say you did.

But I'm arguing that more factors should be considered than whether a person has the longest resume or the best connections (which is how an appointing is usually chosen). We need to factor in millions of kids who need role models, who need inspiration and hope. We need to realize that until someone makes a move in the right direction, these kids are going to be beaten up and killed for who they are.

Those factors need to go into who is most qualified.

[deadparrot]

25. You said, "Of course there are qualified people in the GLBT community,"

as if I had said/intimated that there weren't. I apologize if there was a misunderstanding.

But I'm not sure I agree with your analysis on a few points. First, there are many GLBT people--"out" and otherwise, likely--with long resumes who are perfectly suited for a range of appointments without the need to "factor in" other elements. Long resumes and connections aren't necessarily a bad thing. Secondly, the assumption that GLBT people will automatically idolize and adore a high-level appointee simply because he/she is also GLBT seems patronizing and presumptuous. Sort of how McCain assumed us wimminfolk would vote for Palin because gosh darn, she's got boobies like us!

I want the smartest motherfuckers in the room this time around. If they're white, black, gay, straight, transgendered, male, female...I really don't care at this point. But "knowing what the hell you're doing" is criterion #1 in my book. JMHO, however.

[last1standing]

28. There's a lot to reply to there, but I'll start with 'What if Obama appointed NO women'?

Would that piss people at DU off? Sure. A good sized segment would be in an uproar about how he never respected women. But is that woman the absolutely best person for the job? Probably not, just like the guy he hired for the position isn't either. They were probably both very qualified but the absolutely best person rarely gets the position because they rarely have the contacts. Well, it's time for the highly qualified GLBT person to get the job because he/she has been overlooked for over 200 years.

And sadly, there are very few nationally recognizable out GLBT people in the United States other than in entertainment. As I'm not suggesting Rosie O'Donnell for an appointment, it leaves me few other real people I can name off hand. That doesn't mean they aren't out there, only that GLBT people rarely get put into positions of prominence in politics. In fact, the only one I can name is Barney Frank who would make a great Treasury Secretary. Let's see if it's offered.

As for the smartest motherfuckers in the room, that could easily include GLBTers. We tend to have some very intelligent people in our community, so why has one never been called on to help in all these years?

Lastly, perhaps I did misunderstand your post, but I didn't think you said that no GLBT people were qualified, I was saying, of course they are. More in agreement than not. Hope that clears that up, at least.

[deadparrot]

36. I want the best person for the job, period.

I stand by what I said...I want the smartest motherfuckers in the room, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other demographic features. If that means a bunch of white men, fine. If that means a bunch of gay women, fine. And so on, and so on, ad infinitum. But, given the law of averages, it would ideally even out to a ratio representative of the general population. Will it happen? Probably not. But that's the way I'd like things to shake out.

To pretend that the GLBT community hasn't been marginalized would be an out and out lie--that being said, how are we going to go about doing this? Are only those who are "out" going to be considered? I'm willing to bet there there are people doing good work--and not so good work--in Washington while staying silent on the issue of their sexuality. Is it their fault for not having the courage of their convictions? Is it society's fault for not providing a comforting, welcoming enough environment? What if such a person were appointed by Obama? If a person is in the closet, that doesn't change the fact that s/he's a member of the larger GLBT community. But then again, if no one knows, does it matter? Every questions simply leads to more questions.

This is where GLBT issues differ from issues of race and sex--it's pretty difficult to hide your ethnic background, or the "plumbing" you were born with, so to speak. It's considerably easier to mask who you're attracted to sexually, at least on the surface. Many incredibly intelligent and talented people--from DC to Hollywood and everywhere in between--are living that way. Theoretically, every "happily married" man or woman on Capitol Hill could be living a double life. Almost certainly not true, but the point is, we don't know. You said it yourself--there just aren't many "out" politicians out there: the higher up you go, the scarcer they get. Barney Frank seems to be the only such person with experience enough to take on a prominent, national-level position that you're suggesting. This very small pool paints Obama somewhat into a corner. Let's say that he asks Frank and it doesn't work out for one reason or another--who can he turn to next to ensure that he's not called a bigot? I don't know, it just seems a tightrope act that Obama seems doomed to fail at if such strict limits are applied.

[last1standing]

39. We're getting nowhere.

I don't mean to disrespect you as I'm sure you don't mean to disrespect me, but I can honestly say that you are disrespecting my community. Your posts disrespect the need we have to be seen as an equal member of society. They disrespect the needs of millions of kids who have committed suicide and who are homeless because they weren't so good at hiding their sexuality. Your posts disrespect the millions more to come who can't see a future full of lies and consider it worth living.

How long could you lie about who you are at the core of your being before losing all hope?

Yes, you say there are qualified GLBT people but then you go on to ask questions about whether it counts that there are people in the closet who get appointments. No, it doesn't count, at least not to those in need of positive role models. It doesn't count to those who need to know that they can be honest about who they are and still have a future.

The smartest mutherfuckers in the room should understand that.

But like I said, we're getting nowhere. I can't convince of the importance of what I'm saying and you can't convince me that we should sit in silence waiting for someone to finally acknowledge us. What more is there to say? :shrug:

[deadparrot]

50. You're right in that we're getting nowhere.

But I can't let you say that I'm disrespecting you and then run away without a response. The title of those post reads, "Why In the Hell Should Obama Appoint Someone Just Because They're Gay?" It doesn't say anything about being *openly* gay until much further downthread. THAT is why I asked.

And I will reiterate some points that you haven't addressed yet: First, I continue to find it presumptuous of you to believe that the gay community (and yes, I am aware that you belong to it) will idolize a politician simply on the basis of his or her sexual orientation. Moreover, Barney Frank is a highly visible, extremely powerful, openly gay member of Congress, and yet gay teenagers continue to kill themselves, run away, and generally slip through the cracks at alarming rates. Being on a national stage is no guarantee that life will magically improve for these millions of kids--I'd much rather see money funneled to grassroots groups dedicated to treatment and counseling on the ground. I'm not a bigot, just a hardened cynic. Without a specific name, I'm even more skeptical, as I don't think that throwing any gay man or lesbian up there will make any sort of substantive difference (and apart from Frank, I struggle to think of an out GLBT person who has the experience necessary for a national position on the level that you're suggesting). If you do have a name or names in mind, by all means say so, but until then my position stands as is, and like you said, I don't think either of us is going to change the other's mind.

[last1standing]

53. You think one out gay politician is enough to make gay kids think they have a future?

And you don't think that's offensive?

First you make snide comment like "Barney Frank is a highly visible, extremely powerful, openly gay member of Congress, and yet gay teenagers continue to kill themselves, run away, and generally slip through the cracks at alarming rates", then you state that you can't think of a single "out GLBT person who has the experience necessary for a national position on the level that you're suggesting". That's the entire point! Being anything but straight is so reviled that there isn't a single politician other than Barney Frank who can receive national coverage. That's the message our kids get every day and that's why they kill themselves!

We need many more role models than just one gay guy to make a difference. It isn't magical and it won't improve lives on day one, but it would make a difference over time.

But now I'm far too angry to communicate any more with you tonight. I'm honestly offended that you could so flippantly disrespect our community and make sarcastic remarks in the face of our death youth. Go ahead and have your last word because I'm done.

[datopbanana]

73. Last1, you couldn't be more wrong about all of this.

[last1standing]

74. I was only wrong in thinking that you would be on our side AFTER the election.

Now you want to tell us to wait, again. There's always a reason for ignoring the GLBT community once the election is over and I'm tired of it. Too many are willing to forget about us and the discrimination we face every day. I only hope Obama turns out to keep his faith better than many of our 'friends' at DU have done.

[LostinVA]

92. No, he is totally right -- take off the self-righteous blinders

[Yes We Did]

114. Do you ever say anything that's not a snipe?

P is saying he wants the best person for the job; regarless of race/sex/age/sexual orientation...

If that person happens to be GLBT, they should get the spot.

That is not self-richteous. That is just smart.

[davidinalameda]

130. all it takes is one out politician

to show the rest of us that we can do it

then the next generation will follow with more and so on and so on

in San Francisco, there was no one before Harvey MIlk and look at the city now

[CakeGrrl]

107. Agreed. As a black female,

I'm not going to be put out if there are no people of color or females in the high-level cabinet positions as long as we have the best people in there to fix the clusterfuck we're in.

Now if qualifications and competence were equal between a hetero candidate and an out gay candidate, and if Obama wanted to make a statement in placing the gay candidate, that would be his prerogative, and I'd have no problem with that.

But now is not the time for cronyism or quid pro quo in lieu of the strongest candidate. If the person is the best fit for the demands of the role and is deemed to be the most potentially effective person in that role, they should get the job, even if they're a hetero white male.

[Yes We Did]

115. Exactly.

It amazes me that the OP is arguing against that.

[davidinalameda]

129. Barney Frank has become a repug target

due to his position as house banking chair or whatever chair he holds

anyway, I rather have him in the house

[Smarmie Doofus]

132. Rusk and McNamara were "the smartest mothefunckers in the room."

>>>I want the best person for the job, period.

I stand by what I said...I want the smartest motherfuckers in the room,>>>


Two million dead people say that using "the smartest motherfuckers in the room" as sole or even preeminent criteria is a really, really, really un-smart idea.





>>>>>>It's considerably easier to mask who you're attracted to sexually, at least on the surface. >>>>>

Ubetcha. Fer sure. Ya. Easier... and *fun* too, actually.

[RollWithIt]

9. This is a strawman arguement... What position are you talking about? And for that position who?

I have nothing against a gay American getting a cabinet position. What position though? And what person?

[last1standing]

10. This isn't about a specific person or position.

And it isn't a strawman ( I suggest you look up the meaning).

The question is whether a member of the GLBT community can do the job and whether that person should be appointed. I've presented my reasons why we should be. If you disagree, provide your reasons why.

[RollWithIt]

19. Can a gay American service in a cabinet position? YES! But who now, and for what?

That is what I was asking.

[last1standing]

29. Professor Plum, in the Drawing Room, with the Wrench!

If you read through the thread you'll find that I've repeatedly said that the problem is that there are so few openly GLBT people in politics because they rarely get voted into office and even more rarely get voted into higher office. That makes it hard for me to name a specific person for a specific job. I mentioned Barney Frank for Treasury Secretary elsewhere. Is that good enough for you?

[firedupdem]

13. I agree with what you are saying but you never have a person

in mind. I think that using the Thurgood Marshall example you used isn't a good example because you can look at Thurgood and tell he's black. Everytime someone mentions a gay appointee someone says they aren't "out" enough or something to that effect. How is he supposed to find this person when nobody has a good example of who they are? You know what I mean?

[last1standing]

18. That's my point in a nutshell. There's no one out there to look up to.

It's hard to have a specific person in mind when there are so few out politicians. As has been stated in other threads, looking to the world of academia would be a good idea, but there are few nationally known gay professors. And that's why we need someone so badly. Kids need someone to look up to but there aren't many good role models in politics for them.

As for being able to tell that Marshall was black, it doesn't matter. This is about being accepted for who you were born to be, not whether you're able to hide it. To argue otherwise is to argue that 'the gays' should just stay underground.

[firedupdem]

20. I'm hoping as time goes on and hopefully very soon all people

including politicians will be accepted for who they truly are and not have to hide to get elected. That will go a long way in getting and openly Gay person in a high position. I don't think they should stay underground but I understand why they do. There are some sick people in this world who can't accept people as they are.

[last1standing]

24. The time is now.

We've been quiet for a very long time. We've sucked it up and voted for Democrats with the understanding that one day our time would come. We are the last legally oppressed minority in this country and its time our voices were heard.

I want a qualified GLBT person to have the opportunity to serve this country as a soldier, as a president, and everything in between. Nothing less, nothing more. That is equality.

[happydreams]

119. So we need more courageous gay politicians who aren't afraid to

come out?
Are you implying they're cowards? :crazy:

[Clio the Leo]

16. The greatest African American role model the world has ever known did not become so..

..... soley because he was an African American, or because someone used him to fill a token slot.

He did it through hard work and by convincing the American people he was the best man for the job without ever letting his ethnicity become a major issue.

This is exactly what he will look for when filling his staff.

[firedupdem]

17. Thank You...Thurgood sticks out in my mind...he studied his ass off

when we weren't even supposed to go to school and he was the best person for the job. YES! It was great that he as African American but I don't think he would have been given the position had he not met the qualifications. I don't think that the OP is saying that he wants Gay people to have the job that don't meet the qualifications but the one's we know of haven't been good enough for some reason...It's not making sense to me.

[last1standing]

21. So there's never been a GLBT person who's worked hard enough?

In over 200 years, not one?

Wow! :shrug:

[Bicoastal]

22. Just eliminate the word "just" from your OP title, and I think we'll all agree with you.

But the word "just" implies that, yes, a gay appointee would need no qualifications for the Obama administation other than his or her sexual orientation. And that's wrong.

[last1standing]

26. The word 'just' is there because so many here are using that word to keep us down.

The point is, there are millions of kids who are being beaten down by a system that tells them who they are is wrong. If Barack Obama will not take a step to show them that they are valuable as people, who will? Appointing a qualified GLBT person would be a good first step.

[Bicoastal]

27. Ok, I think I get it now:

What you really mean is:

"Why should Obama refrain from ruling out an appointee just because they're gay?"

That makes sense. But again, appointing a qualified gay person and hiring someone "just because they're gay" is NOT the same thing.

[last1standing]

31. What I really meant was what hope is there for 33% of all gay teens who attempt suicide?

What hope is there for 40% of all homeless teens?

Appointing an openly GLBT member to a high level position would be a start, maybe a small start but a start none the less, toward showing the people of this country that being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered doesn't make you less valuable.

It would be a step toward reducing those obscene numbers.

[firedupdem]

23. no no no...not what i'm saying..go up thread to our other conversation,

I think we're on the same page now.

[last1standing]

30. Look, I don't think that many here would actually be against appointing a GLBT person.

My OP was focused on why it's so important to do it now. There are millions of kids who need to see that being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered isn't something that will stop you from having a future. That's needed so badly in our community.

Look at those statistics up in the OP that not one person has commented on. Thirty-three percent of GLBT kids try to commit suicide (I was one of them). Forty percent of all homeless kids are GLBT. This happens because too often we find out who we are and lose all hope. We know that we will be ridiculed, ostracized or beaten up at school. We know that sometimes our parents won't accept us or even allow us to live with them. We know that all too often there's no place to turn.

This whole thread was about the need for acceptance and how important it is in real terms, a point that was not once mentioned by another poster. Of everything mentioned in this thread, I'm most saddened by that.

[Bicoastal]

33. As far as that goes, I think, yeah, it may do a bit of good...

...but I think what might do MORE good are real-life solutions. For example, if our president-elect worked with our next congress and produced some legislation creating, say, counseling programs specifically tailored to at-risk depressed LGBT teens--or maybe a harder stance on bullying and harassment of gay teens in schools through anti-discrimination measures. Something like that.

But gay teenagers who are made to feel unhappy about their bodies and impulses because of their parents' and classmates' attitudes, etc. probably wouldn't really care if the President appoints a gay cabinet member or not. They need help where THEY are. If Obama can put someone in his cabinet that can help create solutions to this very real problem, it shouldn't matter if said person is gay or straight.

Again, this is not to say that Obama shouldn't hire perfectly qualifed gay people--I just think we should concentrate on solutions, not individuals. Contrary to what the Right Wing would have you believe, racial problems have not disappeared just because we've elected a Black president.

[last1standing]

37. Showing minorities are not only qualified but have a chance at a successful future is very important

It won't solve every problem and I never suggested it would. But as someone old enough to remember when black people weren't supposed to move south of Southfield Rd. (a local reference for the Detroiters out there), I know what it means when someone finally does. For non-locals it means that the first step is the most significant. The GLBT community needs that first step and now is the time.

It's not hyperbole to say that every year that passes means another several thousand GLBT kids dead, because it really does. Appointing a GLBT person isn't going to stop that but it will be a first step in the process. Yes programs catered to help at risk GLBT youths is very important, but they lack substance if these kids can't see a future.

As others keep asking in this thread, who would Obama appoint and for what position? The fact that its so hard to answer that question shows how much this is needed.

[Clio the Leo]

34. Tell me who in Lincoln's cabinet was straight?

Tell me who was gay? You cant ..... that's not something that American history generally records. For obvious reasons, even if say, Lincoln's Secretary of Homeland Security :) was gay, they would have never been able to let anyone know.

All we can do is presume.

[last1standing]

35. "They would have never been able to let anyone know".

The story of GLBT in a nutshell.

It's a shame that this seems to be acceptable to so many people, but there it is. A lot of kids kill themselves for just that reason.

[Clio the Leo]

38. NOW you're getting my point. ;) NT

[zuul9]

32. Appointing a GLBT cabinet member doesn't seem that controversial

[Renegade08]

40. Obama the Savior of All of Humanity.

My god, everyone wants him to fix their long-standing injustices or pursue their pet-policies, RIGHT NOW. Even before he becomes president.

Face facts, people, Obama is not Santa Claus or a miracle worker. If he tackled everything people wanted him to tackle in his first year, his head would implode.

Yes, Obama is about change, but, he has always said change will be difficult and slow in coming. It will be a grind, not an instant transformation.

If you are impatient about change, then, instead of waiting for Obama, do something! You want him to appoint gays, then, help him out by providing him with names of qualified candidates. And, if you don't want to come across as narrow and self-interested, make sure you don't just write diaries or lobby for just your own groups' self-interests.

[last1standing]

41. The ignorance of your post says everything I need to ever know about you.

Or ever will.

[Renegade08]

42. Now, that's an ignorant thing to say. Do you even know what my point is?

[Darth_Ole]

43. Obama must adopt a gay dog

[bluedawg12]

46. I bet you'd have a problem with that, too. Just a hunch.

.

[racaulk]

91. .

:eyes:

[NMMNG]

44. We know what your point is

"Get back under the bus f*g, it just isn't your turn yet. Maybe some time next century. "


We've heard it a thousand times before so don't think we can't sniff it out a mile away.

[Renegade08]

51. You need to get your nose checked, then, because I am not saying that at all.

Try reading my post before jumping to unsupported conclusions. Or read my thread on essentially the same subject.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7880321

Get your mind out of your self-absorbed navel gazing. Believe it or not, it's not always about you and your particular identity and identity-based interests. Yes, there are other people out there, other things that may be just a bit more important than ensuring that every color and different shaped bean shows up in the Obama group cabinet picture, like preventing the destruction of the US and world economy and stopping the entire world from plunging into another great depression.

[NMMNG]

54. "Self-absorbed navel gazing"?

Yeah, I was right about you. Crawl back into your sewer. You're not worth my time.

[Renegade08]

62. Still looking at your navel, I see. Look up, dude. The world is much

bigger than your navel. ; )

[happydreams]

122. Yep, we need more narcissists in the mix.

:rofl:

[happydreams]

120. Welcome to DU. Good post.

:hi:

[sui generis]

133. we'll stop lobbying for our own interests when everyone else

stops being so interested in what we do with our lives.

What the heck do you think politics is? A kissy-face contest? no, it's about getting shit done for yourself. Ever, period.

If enough people are getting the right thing done for themselves without taking away the rights of other people, it benefits everyone.

We don't want to be "gay" first, American second, but we're already second class Americans, so get used to us getting in everyone's face.

We really are Americans, and these days most of us will take any of you to the mat in a heartbeat and bust some ass, and I do NOT mean that in a good way.

[briv1016]

45. In nutshell, the world is too fucked-up for "token" or "poster boy/girl" appointees.

The best person gets the job. If they happen to be GLBT, (open or not) good for them.

[bluedawg12]

47. I think the OP was going for irony and did not mean "just because" they're gay

but rather showed the importance of recognition of the impact of homophobia on young people who are gay and gave examples of that. I see it as a request to be heard.

[last1standing]

48. Thanks Bluedawg, but I give up.

There's not a single straight DUer who cares about gay teens and the need for positive reinforcement. At least not one who cared enough to comment on it.

[bluedawg12]

49. never give up last1standing--

but sometimes taking a break from things makes sense. I think you made your case well.

It's amazing how many people were never young and never had hopes, fears, aspirations and how they could express every political thought perfectly from birth! :rofl:

Hang in there, you have many, many friends.

[last1standing]

58. I know.

I'm hanging in but did you realize so many DUers think that equal rights for GLBT is really special rights? I honestly didn't.

[briv1016]

55. Why do you feel that an appointee's sexual orientation should be factored into there qualification?

If they are the best person for the job, shouldn't there other qualifications put them at the top of the list anyway? You are making it seem like the only way a GLBT person can get a high level job is if there sexual orientation is considered. What type of message does that send to the GLBT youth?

[last1standing]

57. Name one openly GLBT person who has EVER been appointed to a high office in this country.

If you can't then you are either stating that the GLBT community has been discriminated against for over 200 years or you are saying that there hasn't been a single qualified GLBT person in all that time.

Which is it?

Then tell me what message that has sent to our youth for over 200 years.

[Renegade08]

61. What's more important is the low number of openly gay persons who run for office.

The message being sent there is: if you're gay, kiss your chance at becoming a politician goodbye; so, stay in the closet if you want to become governor of New Jersey some day.

At least gay kids living in Providence can grow up realizing that they can become a mayor or governor when they grow up.

[briv1016]

63. I will be the first to admit

that past presidents factored in and subsequently discriminated again GLBT appointees. But that does not make it right for Obama to use that as a litmus test going the other way. I want a level playing field where qualification, not sexual orientation is what determines a person getting an appointment or not.

[last1standing]

66. This isn't a perfect world and the playing field isn't level.

Being GLBT in most parts of this country is seen as a death sentence to kids who can't visualize their way out from the hatred that ignorance has bred around them. I'm not talking about something I know nothing about. I tried to kill myself when I was a teenager because I couldn't see a way out. Life just isn't fair, sometimes.

We need out GLBTers who can articulate a path forward for these teens and are given a stage to do so. We need them in government, in business, in churches, and in entertainment. Most of all, we need someone who understands this in the white house who is willing to move in this direction. Appointing a member of our community would be a positive signal to many. Actually funding GLBT information in schools would be another. Repealing DOMA and enacting ENDA, with transgenders included, would also be important.

We need to see action because kids are dying from indifference.

[briv1016]

86. Which do you think would be a better role model,

a person who was only picked over another because they were GLBT or a person who was the best candidate for the job and just so happens to be GLBT? I believe just by shear odds, given the number of appointments that need to be made and the percentage of the population that is GLBT, one or more of Obama's picks will be GLBT. But a person's sexual orientation should not be a factor in whether or not they get a job.

[Renegade08]

59. Not one? You sure? 100% sure?

Talk about overgeneralizing. The problem with your thread is not what your wrote about gay teens, but the fact that you tyouried to somehow connect concern for gay teens with appointing the secretary of the department of agriculture in Obama's campaign. If you just want to educate people about gay teen issues, I guarantee you would have gotten a better reaction.

I'm sure you'll dismiss me because you *know* what I think of gays and gay rights, but, I do understand the need that gay teens have for positive reinforcement. I had a friend who had a pre-teen son who was gay living in a small town in a very isolated area. The kid benefited enormously by being befriended by basically a friend who basically was the only openly gay person in town, and who was loved and accepted by his parents and his sister for who he is. Even though my friend never directly talked to the boy about being gay, we all could see how enormously positively reinforcing to have his dad's best friend be someone who was just like him.

[Renegade08]

52. If that's true, it was a lousy request to be heard.

It's just not so obvious seeing the connection getting a political powerful gay person appointed to one of the most powerful government positions in the U.S. with blunting the impact of homophobia among the young.

If anything, getting big time movie stars or sports figures to come out would have a greater impact on young people than having some obscure politician named to the cabinet. Imagine an active NFL football star coming out while he is still in his prime. That would be almost on the level of Jackie Robinson's first year as the first African American in major league baseball and have an enormous impact on shaking up homophobia among the sizable youth crowd that idolize athletes.

[boppers]

56. Token-ism is as bad as racism.

"Just because" sends a message that people can be less qualified, less capable, less able, but be appointed for political reasons.

Brownie killed *how* many people because you thought your line of reasoning made sense under *?

[last1standing]

60. You don't believe there's one single GLBT person qualified for a single position?

Not one? Not in over 200 years?

[boppers]

64. I don't believe there's one person who should be promoted because they're gay, black, or catholic.

We have this thing called the constitution, you see.

Bush stomped all over it, we shouldn't do the same.

We've had GLBTQ folks in quite a few federal positions *already* because of their qualifications, not because of their GLBTQ status.

You might want to learn some history, I suggest you start with Roy Cohn.

[last1standing]

68. When did Roy Cohn come out? I must have missed that.

Perhaps it's you who needs the history lesson.

And it's interesting that you think affirmative action is unconstitutional. It says much about you.

[boppers]

71. You think people in the closet should suffer?

That's pretty sad.

Oh, and the point of affirmative action isn't to make totally unqualified folks into superstars, it's to correct systemic bias.

[last1standing]

72. No, I think those who push people into the closet should suffer.

People like yourself who don't give a damn about the discrimination of the GLBT community. You're just another poster who got yours and thinks everyone else should just be happy with your good fortune.

In other words, its really not beneficial to continue reading your posts because I don't respect you or your opinions.

[boppers]

128. I don't give a damn about being discriminated against?

That just doesn't make any sense.

Do you think that having a black presidential advisor meant that discrimination against blacks stopped?

That doesn't make any sense either.

The fight against LGBTQ discrimination isn't going to be won with token appointments.

[bluedawg12]

76. "You people?"

Pretty much says it all.
Buh bye

[Yes We Did]

110. He didn't say "you people"

and the post wan't edited.

[boppers]

125. Huh? What's with meta-quoting something I didn't say?

Making assumptions on the internet has it's problems.

LGBTQ people who struggled in their teen years with depression and suicide are not some external group to me, they're not "you people".

They're MY people, and I have the scars, both figuratively, and literally to show for it.

[bluedawg12]

83. Oh, it does seem like one in three gay teens attempting suicide is suffering

for "Us" people.

>>"Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control/Massachusetts Department of Education Youth Risk Behavior Survey (1999), 33% of gay youth will attempt suicide? In fact, gay teen suicide attempts are four times that of heterosexual youth."<<

http://gaylife.about.com/od/gayteens/a/gaysuicide.htm

[Yes We Did]

113. .

Rumors of Cohn's homosexuality began to spread throughout Washington shortly after Joseph McCarthy appointed him chief counsel to McCarthy's subcommittee. When he brought on Schine as chief consultant, it became speculated that Schine and Cohn had a sexual relationship, although some historians have more recently concluded the friendship was platonic.<12><13><14> During the Army-McCarthy hearings, he denied having "special interest" in Schine or being bound to him "closer than to the ordinary friend."<12>

Joseph Welch, the Army's attorney in the hearings, made an apparent reference to Cohn's homosexuality. After asking a witness if a photo entered as evidence "came from a pixie," he defined "pixie" for McCarthy as "a close relative of a fairy." (Fairy was, and is, a common derogatory term for a homosexual male.) The people at the hearing recognized the allusion and found it amusing; Cohn later called the remark "malicious," "wicked," and "indecent."<12>

Cohn and McCarthy targeted many government officials and cultural figures not only for suspected Communist sympathies, but also for alleged homosexuality<15>

In 1984, Cohn was diagnosed with AIDS, and he attempted to keep his condition secret while receiving aggressive drug treatment. He participated in clinical trials of the new drug AZT. He insisted to his dying day that his disease was liver cancer.

According to Republican political consultant Roger Stone (for whom Cohn was a role model), Cohn's "absolute goal was to die completely broke and owing millions to the I.R.S. He succeeded in that."<16>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Cohn

[LostinVA]

98. You just called Affirmative Action programs unconstitutional, do you realize that???

And, Roy Cohn neither was ever "out," nor is he someone to hold up as an example.

Maybe you need to learn some history. And empathy.

[Yes We Did]

111. He didn't say that.

He didn't say anything like it.

[Veruca Salt]

124. I've said it before in another thread and I'll say it again here...

I'm a lesbian who wants the best of the best fixing what * has done to our country. But, I know what you're saying and I would love to see an openly gay individual in a position of power in the government.

And now for something completely different: this thread made me question who has been openly gay and in politics (or the sciences, academia, etc) and possibilities for high level positions in the new administration. And it was quite a learning experience to say the least and thank you for that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gay,_lesbian_or_bisexual_people:_A I only went through the A's so far but already found the following:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberta_Achtenberg

She was elected as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1990 and resigned in 1993 when she was appointed Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by President Bill Clinton. Her confirmation was famously held up by Senator Jesse Helms who refused to vote for her "because she's a damn lesbian."

[bluedawg12]

65. The OP just wants a spokesperson for teen suicide and depression

at some viable level, and yes, it shoud be a bright and qaulified teen.

The POINT IS TO HAVE SOME kid/teen liason with the WH and help DEAL WITH TEEN ISSUES LIKE SUICIDE?


Good idea!

[boppers]

69. Are you serious?

I feel like I'm stuck back in the Reagan 80's, only instead of folks screaming about TEEN SUICIDE and DRUGS, it's TEEN SUICIDE and BEING GAY.

What's sad is that both tactics seem to miss out on the common factor, which is, oh... what could it be.... TEEN SUICIDE.

[bluedawg12]

77. I can see why you feel like you are stuck back in the Reagan 80's

"You people?" Well, helloooo Ronnie.

[bluedawg12]

82. "it's just teen suicide" nothing different?

except,

"Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control/Massachusetts Department of Education Youth Risk Behavior Survey (1999), 33% of gay youth will attempt suicide? In fact, gay teen suicide attempts are four times that of heterosexual youth."

http://gaylife.about.com/od/gayteens/a/gaysuicide.htm

[boppers]

127. Yes, being LBGTQ is a huge risk factor.

So is drug use.
So is unchecked depression.
So is abuse at home.

I had a full house.

What teens need is counseling. Not just a "gay-teen-specific" presidential advisor, but in-school counseling across the board, peer support, and safe places to discuss their issues.

I believe that LGBTQ isn't something to be ashamed of, or something to isolate out as something "abnormal", or needing "special counseling" for. That just perpetuates the stigma that being LGBTQ is "different", rather than just being normal.

What helped *me* out was being able to sit in the same room, at school, with nazi punks, skinheads, kids in and out of various closets, kids dealing with substance abuse, and realize that were weren't freaks, we were all just kinda slightly exceptional and unique, in our own special ways.

[Cali_Democrat]

67. These are horrifying statistics

I did not know this information about suicides and homelessness among gay youths.

Thank you for this information.

[last1standing]

70. Thanks for being the very first person to post about this in the thread.

Yes, it is disturbing and yet people seem to think it doesn't merit appointing a GLBT member to a high level position. Seems to me that when past presidents have wanted to make a statement of support they used their power of appointment to do so. But what do I know? :shrug:

Anyway, sorry for the snark. I really do appreciate you posting.

[bluedawg12]

79. I give the OP credit for looking this up and understanding the issues

and actually caring enough to come and articulate their hope.

Sounds like a young progressive speaking up, to me and that's always good.

[bunnies]

75. What makes you think that an Obama appointment would change any of those things?!

Should we expect a sharp decrease in black on black violence now because we have an AA President?

Whats the basis of your theory? Wheres the precedent?

[bluedawg12]

78. It's called the hope of youth and asking for a seat at the table.

Everyone seems to be have been born at the age of 30 or over with a PoliySci PhD in hand.

[bunnies]

80. You didnt answer any of my questions. nt

[bluedawg12]

81. You had a question?

Do your own research!

[bunnies]

84. Oh NOESSS! I asked the OP to give logic to their theory...

and you jump in with "do your own research". :rofl: Thanks for the laugh.

[bluedawg12]

94. It's in the OP: it is about hope

>>He should do it because we need that hope he told us about.

And he should do it because just maybe along the way he'll find that we can do the job just as well as anyone else.<<

Sorry the subtlety didn't pass your rigid standards for political logic, sometimes people dare to express hope.

BTW - people come in a all ages and from all backgrounds, and they do the best they can to express their feelings at the moment. I applaud the OP for bringing the issue of gay teens and their plight to the public square.

Sometimes it takes a little heart to actually listen.

[bunnies]

99. Oh, ok. So we'll just "hope" it makes a difference?

I'm sorry, but a political appointee isnt going to do a damn thing to change the systemic prejudice against the LGBT community any more than we'll see a dramatic decline in black on black violence just because we have an AA President.

It really is a very nice thought. But its one with absolutely no basis in reality.

[bluedawg12]

102. Having a voice within this particular adminsitration is a sound idea

and one that bears some resemblence to our progressive history.

Funny, how quickly some dismiss hearing gays voices, even at the early stage of asking for a place--any place--at the table.

The LAST Democratic President had a willingness to work with the GLBTQ community- there is even more reason to think the President Elect Obama will be even more willing to do so.


............

Fighting Discrimination and Hate
Fighting For Passage of Hate Crimes Legislation. President Clinton and Vice President Gore have repeatedly called on Congress to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would strengthen and expand the ability of the Justice Department to prosecute hate crimes by removing needless jurisdictional requirements for existing crimes. And for the first time in history, it would give Federal prosecutors the power to prosecute hate crimes committed because of the victim's sexual orientation, gender or disability. The Clinton-Gore Administration's FY 2001 budget includes $20 million to promote police integrity and for hate crimes training for federal, state, and local law enforcement.

Enacted Longer Sentences for Hate Crimes. As part of the 1994 Crime Act, President Clinton signed the Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement Act, providing for longer sentences where the offense is determined to be a hate crime based on sexual orientation.

Preventing Hate Crimes. President Clinton hosted the first White House Conference on Hate Crimes, which examined laws and remedies that can make a difference in preventing hate crimes, highlighted solutions that are working in communities across the country, and continued the frank and open dialogue needed to build One America. In April 2000, President Clinton held a strategy session on hate crimes at the White House where he met with state, local, and federal law enforcement officials to emphasize the need for federal hate crimes legislation and to highlight successful partnerships between various law enforcement offices in prosecuting hate crimes. The President also released two new resources to fight hate crimes -- a local prosecutor's guide to preventing and responding to hate crimes, and a "promising practices" report that describes successful anti-hate partnerships.

Ending Discrimination in the Federal Workforce. President Clinton issued an Executive Order prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Federal civilian workforce, making the Federal Government the largest employer in the world with a non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation, and he defeated an attempt to overturn that policy. President Clinton also issued an Executive Order mandating that security clearances no longer be denied based on sexual orientation.

Endorsing Legislation that Outlaws Discrimination in the Workplace. President Clinton called for passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in both his 1999 and 2000 State of the Union addresses. ENDA would outlaw discrimination in hiring, firing and promotions based on sexual orientation -- extending basic employment protections to gay and lesbian Americans.

Working to End Discrimination Against People With AIDS. President Clinton supports the Supreme Court’s decision in Bragdon v. Abbott, which reinforces the protections offered by the Americans With Disabilities Act for Americans living with HIV and AIDS. The President directed the Justice Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to vigorously prosecute those who discriminate against people with AIDS, leading to actions against health care providers and facilities that violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Promoting Tolerance in Our Schools. In April 1999, the President announced a new public-private partnership to focus attention on issues of hate, tolerance and diversity in schools. President Clinton also called on the Departments of Justice and Education to include hate crimes in their annual report card on school safety and to report on hate crimes and bias on college campuses. The Education Department has issued a guide for school administrators and teachers which provides practical help in developing a comprehensive approach to protecting all students, including gays and lesbians, from harassment and violence.

Standing Up for Fairness. President Clinton and Vice President Gore blocked Republican efforts to pass legislation prohibiting unmarried couples from jointly adopting children in the District of Columbia and legislation which would have denied certain Federal funds to localities with domestic partnership laws.

Working to Expand Civil Rights Enforcement. In FY 2000, the President won a six percent increase in funding for federal civil rights enforcement agencies including $82 million for the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department, a 19 percent increase. And this year, President Clinton has proposed $698 million for civil rights enforcement -- a 13 percent increase -- to prosecute criminal civil rights cases (including hate crimes and police misconduct), enforce the American with Disabilities Act, pursue Equal Employment Opportunity Commission employment actions and prevent housing discrimination, and other civil rights enforcement efforts.

Opposing Anti-Gay Ballot Initiatives. President Clinton and Vice President Gore strongly opposed anti-gay ballot initiatives in Colorado, Oregon and, most recently, California.

Fighting Discrimination Against People with AIDS in the Military. President Clinton successfully fought for the repeal of the Dornan amendment, which required the expulsion of all HIV-positive military service members regardless of their ability to do their jobs. Prior to its repeal, President Clinton unilaterally declared the law unconstitutional and instructed the Justice Department not to defend it in court, becoming the first president since Franklin Roosevelt to take such action.

Helping Those Fleeing Persecution Because of Sexual Orientation. The Clinton-Gore Administration is the first ever to grant asylum for gays and lesbians facing persecution in other countries. The President sent gay human rights activist Keith Boykin to Zimbabwe as part of an official United States delegation to investigate human rights abuses of gays and lesbians.

[bunnies]

104. Now youre completely changing the subject.

No one is arguing against hearing the voices of our gay community and no one is saying they shouldnt have a place at the table. But asserting that it will make a damn bit of difference to kids who are killing themselves is pathetic. And not only that, I think the assertion plays down the real struggle that gay teens are presented with in this society.

The OP asserts that a gay appointee will somehow affect the rate of suicide, etc. I assert that this idea is ludicrous and has no basis in reality. That is the point the OP is attempting to make and that is the only, I stress ONLY, point I'm discussing I'm this thread.

[bluedawg12]

105. The OP is addressing that affirmation would have a positive benefit to gay teens

in a world where hate speech and hate crimes and rejection are all too common.

Affirmation of our fellow human beings is a positive thing the last I looked. That's why there are honors, awards and positive reinforcement.

The OP is simply stating that if the new administration did something, anything positive, to affirm gay kids it would lessen the burden of toxic speech.

Why don't you tell us what, "the real struggle that gay teens are presented with in this society."

I am guessing you are not a gay teen, and I am guessing that the OP might be, or near that demographic and speaks from the heart.

[HamdenRice]

85. Could you explain how this "solution" is related to this "problem"?

I realize that all youth need role models that "look like" or are like them, to believe that it's possible for them to succeed.

But why would gay youth need a person within the administration in order to have a role model?

Most youth look to sports and celebrity culture, not to under secretaries of cabinet officials. The existence of people like Ellen Degeneris, Rosie O'Donnell, or Greg Luganis have probably 10 times the impact on GLBT youth that the appointment of a deputy undersecretary of whatever who's gay, and the existence of gay friendly celebrities like Madona, have probably even more impact.

I can see the importance of appointing GLBT people to HHS positions because there are issues -- AIDS, homeless youth, teen suicide, etc. -- central to GLBT problems that that department addresses, just as it is imperative for African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans to be appointed to the Civil Rights Commission and the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. But in all these examples, the officials need to be appointed because they have special insight from their personal experience or from contact with their communities that will help them make better policy -- not because they are role models.

I don't see how the mere fact that someone GLBT is appointed to any random position has any effect on kids, 99% of whom do not follow the minutea of cabinet appointments.

Can you explain your logic?

:shrug:

[bluedawg12]

96. I read the OP as a petition for a voice within the administration

and not necessarily to "under secretaries of cabinet officials."

The reasons would be an understanding of the problem, someone within any community would have better understanding of the problems than someone outside of the community, to establish dialogue, and yes of course the best qualified would be the best person, and in the process they are role models.

It's just possible that the idea of a positive role model is not all that implausible, as that is one of the benefits of having any oppressed group find validation via public acceptance. It means a lot to have a "First..." anything.

[bluedawg12]

103. The logic of our past history for GLBTQ issues

Here are some examples from our own history as Democrats, our last Democratic President before the gay baiting dumbya years was willing and able to find a common cause with the LBTQ community:

........

An Administration that Includes All Americans

Most Inclusive Administration in History. Creating the most diverse Administration in history, the President has appointed openly gay men and lesbians to all levels of government, including judicial appointments and top Executive Branch positions requiring Senate confirmation. In fact, President Clinton is the first President to appoint an openly gay or lesbian person to an Administration post. The President has nominated more than 150 openly gay and lesbian appointees, including: James Hormel, Ambassador to Luxembourg and the first openly gay U.S. ambassador; Fred Hochberg, Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the first openly gay person to be appointed Deputy in an U.S. Cabinet-level agency; Bruce Lehman, former Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the first openly gay man to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate; Roberta Achtenberg, former Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the first open lesbian confirmed by the U.S. Senate; and Robert Raben, Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs, Department of Justice. In the White House, the President appointed Virginia Apuzzo, former Assistant to the President for Management and Administration (the first openly gay or lesbian Assistant to the President); Karen Tramontano, Assistant to the President and Counselor to the Chief of Staff; Sean Maloney, Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary; Daniel C. Montoya, Executive Director of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS; Todd Summers, former deputy director of the Office of National AIDS Policy; and David Tseng, Chief of Staff, National Economic Council. They are the highest-ranking openly gay or lesbian people ever to serve in the Federal Government.

Reaching Out to All Communities. The Clinton-Gore Administration is committed to a policy of inclusion. President Clinton named the first Presidential Liaison to the gay and lesbian community, Marsha Scott. Later, he named the first openly gay senior policy adviser on civil rights issues and liaison to the gay and lesbian community, Richard Socarides. Julian Potter is the first lesbian to serve as a liaison to the gay and lesbian community.

Appointed the First Openly Gay United States Ambassador. On October 6, 1997 and again on January 6, 1999, the President nominated James C. Hormel to be U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. Although Mr. Hormel’s qualifications were never in question, and it was generally agreed that his nomination would have easily won a floor vote, a handful of conservative Senators blocked the nomination. On June 4, 1999, President Clinton announced the recess appointment of James Hormel, making Mr. Hormel the first openly gay U.S. Ambassador.

Issued the First Gay and Lesbian Pride Month Proclamation. In June 1999, President Clinton issued the first Gay and Lesbian Pride Month proclamation, marking the Stonewall Uprising and the birth of the modern gay and lesbian civil rights movement.

The First President and Vice President to Speak before Gay and Lesbian Organizations. On November 8, 1997, President Clinton became the first sitting president to speak before a gay and lesbian organization when he delivered the keynote address to the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner. In January 1999, President Clinton advocated for gay and lesbian issues in his State of the Union remarks, the first president ever to do so. In September 1997, Vice President Gore addressed the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the first vice president to speak at a gay rights event. The Vice President also addressed the Human Rights Campaign in September 1998. The Hetrick-Martin Institute awarded the Clinton-Gore Administration the Emery S. Hetrick Award "for outstanding contributions to lesbian and gay youth."

[HamdenRice]

117. Which of course, completely misses the point of the OP or my question

No one is suggesting that qualified GLBT people should not be appointed or that diversity including diversity in terms of sexual orientation is not desirable.

The OP argues, however, that they should be appointed because that is somehow going to reduce teen suicide because the appointmentees will be seen as role models.

Looking at your irrelevant response, I have to ask, can you point to a single gay teen who did not commit suicide because that teen was aware that "James C. Hormel <was appointed> to be U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg" as "the First Openly Gay United States Ambassador"?

No?

I didn't think so.

In fact, do you have any data about how many "at risk" gay teens were even aware that Hormel was gay and was ambassador to Luxembourg?

No?

In other words, you don't seem to be able to make a single logical statement that supports the rather bizarre argument in the OP.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

87. Do You Have Names Of Gay People Who Would Be The MOST Qualified For A Given Position?

That is in essence the only real argument you could have, by naming someone to compare and contrast. All of your other arguments are largely irrelevant.

[bluedawg12]

100. Does such a position exist yet? Hard to come up with names if this is the hope

that at some level there would be outreach to the gay community in the administration.

The statistical data alarming. Those are not irrelevant. That's the nidus for urging outreach, how it's done and with whom it's done is a little early to say. But the idea is not bad, it's a plea for dialgoue.

[cwydro]

88. The kind of thugs who beat up and kill gay people

are most likely ignorant idiots who think a cabinet is something that sits in their grandma's dining room.

I don't think a gay cabinet member would have a whole lot of effect on them.

[Yukari Yakumo]

89. Pure garbage

Things irrelevant to the job should never be a determining factor in whether or not someone gets the job.

Nice try at sympathy. Unfortunately, I'm dead to all of that.

[LostinVA]

97. "Nice try at sympathy. Unfortunately, I'm dead to all of that"

At least you're honest saying you don't give a damn about gay kids (and other kids) killing themselves.

Glad to know you're dead to sympathy for GLBT Americans. Way to go!

Nor about the Cabinet being diverse and reflecting American society -- you know, like an Affirmative Action program? If it's good enough for everyone else, it is good enough the the top echelons of government.

[bluedawg12]

101. Being dead to all that - some here may be dead to all this too?

“Discrimination or violence because of race or religion, ancestry or gender, disability or sexual orientation, is wrong, and it ought to be illegal. Therefore, I ask Congress to make the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act the law of the land.”
-- President Clinton, State of the Union Address, January 19, 1999

"The cause we celebrate tonight…is really the cause that has defined this nation since its founding: to deepen the meaning of fundamental fairness, to make real the promise of our self-government, to build a good and just society on this bedrock principle: equal opportunity for all, special privileges for none."
--Vice President Gore, September 19, 1998

Source: Reuters, March 31, 1998.
Coretta Scott King, speaking four days before the 30th anniversary of her husband's assassination, said Tuesday the civil rights leader's memory demanded a strong stand for gay and lesbian rights.

"I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice," she said. "But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'" "I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people," she said.

[noiretextatique]

93. his cabinet should reflect the people of this country

that includes gay people, women, and people of color.

[bluedawg12]

95. That say's it pretty neatly.

This is the chance and the time to have our government reflect our diversity.

[bluedawg12]

106. The picture of Matt Shepherd and the Pres. Elect Obama admin ARE totally relevant!

http://www.washingtonblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=18872

>>In an open letter to gay voters titled “Obama Pride,” the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said he has long fought to “eliminate discrimination” against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.

“And as president,” he said, “I will place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes and pass a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act to outlaw workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.” <<

And this:

>>David Mixner, a longtime gay rights activist who initially endorsed former Sen. John Edwards for president, encouraged the call’s 1,200 listeners to rally around Obama.

“We’ve had moments in our history, as a community, where we have an opportunity to create change and make huge advancements,” he said. “I believe this is such a moment.”

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, who also spoke on the call, said the organization was proud to endorse Obama for president. He noted HRC would mobilize its members “like never before” to help Obama win.

Hildebrand noted in that call and another call June 11 that as the campaign’s staff expands for the general election, prominent gays would fill several key positions.

Dave Noble, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force’s public policy director, is preparing to leave that position June 20 to become the campaign’s full-time gay vote director.

Noble said he would lead a “grassroots mobilization effort” to engage gay voters in each state and noted those efforts would include Obama’s campaign maintaining a presence at 60 Pride events across the country. <<

[bluedawg12]

108. Want to help ensure LBGT representation in the Obama administration?

Look here:

http://www.nbjcoalition.org/

The Presidential Appointments Project.

ETA:

http://www.glli.org/presidential

>>

Help President-Elect Obama lead the nation.
The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute is leading a community-wide effort to identify strong LGBT candidates to serve in the Obama administration.

The Presidential Appointments Project serves as the talent bank for openly LGBT professionals seeking appointed positions in the next presidential administration. If you’ve ever considered working for the federal government, now is the time to start thinking about whether you have what it takes to work for the president to help change our country.

While Barack Obama will lay out a broad agenda to move the country forward, his staff will actually undertake the hard work of implementation. Appointed officials have the power to set or influence the policies of the many federal departments and administrative agencies that make up the executive branch of government.

The Project will ensure that qualified, committed and talented members of the LGBT community have a fair shot at being appointed to important federal positions.<<

[namahage]

121. This is a saner approach...

...than what I'm gathering from the OP.

By all means, INCREASING the pool of qualified applicants by advancing qualified LGBT candidates is something I could totally get behind.

But SHRINKING the pool to weed out those who might be eminently qualified simply because of underrepresentation smacks of quota hiring.

[Yes We Did]

109. I just want the best person for the job.

Don't care about their age, race, sex, sexuality... Just give me the smartest one.

[Name removed]

123. Deleted message

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[madmadmad]

126. i would love to see an out gay or lesbian high level adminstration official,

preferably on the cabinet. so here, here last1standing- i'm with you! if he can appoint a republican, he can appoint a out gay man or lesbian.

[Ken Burch]

131. I'd agree that prominent LGBT appointments would be good.

But remember, that wouldn't rule out J. Edgar Hoover or Roy Cohn.

[Max_powers94]

134. at the end of the day..homosexual is gay nt

[vssmith]

135. Just don't rule out people because they are gay

Find good people and hire them. If they are all gay fine if none of them are that's OK too.