"Stop dancing on the hot plate, Mr. President. Take a stand, or don't, on gay marriage"

[Bluebear]

by Tom Foreman, AC360/CNN correspondent:

Dear Mr. President,

I am writing this on another beautiful and already hot early morning in New Orleans, just a few hours before I fly home to DC. Which is kind of a strange statement since I really still consider New Orleans home even though I have not lived here in a long time. I’ll bet you feel the same way about Chicago.

And I’ll be you wish you were back there every time this issue of gay marriage comes up. Oh yes, I’ve seen you and your team dancing on that hotplate lately! David Axelrod was sweating and stammering like one of those guys who has been picked up on COPS when he was questioned about your stance. I can’t blame him because it looks like you either haven’t actually decided what you think, or are desperately trying to hide your opinion on this one.

The problem is, of course, that the court ruling overturning California’s Proposition 8 has put the debate on the front burner again, so everyone wants to know what’s cooking in your kitchen. And you’re trying to play it both ways. Come on. I’m not being rude or insensitive to your position, but it is really obvious.

I mean, your team has said (or suggested…frankly you’re all over the map on this one) that you’re against Prop 8, but the states should decide such matters, but gays and lesbians should have the same rights as everyone else, but you’re against gay marriage, but, but, but…

I’ve seen how getting embroiled in these essentially moral issues can be disastrous for politicians. There is actually pretty good reason to steer clear of this matter. But I think you either have to really turn your back and say, “This is a matter to be decided by the states and I will not weigh in,” or…you have to weigh in. As it stands, it seems like you want credit for standing up for the rights of gay and lesbian Americans, but you don’t want to actually stand up for them.

Sure there is a lot of political risk in taking either stance. Everyone knows that. But what you are doing just looks spineless, wishy-washy, and like any old politician. And I know I’ve said this before, but you have to remember every day of your presidency that what got you elected was the promise that you would be different; you would say what you mean and mean what you say.

Now is the time to do that, whichever way you want to go.

As for me, I want to go to the airport. Enjoy the weekend. Call if you can.

Regards,

Tom


http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/07/letters-to-the-president-565-take-a-stand%E2%80%A6or-don%E2%80%99t%E2%80%A6on-gay-marriage/

[johnnypneumatic]

1. Swartzeznegger's statement vs. Obama's statement

http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/15738/
“Judge Walker had the great responsibility of deciding whether Proposition 8 violates the Constitution of the United States. He heard in-depth arguments from both sides on fundamental questions of due process, equal protection and freedom from discrimination. There are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and I am glad that all viewpoints were respected throughout the proceedings. We should also recognize that there will continue to be different points of view in the wake of this decision.

“For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all Californians to consider our history of leading the way to the future, and our growing reputation of treating all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity.

“Today's decision is by no means California's first milestone, nor our last, on America's road to equality and freedom for all people.”

President Obama? Where's your statement?

Such an eloquent statement from a republican...
Even though he vetoed two bills before this...
You can change your mind...
You can stand up and do the right thing and be on the right side of history...
Don't you want to treat "all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity."?
Don't you want to be on "America's road to equality and freedom for all people.”?

[jody]

2. Obama has already taken a stand on same-sex marriage -- opposition. Do you want him to change? n/t

[LWolf]

3. YES. nt

[davidinalameda]

4. trick question?

of course he needs to change his opposition to support

[jody]

5. But. but, but . . . . that would be flip-flopping and he must stay the course in Afghanistan etc.

Isn't that what those who voted for him expected? :sarcasm:

Right is right and government is obligated to protect "unalienable/inalienable rights".

That is the only protection a minority in society has against the tyranny of a simple majority or even a majority in society has against the tyranny of a majority vote in a congress controlled by corporatists.

[Bluebear]

7. +

[rusty fender]

6. K & R!

Obama's stance on gay marriage is so sensible! :sarcasm:

:yourock: Bluebear

[Smashcut]

8. K/R